@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

Today marks one month since I took over managing the ~econ territory. I've been very happy with our post quality and quantity: ~econ ranked 7th in number of posts, 5th in number of comments, 4th in stacking and spending (how are those different?). ## The top 3 posts by zaprank were 1. [The Pleb Economist #2: Politics is Provably Hard](https://stacker.news/items/849906/r/Undisciplined) by @SimpleStacker 2. [MONEY CLASS OF THE DAY: Wealth, Bitcoin, and A Monetary System Enriching Us](https://stacker.news/items/839329/r/Undisciplined) by @denlillaapan 3. [Is Bitcoin telling us something about the broader market/economy?](https://stacker.news/items/830036/r/Undisciplined) by @grayruby ## Revenue Revenue has been up, since reducing the posting fee. That means we could reduce it further. If there's no objection, I'll lower it to 54 sats. Over the past month, ~econ made about 75k. The previous month ~econ brought in about 47k. ## Owner's Pledge Since we are running a profit, I'd like to consider some options for making good on the pledge to do right by those who helped support ~econ before it was profitable. A few options come to mind, but I'm open to others: 1. Treat those donations as profit shares: i.e. if you donated 10k, I'll give you 10/450 of the territory profit at the end of the year 2. Fund some sort of contest with them 3. Simple refund taken out of end of year profits 4. Donate the sats to a charity of your choice, on your behalf ## Feedback Let me know what you thought of the past month in ~econ. Are there any particular changes you'd like to see going forward? Is there anything I should be pushing k00b and ek for? Keep stackin', stackers. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/866986

@ c7e300eb:e94ebe38

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

@ 378562cd:a6fc6773

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

@ 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 | |--------------|-------------|--------------|-------|-------|-------| | Roma| Napoli| Draw | 323| 407| 289| | Juventus| Empoli| Draw | 727| 100| 208| | AC Milan| Inter Milan| Draw | 244| 489| 278| | Osasuna| Real Sociedad| Draw | 308| 400| 323| | Getafe| Sevilla| Draw | 400| 293| 333| | Espanyol| Real Madrid| Draw | 105| 733| 190| | Barcelona| Alaves| Draw | 818| 77| 145| | Atletico Madrid| Mallorca| Draw | 714| 100| 217| | Union Berlin| RB Leipzig| Draw | 313| 417| 278| | Heidenheim| Dortmund| Draw | 244| 542| 250| | FC Bayern| Holstein Kiel| Draw | 941| 20| 53| The most recently completed two rounds of RBOA earned 100k on 102k bet, so this was a slightly down week. One note about that, though, is that I didn't get those in as early as normal. I still haven't precisely identified where the threshold is, but it might be worth skipping any of these with a "time weight multiplier" lower than 90. ---------- A note of caution about Freebitcoin: they recorded the wrong outcome for last week's Bills vs Ravens game and as of yet have not corrected it. I recall one other instance of something similar happening, so proceed with caution. This RBOA strategy is largely immune from that problem, but be aware of it when just betting on one outcome. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/866672

@ 6bae33c8:607272e8

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

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

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

@ b8851a06:9b120ba1

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

@ 9dd283b1:cf9b6beb

Everybody is freaking out about DeepSeek—markets crashed, people are saying Nvidia is doomed, and stuff like that. 😄 So I decided to play with it a bit, as I use ChatGPT daily for my work. Here are some thoughts about it: DeepSeek is not that smart I know they provided some amazing results and seem to be beating the O1 model, but for personal use, it’s not that smart. I use ChatGPT 90% of the time to write emails, and DeepSeek failed to support me. It wasn’t able to write what I wanted, couldn’t properly reply to emails, and kept mixing up who the sender and recipient were. Completely unusable for me at this point. DeepSeek is very censored Nothing about China seems to go through. It looks like the algorithm tries to reply as it types the answer but then terminates the response mid-sentence, providing a generic reply like: "Sorry, that's beyond my current scope. Let’s talk about something else." I get this result whether I ask about obvious topics like Tiananmen Square or less obvious ones like Ai Weiwei’s imprisonment and life. So not sure about the hype, but I've already closed and forgot about it=) originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/865930

@ 0463223a:3b14d673

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

@ 59c2e15a:d25e6e8d

*Note: I originally wrote these essays on bitcoin and yoga in 2022 after completing my yoga teacher training and going deep down the bitcoin rabbit hole. I then published them to my [Ghost blog](https://the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io/) in 2023. I decided to repost them here on Nostr to start 2025 to further spread the wisdom and timelessness that bitcoin and yoga share. I split my original essay into seven parts, and I will add an eighth comparing yoga and Nostr. I hope you enjoy part one - namaste!* [**Part I**](https://the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io/bitcoin-and-yoga-part-1/)**:** Bitcoin and Yoga Shared Values [**Part II**](https://the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io/bitcoin-and-yoga/)**:** Mythical/Mystical Origins [**Part III**](https://the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io/bitcoin-and-yoga-pathways-to-individual-sovereignty-part-iii/)**:** Evolution of Money and Yoga [**Part IV**](https://the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io/ashtanga-yoga-comparing-the-8-limbs-of-yoga-elements-of-bitcoin/)**:** Ashtanga Yoga - The Eight Limbs of Yoga (limbs 1-2) [**Part V**](https://the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io/ashtanga-yoga-comparing-the-8-limbs-of-yoga-elements-of-bitcoin-2/)**:** Ashtanga Yoga - The Eight Limbs of Yoga (limbs 3-8) [**Part VI**](https://the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io/bitcoin-is-dharma/): Bitcoin is Dharma [**Part VII**](https://the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io/himalayan-kriya-yoga-and-bitcoin/)**:** Himalayan Kriya Yoga **Introduction** With each passing day, month, and year, it feels as though our human civilization is becoming more dysfunctional, untethered, and unsustainable. Individuals are working harder, longer hours, yet most remain stuck in place, goals farther from reach. We live in a world where many have outsourced the most critical task that has enabled humans to prosper – critical thinking. I challenge each one of you to remove preconceived notions you might have about Bitcoin or Yoga before reading this series. I invite you to enter with an open mind. Think for yourself – you are welcome to agree or disagree with the information and arguments I put forth. I also encourage you to go beyond thinking – *feel*. Use your intuition to understand if the way you’re living your day-to-day life feels good to you, or if you have sense, an inner knowing that something is off with our society today – that there can be a better way. If you open your heart and mind to receiving new information, there is potential to motivate yourself to change your thoughts and behaviors for more aligned action towards individual sovereignty. Every individual can choose freedom and independence. Yet it has become increasingly difficult to live a life of freedom due to the fiat system of inflation and the many distractions that keep us from going inward. After deep study and reflection, I believe bitcoin and yoga both provide the individual control over their own life journey, and frameworks to understand our connection to self and others. I'm excited to share what I have found in my own personal experience, and hope to spark curiosity within you to follow your passion. This writing is intended for anyone seeking tools to lead a life of freedom, make positive changes and deepen your understanding of self. In addition, it is written for yogis who want to learn about bitcoin, bitcoiners who want to learn more about yoga, and anyone who is interested in a fundamental understanding of these topics that I believe contain the potential to transform your life. **Part I: Bitcoin and Yoga Shared Values** Bitcoin and yoga share many fundamental values with one another and provide deep wisdom on guiding individuals towards living better and more meaningful lives. Ultimately bitcoin and yoga share the goal of individual liberation, freedom from suffering, and a deep inner, lasting peace in Being. In yoga, this state is called *moksha* or *samadhi*. I believe everyone has a true essence, an inner being that knows what is best. However, our external environment and our own conscious mind push us away from this serenity, leading to regrets about the past or anxieties about the future. This perspective of linear time and our own individual stories and identity damage our ability to stay present in the Now, leading to endless distractions. In similar ways, bitcoin and yoga provide us insight for an individual’s path to inner peace, as well as for humanity’s path to collective peace and prosperity. *Energy* At the most elemental level, energy is the force underlying both bitcoin and yoga. Energy is the universal currency of life. We would not exist without energy. We require physical energy to fuel our cells and bodies to perform essential tasks like breathing, circulation, digestion, and movement. We perceive many forms of energy such as light or sound waves, yet there are many energy wavelengths we are not able to or are not trained to perceive. Bitcoin is powered by physical energy in the real world in a process that secures the network and unlocks new bitcoin for distribution, a process commonly referred to as mining. Interestingly, 100 years ago, Henry Ford pushed for an energy-linked currency measured in kilowatt hours that could bring peace after a brutal World War, as seen in the New York Tribune headline and article December 4, 1921: ‘Ford Would Replace Gold with Energy Currency and Stop Wars’ (i). It took another century, but mankind has finally developed a digitally-native currency tied to the physical world through energy expenditure – bitcoin. Yoga is similarly rooted in energy that individuals tap into through breathwork, physical movement and meditations practices. This life-force energy is known in Sanskrit as *prana*. Prana is not bound by time or space, and it flows through individuals in over 72,000 *nadis*, or channels. There are three main *nadis* - the first is *ida*, our left side body which corresponds to the feminine, receiving energy, or the moon. On the right side is *pingala*, relating to our masculine, giving energy, or the sun. The central *nadi* runs through our *shushumna*, linking our seven main energetic centers, known as *chakras*. These chakras run from the base of the tail bone, up through the spine and the top of the head. Each chakra has a name, a color and key characteristics that can often become blocked through negative emotion, trauma or stress in the body. Different yogic practices target these energy centers to unlock what is stuck and enable energy to more freely flow through us in an open exchange with the earth and out the universe. This energy is ever-present; one need only to tap into this energy, feel it and utilize it for the strengthening of one’s inner being that then radiates outwards on others in your life. The energetic experience and upward surge can also be referred to as *kundalini* energy, a creative power of divine feminine energy that originates in the *muladara* chakra at the base of the spine. Depiction of our chakras and nadis ([image source](https://ishtayoga.co.za/prana-and-the-chakras/?ref=the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io)) *Proof of Work* In both Bitcoin and Yoga, "proof of work" is required to operate, practice and move forwards. In the Bitcoin network as described in the original [white paper](https://bitcoin.org/bitcoin.pdf?ref=the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io), miners contribute tangible energy towards running a hashing algorithm on a computer – [SHA256 ](https://armantheparman.com/mining/?ref=the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io)– to earn the right to add the next block to the blockchain and collect both the coinbase and transaction fee reward (ii). The work is difficult to produce but easy to validate by others. Miners are collecting all of the valid peer-to-peer transactions being propagated to the network and establishing them as truth into the distributed ledger. The rules in bitcoin’s code incentivize honest behavior from miners through unforgeable costliness – if a miner were to lie about any of the transactions it includes in a block, independent nodes in the network would reject the block, and the miner would have lost all the real resources it expended to solve the proof of work calculation. Example of an ASIC - a specialized computer solely dedicated to mining bitcoin. In yoga, dedicated work is needed to learn the *asanas,* postures, and practice for oneself; you won’t just be able to go upside down or flow through sun salutations without first learning proper alignment and breathing techniques. An individual needs to conscious decision to work on a daily yoga practice that requires energy to flow. There are several ways to work on your yoga practice beyond physical movement; these include *bhakti yoga* (devotion/prayer), *jnana yoga* (study/wisdom), *karma yoga*(selfless action) and *raja yoga* (*ashtanga*). Raja yoga includes *ashtanga*, the eight limbs or paths of yoga that Patanjali detailed \~2000 years ago that we will explore in more depth in part IV. These ancient *margas* (paths) and subsequent development of these ancient teachings provides individual with ample opportunity to dedicate and work towards individual enlightenment. *Decentralization* Next, there are no external barriers preventing an individual from participating in Bitcoin or yoga. Bitcoin does not discriminate and can be accessed by anyone around the world. Yoga provides a way of life full of mindfulness and appreciation. The only barriers are internal blockages, or unwillingness to ask questions, learn and take responsibility for oneself and state of being. Therefore, Bitcoin and yoga can both be defined as decentralized. There are no centralized gatekeepers preventing one from accessing the Bitcoin network or using bitcoin as money; anyone can spin up a node, download a wallet or mine bitcoin. There are over [16,000 nodes](https://bitnodes.io/?ref=the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io) geographically distributed around the world voluntarily running the bitcoin core software code establishing the payment network, validating transactions and storing the entire transaction history of bitcoin (iii). It costs as little as a few hundred dollars and requires less than [600 gigabytes](https://bitcoin.clarkmoody.com/dashboard/?ref=the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io) of storage to run a node – in 2023 you can find mobile phones with that much storage. No one can prevent you from sending a peer-to-peer transaction or storing your own wealth with [12 words in your head](https://unchained.com/blog/what-is-a-bitcoin-seed-phrase/?ref=the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io) – you need only decide to take true freedom into your own hands and learn how to do so (iv). The common maxim is “don’t trust, verify”. You don’t need someone else’s permission to participate in bitcoin or trust anyone else (eg, banks) to hold your wealth. Geographic distribution of reachable bitcoin nodes ([source: bitnodes](https://bitnodes.io/?ref=the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io)) Similarly, no one can stop an individual from practicing yoga, learning yogic philosophy or connecting with one’s truest self and [inner guru](https://www.erinracheldoppelt.com/?ref=the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io). Anyone can choose to follow the path of yoga, focus on ones breath or develop a strong *asana* practice. There are many different ways to learn and interact with yoga, with experienced teachers willing to share their lessons to students all over the world. One need to simply find yoga studio, enroll in a teacher training or and engage with a teacher to experience yoga for themselves. Yoga looks and feels different depending on what country you are in or in which lineage you are being taught. Tapping into these profound lessons, as fundamental as controlling ones own breath, requires only an individual desire and the conscious decision to act. There’s no CEO or central authority dictating how Bitcoin or yoga has to be. Individuals have the freedom to express themselves voluntarily guided by frameworks we will dive into deeper. *Low Time Preference* Another core value that bitcoin and yoga share is low time preference. In Austrian economics, time preference refers to individual decision making. An individual with a [low time preference](https://bitcointimes.io/making-time-preference-low-again/?ref=the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io) makes decisions with greater consideration of the future, quieting immediate cravings and desires to pursue a higher goal (v). In bitcoin and money, lower time preference decisions include putting off consumption to save value for the future. Unfortunately, our *fiat* (by government decree) system induces individuals to make high time preference decisions, heightening consumerism and poor habits today that we see rampant in our society. There is a disincentive to save, as inflation of the money supply leads to debasing value of the dollar and other fiat currencies, decreasing individuals purchasing power of cash they hold onto and don’t spend soon. For example, the purchasing power of your dollar today will be cut in half over the next decade at current levels of inflation. In many ways, [bitcoin is time](https://dergigi.com/2021/01/14/bitcoin-is-time/?ref=the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io), described brilliantly by Gigi, as it creates a decentralized clock that establishes consensus with each block (vi). In contrast, the hard cap supply of 21 million bitcoin enables individuals to save with the knowledge that governments and central banks will not be able to debase their hard-earned value. This allows for one to plan with greater certainty, making investments that have a longer payoff period rather than chasing quick, material gains. Likewise in yoga, developing your own practice will not bear fruit right away; it takes discipline and time to continuously improve and strive towards a better future self. For example, in modern *Ashtanga* yoga taught by Pattabhi Jois, there is a set sequence of *asanas* that one studies and repeats each practice. It may even take months to have find the right alignment of body and breath for a single pose! The hours-long sequence requires dedication to practice and learn. The dedicated yogi understands that wholehearted commitment today will pay off for one’s mental, physical and spiritual health in the years to come. The ability to develop a calm mind can also be beneficial when people don’t initially understand or are intimidated by bitcoin. This approach can also enable you to stay grounded and discover the signal through the noise when learning about bitcoin. Sequence of asanas in Jois' Ashtanga Yoga ([image source](https://yoga108corner.com/ashtanga-yoga/?ref=the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io)) *Union* Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word “*yuj*”, which means ‘to join’ or ‘to unite’. Yoga represents the union of the mind, body, and soul of an individual. Yoga provides a pathway to individual sovereignty through disciplined practice and purpose. Yoga unites an individual internally and to one’s community, fostering connectedness and support (vii). Similarly, bitcoin provides a pathway to individual sovereignty in many ways. Bitcoin empowers the individual authority with property rights over one’s value, which in turn frees individuals from outside control (government or otherwise). Bitcoin’s technology enables one to hold their own wealth and life’s energy in a self-custodial fashion. Bitcoin is money that can be stored forever and transmitted through space at the speed of light on layer two via the [Lightning Network](https://lightning.network/?ref=the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io). Bitcoin is an open economic network with the potential to unite eight billion people together in a way our current unfair and fragmented financial system could never do. In many countries, a majority of people are unbanked, while intermediaries take a cut of the value to transfer slow, legacy payments like Western Union. While tens of millions people around the world have so far interacted with bitcoin – we are still early – similar to the internet of the mid-nineties. Bitcoin eliminates counter party risk associated with non-bearer assets, such as fiat currency (e.g., dollars, euros, yen). Bitcoin’s supply schedule is set and eliminates inflation time theft that fiat currency wages on individuals, which leads to anxiety and depression or feelings of hopelessness. Fiat is money enforced by the monopoly on violence that modern nation states grip tightly. In contrast, bitcoin and yoga empower the individual to remove the shackles and embrace personal responsibility to improve ones life. Bitcoin and yoga also connect people directly to each other and tap into truth, ones inner being, bringing peace in the present and ultimately offer hope for a better future for each person, your community, and the world. Bitcoin and yoga have the power to unite humanity in love. In the next section, we will explore both yoga and bitcoin's mystical and mythical origins. --- *Note: Bitcoin with a capital "B" generally refers to the protocol/network; bitcoin with a lower case "b" refers to the money/currency.* References: i. Redman, Jamie, How Henry Ford Envisaged Bitcoin 100 Years Ago — A Unique 'Energy Currency' That Could 'Stop Wars', *News.Bitcoin.Com*, October 11, 2021 <[https://news.bitcoin.com/how-henry-ford-envisaged-bitcoin-100-years-ago-a-unique-energy-currency-that-could-stop-wars/](https://news.bitcoin.com/how-henry-ford-envisaged-bitcoin-100-years-ago-a-unique-energy-currency-that-could-stop-wars/?ref=the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io)> ii. Nakomoto, Satoshi, Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System, *bitcoin.org,* October 31, 2008 <[https://bitcoin.org/bitcoin.pdf](https://bitcoin.org/bitcoin.pdf?ref=the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io)> iii. [https://bitnodes.io/](https://bitnodes.io/?ref=the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io) iv. Hall, Stephen, What is a bitcoin seed phrase and how does it work? *Unchained.com*. December 17, 2021 <[https://unchained.com/blog/what-is-a-bitcoin-seed-phrase/](https://unchained.com/blog/what-is-a-bitcoin-seed-phrase/?ref=the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io)> v. Ammous, Saifedean, Making Time Preference Low Again, *The Bitcoin Times, Austrian Edition (V).* November 8, 2022 <[https://bitcointimes.io/making-time-preference-low-again/](https://bitcointimes.io/making-time-preference-low-again/?ref=the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io)> vi. Gigi, Bitcoin is Time, *dergigi.com.* Jan 14,2021 <[https://dergigi.com/2021/01/14/bitcoin-is-time/](https://dergigi.com/2021/01/14/bitcoin-is-time/?ref=the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io)> vii. 200 hour yoga teacher training. House of Om, Bali, Indonesia. <[https://houseofom.com/](https://houseofom.com/?ref=the-bitcoin-yogi.ghost.io)>

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

I'm finally moving on from Luka, who won't even be eligible for these awards, with how much time he's missed. While I'm at it, I'll also move off of Ant, who just isn't looking like the guy we expected to see this season. Tatum is an easy enough All NBA replacement, but I have not idea who's going to get the final spot, so I picked Wemby, who I at least think the media will be eager to vote for. I made sure to record @grayruby's switch from the Pacers to the Magic. Boy, that is not aging well. Remember, older correct predictions are worth more than younger ones, so don't wait too long to get off your bad predictions. Here's the current state of the competition with your max possible score next to your nym: | Contestant | MVP | Champ | All NBA | | | | | |--------------|------|---------|----------|-|-|-|-| | @Undisciplined 48| SGA| OKC | Jokic | Giannis | Wemby| Tatum| SGA | | @grayruby 65| Giannis| Magic| Jokic | Giannis | Luka | Mitchell| Brunson| | @gnilma 62| SGA| OKC| Jokic | Giannis| Tatum | Luka | SGA| | @BitcoinAbhi 70 | Luka| Denver| Jokic | Giannis | Luka | Ant| SGA| | @Bell_curve 70 | Luka| Celtics| Jokic | Giannis | Luka | Ant| SGA| | @0xbitcoiner 70 | Jokic| Pacers| Jokic | Giannis | Luka | Ant| Brunson| | @Coinsreporter 49| Giannis| Pacers| Jokic | Giannis | Luka | Ant| Brunson| | @TheMorningStar 49| Luka| Celtics| Jokic | Giannis | Luka | Ant| SGA| | @onthedeklein 49| Luka| T-Wolves| Jokic | Giannis | Luka | Wemby| SGA| | @Carresan 49| Luka| Mavs| Jokic | Giannis | Luka | Wemby| SGA| | @BTC_Bellzer 49| Luka| Celtics| Embiid| Giannis | Luka | Tatum| SGA| | @realBitcoinDog 49| Luka| Lakers| Jokic | Giannis | Luka | Ant| SGA| | @SimpleStacker 42| SGA| Celtics| Jokic| Tatum| Luka | Brunson| SGA| | @BlokchainB 42| SGA| Knicks| AD| Giannis | Ant| Brunson| SGA| **Prize** At least 5k (I'll keep adding zaps to the pot). If you want to join this contest, just leave your predictions for MVP, Champion, and All-NBA 1st team in the comments. See the [June post](https://stacker.news/items/585231/r/Undisciplined) for more details. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/865017

@ 76c71aae:3e29cafa

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

@ dbb19ae0:c3f22d5a

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

@ f7d424b5:618c51e8

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

@ 378562cd:a6fc6773

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

@ 0b118e40:4edc09cb

Does Bitcoin incentivize innovations in renewable and clean energy sectors? Absolutely. While the debate about Bitcoin’s energy consumption continues, its role in driving innovation often goes unnoticed. Over 50% of the energy consumed by Bitcoin miners now comes from renewable sources, and the industry is pushing the boundaries of repurposing waste energy and tapping into underutilized resources. This sets a clear contradiction from industries like chemicals, primary metals, and textiles, which dominate global energy consumption with coal and natural gas. Despite global initiatives like the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) framework, which mandates sustainability investments, fossil fuels still account for over [80% of global energy](ourworldindata.org/energy-mix) use in 2023. Big corporations can easily "greenwash" their efforts by purchasing carbon credits and slapping on green labels, yet their day-to-day operations remain largely unchanged. Bitcoin miners, however, are not coerced into adopting clean energy; they are incentivized by the need to minimize costs. Their profitability depends on finding the most affordable energy sources, and this has led to innovations in utilizing surplus and waste energy. What began with small-scale experiments has now captured the attention of global corporations like Deutsche Telekom and Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), which are leveraging surplus energy for Bitcoin mining. Are these developments signaling that Bitcoin mining is becoming integral to mainstream energy systems? The answer increasingly appears to be yes. I first came across the idea that Bitcoin could incentivize renewable energy through a tweet from [Jack](https://x.com/jack/status/1384903902907314176) a few years ago, and out of curiosity, I explored some of the ways Bitcoin is advancing renewable and clean energy. I’ll share a few examples below. Please note that this is by no means an exhaustive list, but it provides a glimpse into Bitcoin’s role in driving renewable and clean energy innovation. There are 2 categories of energy sources I looked into : **Renewables:** Hydropower, geothermal, ocean wave energy, wind power, and solar energy. **Clean Non-Renewables:** Waste coal, flare gas, and nuclear energy. ### Renewables **1. Hydropower** Hydropower is one of the oldest renewable energy sources, but many countries struggle with maintaining an aging infrastructure, leading to abandoned dams. However, countries like Paraguay and Laos have successfully utilized hydropower to meet 90% or more of their energy needs, often yielding a surplus. In [Paraguay](https://youtu.be/JPanr1nsPA4), Marathon Digital Holdings partnered with the Penguin Group to establish a hydro-powered Bitcoin mining facility near the Itaipú Dam. Globally, companies like GRIID Infrastructure and [Sazmining](https://www.hydroreview.com/business-finance/brief-sazmining-adds-hydropower-facility-for-bitcoin-mining/) have integrated hydropower into their operations, with hydropower now accounting for about 23% of [Bitcoin mining’s energy use](https://www.hydroreview.com/business-finance/business/the-major-energy-source-for-bitcoin-mining-is-hydropower/). **2. Geothermal Energy** In [El Salvador](https://x.com/BitcoinMagazine/status/1790568657715605534), Bitcoin mining powered by volcanic heat has attracted investments, with proceeds funding schools and hospitals. In the last 3 years, nearly 474 Bitcoin worth $29 million using volcano-fueled geothermal power was mined. In Africa, [Gridless](https://www.cnbc.com/video/2024/04/19/jack-dorsey-backed-start-up-taps-into-geothermal-hydro-and-solar-power-to-run-bitcoin-mines-across-africa.html) leverages geothermal, hydro, and solar power for decentralized mining in Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia. **3. Ocean Energy** Ocean thermal energy conversion ([OTEC](https://bitcoinmagazine.com/business/bitcoin-unlocks-ocean-energy)), a 150-year-old concept, is emerging as a viable solution, particularly in regions like Hawaii (Oahu) where traditional renewables face challenges. Not only is the cost of energy the highest in the US, the people of Hawaii face a wastage of energy surplus which can be turned into profit through Bitcoin mining. When I first read about the potential of ocean energy used for Bitcoin Mining, it was through Lord Fusitu’a, a member of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Tonga in 2021. Unfortunately, he passed away and I was not able to find many updates on it after that. Ocean energy was also tested by [Tara Ocean](https://www.thedrum.com/news/2018/04/17/ff-los-angeles-helps-preserve-the-oceans-mining-bitcoin) as a combination project between Paris and Los Angeles and it showed promising results. **4. Wind Power** Texas leads in wind energy, accounting for 25% of its grid. Bitcoin miners have flocked to the state, leveraging tax incentives and abundant wind power to fuel operations, tripling Bitcoin mining hashrate since 2021. DARI (Digital Assets Research Institute) revealed Bitcoin mining saved Texas up to $18 billion by reducing the need for new gas peaker plants. Companies like [German Telekom](https://www.rechargenews.com/wind/german-telecoms-giant-to-trial-using-excess-green-power-to-mine-bitcoin/2-1-1735062) also use excess wind and solar energy for mining, addressing intermittency challenges. **5. Solar Energy** [Block Inc. and Blockstream’s](https://www.reuters.com/technology/square-invest-5-mln-blockstreams-solar-powered-bitcoin-mining-facility-2021-06-05/) solar-powered Bitcoin mining facility highlight the untapped potential of solar in sun-rich regions like Africa. Companies like [TeraWulf and Aspen Creek](https://www.forbes.com/sites/digital-assets/2024/02/01/future-of-energy-how-solar-power-is-fueling-the-cryptocurrency-boom/) are also pioneering solar-powered mining operations. In late 2022, Meco unveiled the world’s first solar-electric crypto-mining rigs. Additionally, investments are flowing into companies focusing on renewable-powered Bitcoin mining, with Aspen Creek securing $8 million in 2022 to expand its solar-powered operations. ### Clean Non-Renewables **1. Flare Gas** [Crusoe Energy Systems](https://crusoe.ai/newsroom/emissions-into-crypto-wins-millions/) captures methane from oil drilling to power Bitcoin mining, making it carbon-negative and eliminating 99.89% of greenhouse gas emissions. This method is a key example of using waste gas that would otherwise be flared into the atmosphere. **2. Nuclear Energy** [TeraWulf’s Nautilus Cryptomine ](https://www.coindesk.com/business/2023/03/06/terawulf-starts-nuclear-powered-bitcoin-mining-with-nearly-8000k-rigs-at-nautilus-facility)facility in Pennsylvania represents the first nuclear-powered Bitcoin mining operation in the U.S., with nearly 8,000 mining rigs online. Nuclear energy is stable, scalable and clean as its low-carbon energy source, making it an attractive option for Bitcoin mining. I recall the mayor of Miami, [Francis Suarez](https://x.com/documentingbtc/status/1405993919347843076?s=21) also recognized the potential of nuclear energy to attract Bitcoin mining operations to the city but I don’t have any recent updates on this. **3. Waste Coal** [Stronghold Digital Mining](https://www.reuters.com/legal/crypto-miner-pennsylvania-hit-with-lawsuit-over-pollution-bitcoin-mine-2024-03-26/) repurposes waste coal from old mining sites to generate energy for Bitcoin mining operations. While this method helps reduce the environmental impact of waste coal, it has faced criticism for emissions produced by burning additional materials like tires. ### The Potentials of Bitcoin mining in underdeveloped regions In regions where traditional energy infrastructure is scarce, Bitcoin mining is a significant opportunity to stimulate the development of renewable energy sources and improve living conditions. In many African countries, solar and hydroelectric resources remain largely untapped or abandoned, with nations like Congo, South Sudan, and Malawi having less than 10% access to electricity. Bitcoin mining’s energy demand acts as a powerful economic incentive, attracting investments to build infrastructure that enhances access to electricity, clean water, and other basic amenities. Alex Gladstein beautifully captures this idea in his article "[The Humanitarian and Environmental Case for Bitcoin](https://bitcoinmagazine.com/culture/bitcoin-is-humanitarian-and-environmental)" where he discusses how Bitcoin mining can be a force for good, encouraging investment in renewable energy and providing sustainable economic growth for regions long underserved by traditional infrastructure. ### On a last note Bitcoin mining is proving to be a catalyst for renewable energy innovation. Despite decades of Keynesian counter-cyclical policies targeted at boosting infrastructure spending, ranging from IMF infrastructure loans in the 1970s to frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Millennium Development Plans, and now ESG, the Global South remains impoverished, with many regions still lacking basic amenities. Non-renewable energy usage remain high. Traditional approaches have not solved the problem. Bitcoin, however, just works. Its financial system empowers individuals worldwide, breaking free from centralized control, while its mining operations leverage surplus and clean energy sources to drive renewable innovation. With growing global adoption, Bitcoin is no longer an isolated financial system. It is becoming an integral part of daily life and a force for global energy transformation. As the mining focus shifts toward individual contribution with open-source integrated chips and decentralized mining solutions, we are likely to witness a new wave of renewable energy innovations on a smaller, more accessible scale that anyone can adopt. The current energy debate surrounding Bitcoin often overlooks its potential. Beyond the criticisms, Bitcoin mining is creating tangible opportunities to innovate in renewable energy, particularly in underdeveloped areas. As the industry grows, it’s becoming abundantly clear that Bitcoin is a key part of the solution to our financial and energy challenges.

@ 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 | |--------------|-------------|--------------|-------|-------|-------| | Newcastle| Fullham| Draw | 583| 200| 238| | Man United| Crystal Palace| Draw | 459| 286| 280| | Chelsea| West Ham| Draw | 714| 125| 179| | Brentford| Tottenham| Draw | 417| 364| 250| | Arsenal| Man City| Draw | 465| 278| 274| | Bournemouth| Liverpool| Draw | 211| 565| 238| A note of caution about Freebitcoin: they recorded the wrong outcome for last week's Bills vs Ravens game and as of yet have not corrected it. I recall one other instance of something similar happening, so proceed with caution. This RBOA strategy is largely immune from that problem, but be aware of it when just betting on one outcome. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/864472

@ 378562cd:a6fc6773

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

@ 0463223a:3b14d673

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

@ dbb19ae0:c3f22d5a

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

@ dbb19ae0:c3f22d5a

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

@ df57b498:d049124f

## Chef's notes This is cobbled together from trial and error and the web. Serve hot pancakes with preferably butter and maple syrup. Add other toppings like bananas, nuts, or other fruits and toppings as have available and/or desired. ## Details - ⏲️ Prep time: 10 minutes - 🍳 Cook time: 10 minutes ## Ingredients - 1 cup flour - 2 tablespoons sugar - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 cup milk - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 egg, beaten ## Directions 1. Combine the dry ingredients. 2. Add the wet ingredients and mix. 3. Pour or ladle the batter onto the oiled griddle or pan. 4. Cook until bubbles form, flip, and cook on the other side.

@ d3052ca3:d84a170e

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

@ 1cb14ab3:95d52462

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

@ 1cb14ab3:95d52462

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

@ 1ec45473:d38df139

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

@ 1ec45473:d38df139

Preston Pysh posted this event this morning:  Behind the scenes, the nostr event looks like this: ``` Event = { "id":"a6fa7e1a73ce70c6fb01584a0519fd29788e59d9980402584e7a0af92cf0474a", "pubkey":"85080d3bad70ccdcd7f74c29a44f55bb85cbcd3dd0cbb957da1d215bdb931204", "created_at":1724494504, "kind":1, "tags":[ [ "p", "6c237d8b3b120251c38c230c06d9e48f0d3017657c5b65c8c36112eb15c52aeb", "", "mention" ], [ "p", "77ec966fcd64f901152cad5dc7731c7c831fe22e02e3ae99ff14637e5a48ef9c", "", "mention" ], [ "p", "c1fc7771f5fa418fd3ac49221a18f19b42ccb7a663da8f04cbbf6c08c80d20b1", "", "mention" ], [ "p", "50d94fc2d8580c682b071a542f8b1e31a200b0508bab95a33bef0855df281d63", "", "mention" ], [ "p", "20d88bae0c38e6407279e6a83350a931e714f0135e013ea4a1b14f936b7fead5", "", "mention" ], [ "p", "273e7880d38d39a7fb238efcf8957a1b5b27e819127a8483e975416a0a90f8d2", "", "mention" ], [ "t", "BH2024" ] ], "content":"Awesome Freedom Panel with...", "sig":"2b64e461cd9f5a7aa8abbcbcfd953536f10a334b631a352cd4124e8e187c71aad08be9aefb6a68e5c060e676d06b61c553e821286ea42489f9e7e7107a1bf79a" } ``` In nostr, all events have this form, so once you become familiar with the nostr event structure, things become pretty easy. Look at the "tags" key. There are six "p" tags (pubkey) and one "t" tag (hashtag). The p tags are public keys of people that are mentioned in the note. The t tags are for hashtags in the note. It is common when working with NOSTR that you have to extract out certain tags. Here are some examples of how to do that with what are called JavaScript Array Methods: ### Find the first "p" tag element: ``` Event.tags.find(item => item[0] === 'p') [ 'p', '6c237d8b3b120251c38c230c06d9e48f0d3017657c5b65c8c36112eb15c52aeb', '', 'mention' ] ``` ### Same, but just return the pubkey": ``` Event.tags.find(item => item[0] === 'p')[1] '6c237d8b3b120251c38c230c06d9e48f0d3017657c5b65c8c36112eb15c52aeb' ``` ### Filter the array so I only get "p" tags: ``` Event.tags.filter(item => item[0] === 'p') [ [ 'p', '6c237d8b3b120251c38c230c06d9e48f0d3017657c5b65c8c36112eb15c52aeb', '', 'mention' ], [ 'p', '77ec966fcd64f901152cad5dc7731c7c831fe22e02e3ae99ff14637e5a48ef9c', '', 'mention' ], [ 'p', 'c1fc7771f5fa418fd3ac49221a18f19b42ccb7a663da8f04cbbf6c08c80d20b1', '', 'mention' ], [ 'p', '50d94fc2d8580c682b071a542f8b1e31a200b0508bab95a33bef0855df281d63', '', 'mention' ], [ 'p', '20d88bae0c38e6407279e6a83350a931e714f0135e013ea4a1b14f936b7fead5', '', 'mention' ], [ 'p', '273e7880d38d39a7fb238efcf8957a1b5b27e819127a8483e975416a0a90f8d2', '', 'mention' ] ] ``` ### Return an array with only the pubkeys in the "p" tags: ``` Event.tags.filter(item => item[0] === 'p').map(item => item[1]) [ '6c237d8b3b120251c38c230c06d9e48f0d3017657c5b65c8c36112eb15c52aeb', '77ec966fcd64f901152cad5dc7731c7c831fe22e02e3ae99ff14637e5a48ef9c', 'c1fc7771f5fa418fd3ac49221a18f19b42ccb7a663da8f04cbbf6c08c80d20b1', '50d94fc2d8580c682b071a542f8b1e31a200b0508bab95a33bef0855df281d63', '20d88bae0c38e6407279e6a83350a931e714f0135e013ea4a1b14f936b7fead5', '273e7880d38d39a7fb238efcf8957a1b5b27e819127a8483e975416a0a90f8d2' ] ```

@ 1ec45473:d38df139

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

@ 378562cd:a6fc6773

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

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

The landscape of cryptocurrency is witnessing a potential paradigm shift with the growing interest of institutional investors in Bitcoin. The excitement surrounding the prospect of a spot Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) is palpable, yet it brings with it a wave of concern. Arthur Hayes, a renowned figure in the cryptocurrency space and the founder of the Maelstrom Fund, stands as a vocal critic of this development. His insights offer a critical perspective on how institutional involvement could fundamentally alter the essence of Bitcoin, potentially steering it away from its founding principles of decentralization and autonomy. This article delves into Hayes' concerns, unraveling the complexities and potential repercussions of institutional custody on the future of Bitcoin. **Table Of Content** - The Rising Concern of Institutional Involvement - The Scenario of Institutional Custody - The Essence of Bitcoin at Stake - Influence on Network Consensus - Long-Term Implications for Bitcoin - Conclusion - FAQs **The Rising Concern of Institutional Involvement** Arthur Hayes' apprehensions about institutional involvement in Bitcoin are rooted in a deep understanding of both the cryptocurrency world and traditional financial systems. The entry of large financial institutions like BlackRock into the Bitcoin space could signify a significant shift in the dynamics of cryptocurrency ownership and control. These institutions, often perceived as extensions of state interests, could bring a level of centralization and control antithetical to Bitcoin's decentralized ethos. The historical relationship between large financial entities and state mechanisms, and their potential influence on Bitcoin, raises critical questions about the future of this cryptocurrency. The impact of this shift on the broader crypto ecosystem, investor behavior, and Bitcoin's perception in the global financial landscape is profound and multifaceted. **The Scenario of Institutional Custody** The future that Hayes envisions, where significant portions of Bitcoin are locked away in institutional ETFs, is a stark departure from the current state of the cryptocurrency. This transformation could relegate Bitcoin from a vibrant, actively traded asset to a passive component of investment portfolios. Such a shift would not only alter Bitcoin's market dynamics but also its fundamental utility. The implications of this change are far-reaching, affecting everything from Bitcoin's liquidity to its role as a tool for financial freedom and empowerment. The prospect of Bitcoin becoming a mere line item in institutional balance sheets is a scenario that challenges the very ideals upon which the cryptocurrency was built. **The Essence of Bitcoin at Stake** The core of Hayes' argument lies in the potential loss of Bitcoin's identity. If Bitcoin becomes predominantly held in institutional ETFs, it risks becoming just another asset in the global financial system, losing its unique characteristics as a decentralized and autonomous currency. This transformation would affect the philosophical and practical aspects of Bitcoin, impacting principles of autonomy, privacy, and decentralization. The shift from a user-driven to an institutionally controlled asset could have profound implications for the future of Bitcoin, potentially undermining the trust and support of its community. **Influence on Network Consensus** Hayes raises a significant concern about the potential influence of institutional holders on Bitcoin's consensus mechanism and development path. The risk of having a large portion of Bitcoin controlled by entities with different priorities than the broader Bitcoin community is real and concerning. This influence could lead to a misalignment between Bitcoin's development and the needs of its user base, especially regarding crucial updates related to security and privacy enhancements. The integrity and future evolution of Bitcoin's technology could be at stake, raising questions about the true independence and resilience of this decentralized network. **Long-Term Implications for Bitcoin** While the short-term effects of institutional investment, such as price appreciation, are clear, the long-term consequences are more nuanced and complex. The potential trade-offs between short-term gains and long-term impacts on Bitcoin's utility and independence are a critical aspect of this discussion. The paradox of Bitcoin's growing acceptance by traditional financial institutions and the possible erosion of its foundational principles is a dilemma that the crypto community must navigate carefully. The future of Bitcoin, in this context, is not just about its price or market capitalization, but about its ability to retain its core values and functionality. **Conclusion** Arthur Hayes' insights provide a crucial perspective on the evolving landscape of Bitcoin in the face of institutional interest. As the cryptocurrency world grapples with these developments, understanding the balance between mainstream acceptance and the preservation of Bitcoin's core values is essential. This article reflects on the potential risks and implications of institutional custody of Bitcoin, offering a comprehensive analysis that underscores the importance of maintaining the decentralized ethos that has defined Bitcoin since its inception. **FAQs** **What is the main concern raised by Arthur Hayes about institutional involvement in Bitcoin?** Arthur Hayes expresses concern that institutional involvement, particularly through Bitcoin ETFs, could lead to centralization and control by large financial entities, undermining Bitcoin's decentralized ethos. **How could institutional custody of Bitcoin alter its market dynamics?** Institutional custody could transform Bitcoin from an actively traded asset to a passive component of investment portfolios, affecting its liquidity and role as a tool for financial freedom. **What implications does institutional control have on Bitcoin's network consensus?** Institutional control could influence Bitcoin's consensus mechanism and development path, potentially leading to a misalignment with the needs of the broader Bitcoin community, especially regarding updates related to security and privacy. **Are there long-term implications of institutional investment in Bitcoin?** Yes, while institutional investment might boost Bitcoin's price in the short term, it raises concerns about the long-term impact on Bitcoin's utility, independence, and adherence to its foundational principles. **What is the essence of Arthur Hayes' argument against institutional custody of Bitcoin?** Hayes argues that institutional custody risks turning Bitcoin into just another financial asset, losing its unique characteristics as a decentralized and autonomous currency. **That's all for today** **If you want more, be sure to follow us on:** **NOSTR: croxroad@getalby.com** **X: [@croxroadnews.co](https://x.com/croxroadnewsco)** **Instagram: [@croxroadnews.co](https://www.instagram.com/croxroadnews.co/)** **Youtube: [@croxroadnews](https://www.youtube.com/@croxroadnews)** **Store: https://croxroad.store** **Subscribe to CROX ROAD Bitcoin Only Daily Newsletter** **https://www.croxroad.co/subscribe** *DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.*

@ bcea2b98:7ccef3c9

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

@ 39cc53c9:27168656

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

@ 39cc53c9:27168656

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

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

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

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

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

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

@ 39cc53c9:27168656

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

@ 39cc53c9:27168656

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

@ 378562cd:a6fc6773

**Top 20 U.S. Headlines:** 1. **Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Birthright Citizenship Executive Order**A federal judge has temporarily halted President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship, citing constitutional concerns under the 14th Amendment. This decision marks a significant legal challenge to the administration's immigration policy. 2. **U.S. Withdraws from Global Tax Agreement**The United States has officially withdrawn from a global tax deal negotiated at the OECD, which sought to implement a global minimum tax and ensure multinational companies pay fair taxes where they operate. This move signals a potential shift towards a tax war, with considerations to double taxes on foreign companies as a retaliatory measure. 3. **Chancellor Rachel Reeves Backs Heathrow Expansion**Chancellor Rachel Reeves has expressed support for the long-debated Heathrow Airport expansion, citing economic growth and job creation. However, the project faces resistance from environmental groups and within her party, highlighting concerns over environmental impacts and carbon emissions. 4. **Former Politico Reporters Criticize Editorial Decisions on Hunter Biden Stories**Ex-Politico reporters Tara Palmeri and Marc Caputo have criticized their former editors for allegedly suppressing significant stories about Hunter Biden's laptop and related issues before the 2020 election, contributing to a narrative of misinformation. Politico has defended its editorial standards and commitment to accuracy. 5. **Skepticism Surrounds 'Drill, Baby, Drill' Plan**U.S. shale industry leaders have expressed skepticism about President Trump's plan to significantly boost oil production to combat inflation, emphasizing that financial motivations drive decisions rather than political agendas. Despite pressure on OPEC and Saudi Arabia to lower oil prices, low prices could harm U.S. shale profitability, with growth expected to slow. 6. **Chicago Bears Appoint Ben Johnson as Head Coach**The Chicago Bears have appointed Ben Johnson as their new head coach, offering a substantial salary of $13 million per year, making him the seventh-highest-paid NFL coach. Despite having no head coaching experience, Johnson's tenure as the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator saw significant improvements in the team's offense. 7. **Southport Attack Aftermath: Addressing Myths and Misinformation**Following last summer's Southport attack, where three young girls were murdered, authorities are confronting far-right riots and disinformation that ensued. The attacker, Axel Rudakubana, pleaded guilty, and investigations revealed extremist materials in his home. The incident has prompted discussions on effective public communication to dispel harmful disinformation. 8. **Southern California Wildfires Force Mass Evacuations**A new explosive wildfire has erupted near Los Angeles, rapidly expanding to over 10,000 acres and forcing mass evacuations. Firefighters are battling to maintain control amid challenging conditions. 9. **Historic Snowstorm Paralyzes Parts of the Southern U.S**.A record-breaking snowstorm has swept across the southern United States, paralyzing regions unaccustomed to such weather. The storm has led to significant disruptions, including road closures and power outages. 10. **President Trump Deploys 1,500 Troops to Southern Border**In a move to bolster border security, President Trump has ordered the deployment of 1,500 active-duty troops to the U.S.-Mexico border. This action aligns with his administration's recent executive orders on immigration enforcement. 11. **Trump Administration Reviewing Automatic Emergency Braking Rule**The U.S. auto safety agency is reconsidering a landmark rule from the previous administration that required nearly all new cars and trucks by 2029 to have advanced automatic emergency braking systems. 12. **Lawmakers Seek Sanctions Over Hong Kong Human Rights Violations**Bipartisan U.S. lawmakers are introducing a bill requiring the Trump administration to review whether Hong Kong officials should be sanctioned for human rights violations. 13. **International Criminal Court Prepares for Possible U.S. Sanctions**The International Criminal Court has taken measures to shield staff from potential U.S. sanctions, including paying salaries three months in advance, as it braces for financial restrictions that could impact the tribunal's operations. 14. **Brianna 'Chickenfry' LaPaglia Reflects on Sexuality Post-Breakup**Following a tumultuous breakup with country singer Zach Bryan, Brianna LaPaglia, known as "Chickenfry," speculates about her dating preferences, expressing disinterest in having a boyfriend and considering dating women. 15. **NATO Chief Warns of Costly Impact if Russia Wins Over Ukraine**NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has warned that a Russian victory over Ukraine would undermine the alliance's credibility and could cost trillions of dollars to restore its deterrent power. 16. **U.S. Border Patrol Agent Fatally Shot in Vermont**Authorities report that a U.S. Border Patrol agent has been fatally shot in northern Vermont. The acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security stated that the agent was killed in the line of duty. 17. **MLK Day Observance Highlights Warning Against Anti-Woke Rhetoric**Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations at King's former congregation in Atlanta featured a 70-member choir and remarks from his youngest daughter, warning against anti-woke rhetoric. 18. **Biden Pardons Fauci, Milley, and Jan. 6 Panel Members**President Joe Biden has pardoned individuals including Dr. Anthony Fauci, General Mark Milley, and members of the Jan. 6 committee, as a guard against potential 'revenge' by former President Trump. 19. **Bitter Cold Spreads Across Much of the U.S**.Frigid temperatures are engulfing Texas and other parts of the South ahead of a rare winter storm expected to bring heavy snow and disruptive ice accumulations to the region. 20. **President Trump Grants Sweeping Pardon of Jan. 6 Defendants**\ Former President Trump has issued pardons to multiple individuals convicted of crimes related to the January 6th Capitol breach, framing the move as a commitment to "justice for patriots." This decision has sparked sharp debates across political lines. --- **Top 5 Worldwide Headlines:** 1. **Tensions Escalate Between Russia and NATO Over Ukraine**\ Russia has ramped up its military offensive in Ukraine, with NATO allies pledging additional support, including advanced weaponry, to Kyiv. The conflict continues to reshape European geopolitics. 2. **Global Markets React to China's Economic Data**\ Slower-than-expected economic growth in China has sent ripples through global markets, raising concerns about the potential impact on global trade and supply chains. 3. **Massive Earthquake Strikes Turkey and Syria**\ A devastating earthquake has rocked parts of Turkey and Syria, resulting in significant casualties and widespread destruction. International relief efforts are underway. 4. **United Nations Calls for Immediate Action on Climate Crisis**\ A new UN report highlights the urgent need for global cooperation to combat the accelerating effects of climate change, including rising sea levels and extreme weather patterns. 5. **Protests Erupt in France Over Pension Reform Plans**\ Large-scale protests have broken out across France in response to the government’s proposal to raise the retirement age, with unions organizing nationwide strikes.

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

This week flew by and we're already getting ready for another episode. Which reminds me that I need to get a couple more clips out. ### Territory Stuff - We had a winner in the CFP pool - I'm continuing to flounder in the Cricket contests - The UEFA contest is back - And, of course, Team USA notched another victory ### NFL News - Conference Championships - Are the Lions doomed? - Is Jayden Daniels the best rookie we've ever seen? - GOTW Ravens vs Bills: MVP vs OPOY why they're different awards - Sports betting vs bad officiating ### NBA News - Trade talk - New All Star Game format - Joker and SGA appreciation ### Golf - What's this new TGL thing and why is it lame? ### Hockey - Ovi update - Canadian teams are killing it this season Plus, anything you want us to talk about (that we remember while recording). originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/862280

@ 141daddd:1df80a3f

When we talk about **escaping the matrix**, the phrase often conjures images of dramatic physical change—abandoning the city for a remote wilderness, building a self-sufficient life in a village, or retreating to the mountains to escape the noise of modernity. But this interpretation, while romantic, misses the essence of what it truly means to break free. Escaping the matrix is not about fleeing the material world. It is not about geography or lifestyle. It is, above all, a **mental and spiritual transformation**. Even in the movie *The Matrix*, which serves as a powerful allegory for this concept, Morpheus tells Neo that the prison he lives in is not a physical one. It is a prison of the mind. This statement cuts to the core of the matter: the matrix we seek to escape is not an external construct but an internal one. It is the web of beliefs, fears, and limitations that bind us. The bars of this prison are forged from societal expectations, inherited ideologies, and the relentless pursuit of material validation. To escape the matrix, we must first break free from these mental chains. ### The Real Battle: Within the Mind The material world undoubtedly imposes certain limitations—laws, systems, and structures that shape our daily lives. And while it is possible to challenge and even overcome some of these external barriers, **the greatest battle is fought within**. The matrix is not something you can physically run from because it exists in your perception, in the way you interpret and interact with the world. True freedom begins with **elevating your consciousness**. It is not about rejecting the material matrix but transcending it. You do not escape by leaving the system behind; you escape by rising above it. This shift in perspective allows you to see the matrix for what it is—a construct, a playground, a stage upon which life unfolds. When you reach this level of awareness, you are no longer a passive participant, a consumer of someone else’s design. Instead, you become a **co-creator** of your reality. ### Living Above the Matrix To live above the matrix is to observe it without being consumed by it. You recognize its rules and structures, but you are no longer bound by them. You begin to shape your life not according to the desires and expectations of others but according to your own higher purpose. This is not escapism; it is empowerment. You are still in the matrix, but you are no longer of it. This shift transforms the matrix from a prison into a **playground**. You engage with it consciously, using it as a tool to create a more fulfilling life. You are no longer a pawn in someone else’s game but a player in your own. By breaking free from the mental constructs that once confined you, you reclaim your power and your agency. ### The Path to Co-Creation Escaping the matrix is not about rejecting the material world but about redefining your relationship with it. It is about moving from a state of consumption to one of creation. When you elevate your consciousness, you stop being a passive recipient of the matrix’s programming. Instead, you begin to actively participate in shaping it. You become a co-creator, weaving your own vision into the fabric of reality. This process requires introspection, courage, and a willingness to let go of old paradigms. It is not an easy path, but it is a liberating one. By breaking free from the prison of the mind, you unlock the potential to live a life of purpose, creativity, and fulfillment. ### The Choice is Yours The matrix is not something to be feared or fled from. It is a challenge, an opportunity, a mirror reflecting your own inner state. To escape it is not to abandon the world but to transcend it. The question is not whether the matrix exists but whether you will allow it to define you. Will you remain a prisoner of its illusions, or will you rise above and become a co-creator of your reality? The choice, as Morpheus would say, is yours.

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

In the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency, bitcoin mining has emerged as a critical yet often misunderstood component. It's a sector where technology, environmental concerns, and economic factors intersect, creating a complex and dynamic landscape. Fred Thiel, the CEO of Marathon Digital Holdings, is a leading voice in this space, advocating for a future where bitcoin mining is not only profitable but also sustainable and innovative. His insights offer a roadmap for the industry's evolution, emphasizing the need for decentralization, global expansion, and a deep commitment to environmental responsibility. **Table Of Content** - Decentralization and Global Expansion - Tackling the Challenges Head-On - Stranded Energy and Clean Tech Innovations - Heat Harvesting and Strategic Partnerships - Reshaping the Energy Landscape - The Economics of Sustainability - The Digital Age of Green Energy - Conclusion - FAQs **Decentralization and Global Expansion** The concept of decentralization is foundational to the ethos of bitcoin, and Thiel's approach to mining is no exception. Despite Marathon's status as one of the largest publicly-traded bitcoin mining companies, Thiel is quick to point out that they contribute to less than 5% of the network's total hash rate. This modest share underscores the decentralized nature of the industry and the vast potential for growth and expansion. Under Thiel's leadership, Marathon is not content with maintaining the status quo. The company is actively seeking to broaden its horizons, exploring opportunities beyond the American landscape. Thiel's vision is global, recognizing the strategic importance of diversifying mining operations to mitigate risks and capitalize on international markets. The push for global expansion is not just about increasing Marathon's footprint; it's about integrating renewable energy into the core of mining operations. Thiel is a proponent of leveraging the world's natural resources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, to fuel the next generation of bitcoin mining. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact but also aligns with the growing demand for sustainable practices in all sectors of the economy. **Tackling the Challenges Head-On** The journey toward sustainable innovation is fraught with challenges, and the bitcoin mining industry is no exception. Thiel is candid about the obstacles facing miners today, including the fierce competition for bitcoin rewards. As more players enter the field, the fight for a slice of the bitcoin pie becomes increasingly difficult, compressing profit margins and forcing miners to optimize their operations. The upcoming halving event, a pre-programmed reduction in bitcoin rewards that occurs approximately every four years, adds another layer of complexity to the industry's economic landscape. Thiel predicts that this event will catalyze a significant shift in the industry, leading to the consolidation of mining power among a few dominant global players. Smaller mining operations may find it challenging to compete, potentially pivoting to specialized roles within the ecosystem. **Stranded Energy and Clean Tech Innovations** One of the most innovative concepts Thiel discusses is the utilization of "stranded energy" for bitcoin mining. Stranded energy refers to power that is generated but not used, often because it is too remote or too inconsistent to be incorporated into the traditional energy grid. By harnessing this otherwise wasted energy, bitcoin miners can reduce their environmental footprint and turn a potential liability into a valuable asset. Thiel is particularly interested in the potential for capturing methane emissions from landfills and converting them into energy for mining. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and its capture and use not only mitigate environmental harm but also provide a cost-effective energy source for miners. This symbiotic relationship between waste management and bitcoin mining is a prime example of the innovative thinking that Thiel brings to the table. The heat generated by mining equipment is another area ripe for innovation. Typically seen as a byproduct to be cooled and dissipated, Thiel envisions this heat being repurposed for agricultural use, such as heating greenhouses, or industrial processes, like drying lumber. These applications could create new revenue streams for miners and contribute to a more circular economy. **Heat Harvesting and Strategic Partnerships** The innovative use of excess heat from mining operations is just one example of the creative solutions being explored under Thiel's leadership. He envisions a future where the byproducts of mining contribute to other sectors, creating a more integrated and efficient industrial ecosystem. Marathon's strategic partnerships are a testament to this vision. In Texas and North Dakota, the company is pioneering the use of wind energy that would otherwise be unutilized due to grid limitations. These initiatives not only bolster Marathon's commitment to sustainability but also demonstrate the potential for renewable energy to power large-scale mining operations. Thiel also highlights collaborations with landfill owners, aiming to convert methane gas into a power source for mining. These partnerships are a win-win, reducing greenhouse gas emissions while providing a steady energy supply for Marathon's mining activities. **Reshaping the Energy Landscape** The strategic partnerships that Thiel fosters are not just about securing energy sources; they are about reimagining the energy landscape itself. By aligning with energy producers and innovators, Marathon is at the forefront of creating a new paradigm where energy production and consumption are balanced in a closed-loop system. This system not only powers the mining operations but also contributes to the stability and sustainability of local energy grids. Thiel's vision extends to the creation of commodity markets centered around bitcoin mining. He sees a future where energy, particularly renewable energy, is traded with bitcoin mining as a key driver. This could lead to more efficient markets, where energy is not wasted but used as a strategic asset to secure the blockchain network. **The Economics of Sustainability** The economics of bitcoin mining are complex and often volatile. Thiel understands that for Marathon to remain competitive, it must not only innovate in terms of technology but also in its business model. The company's focus on sustainability is not just an ethical choice but an economic strategy. By reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and minimizing environmental impact, Marathon is positioning itself to be resilient against regulatory changes and shifts in public sentiment. Thiel's approach to the economics of sustainability involves a long-term perspective. He is preparing for a future where the cost of energy and the impact of carbon emissions are likely to be significant factors in the profitability of mining operations. By investing in renewable energy and carbon reduction technologies now, Marathon is future-proofing its operations. **The Digital Age of Green Energy** As the conversation with Nelson concluded, it became clear that Thiel's vision for bitcoin mining is about more than just securing digital assets; it's about securing a sustainable future. The industry is at a pivotal moment, with the potential to lead the way in green energy utilization and innovation. Bitcoin mining, in Thiel's view, is not just an industry but a catalyst for change. It has the potential to drive the adoption of renewable energy, to create new markets for stranded energy, and to foster a more sustainable approach to energy consumption worldwide. **Conclusion** Fred Thiel's journey in sustainable innovation within bitcoin mining is a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership. His approach goes beyond the conventional scope of cryptocurrency mining, challenging the industry to rethink its relationship with energy and the environment. Under Thiel's guidance, Marathon Digital Holdings is not just mining for bitcoin; it's mining for a better future. By embracing decentralization, tackling industry challenges with foresight, innovating with stranded energy, and forming strategic partnerships, Marathon is paving the way for a more sustainable and economically viable mining industry. **FAQs** **Who is Fred Thiel?** Fred Thiel is the CEO of Marathon Digital Holdings, one of the largest publicly-traded bitcoin mining companies. **What is Marathon Digital Holdings' approach to bitcoin mining?** Marathon emphasizes sustainable and innovative mining practices, focusing on decentralization, global expansion, and renewable energy sources. **What challenges does bitcoin mining face according to Thiel?** Thiel notes competition for bitcoin rewards, tightening margins, and the impact of reward halving events as significant challenges. **How is Marathon Digital Holdings addressing environmental concerns?** The company is pioneering the use of stranded energy, such as methane from landfills, and harnessing excess heat from mining operations for other industrial uses. **What are the economic benefits of sustainable mining practices?** Sustainable practices can lead to reduced operational costs, resilience against regulatory changes, and a positive public perception, which can be economically beneficial. **That's all for today** **If you want more, be sure to follow us on:** **NOSTR: croxroad@getalby.com** **X: Instagram: [@croxroadnews.co](https://x.com/croxroadnewsco)** **Instagram: [@croxroadnews.co](https://www.instagram.com/croxroadnews.co/)** **Youtube: [@croxroadnews](https://www.youtube.com/@croxroadnews)** **Store: https://croxroad.store** **Subscribe to CROX ROAD Bitcoin Only Daily Newsletter** **https://www.croxroad.co/subscribe** *DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.*

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

@grayruby and I wanted to do some Jokic appreciation, since he isn't going to be MVP this year, despite having one of the best seasons in NBA history. Here's my case for Jokic being the best player in NBA history. Jokic is averaging 30/13/10 while shooting damn near 50% from 3. ### Context Some reference points to add context to those figures - Shaq never averaged that many points in a single season, despite being considered the most dominant scoring big of all time by many people. - Steph has never shot as high of a percentage from 3, despite being universally recognized as the best shooter of all time. - Dirk never matched any of those four numbers in any season, despite being considered the best stretch-big ever. - Neither Duncan nor Robinson ever averaged that many rebounds. - Neither Jerry West nor Bob Cousy ever averaged so many assists. ### Best of the best Looking at the best seasons ever played, as measured by Win Shares per 48 minutes, Jokic is currently having the second best season ever. Only Kareem's legendary 71-72 season is higher. The best 20 seasons are accounted for by just 9 players: - 5 are from Jokic - 4 from Lebron - 3 for Kareem - 3 for Jordan - 1 for Wilt - 1 for Steph - 1 for Durant - 1 for Robinson - 1 for SGA Jokic does winning basketball stuff at a higher rate than anyone but Kareem and he's already done it more often than Kareem, despite still having several years left in his prime. ### Scalable Skills Jokic, like most of those other top players, is an elite scorer. However, what's so special about him is how scalable his skills are. Being a dominant scorer is one of the least scalable skills: as in, there are steeply diminishing marginal returns to adding elite scorers to NBA rosters (there's only one ball, after all). Shooting, passing, and rebounding are highly scalable. Shooting ability improves offensive spacing, making life easier for teammates. Passing generates better scoring opportunities for teammates. Rebounding is a team effort. Because Jokic is so great at the most scalable skills, it's relatively easy to build a great roster around him. Lots of different kinds of players thrive, because he can make up for almost any shortcomings they might have. This is why he's the only NBA Champion who had zero All Star or All Defense teammates. ### Conclusion When we consider the totality of what it means to be good at basketball, it would be hard to argue that someone else has ever been better at it than The Joker. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/861853

@ 434f9799:2d548c15

**如果你在乎你网上的内容, 请为它们附上版权声明. 如果你在共享你的内容, 请表明你的意图. 否则不要抱怨别人为何不按你的意愿使用, 因为你从没有表明过它.** 同样身为创作者, 但还没有能自诩 "艺术家" 的程度, 从自己生产内容然后公开的开始就是希望被別人看到自己的作品, 并且要让别人知道「这是我创造的东西」, 然后才会有原创, 抄袭和借鉴的争论. 我是从最开始也是从 UGC 平台上逐渐转移到拥有自己 "平台" (从博客开始) 的人, 当时只为了追求所谓「自由」, 自己想写什么就写什么, 这是我的博客凭什么你来指指点点? 然后逐渐意识到当自己的身份从创作者用户过渡到创作者平台, 必须要考虑的事情就会变多, 这也是权利和义务的无条件对等结果, 我自己一个人就要成为平台. 到这时, 能对我指指点点人只会变得更多, 体量只会更大, 范围也会扩大到全世界, 因为这是互联网. 那么生活在在 UGC 平台的人难道就没有这个烦恼吗? 不是的, 只不过是平台已经帮我做了决定, 因为我必须同意他们的使用政策和隐私协议我才能使用, 包括其中顺带同意的版权声明. 作为小到自己都不想称之为一个 "平台" 的独立博客, 也要用自己身为平台应该要做的事情, 我的博客用户是谁? 是所有能够访问到我的博客的人, 机器人甚至伪装为人的机器人. --- 所以我需要: - 如果我用了 Google Analytics 而我如果要面向的用户当地存在个人数据法, 那就要加上一个 cookie 知情确认通知. - 如果有机器人来我的博客, 而我不想让它们进来, 那我应该声明 robots.txt. - 如果我的用户, 我的读者希望能够轻松自如地帮我分享内容而不用时时刻刻都向我发消息确认转发请求, 那么我应该声明版权许可, 那至少也是 CC-BY 的等级. - 如果我不希望我的内容在沒有许可的情况下被复制, 被重新演绎, 被用作商业用途盈利; 要么实行事后责任制, 请一个版权律师和版权机器人帮我给这些讨厌的东西发律师函, 发给对方的 ASN 管理员, DNS 解析服务器管理员, 域名管理局或者其他所有为它提供基础设施服务的服务商, 期盼他们能够遵守「自己的」法律. - 如果我不希望某些用户访问我的博客, 我需要使用 WAF 屏蔽他们. 但可惜, 这互联网上最著名的版权法案 DMCA 也存在 "合理使用" 裁定, 各国各地对互联网著作权的处理也不尽相同, 如此大费周章并不能就让所有我想要不能使用我内容的人放弃使用我的内容. 那么真的没有办法了? 没有问题, 还可以同时实行事前责任制, 因为我还有 DRM, 也就是数字版权管理. 我能自己购买, 租用甚至自己开发一套版权管理系统, 只有在我的平台上才能看到我的内容, 别人想要复制我的内容会变得无比艰难, 但也只止步于 "无比艰难" 而已. 我作为平台, 需要这么努力吗? 或者说有必要这么麻烦吗? 手段的升级只会消耗更多的时间和金钱, 我只是一个小小的独立博客, 我只能用上 CC 和 robots.txt, 最多给内容加点水印. 我只是想保护我的内容而已, OpenAI 一众很可能已经在不知不觉中掠夺过我的东西了, 治不了大公司还治不了你吗?! 恭喜你, 你已经拥有成为一个平台的觉悟了. ## 说点实际的 我能在此如此大放厥词完全因为我实际拥有这个博客, 不用担心我会因为一两句话就破坏某些平台的狗屁 "社区守则" 乃至它们左右摇摆的政治立场, 没有别的意思, 这里的「政治」只不过是对于这些平台在社会中所扮演角色的简称. 如果你同意我说的, 那么下面是作为多个「独立平台」管理员**对平台管理员的一些建议**: 1. **如果你愿意为你的内容负责, 请至少为你的独立平台附上版权声明, 哪怕是在页脚加一个 "Copyright © CC-BY" 甚至 "Copyright © All rights reserved".** 当然前提是你的内容全部出自你的手, 或者你的平台有其他用户并且他们同意你的声明. 2. **如果你希望或者不希望被机器人或者某些机器人自动抓取内容, 请为你的独立平台添加 robots.txt.** 所有的机器人都能声称自己是真实的用户代理(User-Agent), 在如今的互联网上, 所有人都默认在没有 robots.txt 声明的情况下机器人可以随意进出你的平台, 尝试获取你的平台内容. 如果你已经是平台内的用户了, 或者你的独立平台需要使用其他平台的内容, **以下对于内容创作者的建议**: 1. **不要尝试使用任何没有版权声明的平台里的实际内容.** 它们比 "保留所有权利" 甚至带有 DRM 的内容更加不确定, 因为它们的创作者不愿意主动表露自己对他人使用自己内容的意图. 除非你愿意到处查找内容创作者或者平台的联系方式, 然后联系上他们请求使用他们的东西. 当然, 直接不使用实际内容就行了, 你可以引用来源乃至完全重新演绎它们, 就像 ChatGPT 一样. 2. **好好阅读平台的版权声明, 使用许可和隐私政策, 大多数时候你的东西是不是你的取决于平台而不是你, 甚至包括你的隐私.** 实际上, 我们处于社会化状态下是被动着去使用某些平台, 要么你说服别人或者强迫别人去使用你想用的平台, 而这又对于追求「人人平等」的现代社会是不可接受的, 除非这种对等关系被打破. 知悉这些条款并且在乎自己内容的创作者能够控制自己可以在这里产生什么东西, 或者是在平台上借助自己的内容和平台达成交易换取自己想要的东西. ## 结语 创作者或者是艺术家的世界对于版权这种事情看起来很在乎, 但实际上没有几个人是亲自去执行的, 大多都是依附于创作平台或者版权公司, 让它们代行自己的权利, 让自己能够专心于创作, 然后拿到自己想要的. 然而在计算机和互联网融合的世界, 构建这个数字世界的 "艺术家" 们早就已经发起了一场颠覆这种局面的政治运动, 名字叫作 "开源", 赋予开源权利的许可叫做 "开源许可", 成就他们理想的叫做 "自由软件", 自由软件基金会和 GPL 许可证由此诞生, 始于 1989 年. 而现实世界的艺术家们呢? 他们创作文学, 绘画, 音乐乃至影片在互联网上获得全世界范围的传播, 但可惜依旧遵守着老一套的规矩, 把自己的作品交给平台, 交给公司管理. 自由软件基金会诞生后的 12 年, 知识共享(Creative Commons, CC)才出现在互联网. 那么在这之前的 12 年间, 互联网上的艺术家们生产的内容难道都是默认公共领域的吗? 我想更多是即使想要保留部分权利但根本没有意识到要声明自己的意图. 而二十多年后的今天, 依旧如此. "书呆子" 程序员无人不知开源, 知道自己的创造的东西需要让别人知道自己的作品能够被如何使用, 即使是 "Copyleft", 是 "All rights reversed" 放弃了全部权利, 也是知道自己一开始就有权利可以对自己的东西这么做. 而那些迷失在意识洪流中的疯狂艺术家们, 对待自己的作品如何被别人使用上还是模棱两可, 暧昧不清. 即使是 CC 和 robots.txt 也都是可有可无地充满艺术感, 他们确实在乎自己的作品, 但是更在乎自己. > PS: 本文属一时兴起一笔写完, 可能有很多奇怪的地方, 如果需要转载, 请首先遵守本站/账户的版权许可. 欢迎指正和纠错. ## 封面  > Photo by [Aaron Burden](https://unsplash.com/@aaronburden?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/fountain-pen-on-black-lined-paper-y02jEX_B0O0?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash)

@ 0d97beae:c5274a14

> History is written by the victor. There is very little we can **know** about our history. We can have written literature and physical evidence, yet it is rarely possible to know the facts of something without having been there at the time. Even in the court of law, testimonies can be falsified, evidence can be misinterpreted, and stories can be spun to provide an alternative account of events. In a world where history is shaped by perspective and bias, it might seem impossible to ever construct an account of events that is entirely free from distortion; not without a central arbiter who is **entrusted** to preserve the truth. We often rely on records of agreements to help settle disputes; however, as the degree of risk increases - such as when purchasing a house, for example - we need to involve licensed third parties who can be trusted to keep and preserve a historical record of our agreements, ensuring that penalties can be enforced if either party breaks the terms therein. Of course, these agreements are often still vague enough to allow for re-interpretation, and, with enough corruption, nothing prevents the very institutions that were supposed to protect the sanctity of the agreement from altering the records. Fortunately, the system has worked well and has served its purpose truthfully most of the time. ## Relating back to Bitcoin Bitcoin is able to do something remarkable: it can create a historical record of events that cannot be altered or revised in any way. However, it does not solve the problem of people and institutions re-interpreting records or choosing not to apply enforcement; this technology cannot be used to replace any and everything, it has a very specific use case. Bitcoin is designed to capture transaction records and enforce the criteria that they must meet before accepting them. They enforce that they do not inflate the supply of bitcoin units, and that they have included all of the necessary information required to be fully verifiable. As well as enforcing transaction rules strictly, Bitcoin uses a process to fossilise these records into history through two core technical innovations: "proof of work" and "difficulty adjustment". Proof of work introduces the cost of energy, while difficulty adjustment enforces the cost of time. Together, Bitcoin effectively uses time and energy to ensure that history can never be rewritten. To break it down a bit more, people can still create alternative chains of events, but each candidate must include the relevant time and energy data to make comparisons possible. Additionally, the "proof of work" technology ensures that the energy data is impossible to fabricate. The chain that has clearly spent the most time and energy will stand out immediately, meaning the chain produced by the largest global community will always emerge as the victor, without the need for inconclusive debates or corruptible authority figures to make the call. > The magic lies in how data produced by Bitcoin is <u>**fully self verifiable**</u>. > It is not just the transaction data that can be verified, it is the complete historical order of events that were observed and fossilised in real-time through a fair and neutral, yet irreversible process. ## Why we run Bitcoin nodes Bitcoin does not run by itself. Beyond needing users to create and submit transactions, it also requires people to provide energy for its proof of work, and it requires people to participate by collecting, verifying, and storing the information in as many places as possible, all around the world. If Bitcoin had an Achilles' heel, it would be the loss of its recorded data. If the data were lost, then there would be nothing to stop an alternative set of records from taking its place and rewriting history. By running a node, we ensure that there are plentiful copies of this data. From a self-serving perspective, running a Bitcoin node ensures that we are always able to access first-hand data about the state of Bitcoin and our wallets. If we rely on third parties to inform us of this information, we introduce a layer of risk and place our trust in someone else. If that trust is abused, we could be fooled into believing we have received bitcoin when in fact this was not the case. While a Bitcoin node does collect its data from online sources, since it collects data from multiple sources and it is able to validate and identify any discrepant data, it is more likely to provide you with the latest and most accurate information available. We also help in situations where connectivity is limited, such as the time when Australia was cut off from the world wide internet for some time. In this case, users in Australia were inconvenienced for some time: 1. With limited connectivity, miners in Australia could not share their work quickly enough to compete effectively with the greater global network. 2. Users might see their transactions remain unconfirmed for longer periods of time. 3. Users may even see their transactions transition from confirmed to unconfirmed as nodes struggle to keep up with the chain of events being agreed upon by the greater network. By operating a node in Australia, you were helping to link and share data in real-time with the rest of the network, and if you had a connection to the greater network, you would be helping to bridge the connection. Once the internet was restored, your node would help to keep track of all the unconfirmed transactions in your country and share them with the greater global network so that they can be processed. > It should be noted that Bitcoin network does not need any sort of manual intervention to come to a shared agreement about the legitimate chain of events and continue operating as normal.

@ f4db5270:3c74e0d0

Hi Art lover! 🎨🫂💜 You may not know it yet but all of the following paintings are available in #Bitcoin on my website: https://isolabell.art/#shop For info and prices write to me in DM and we will find a good deal! 🤝  ON THE ROAD AGAIN 40x50cm, Oil on canvas Completed January 23, 2025 -----------  SUN OF JANUARY 40x50cm, Oil on canvas Completed January 14, 2025 -----------  THE BLUE HOUR 40x50cm, Oil on canvas Completed December 14, 2024 -----------  LIKE A FRAGMENT OF ETERNITY 50x40cm, Oil on canvas Completed December 01, 2024 -----------  WHERE WINTER WHISPERS 50x40cm, Oil on canvas Completed November 07, 2024 -----------  L'ATTESA DI UN MOMENTO 40x40cm, Oil on canvas Completed October 29, 2024 -----------  LE COSE CHE PENSANO 40x50cm, Oil on paper Completed October 05, 2024 -----------  TWILIGHT'S RIVER 50x40cm, Oil on canvas Completed September 17, 2024 ----------  GOLD ON THE OCEAN 40x50cm, Oil on paper Completed September 08, 2024 ----------  SUSSURRI DI CIELO E MARE 50x40cm, Oil on paper Completed September 05, 2024 -----------  THE END OF A WONDERFUL WEEKEND 40x30cm, Oil on board Completed August 12, 2024 -----------  FIAMME NEL CIELO 60x35cm, Oil on board Completed July 28, 2024 -----------  INIZIO D'ESTATE 50x40cm, Oil on cradled wood panel Completed July 13, 2024 -----------  OMBRE DELLA SERA 50x40cm, Oil on cradled wood panel Completed June 16, 2024 -----------  NEW ZEALAND SUNSET 80x60cm, Oil on canvas board Completed May 28, 2024 -----------  VENICE 50x40cm, Oil on board Completed May 4, 2024 -----------  CORNWALL 50x40cm, Oil on board Completed April 26, 2024 -----------  DOCKS ON SUNSET 40x19,5cm, Oil on board Completed March 14, 2024 -----------  SOLITUDE 30x30cm, Oil on cradled wood panel Completed March 2, 2024 -----------  LULLING WAVES 40x30cm, Oil on cradled wood panel Completed January 14, 2024 -----------  MULATTIERA IN AUTUNNO 30x30cm, Oil on cradled wood panel -----------  TRAMONTO A KOS 40x40cm, oil on board canvas -----------  HIDDEN SMILE 40x40cm, oil on board -----------  INIZIO D'AUTUNNO 40x40cm, oil on canvas -----------  BOE NEL LAGO 30x30cm, oil on canvas board -----------  BARCHE A RIPOSO 40x40cm, oil on canvas board -----------  IL RISVEGLIO 30x40cm, oil on canvas board -----------  LA QUIETE PRIMA DELLA TEMPESTA 30x40cm, oil on canvas board -----------  LAMPIONE SUL LAGO 30x30cm, oil on canvas board -----------  DUE NELLA NEVE 60x25cm, oil on board -----------  UNA CAREZZA 30x30cm, oil on canvas board -----------  REBEL WAVES 44x32cm, oil on canvas board -----------  THE SCREAMING WAVE 40x30cm, oil on canvas board -----------  "LA DONZELLETTA VIEN DALLA CAMPAGNA..." 30x40cm, oil on canvas board -----------  LIGHTHOUSE ON WHITE CLIFF 30x40cm, oil on canvas board

@ 378562cd:a6fc6773

**Top USA News** 1. **President Trump Threatens Tariffs on Non-U.S. Manufacturers**In a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on companies that do not manufacture their products in the United States, aiming to boost domestic production. [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2025/jan/23/donald-trump-pardons-january-6-us-president-joe-biden-jd-vance-republicans-live-news?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 2. **Historic Winter Storm Sweeps Across Southern U.S**.A severe winter storm has blanketed the southern United States with snow and freezing temperatures, leading to widespread power outages and hazardous travel conditions. [WSJ](https://www.wsj.com/news/archive/2025/01/23?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 3. **Trump Administration Orders Federal DEI Staff on Leave**The Trump administration has directed all federal employees working in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs to be placed on paid leave, with plans to dismiss all DEI program employees by January 31. [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2025/jan/22/donald-trump-china-sanctions-tariff-diversity-us-politics-live-latest-news?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 4. **U.S. Stock Futures Mixed After Tech-Driven Rally**Following a tech-fueled rise, U.S. stock futures show mixed results. The S&P 500 futures dipped slightly after nearing record highs, while Nasdaq futures declined by 0.5%, and Dow Jones futures saw a slight increase. [Investopedia](https://www.investopedia.com/5-things-to-know-before-the-stock-market-opens-january-23-2025-8778964?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 5. **Trump Pardons January 6 Capitol Rioters**President Trump has issued pardons for individuals convicted in relation to the January 6 Capitol riot, a move that has sparked controversy and debate across the political spectrum. [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2025/jan/23/donald-trump-pardons-january-6-us-president-joe-biden-jd-vance-republicans-live-news?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 6. **California Wildfires Cause Extensive Damage**Ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County are causing significant destruction, with estimated damages exceeding $135 billion. Governor Gavin Newsom warns that these could become the worst natural disaster in American history. [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal%3ACurrent_events/January_2025?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 7. **President Trump Withdraws U.S. from Paris Climate Agreement**In a series of executive orders, President Trump has withdrawn the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, citing economic concerns and a focus on American energy independence. [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2025/jan/21/donald-trump-inauguration-presidency-executive-orders-pardons-day-two-live-blog?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 8. **Trump Administration Re-designates Houthis as Terrorist Organization**The Trump administration has re-designated the Yemeni Houthi movement as a foreign terrorist organization, reversing a previous decision and impacting international relations in the region. [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_in_the_United_States?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 9. **President Trump Announces $500 Billion AI Investment**President Trump, alongside tech executives, has announced a $500 billion investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure, aiming to bolster the United States' position in the global tech industry. [WSJ](https://www.wsj.com/news/archive/2025/01/23?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 10. **ChatGPT Experiences Large-Scale Outage**A significant outage of the AI tool ChatGPT has been reported, affecting users worldwide. The cause of the disruption is under investigation. [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_in_the_United_Kingdom?utm_source=chatgpt.com) **Top International News** 1. **Israeli Military Conducts Extensive Raid in Jenin**The Israeli military launched a significant operation in Jenin, resulting in at least 10 Palestinian deaths and numerous injuries. The raid, named "Iron Wall," involved airstrikes and ground forces, escalating tensions in the West Bank. [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/23/first-edition-west-bank-settlers-israel-military?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 2. **Micheál Martin Appointed as Irish Taoiseach**Micheál Martin has been confirmed as Ireland's new Taoiseach following a day of delays and disagreements in the Irish parliament. His immediate focus includes forming his cabinet and addressing Ireland's housing crisis. [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/jan/23/europe-dail-micheal-martin-rows-ireland-weather-storm-eowyn-latest-updates?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

@ fd208ee8:0fd927c1

## Planning Alexandria People keep asking what features nostr:npub1s3ht77dq4zqnya8vjun5jp3p44pr794ru36d0ltxu65chljw8xjqd975wz has planned for #Alexandria, but they're not set in stone because we're an agile project. What we do have, is lots of tickets on our Kanban boards and a naming scheme, where we use a famous person's last name, to signify the release goals.  ### Gutenberg v 0.1.0 (after the inventor of the printing press) will contain the features needed to read and write [NIP-62 Curated Publications](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/pull/1600), as well as encompassing the complex infrastructure, architecture, documentation, and personnel we require to make this all run smoothly and look easy.  ### Euler v 0.2.0 (after a mathematician credited with establishing graph theory) will contain the features for deep-searching, visually exploring, and smartly navigating the data set, wiki page display, annotating and citing the publications, exporting to other formats (like PDF, ePUB, and LaTeX), and commenting/reviewing. To help with the heavy lifting, we will be swapping out the core with our own Nostr SDK called "Aedile".  ### Defoe v 0.3.0 (after an author who perfected the novel format) will be all about our favorite writers. We will be focusing upon profile data, payment systems, book clubs and communities, and stylesheets. That is everything we have planned, for the v1.0 edition, and we consider that version to be a true product. As for after that, a teaser... 

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

The financial world has been abuzz with the concept of Bitcoin ETFs, a development that promises to blend the cutting-edge world of cryptocurrencies with the traditional investment landscape. The allure of Bitcoin ETFs lies in their potential to demystify the process of investing in digital currencies. For the average investor, navigating the cryptocurrency market can be daunting, with concerns ranging from wallet security to the complexities of exchange platforms. ETFs offer a solution by packaging Bitcoin into a familiar form that can be traded with the ease of stocks, bypassing the technical barriers that might deter traditional investors. **Table Of Content** - The Significance of BlackRock's Interest - The Bridge to Mainstream Investment - Regulatory Hurdles and Market Manipulation Concerns - The Race to Launch the First Bitcoin ETF - The Psychology of Demand - Conclusion - FAQs **The Significance of BlackRock's Interest** The interest of BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, in launching a Bitcoin ETF is a significant endorsement for the cryptocurrency sector. BlackRock's move is not merely about launching a new product; it's a signal that the firm recognizes the long-term value proposition of cryptocurrencies. The implications of BlackRock's involvement are profound, as it could lead to a domino effect, with other institutional investors following suit. BlackRock's entry into the Bitcoin space could also serve as a catalyst for regulatory clarity. As regulators see established financial institutions embracing cryptocurrencies, they may be more inclined to provide the necessary frameworks for these assets to thrive. This could lead to a virtuous cycle, where regulatory clarity leads to more institutional involvement, which in turn could lead to further regulatory advancements. **The Bridge to Mainstream Investment** The creation of a spot market Bitcoin ETF represents a pivotal bridge between the innovative world of cryptocurrencies and traditional financial markets. Such an ETF would provide a regulated, accessible, and efficient means for investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin, potentially unlocking billions of dollars of sidelined capital. The bridge metaphor is apt because it conveys the transformative potential of Bitcoin ETFs to connect disparate financial realms, facilitating a flow of capital that could stabilize and mature the cryptocurrency market. The bridging role of Bitcoin ETFs is particularly important for institutional investors, who often face strict regulatory and operational requirements that make direct investment in cryptocurrencies challenging. By packaging Bitcoin within the familiar structure of an ETF, these investors can participate in the growth of digital assets while adhering to their investment mandates. **Regulatory Hurdles and Market Manipulation Concerns** The path to Bitcoin ETF approval has been fraught with regulatory hurdles, primarily due to concerns over market manipulation and the integrity of the underlying Bitcoin market. The SEC's apprehension is rooted in the decentralized and fragmented nature of cryptocurrency exchanges, which can complicate efforts to monitor and prevent manipulative practices. However, the recent developments with Grayscale's Bitcoin ETF application suggest a potential softening of the SEC's stance. If Grayscale's ETF can demonstrate that it has adequate measures in place to address the SEC's concerns, it could set a precedent for the approval of future Bitcoin ETFs. This would be a significant milestone, as it would acknowledge the maturation of the cryptocurrency market and its surveillance mechanisms to a level that satisfies regulatory standards. **The Race to Launch the First Bitcoin ETF** The race to launch the first Bitcoin ETF is not just a matter of prestige but also of strategic advantage. The first-mover in this space will capture the attention of eager investors and set the tone for the market. The competition is fierce, with several financial giants vying for the position. The outcome of this race is eagerly anticipated by the crypto community, as it will likely have a significant impact on the market's dynamics and investor sentiment. The anticipation surrounding the first Bitcoin ETF is also a reflection of the broader crypto industry's desire for validation and growth. Approval of an ETF would be a landmark event, signaling a new level of acceptance and integration of cryptocurrencies into the financial mainstream. **The Psychology of Demand** The demand for Bitcoin ETFs can be partly explained by the psychological concept of scarcity, where the value of an item increases with its rarity or inaccessibility. The SEC's repeated rejections of Bitcoin ETF proposals have only heightened their desirability. This phenomenon is not unique to the crypto industry; it is a well-documented aspect of human behavior that applies across various markets and products. The psychology of demand for Bitcoin ETFs is also driven by the narrative of crypto's journey towards acceptance. Each regulatory challenge and milestone is part of a larger story of an emerging asset class striving for legitimacy. The crypto community's response to these developments is often charged with emotion, reflecting the high stakes and deep investment many have in the future of digital assets. **Conclusion** The excitement surrounding Bitcoin ETFs is a complex interplay of innovation, regulation, and human psychology. It encapsulates the hopes and challenges of an industry at the cusp of broader acceptance. The eventual introduction of Bitcoin ETFs could represent a significant inflection point, potentially ushering in a new era of institutional investment and mainstream interest in cryptocurrencies. As the narrative unfolds, the crypto community watches with bated breath, anticipating the moment when Bitcoin ETFs become a reality. This event could validate the years of advocacy, development, and belief in the transformative potential of cryptocurrencies. For now, the excitement continues to build, with each rumor, regulatory update, and market movement watched closely by those eager to witness the next chapter in the evolution of finance. **FAQs** **What is a Bitcoin ETF?** A Bitcoin ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) is a type of investment fund that tracks the price of Bitcoin and is traded on traditional stock exchanges, allowing investors to buy into Bitcoin without the complexities of handling the cryptocurrency itself. **Why are Bitcoin ETFs important?** Bitcoin ETFs are seen as a bridge between traditional finance and the emerging world of cryptocurrencies, offering a regulated, familiar investment vehicle for institutional and retail investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin. **Has the SEC approved any Bitcoin ETFs?** As of the last update, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has not approved any spot market Bitcoin ETFs, citing concerns over market manipulation and surveillance. However, futures-based Bitcoin ETFs have been approved and are being traded. **What are the benefits of a Bitcoin ETF?** Benefits include easier access for traditional investors, improved liquidity and price stability for Bitcoin, and the potential for increased institutional investment in the cryptocurrency space. **What are the main concerns about Bitcoin ETFs?** The main concerns include the potential for market manipulation, the integrity of the underlying Bitcoin market, and the adequacy of market surveillance mechanisms. **That's all for today** **If you want more, be sure to follow us on:** **NOSTR: croxroad@getalby.com** **X: Instagram: [@croxroadnews.co](https://x.com/croxroadnewsco)** **Instagram: [@croxroadnews.co](https://www.instagram.com/croxroadnews.co/)** **Youtube: [@croxroadnews](https://www.youtube.com/@croxroadnews)** **Store: https://croxroad.store** **Subscribe to CROX ROAD Bitcoin Only Daily Newsletter** **https://www.croxroad.co/subscribe** *DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.*

@ f1989a96:bcaaf2c1

Good morning, readers! In Iran, officials are accused of exploiting a recent currency devaluation to profit at the public’s expense. The regime raised the rial’s official exchange rate from 550,000 to 640,000 per dollar to maximize its profit when selling the $5 billion it had withdrawn from the National Development Fund. This move effectively stole one quadrillion rials ($23 billion) from citizens, fueling inflation and devastating the public’s already-slim purchasing power. In Nicaragua, dictator Daniel Ortega dissolved 15 more nonprofit organizations since the start of the year. This brings the total to more than 5,400 NGOs shut down since 2018. Ortega frequently uses financial repression to wield power over citizens, freezing bank accounts, seizing assets, and fabricating financial crimes to dismantle civil society groups.  In open-source software news, Solo Satoshi, a company advancing home Bitcoin mining, unveiled the Bitaxe Touch, a new home mining device designed for individuals to mine Bitcoin. It features a touch screen that displays mining metrics, network data, and Bitcoin news. Innovations like this help democratize access to mining and strengthen the overall Bitcoin network, making an especially big difference for people who wish to mine in difficult political environments. \ \ Meanwhile, Bitcoin developers are exploring rewarding mining pool participants with ecash shares. This model lets miners receive earnings instantly and trade them on open markets without revealing personal details. This could make mining more attractive for dissidents whilst helping strengthen Bitcoin’s overall decentralization. Finally, we feature the release of Evan Mawarire’s book “*Crazy Epic Courage*,” in which the Zimbabwean pastor and activist recounts his inspiring journey of a peaceful uprising against Robert Mugabe’s dictatorship and hyperinflation. We also include a Bitkey wallet tutorial from renowned Bitcoin educator Ben Perrin, aka BTC Sessions, who walks users through setting up cold storage and best practices for safe transactions. **Now, let’s get right to it!** ### [**SUBSCRIBE HERE**](https://mailchi.mp/hrf.org/financial-freedom-newsletter?mc_cid=bf652c0a5a) ## **GLOBAL NEWS** #### **Iran | Regime Profiting From Currency Devaluation** In Iran, Hossein Samsami, a member of the parliament’s economic committee, [accused](https://www.iranintl.com/en/202412254272) the government of exploiting foreign currency exchange rates to profit at the expense of ordinary citizens. The regime recently increased the rial’s official exchange rate from 550,000 to 640,000 rial per dollar — a move Samsami explained “was to sell the $5 billion it had taken from the National Development Fund at the highest price.” By manipulating the exchange rate, the regime effectively stole [one quadrillion](https://www.iranintl.com/en/202412254272) rials ($23 billion) from citizens. This deliberate devaluation will drive up inflation, deplete savings, and push basic goods further out of reach. Iran’s multi-tiered exchange rate system has long fueled [corruption](https://www.iranintl.com/en/202412254272), allowing regime insiders to profit from the gap between the artificially low official exchange rate and the higher free-market rate. To block any financial escape, the regime has tried to [close](https://x.com/sina_21st/status/1873097867625140230) onramps to Bitcoin. #### **Nicaragua | Regime Dismantles More Nonprofit Organizations** Since the start of 2025, the Nicaraguan regime [dissolved](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/261539/nicaraguan-dictatorship-shuts-down-more-organizations-including-dominican-nuns) an additional 15 nonprofit organizations (NGOs), including Save the Children and the Dominican Nuns Foundation of Nicaragua. This latest wave of repression brings the total to more than 5,400 NGOs shut down since 2018 under dictator Daniel Ortega. Ortega uses financial repression as a weapon, freezing bank accounts, seizing assets, and fabricating financial crimes to dismantle these groups. Deprived of resources and funding, these organizations are forced to close, leaving vulnerable communities without aid. These crackdowns come as part of Ortega’s broader strategy to stifle dissent, dismantle civil society, and consolidate his grip on Nicaragua. #### **Nigeria | Political and Bitcoin Activist Faces Regime Censorship** James Otudor, an activist and founder of [Bitcoin Calabar](https://x.com/BitcoinCalabar), a Nigerian Bitcoin circular economy, [described](https://x.com/BitcoinCalabar/status/1879121618850779577) what he believes is a deliberate campaign to silence his Bitcoin advocacy. After filing a [lawsuit](https://cointelegraph.com/news/nigerian-activist-sues-government-protect-crypto-rights) against the Nigerian regime to defend citizens’ rights to own, use, and trade Bitcoin, Otudor was interrogated by the Department of State Security (DSS) about his funding sources and financial activities. Despite providing proof of legitimate earnings, he reports facing a series of suspicious and coordinated attacks — including the theft of his lawyers’ documents, the suspension of his social media accounts, and disruptions to his phone and internet services. These actions represent the extent to which authoritarian regimes like Nigeria will go to block financial tools that operate beyond their control.  #### **United Arab Emirates | AI Ambitions and Authoritarian Control** The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is accelerating its bid to lead the global artificial intelligence race, with [reports](https://www.wired.com/story/uae-intelligence-chief-ai-money/) suggesting that intelligence chief Sheikh Tahnoun is in talks with the United States to acquire NVIDIA’s proprietary AI chips. At the center of this push is [G42](https://www.g42.ai/), an AI conglomerate heavily invested in data analytics, satellite imagery, and predictive surveillance. These technologies enable the UAE to expand domestic surveillance and control to suppress dissent with unprecedented precision. As an authoritarian regime with an appalling human rights record, the UAE has long used technology to surveil activists, journalists, and civil society. Now, it aims to take surveillance and repression to new heights. #### **Uganda | Civic Group Calls for the End of Trials of Civilians in Military Courts** On Wednesday, Jan. 15, [Agora Discourse](https://agoraug.org/), a civic group co-founded by activist and Oslo Freedom Forum speaker [Agather Atuhaire](https://x.com/AAgather), launched a [Change petition](https://www.change.org/p/uganda-s-judiciary-on-trial-stop-trial-of-civilians-in-military-courts?recruiter=945636338&recruited_by_id=9c5b5d50-5006-11e9-9b83-854a2d65fd48&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=petition_dashboard&utm_medium=copylink) calling for the end of trials of civilians in military courts in Uganda. The next day, police officers harassed and roughed up Agather Atuhaire as she delivered a physical copy of the petition, addressed to Chief Justice Owinyi Dollo, at Uganda’s Supreme Court in the capital, Kampala. Alongside this physical repression, Uganda employs financial repression — [freezing the bank accounts](https://www.independent.co.ug/ngos-plead-with-government-over-frozen-bank-accounts/) of civil society organizations to diminish civilian voices and their right to association and organization. This petition aims to rally international pressure against the regime’s practice of using military courts to target dissidents. If you have a moment, please consider reviewing and [signing the petition here](https://www.change.org/p/uganda-s-judiciary-on-trial-stop-trial-of-civilians-in-military-courts?recruiter=945636338&recruited_by_id=9c5b5d50-5006-11e9-9b83-854a2d65fd48&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=petition_dashboard&utm_medium=copylink). ## RECOMMENDED CONTENT #### **“*Crazy Epic Courage*” by Evan Mawarire** Zimbabwean pastor and activist [Evan Mawarire](https://x.com/PastorEvanLive) never set out to become a revolutionary — he simply wanted to speak the truth. But when a video of him draped in a Zimbabwean flag went viral, it ignited a nationwide movement that would challenge Robert Mugabe, one of Africa’s longest-standing autocrats and a thief who looted Zimbabwean wealth via hyperinflation. In his newly released book, “[*Crazy Epic Courage*](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSTKC1RT?bestFormat=true&newOGT=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_RWEK741WFKHWMP9TG3YR_1&skipTwisterOG=1),” Mawarire details how an ordinary citizen can become the voice of a nation. From arrests and exile to global advocacy, his journey is a testament to risking everything for what is right. Read the full book [here](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSTKC1RT?bestFormat=true&newOGT=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_RWEK741WFKHWMP9TG3YR_1&skipTwisterOG=1). ## BITCOIN AND FREEDOM TECH NEWS *This week’s Bitcoin news focuses on Bitcoin mining updates. To learn more about Bitcoin mining, we recommend checking out this explainer [article](https://www.investopedia.com/tech/how-does-bitcoin-mining-work/) and [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lBqpOGIczM).* #### **Mostro | Implements Key Management to Boost Privacy** [Mostro](https://mostro.network/?mc_cid=ae2c9c852f&mc_eid=UNIQID), a peer-to-peer (P2P) Bitcoin exchange built on Nostr, [introduced](https://github.com/MostroP2P/mostro/releases/tag/v0.13.0) advanced [key management](https://mostro.network/protocol/key_management.html) to improve user privacy. Created by Venezuelan developer [Francisco Calderon](https://x.com/negrunch?mc_cid=ae2c9c852f&mc_eid=UNIQID), Mostro — specifically designed to aid people under tyranny — enables individuals to buy and sell Bitcoin without sharing excessive personal information. This adds another layer of privacy critical for human rights defenders, journalists, and nonprofits operating under authoritarian regimes. As a past recipient of HRF’s [Bitcoin Development Fund](https://hrf.org/program/financial-freedom/bitcoin-development-fund/), Mostro continues to advance private Bitcoin access for those who need it most. #### **Bitcoin Safe | New Bitcoin Wallet Designed for Non-Technical Users** [Bitcoin Safe](https://github.com/andreasgriffin/bitcoin-safe) is a new open-source Bitcoin wallet designed to make self-custody simple even for non-technical users, something that really comes in handy for human rights activists. The wallet guides users through the setup process, with step-by-step instructions for both single-signature (where one private key is used to control your Bitcoin) and multi-signature wallets (which require multiple private keys for added security). Bitcoin Safe also includes features to manage Bitcoin efficiently, such as automatically combining unused Bitcoin (known as [Unspent Transaction Outputs](https://river.com/learn/terms/u/unspent-transaction-output-utxo/) or UTXOs), speeding up stuck transactions with fees (known as [Replace-By-Fee](https://bitcoinops.org/en/topics/replace-by-fee/) or RBF), and letting users choose specific coins to spend. With support for more than 10 languages, Bitcoin Safe can lower the barriers to self-custody. #### **Solo Satoshi | Introduces Bitaxe Touch** [Solo Satoshi](https://www.solosatoshi.com/), a company advancing home Bitcoin mining, [unveiled](https://www.solosatoshi.com/unveiling-the-bitaxe-touch-the-worlds-first-touchscreen-bitcoin-miner/) the Bitaxe Touch, the first Bitcoin home miner with a built-in touchscreen. Scheduled for release in early 2025, the device enables users to monitor key metrics, including Bitcoin’s price, mining performance, power consumption, incoming transactions, and real-time temperature data. It also features a Bitcoin news feed, offering a comprehensive overview of the mining experience. Built using an open-source [Bitaxe 601 Gamma](https://www.solosatoshi.com/product/bitaxe-gamma/), the Bitaxe Touch is designed to simplify Bitcoin mining for individuals. By empowering more people to mine Bitcoin independently, devices like this reduce reliance on large mining pools, strengthening Bitcoin’s decentralization and resistance to censorship. #### **Mining Pools | Rewarding Miners with Tradeable Ecash Shares** Bitcoin developers are [exploring](https://bitcoinops.org/en/newsletters/2025/01/17/) a new way to reward miners using tradeable “ecash shares.” In Bitcoin mining, individuals often join “mining pools” — groups of Bitcoin miners that work together to verify transactions, solve blocks, and share rewards. They do so because pooling resources increases their chances of earning Bitcoin. However, miners in these pools can wait days or weeks for payouts (depending on the pools’ payout structure), and miners often suffer violations of their privacy. With ecash shares, miners could receive their earnings immediately and sell them on an open market (without having to reveal their identity, shielding them from a dictator’s watchful eye). This system could also make it easier for small mining pools to get started and grow. Smaller pools often struggle to attract miners because payouts are uncertain. By using ecash shares, these smaller pools could temporarily operate as clients of larger ones to ensure steady income in the early stages. #### **F2Pool | Monitoring Global Censorship Risks** Bitcoin developer [b10c](https://b10c.me/) revealed that [F2Pool](https://www.f2pool.com/), one of Bitcoin’s largest mining pools, may be [filtering](https://b10c.me/observations/13-missing-sanctioned-transactions-2024-12/) transactions. Over the past weeks, b10c’s [miningpool-observer](https://miningpool.observer/) detected [15 transactions](https://b10c.me/observations/13-missing-sanctioned-transactions-2024-12/) from certain addresses that were not mined in the first eligible block. While all transactions were eventually confirmed — proving the Bitcoin network’s overall censorship resistance — F2Pool appears to have excluded some despite negligible fee differences, raising concerns of potential censorship. Notably, no other pools filtered these transactions, revealing the strength of this decentralized software network. However, these observations warrant ongoing monitoring so that the public understands such risks before they metastasize. #### **Mi Primer Bitcoin | Releases 2025 Bitcoin Diploma** [Mi Primer Bitcoin](https://es.myfirstbitcoin.io/), a nonprofit advancing open-source Bitcoin education, [released](https://github.com/MyFirstBitcoin/Bitcoin-Diploma-2025) its updated 2025 Bitcoin Diploma. This 176-page open-source workbook serves as a 10-week educational program and is used by more than 56 projects in 30 countries. The diploma covers topics like the history of money, Bitcoin’s technical and practical applications, and its implication for financial freedom and human rights. The latest edition features enhanced infographics and refined content for improved clarity. Available in multiple languages, the Bitcoin Diploma is a powerful resource for fostering financial literacy and global Bitcoin adoption and is taught by civil society groups even under dictatorships like the one in Cuba. ## RECOMMENDED CONTENT #### **Bitkey Wallet Tutorial by BTC Sessions** In this [tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccKZDNGhK9M), renowned Bitcoin educator Ben Perrin ([BTC Sessions](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccKZDNGhK9M)) demonstrates how to set up and use the [Bitkey](https://bitkey.world/) hardware wallet on a mobile device. He guides viewers through the process of storing, sending, and receiving Bitcoin, with a focus on user-friendliness and secure practices. He also reveals secret techniques to make the most out of one’s hardware wallet. Don’t miss the full tutorial — watch it [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccKZDNGhK9M). *If this article was forwarded to you and you enjoyed reading it, please consider subscribing to the Financial Freedom Report [here](https://mailchi.mp/hrf.org/financial-freedom-newsletter?mc_cid=bf652c0a5a).* *Support the newsletter by donating bitcoin to HRF’s Financial Freedom program [via BTCPay](https://hrf.org/btc).*\ *Want to contribute to the newsletter? Submit tips, stories, news, and ideas by emailing us at ffreport @ [hrf.org](http://hrf.org/)* *The Bitcoin Development Fund (BDF) is accepting grant proposals on an ongoing basis. The Bitcoin Development Fund is looking to support Bitcoin developers, community builders, and educators. Submit proposals [here](https://forms.monday.com/forms/57019f8829449d9e729d9e3545a237ea?r=use1)*. [**Subscribe to newsletter**](http://financialfreedomreport.org/) [**Apply for a grant**](https://forms.monday.com/forms/57019f8829449d9e729d9e3545a237ea?r=use1&mc_cid=39c1c9b7e8&mc_eid=778e9876e3) [**Support our work**](https://hrf.org/btc?mc_cid=39c1c9b7e8&mc_eid=778e9876e3) [**Visit our website**](https://hrf.org/programs/financial-freedom/)

@ dbb19ae0:c3f22d5a

UTF-16 key advantages: * **Efficiency for Many Languages:** * It's often more space-efficient than UTF-8 for languages with many characters outside the Basic Multilingual Plane (BMP), such as many East Asian languages. These languages often have characters that require 3 bytes in UTF-8 but only 2 bytes in UTF-16. * **Simplicity in Some Cases:** * For many common characters, UTF-16 uses a fixed-width encoding (2 bytes), which can simplify some string processing tasks. * **Legacy Systems:** * UTF-16 is widely used in some operating systems (like Windows) and programming languages (like Java), making it a practical choice for compatibility. **However, it's important to note that UTF-8 has become increasingly dominant due to its overall flexibility and efficiency:** * **Space Efficiency for Common Languages:** For languages with predominantly Latin characters, UTF-8 is significantly more space-efficient than UTF-16. * **Backward Compatibility:** UTF-8 is backward-compatible with ASCII, which is a crucial advantage. * **Growing Adoption:** UTF-8 is the preferred encoding for the web and many modern systems. **In Summary:** While UTF-16 has its strengths, UTF-8 is generally considered more versatile and efficient in most modern scenarios. The choice between them often depends on the specific needs and characteristics of the data being handled.

@ dbb19ae0:c3f22d5a

* **UTF-16 Encoding:** The `echo` command in a DOS environment (like the command prompt) typically defaults to writing output to a file using UTF-16 encoding. * **Byte Order Mark (BOM):** UTF-16 uses a Byte Order Mark (BOM) at the beginning of the file to indicate the endianness (byte order) of the encoding. * **FF FE:** This specific byte order (FF FE) signifies **little-endian** encoding, where the least significant byte of each 16-bit code unit comes first. * **2 Coding Pairs:** In UTF-16, each character is represented by two bytes (a code unit). **Example:** 1. **Execution:** - Open a command prompt window. - Type the following command: ``` echo "something" > file.txt ``` - Press Enter. 2. **File Contents:** - The `file.txt` will be created with the following: - **FF FE:** BOM for little-endian UTF-16. - Two bytes representing the letter 's'. - Two bytes representing the letter 'o'. - And so on, for each character in "something". **Note:** * The specific behavior might vary slightly depending on the exact version of Windows and the regional settings. * You can often configure the command prompt to use different encodings, such as UTF-8, if needed.

@ dbb19ae0:c3f22d5a

**1. Byte Order Mark (BOM)** * **FF FE:** This indicates little-endian byte order for UTF-16. **2. Character Encoding** * **N:** 4E 00 * **o:** 6F 00 * **s:** 73 00 * **t:** 74 00 * **r:** 72 00 **Complete Hexadecimal Representation:** FF FE 4E 00 6F 00 73 00 74 00 72 00 This assumes little-endian byte order.

@ 10f7c7f7:f5683da9

“Perhaps a man really dies when his brain stops, when he loses the power to take in a new idea” ([Orwell in “Coming up for Air”, 1939](https://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks02/0200031h.html))  While George Bowler enjoyed visiting a retired schoolmaster (Porteous), having had some time to reflect on his own life realised that if the old professor only ever delivered the same monologues, there really wasn’t any point in going to visit him, other than for a late-night glass of whisky and soda. The same point is also raised with bitcoin, if it is too resistant to change, uses too much electricity or takes too long to process transactions, it is a dinosaur, a relic that demonstrated digital scarcity was possible, but overtime could become outdated. While at the start of anyone’s journey down the bitcoin rabbit hole, these appear valid points to justify the newest, shiniest protocol. However, once you realise that the founding team of your beloved coin, or still worse “token”, assigned the majority of coins to themselves, you will hopefully return, cap in hand, to the mothership.  I admit, I went on that very same journey, but looking back, while some purchases were motivated by more than 5 minutes of YouTube based research, as my knowledge matured, bitcoin gradually subsumed my portfolio (well that and the [Canadian Truckers Protests](https://www.foxnews.com/world/canadian-style-trucker-protests-spread-world)). However, it was not until one of the reviewers of my first academic paper on bitcoin asked the question “*why are you only focusing on bitcoin*?”, that I really began to formulate my own answer. This early version of the paper was rejected from the conference so there was no immediate need to respond to this point, but as an academic, compared to maybe an enthusiastic keyboard warrior, taking offence to such a *no coiner* comment, I should be able to answer this question. The 4 point, 766-word response that resulted, then answered the questions of both why there is only one digital asset worth researching and for me, only one digital asset worth holding, bitcoin. Subsequently, further reviewer comments and the excessive length of the paper ultimately resulted in this section coming to rest on the cutting room floor, but what I learnt from this stayed with me. From this point, I no longer needed to trust other’s logic for why they are bitcoin only, but from a logical argument, I felt like I had verified why I had to be bitcoin only.  At the foundation of this was bitcoin’s resistance to change. Within broader, organisational development literature, this is frequently viewed as a negative, preventing organisations from adapting to make use of new information. However, for bitcoin, specifically in relation to its ability to act as a store of value, unless it resists changes, its store of value characteristics could be affected (such as requests for “tail emissions” or “changes to the hard cap”). A similar argument was then raised in terms of using too much energy due to the proof-of-work algorithm, [Ethereum now uses 99.95% less electricity](https://www.home.saxo/content/articles/cryptocurrencies/one-year-later---how-proof-of-stake-has-changed-ethereum-21092023), but what did this change do to the Ethereum mining industry? If there was the slightest risk that one day all the publicly and privately owned miners could be put out of business due to a change in consensus algorithm, and being left with much less useful equipment, miners would need to consider this before investing in the industry. While not technically “application specific”, due to their ability to provide verifiable randomness to web applications, ([thanks Bob](https://twitter.com/boomer_btc)), rational miners would likely look elsewhere to deploy their resources. Developments within the broad mining community interestingly reflect such business and regulatory risks, with some bitcoin miners diversifying into [Artificial Intelligence service provision](https://www.forbes.com/sites/colinharper/2024/05/31/revenue-from-ai-could-be-a-game-changer-for-bitcoin-miners--but-can-they-make-it-work/). Although this may be viewed a prudent risk management, it shows that public miners’ focus is unsurprisingly on regulatory compliance and revenue generation, compared to focusing wholly on the Bitcoin Network. As a result, if the risk of a change in consensus algorithm increased, these miners would be well placed to refocus their efforts elsewhere. For these reasons, bitcoin’s resistance to change can be viewed as critical to be able to have confidence when holding it for long periods of time.  While I was very pleased with myself, it was not until a flippant tweet involving [CalleBtc](https://twitter.com/callebtc), that I was put back in place, *bitcoin has not already won*. Bitcoin’s resistance to change and so, tendency for ossification (the process of bone formation or opposed to change), is important in terms of certain attributes (hard cap and proof of work), but potentially less essential in terms of other parts of the protocol. For example, SHA256 is a great proof-of-work consensus algorithm for the moment, but what happens if quantum computers break the algorithm (actually a relatively small risk, when compared to the cracking of nuclear launch codes)? Alternatively, what happens if there is a confluence of events and transaction attributes, enabled by a previous soft-fork that prevent blocks being added to the proof-of-work chain? In either situation, it will be both necessary for the bitcoin community to cooperate and reach consensus on an upgrade quickly, that may require a soft or hard-fork, in order for bitcoin to remain operational and secure. This was clearly articulated by Vijay Boyapati:  “I would say I’m an ossification maximalist….. the only situation which I think bitcoin should change is under gravest extreme and that is when there is a critical bug or something that breaks bitcoin… say SHA256 is broken ” ([Vijay Boyapati, 2023)](https://swansignalpodcast.com/episodes/the-state-of-the-bitcoin-bull-market-with-vijay-boyapati-brady-swenson-ep-151)  As a bitcoin user, to believe that if you are able to receive, securely store and send bitcoin, it has sufficient functionality, there may be a tendency to think there is limited value in contributing to bitcoin developers, bitcoin already does what you need it to do. While bitcoin developers work tirelessly reviewing the code to identify bugs and clear up the code, there is a risk that developers may have ulterior motives, such as getting a piece of their code uploaded to mainnet or actively blocking particular proposals ([thank you GrassFedBitcoin](https://open.spotify.com/episode/6tMTAXUJca21JhWd6eMlpx?si=74ac84961d714d5a)). While extensive review processes aim to prevent there being any negative outcomes of malicious or ego-centric upgrades, the more resources directed to bitcoin developers mean the more time and effort that can be given to checking the code prior to upgrades going live. However, extra resources alone may not be sufficient, *the devil makes work for idle hands*. If all developers do is check, recheck and test the work of others, in my view, this creates at least 2 problems. Number 1; this could become a touch monotonous over time, if becoming a bitcoin developer primarily involves auditing and quality assurance, the best and brightest minds may go elsewhere. Number 2; if bitcoin developers are only refining what is already there, who is developing the skills, capabilities, competence and craft to write the code that overcomes the quantum computing threat (who will be the next [Shaolin Fry](https://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/5zsk45/i_am_shaolinfry_author_of_the_recent_user/?rdt=59545))?  This reminded me of some work by [Dorothy Leonard-Barton](https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=72), who provided fascinating counter arguments to the earlier, and highly influential work of [Gary Hamel and C.K. Prahalad](https://hbr.org/1994/07/competing-for-the-future). These three authors emphasised the need for businesses to develop core competences in order to build a long-term competitive advantage. However, Leonard-Barton suggested that unless companies balanced their learning and development activities between refining, variation reducing forms of improvement and more exploratory, innovative development activities, a firm could develop what they termed *core-rigidities*. Rather than providing firms with a sustainable competitive advantage, they trapped firms in path dependencies, where they were only able to develop better versions of products that customers no longer wanted (see Kodak, Polaroid, Blockbusters and maybe even [Vanguard - in the near future](https://corporate.vanguard.com/content/corporatesite/us/en/corp/articles/no-bitcoin-etfs-at-vanguard-heres-why.html)). Risks arise from developments focusing upon improvements with shorter payback periods and lower chances of failure, that prevent those in the system seeing value in improvements that may displace current [cash cows](https://www.bcg.com/about/overview/our-history/growth-share-matrix). Blockbusters didn’t like the idea of closing down stores in a similar manner to Bitmain and MicroBT disliking fundamental changes to chip or ASIC architecture.  From this position, contributing to bitcoin development does not have to only be about providing remuneration for those checking, monitoring and editing code that will move directly into changes to the bitcoin protocol. Contributing to bitcoin development also doesn’t have to mean that developments move off the base chain to layer 2 or 3, although both remain critical for the continual development of the bitcoin eco-system. Contributing to bitcoin development can instead relate to exploratory projects, that may not themselves change bitcoin core, but may contribute to learning, knowledge and the development of new capabilities that may be useful in the future. Such learning and progress is as much about trying, testing and finding out what doesn’t work, as it is about confirming your ideas were right. [James Dyson](https://www.forbes.com/sites/margiewarrell/2020/01/30/its-not-failure-that-sets-you-back-its-failing-to-risk-more-of-it/#:~:text=Less%20known%20is%20that%2C%20while,his%20failed%20experiments%20as%20failures.) had 5,126 failed patents while developing his now famous motor and vacuum cleaner business, not to mention the[ digital cash projects that failed before bitcoin](https://store.bitcoinmagazine.com/products/the-genesis-book). Bitcoin development can take a similar approach, with the protocol not only representing the quality of the BIPs that have been implemented, but also reflecting the learning that results from all the unsuccessful BIPs, that were ultimately rejected. [BIP 300](https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/BIP_0300) may never get implemented, but if its limitations provide inspiration for alternative solutions, the BIP can be viewed has valuable even if Sidechains are never brought to the base layer.  Contributions to bitcoin developers could then be distributed more widely than only those working on core, reviewing BIPs and building protocols, but also to the wider community, to those learning about the system, integrating their own knowledge and proposing new BIPs. Only through such a process can novel ideas find their way into the system that will test and challenge developers to build their capabilities and competences ready for [black swan](https://www.britannica.com/topic/black-swan-event) scenarios or new consensus algorithms that can withstand a quantum attack. If developers are not supported in working on projects that will almost certainly fail in the short term, they may miss the stepping-stones to the next project, choosing to only focus upon variation reducing changes. While reducing the short-term risk of introducing unintended consequences to the bitcoin protocol, there may be longer-term consequences that bitcoin will lose the capacity to “take in a new idea”, ossify, and become exposed.  I don’t want any changes to the hard cap (ever), I don’t want any changes to the consensus algorithm (now), I don’t want to have to increase the storage capacity of my node (in the medium term). However, the idea of watching from the side lines as code auditors and quality assurance experts fumble to write new code to fix a mission critical bug would be much worse, as humanity’s best hope of escaping fiat enslavement becomes a valueless *pet rock*. Contributing to the developer ecosystem to build, test and prepare solutions to scenarios before they are needed feels like a good use of resources. Celebrating the work of these, often unsung heroes of bitcoin, may then provide motivation for new entrants, offsetting the carrot of getting *their*code implemented. This reflects some recent discussions across ‘X’, Nostr and popular [podcasts](https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/bitcoin-is-forever-money) that are worth having with major holders and influencers in the field: <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/b850f3066e003806574adeb3b6daa7254592a23f88cebb5f08842c529d544fe1.png"> The long-term consistency of bitcoin as an asset is fundamental for it to maintain relevance as a store of value, but both limiting investment and signalling to others of the need to ossify the protocol misses an important mid to long-term risk. Organisations, such as [Opensats](https://opensats.org/), play an important role in channelling donations across the eco-system, to help ensure that exploratory forms of learning and capability development receive the support they deserve. Gold’s low stock to flow and physical properties made it THE store of value before the invention of the telegraph. However, physics and chemistry then meant gold had already ossified, its physical nature prevented it from adapting to a global world, and ultimately becoming a less relevant (soon to be irrelevant) store of value. Bitcoin doesn’t have these limitations, it can change to reflect the dynamic world in which it exists, so it and the skills of the developer community cannot ossify if it is to remain relevant and valuable in an ever changing, developing and learning world. This led me to an analogy for balancing ossification against bitcoin development. If one is against changes being made to bitcoin unless they address extreme and mission critical issues, but also say that contributing to developers introduces unnecessary risks, appears a touch contradictory. For instance, if you know that someday, there will be a 40 yard dash, but, as a community, you neither know who will run the race (the proposed solution) or who they will be running against (the attack), with failure to win the race being catastrophic (the end of bitcoin), a choice needs to be made in terms of how to approach this risk. Would the sensible option be to say *we’ll just know who’s best on the day* or *let’s get in shape, start practicing and support our best athletes (coders) shine for when/if that day arrives*? From this position, while making and implementing the change can be viewed as a short sprint, the preparation for the sprint may need to be viewed as anything but. And so to return back to where we started, [Old Porteous’s](https://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks02/0200031h.html) views reflected a by-gone age, knowledgeable and intelligent, able to regurgitate monologues that had been presented to his students countless times over the years, in an authoritative *Oxfordy way*. However, without taking in new knowledge, that reflected technical and societal developments, *the last two thousand years – just oughtn’t to have happened*. This appears very similar to Kodak’s [*Advanced Photo System*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Photo_System), that while adding features, was outdated even before it was released in 1996. Bitcoin doesn’t have to change to remain relevant and have value, but that doesn’t mean those in the system should not be striving to gain the necessary capabilities to make changes when the need arises. Thank you to the various podcasters and articles that have helped me form my ideas, in particular [Shinobi](https://bitcoinmagazine.com/culture/why-bitcoins-ossification-will-be-necessary) for his work on ossification and highlighting the need to [give our braincells something to](https://bitcoinmagazine.com/culture/dogma-kills-brain-cells) do, just because we are dogmatic about certain aspects of bitcoin, our laser eyed focus doesn’t have to trap us in a by-gone age.  As per usual, views are my own, I'm not a financial advisor, none of this should be taken as financial advice..... Peace.

@ c230edd3:8ad4a712

When beechen buds begin to swell, And woods the blue-bird’s warble know, The yellow violet’s modest bell Peeps from the last year’s leaves below. Ere russet fields their green resume, Sweet flower, I love, in forest bare, To meet thee, when thy faint perfume Alone is in the virgin air. Of all her train, the hands of Spring First plant thee in the watery mould, And I have seen thee blossoming Beside the snow-bank’s edges cold. Thy parent sun, who bade thee view Pale skies, and chilling moisture sip, Has bathed thee in his own bright hue, And streaked with jet thy glowing lip. Yet slight thy form, and low thy seat, And earthward bent thy gentle eye, Unapt the passing view to meet When loftier flowers are flaunting nigh. Oft, in the sunless April day, Thy early smile has stayed my walk; But midst the gorgeous blooms of May, I passed thee on thy humble stalk. So they, who climb to wealth, forget The friends in darker fortunes tried. I copied them—but I regret That I should ape the ways of pride. And when again the genial hour Awakes the painted tribes of light, I’ll not o’erlook the modest flower That made the woods of April bright.

@ c230edd3:8ad4a712

To him who in the love of Nature holds Communion with her visible forms, she speaks A various language; for his gayer hours She has a voice of gladness, and a smile And eloquence of beauty, and she glides Into his darker musings, with a mild And healing sympathy, that steals away Their sharpness, ere he is aware. When thoughts Of the last bitter hour come like a blight Over thy spirit, and sad images Of the stern agony, and shroud, and pall, And breathless darkness, and the narrow house, Make thee to shudder, and grow sick at heart;— Go forth, under the open sky, and list To Nature’s teachings, while from all around— Earth and her waters, and the depths of air— Comes a still voice— Yet a few days, and thee The all-beholding sun shall see no more In all his course; nor yet in the cold ground, Where thy pale form was laid, with many tears, Nor in the embrace of ocean, shall exist Thy image. Earth, that nourished thee, shall claim Thy growth, to be resolved to earth again, And, lost each human trace, surrendering up Thine individual being, shalt thou go To mix for ever with the elements, To be a brother to the insensible rock And to the sluggish clod, which the rude swain Turns with his share, and treads upon. The oak Shall send his roots abroad, and pierce thy mould. Yet not to thine eternal resting-place Shalt thou retire alone, nor couldst thou wish Couch more magnificent. Thou shalt lie down With patriarchs of the infant world—with kings, The powerful of the earth—the wise, the good, Fair forms, and hoary seers of ages past, All in one mighty sepulchre. The hills Rock-ribbed and ancient as the sun,—the vales Stretching in pensive quietness between; The venerable woods—rivers that move In majesty, and the complaining brooks That make the meadows green; and, poured round all, Old Ocean’s gray and melancholy waste,— Are but the solemn decorations all Of the great tomb of man. The golden sun, The planets, all the infinite host of heaven, Are shining on the sad abodes of death, Through the still lapse of ages. All that tread The globe are but a handful to the tribes That slumber in its bosom.—Take the wings Of morning, pierce the Barcan wilderness, Or lose thyself in the continuous woods Where rolls the Oregon, and hears no sound, Save his own dashings—yet the dead are there: And millions in those solitudes, since first The flight of years began, have laid them down In their last sleep—the dead reign there alone. So shalt thou rest, and what if thou withdraw In silence from the living, and no friend Take note of thy departure? All that breathe Will share thy destiny. The gay will laugh When thou art gone, the solemn brood of care Plod on, and each one as before will chase His favorite phantom; yet all these shall leave Their mirth and their employments, and shall come And make their bed with thee. As the long train Of ages glide away, the sons of men, The youth in life’s green spring, and he who goes In the full strength of years, matron and maid, The speechless babe, and the gray-headed man— Shall one by one be gathered to thy side, By those, who in their turn shall follow them. So live, that when thy summons comes to join The innumerable caravan, which moves To that mysterious realm, where each shall take His chamber in the silent halls of death, Thou go not, like the quarry-slave at night, Scourged to his dungeon, but, sustained and soothed By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave, Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.

@ da18e986:3a0d9851

Since DVMs were introduced to Nostr in July 2023, we've witnessed remarkable growth - over 2.5 million DVM events (Kinds 5000-7000) and counting. Last fall, when Primal added custom feeds (Kind 5300 DVMs), we saw a 10x surge in DVM activity. To handle this growth, I've spent the last few months completely rewriting DVMDash. The first version of DVMDash, still live at [https://dvmdash.live](https://dvmdash.live), unfortunately uses full database table scans to compute the metrics. The code was simpler, but the computation ran on the database. This meant the only way to scale the system was to upgrade the database. Using managed databases (like AWS, Azure, Digital Ocean) beyond the lower tiers gets expensive quickly. The other problem with the first version: it computes metrics globally (well... as global as you can get; there's no true global with Nostr). Global or all-time metrics aren't sustainable with a system that plans to analyze billions of events in the future (a long term goal for DVMDash). Especially metrics like the number of unique DVMs, Kinds, and Users. I spent more time than I care to admit on possible designs, and have settled on these design principles for now: 1. Precise accurate metrics will only be computed for the last 30 days of DVM activity. 2. At the turn of a new month, we will compute a snapshot of the last month's activity, and a snapshot per DVM and per Kind, and store them in a historical table. This way we can see what any given month in the past looked like from a bird's eye view with metrics like number of job requests, job results, a count of unique DVMs, kinds and users, which DVMs ran jobs on which kinds, etc. The monthly data will all be aggregate. The goal of the new redesign is to support processing millions of DVM events an hour. Therefore we need to ensure we can horizontally scale the processing as the traffic increases. Horizontal scaling was the primary goal of this new redesign, and early results indicate it's working. The new architecture for DVMDash uses a redis queue to hold events collected from relays. Then batches of events are pulled off of the queue by dvm event analyzers to compute metrics. Duplicating these analyzers is one way DVMDash can horizontally scale. To see if increasing the number of dvm event analyzers improves speed, I ran a performance test on Digital Ocean using real DVM events collected from Jan. 1st 2024 to Jan 9th 2025, which includes more than 2.4 million events. The only difference between each run is the number of DVM event analyzers ranging from 1 to 6.  The first graph shows that adding more event analyzers has a significant speed improvement. With only one analyzer it took nearly an hour to process the 2.4 million events. With every added analyzer, there was a noticeable speedup, as can be seen in the graph. With n=6 analyzers, we were able to process all 2.4 million events in about 10 minutes. When we look at the rate of processing shown in the second graph, we can see that we get up to 300k dvm events processed per minute when n=6, compared to just ~50k events processed when n=1.  While I did test beyond 6 analyzers, I found the sweet spot for the current infrastructure setup to be around 6 analyzers. This provides plenty of headroom above our current processing needs, which typically see less than a million events per month. Even at a million DVM events per day, DVMDash should be able to handle it with n=2 analyzers running. The most important takeaway is that DVMDash can now horizontally scale by adding more analyzers as DVM activity grows in the future. The code to run these performance tests, either locally or on Digital Ocean (you'd need an API key), is in the dvmdash repo, so anyone can replicate these tests. There's a lot of nuance to scaling that I'm leaving out of this short article, and you can't get away from having to adjust database capacity (especially number of connections). The code for this test can be found in `experiments/test_batch_processing_scaling.py` and the code to produce the graphs is in `experiments/graph_batch_processing_scaling_data.py`. For now this is still in the `full-redesign` branch, soon it will be merged into `main`. The live version of dvmdash doesn't have these performance updates yet, a complete redesign is coming soon, including a new UI. I've had my head down working on this rewrite, and couldn't move on to add new features until this was done. Thank you to the folks who made github issues, I'll be getting to those soon. DVMDash is open source, please drop by and give us a feature request, bug report, pull request or star. Thanks to OpenSats for funding this work. Github: [https://github.com/dtdannen/dvmdash](https://github.com/dtdannen/dvmdash) Shoutout to nostr:npub12xeqxplp5ut4h92s3vxthrdv30j0czxz9a8tef8cfg2cs59r85gqnzrk5w for helping me think through database design choices.

@ e034d654:ca919814

I stumbled into nostr end of March 2023. At that point already fully thrown into the hows, whys and whats of Bitcoin, never really interested in social apps, just recently playing around with Lightning, the only experience of which at the time was Muun (😬) and stacker.news custodial wallet. Fairly inexperienced with technicals other than rough understandings of concepts. A crappy laptop node with a dangling SSD via USB, constantly having to resync to current blockheights whenever I was ready to make an on chain transaction to cold storage. My great success after over two years of delay, and a couple failed attempts. Something about the breadth of information for nitty gritty specifics, the clash with all the things that I found interesting about Bitcoin, with others equally as focused, kept me interested in Nostr. Plus the lighthearted shit posting to break up plumbing the depths of knowledge appealed to me. Cut to now. Through the jurisdictional removals and even deaths of LN wallet projects, using mobile LSPs, finding use cases with the numerous cashu implementations, moderate comfortability with NWC strings of various permissions, budgets for seemingly endless apps of Nostr clients, swapping relays, isolated wallets with Alby go for my wife and cousin (I told them both not to put much on there as I'm sure failure is imminent) Alby Hub and Zeus, now fully backended by my own persistently online lightning node. All of it adding to the fluidity of my movement around the protocol. Nimble. Gradual progress. Reading through notes and guides posted on Nostr learning little bits, circling back eventually, if even at a time it wasn't clicking for me. Either way. Glad i've stuck to it even if I still barely know what it is I'm doing.

@ f33c8a96:5ec6f741

<div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:56.25%;height:0;overflow:hidden;max-width:100%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V-7u7bJccSM?enablejsapi=1" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;border:0;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

This isn't a fully crystalized post, but I want to see what people think about egregiously bad officiating in an era of widespread sports betting. It seems so obvious that Chiefs games, for instance, are rigged. I don't think that's specifically done for gambling reasons. My gut says it has more to do with marketing and league revenue. Might the sportsbooks be a check on this corruption of the sport, since honest matches (or at least the perception of such) are in their interest? People don't like betting on rigged events, after all. In other cases, though, atrocious calls can no longer live in a vacuum. We, as spectators, are now always wondering if officials are putting their thumbs on the scales for their own enrichment. If people keep watching and buying up all the merch, though, is there any incentive for the league to address it? If the leagues were to attempt to address it, what's the best way to impose accountability? originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/860390

@ 93eeb56c:9469e39a

## 💀 Introducing No Good Kid --- <br> After 15 years of working as a graphic designer, marketer, and brand therapist, I recently started to feel the urgency to start a project of my own. I feel out of tune with the state of mainstream marketing today—sterile aesthetics, overstated presentations, and endless battle for attention on centralized social media. So, I’m introducing No Good Kid. And as you can guess from the title, No Good Kid targets both creators and audiences who don’t exactly fit the status quo. No Good Kid is the creative’s alter ego. It’s an identity that can be shared and serves as a label under which we can collaborate to create cool projects. <br><br> ## 🪩 What is it? --- <br> I think of it as an identity—the creative’s alter ego, if you will—that can be shared among creators and serve as a label under which we can collaborate and create. And the result can be anything, from a marketing campaign to original music production. There are no borders. If the party is right, anything can happen. In the spirit of gamma personalities, there will be no agency, leader, or hierarchy. My hope is that the projects will reflect values such as freedom and solidarity. But it’s entirely up to the creators. Feel free to use the No Good Kid identity, share your project, or reach out if I can help. <br><br> ## 🔥 Projects released so far --- <br> <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/9eba693703b32501b8923dd7681cc741a611f4a37d62c8daf119604e358e1ccc.jpg"> ### whistleblower10 In 2024, I crafted a campaign for Amnesty International CZ which led to Amnesty accepting Bitcoin donations for a limited time. [whistleblower10 website→](https://whistleblower10.xyz/)\ [project design→](https://dribbble.com/shots/25151791-whistleblower10-Amnesty-International-CZ)<br> <br><br> <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/aa5a200a87d8558a0b3bc05d67886e76674de6b54c3e54a3d98fe12f203443a5.jpg"> ### The Nocoiner Syndrome By the end of last year, The Nocoiner Syndrome was published by Institute of Cryptoanarchy—a research paper written by Peter Horváth that rebutted the ECB’s statement about Bitcoin being on “the road to irrelevance.” [Institute of Cryptoanarchy website→](https://cryptoanarchy.institute/)\ [project design→](https://dribbble.com/shots/25151801-The-Nocoiner-Syndrome-Institute-of-Cryptoanarchy) <br><br> ## ☮️ Vision --- <br> There is no need to place a label on this project. I want No Good Kid to be a tool to connect beliefs and hopes with skills in the name of freedom. Let me know what you think of the idea, or if you have a project in mind. Be well, and stay no good. dworis 💀 <br><br> #### 🥁 Follow No Good Kid: https://nogoodkid.com/ npub1j0ht2m9jgs6mccyvkffd2dlnfusmqfx9mjlwg6fsmfwxm9rfuwdq40w6rf npub1uwglfjet0m2regqhmgeygc2tc75ngezl8fhftgzhaqas9rjeny8sdztml4 <br><br> --- --- ## 🔥 Thanks for reading Enjoyed this article? **⚡️ Zap some sats**<br> literalpersian75(at)walletofsatoshi.com **💀 No Good Kid projects & portfolio**<br> <https://nogoodkid.com/> **👥 Let’s connect on Nostr**<br> npub1j0ht2m9jgs6mccyvkffd2dlnfusmqfx9mjlwg6fsmfwxm9rfuwdq40w6rf

@ 000002de:c05780a7

Anyone else noticing their LN address not working with Minibits? originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/860143

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

I just completed my 5th steps challenge on Workit (only available on iOS, sorry). This challenge was 10k steps every day for two weeks. Of course, these were the coldest two weeks of the year, so many of those steps were indoors. The buy-in/stake was 25k sats and the payout was 28,608, which was a little less than I expected. I don't think the winners of the bonus rewards have been announced yet, so there may still be another 40k coming my way (but, probably not). So far, I've netted over 50k on these challenges. What a great way to stay healthy, while stacking sats. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/860122

@ a853296a:209e695f

🎙️ Howdy cowboys, stackers and podcast enthusiasts! 🤠 Last week we released [**Pull That Up Jamie**](https://pullthatupjamie.ai/?searchMode=podcast-search). 🚀 Today we're thrilled to announce an upgrade to **The Fastest Podcast Search in the West** 🤠 with significant UX improvements! Check out the full details in the [(announcement post)](https://stacker.news/items/852635). 📰 --- ### **🔥 Fast Jamie Rundown**: - 🛠️ **18 high-signal Bitcoin and lifestyle podcasts** for lightning-fast insights ⚡ - 🔗 **Share podcast clips** with exact timestamps and a dedicated landing page - 📱 **Listen and explore** from mobile or desktop browser — smooth and seamless! - 🚀 **Enhanced hybrid keyword and embeddings search** for lightning-fast performance & spot-on results --- ### **🏆 Highlights**  🎧 _Learning about **P2P rights legal work** on Samourai and Tornado Cash with Zach Shapiro on Citadel Dispatch @ODELL [(deeplink)](https://pullthatupjamie.ai/share?clip=df8da274-7920-4b6b-b1fc-a715076e89a8_p40)_  🎧 _@nicktee highlighted this **Bitcoin Optech** gem on BOLT12 blinded paths [(clip deeplink)](https://pullthatupjamie.ai/share?clip=d061904c-4317-4a58-9da9-76c2faa39e08_p142)_  🎧 _@futurepaul's chat with @TheGuySwann on Mutiny's pivot to **Open Secret** [(clip deeplink)](https://pullthatupjamie.ai/share?clip=https___permalink_castos_com_podcast_59707_episode_1931494_p119)_ --- ### **🚀 Future Development**: - 🎙️ **Expanding podcast feeds**: From sports and health to AI and theology! - 🌐 **Integrating with Jamie Web Search** for a unified search experience - 🤖 **More automation** for seamless use - 🚨 **More [REDACTED]**... stay tuned for epic updates! 😉 --- 🤠 Giddy-up, and happy listening, y’all! Let us know your thoughts in the comments! 🗣️ originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/860053

@ b17fccdf:b7211155

### **What's changed** ----------- - [New bonus guide dedicated to install/upgrade/uninstall PostgreSQL](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/postgresql) - [Modified the LND guide to use PostgreSQL instead of bbolt](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/lightning/lightning/lightning-client) - [Modified the Nostr relay guide to use PostgreSQL instead of SQLite (experimental)](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/nostr/nostr-relay) - [Modified the BTCPay Server bonus guide according to these changes](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/bitcoin/btcpay-server) - Used the [lndinit MiniBolt organization fork](https://github.com/minibolt-guide/lndinit), to add an [extra section to migrate an existing LND bbolt database to PostgreSQL](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/lightning/lightning/lightning-client#migrate-an-existing-bbolt-database-to-postgresql) (🚨⚠️[Experimental](https://github.com/lightninglabs/lndinit/pull/21) - use it behind your responsibility⚠️🚨) - [New Golang bonus guide](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/go) as a common language for the [lndinit compilation](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/lightning/lightning/lightning-client#install-lndinit) - [Updated LND to v0.18](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/lightning/lightning/lightning-client#download-binaries) - [New Bitcoin Core extra section to renovate Tor & I2P addresses](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bitcoin/bitcoin/bitcoin-client#renovate-your-bitcoin-core-tor-and-i2p-addresses) - [New Bitcoin Core extra section to generate a full `bitcoin.conf` file](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bitcoin/bitcoin/bitcoin-client#generate-a-full-bitcoin.conf-example-file) - [Rebuilt some homepage sections and general structure](https://minibolt.minibolt.info//) - Deleted the `$` symbol of the commands to easy copy-paste to the terminal - [Deleted the initial incoming and the outgoing rules configuration of UFW, due to it being by default](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/system/system/security) --- 🪧 PD: If you want to use the old database backend of the LND or Nostr relay, follow the next extra sections: - [Use the default bbolt database backend for the LND](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/lightning/lightning/lightning-client#use-the-default-bbolt-database-backend) - [Use the default SQLite database backend for the Nostr relay](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/bitcoin/nostr-relay#use-the-default-sqlite-database-backend) ⚠️**Attention**⚠️: [The migration process](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/lightning/lightning/lightning-client#migrate-an-existing-bbolt-database-to-postgresql) was tested on testnet mode from an existing bbolt database backend to a new PostgreSQL database using lndinit and the results were successful. However, It wasn't tested on mainnet, [according to the developer](https://github.com/lightninglabs/lndinit/pull/21), it is in experimental status which could damage your existing LND database.🚨 Use it behind your responsibility 🧼 --- **🔧 PR related**: https://github.com/minibolt-guide/minibolt/pull/93 ----------- #### ♻️ Migrate the PostgreSQL database location > **Attention!!** These instructions are invalid since the latest changes applied to the [PostgreSQL bonus guide](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/postgresql). See more information on the recent associated post by clicking ~ > [HERE](https://habla.news/u/twofaktor@twofaktor.github.io/1735902560910) < ~ If you installed [NBXplorer + BTCPay Server](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/bitcoin/btcpay-server) **before 05/06/2024**, it is probably you have the database of the PostgreSQL cluster on the default path (`/var/lib/postgresql/16/main/`), follow the next instructions to migrate it to the new dedicated location on `/data/postgresdb` folder: * With user `admin` create the dedicated PostgreSQL data folder ``` sudo mkdir /data/postgresdb ``` * Assign as the owner to the `postgres` user ``` sudo chown postgres:postgres /data/postgresdb ``` * Assign permissions of the data folder only to the `postgres` user ``` sudo chmod -R 700 /data/postgresdb ``` * Stop NBXplorer and BTCPay Server ``` sudo systemctl stop nbxplorer && sudo systemctl stop btcpayserver ``` * Stop PostgreSQL ``` sudo systemctl stop postgresql ``` * Use the rsync command to copy all files from the existing database on (`/var/lib/postgresql/16/main`) to the new destination directory (`/data/postgresdb`) ``` sudo rsync -av /var/lib/postgresql/16/main/ /data/postgresdb/ ``` Expected output: ``` sending incremental file list ./ PG_VERSION postgresql.auto.conf postmaster.opts postmaster.pid base/ base/1/ base/1/112 base/1/113 base/1/1247 base/1/1247_fsm base/1/1247_vm base/1/1249 base/1/1249_fsm base/1/1249_vm [...] pg_wal/000000010000000000000009 pg_wal/archive_status/ pg_xact/ pg_xact/0000 sent 164,483,875 bytes received 42,341 bytes 36,561,381.33 bytes/sec total size is 164,311,368 speedup is 1.00 ``` * Edit the PostgreSQL data directory on configuration, to redirect the store to the new location ``` sudo nano /etc/postgresql/16/main/postgresql.conf --linenumbers ``` * Replace the line 42 to this. Save and exit ``` data_directory = '/data/postgresdb' ``` * Start PostgreSQL to apply changes and monitor the correct status of the main instance and sub-instance monitoring sessions before ``` sudo systemctl start postgresql ``` * You can monitor the PostgreSQL main instance by the systemd journal and check the log output to ensure all is correct. You can exit the monitoring at any time with Ctrl-C ``` journalctl -fu postgresql ``` Example of the expected output: ``` Nov 08 11:51:10 minibolt systemd[1]: Stopped PostgreSQL RDBMS. Nov 08 11:51:10 minibolt systemd[1]: Stopping PostgreSQL RDBMS... Nov 08 11:51:13 minibolt systemd[1]: Starting PostgreSQL RDBMS... Nov 08 11:51:13 minibolt systemd[1]: Finished PostgreSQL RDBMS. ``` * You can monitor the PostgreSQL sub-instance by the systemd journal and check log output to ensure all is correct. You can exit monitoring at any time with Ctrl-C ``` journalctl -fu postgresql@16-main ``` Example of the expected output: ``` Nov 08 11:51:10 minibolt systemd[1]: Stopping PostgreSQL Cluster 16-main... Nov 08 11:51:11 minibolt systemd[1]: postgresql@16-main.service: Succeeded. Nov 08 11:51:11 minibolt systemd[1]: Stopped PostgreSQL Cluster 16-main. Nov 08 11:51:11 minibolt systemd[1]: postgresql@16-main.service: Consumed 1h 10min 8.677s CPU time. Nov 08 11:51:11 minibolt systemd[1]: Starting PostgreSQL Cluster 16-main... Nov 08 11:51:13 minibolt systemd[1]: Started PostgreSQL Cluster 16-main. ``` * Start NBXplorer and BTCPay Server again ``` sudo systemctl start nbxplorer && sudo systemctl start btcpayserver ``` * Monitor to make sure everything is as you left it. You can exit monitoring at any time by pressing Ctrl+C ``` journalctl -fu nbxplorer ``` --- ``` journalctl -fu btcpayserver ``` --- Enjoy it MiniBolter! 💙

@ 3efdaebb:3e0d2681

Hey Nostr! It’s App Store release day for Damus. Thanks again to our loyal Purple subscribers for helping us continue to improve the UX and pointing out important changes and fixes. Highlights of Version 1.12: ### Added - Render Gif and video files while composing posts (Swift Coder) - Add profile info text in stretchable banner with follow button (Swift Coder) - Paste Gif image similar to jpeg and png files (Swift Coder) ### Changed - Improved UX around the label for searching words (Daniel D’Aquino) - Improved accessibility support on some elements (Daniel D’Aquino) ### Fixed - Fixed issue where the "next" button would appear hidden and hard to click on the create account view (Daniel D’Aquino) - Fix non scrollable wallet screen (Swift Coder) - Fixed suggested users category titles to be localizable (Terry Yiu) - Fixed GradientFollowButton to have consistent width and autoscale text limited to 1 line (Terry Yiu) - Fixed right-to-left localization issues (Terry Yiu) - Fixed AddMuteItemView to trim leading and trailing whitespaces from mute text and disallow adding text with only whitespaces (Terry Yiu) - Fixed SideMenuView text to autoscale and limit to 1 line (Terry Yiu) - Fixed an issue where a profile would need to be input twice in the search to be found (Daniel D’Aquino) - Fixed non-breaking spaces in localized strings (Terry Yiu) - Fixed localization issue on Add mute item button (Terry Yiu) - Replace non-breaking spaces with regular spaces as Apple's NSLocalizedString macro does not seem to work with it (Terry Yiu) - Fixed localization issues in RelayConfigView (Terry Yiu) - Fix duplicate uploads (Swift Coder) - Remove duplicate pubkey from Follow Suggestion list (Swift Coder) - Fix Page control indicator (Swift Coder) - Fix damus sharing issues (Swift Coder) - Fixed issue where banner edit button is unclickable (Daniel D’Aquino) - Handle empty notification pages by displaying suitable text (Swift Coder)

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

 originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/859339

@ 000002de:c05780a7

> The Bellamy salute is a palm-out salute created by James B. Upham as the gesture that was to accompany the Pledge of Allegiance of the United States of America, whose text had been written by Francis Bellamy. It was also known as the "flag salute" during the period when it was used with the Pledge of Allegiance. Bellamy promoted the salute and it came to be associated with his name. Both the Pledge and its salute originated in 1892. It was also known as the "flag salute" during the period when it was used with the Pledge of Allegiance. Bellamy promoted the salute and it came to be associated with his name. Both the Pledge and its salute originated in 1892. Later, during the 1920s and 1930s, Italian fascists and Nazi Germans adopted a salute which was very similar, attributed to the Roman salute, a gesture that was popularly believed to have been used in ancient Rome.[1] This resulted in controversy over the use of the Bellamy salute in the United States. It was officially replaced by the hand-over-heart salute when Congress amended the Flag Code on December 22, 1942. ~ [Bellamy salute - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bellamy_salute) originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/859191

@ 3c7dc2c5:805642a8

## 🧠Quote(s) of the week: 'For the love of God, Bitcoin is not a 'scam', and it is not 'going away'. Do yourself some good by honestly and thoroughly researching it, away from mainstream media nonsense. You can thank me and thousands of others on here later.' 'Do you actually understand what it means when the whole world tries to squeeze into a fixed supply digital asset that never gets diluted, is audited every 10 minutes, and trades 24/7 as the most liquid asset on earth? If you do, you’re holding on for dear life.' -Bitcoin For Freedom ## 🧡Bitcoin news🧡 After a short break from the recap, I am back. I got a new place and I had to focus on that project. Now before I start with this week's Weekly Recap I want to remind all the political larpers (Trump voters etc) of one thing: THE PROMISE 1. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve 2. Free Ross day one THE REALITY 1. 47M Wrapped BTC 2. Maybe free Ross later 3. 4.7M tron 4. 47M Ethereum 5. 4.7 M litecoin 6. Pardoned J6 participants Oh, and he launched the biggest meme/shitcoin, and rug pulled the shit out of it. On the 12th of January: ➡️Eighth consecutive positive adjustment on the horizon. We saw nine in 2021 and 17 in 2018. This is insane. ➡️A Santander Bank report highlights El Salvador’s booming tourism industry, fueled by Bitcoin adoption. The country announced 3.9M tourists in 2024—a 22% YoY increase and nearly double the levels seen between 2013-2016. ➡️Bitcoin mining difficulty increased by 0.6101% today. The network has programmatically adjusted to a new difficulty level of 110,451,907,374,649 hashes, ensuring the target block time remains stable as global computing power on the network fluctuates. ➡️We now have 7 states, and counting, pushing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Bill: - New Hampshire - Alabama - Florida - Pennsylvania - Texas - Ohio - North Dakota On the 13th of January: ➡️Italy's largest bank Intesa Sanpaolo has started buying Bitcoin, according to leaked internal emails which celebrate the "first transaction" of €1m for 11 Bitcoin. ➡️The number of Bitcoin addresses holding over 100 BTC has surged by 8.6% since Trump’s election in November. ➡️Ming Shing Group from Hong Kong just acquired 500 Bitcoin for $47M. ➡️Semler Scientific has acquired 237 BTC for ~$23.3 million at ~$98,267 per Bitcoin and has generated a BTC Yield of 99.3% since adopting our BTC treasury strategy in May 2024. As of 1/10/2025, we held 2,321  Bitcoin acquired for ~$191.9 million at ~$82,687 per Bitcoin. ➡️$11.5 trillion BlackRock says that Bitcoin adoption is outpacing the internet and mobile phones. On the 14th of January: ➡️The Bitcoin network has 610,929x more hashing computational power than the combined total of the world’s top 500 supercomputers. On the 16th of January: ➡️'Someone just moved 11,000 Bitcoin worth $1.1 BILLION around the world for ONLY $1.50 The world's most efficient monetary network.' - Pete Rizzo ➡️XRP is down 80% from its bitcoin all-time high in 2017. Just don't do shitcoins, it's that simple. On the 17th of January: ➡️'They did it again! Bindseil and Schaaf published the article, 'Arguments Against a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve'. It is a wild ride, reaching peak FUD. Maybe even so wild that they had to publish it in a newspaper and not as an ECB blog post. This is ultra bullish' - Dr. Jan Wüstenfeld ➡️Metaplanet's market cap closes above $1 billion for the first time since adopting a Bitcoin Standard. ➡️Jeroen Blokland: ‘Nearly one-fifth of all U.S. states are formally weighing whether to have public funds invest in Bitcoin.’ I am afraid and convinced at the same time that soon, the EU will be the only region still aiming to introduce a central bank digital currency. As a result, it will trigger more polarization, and Europe will lose the Bitcoin battle, just as it hopelessly lost the technology and AI battle. ➡️'ETH was supposed to become deflationary after the "merge" But now the supply is almost back to where it was BEFORE the merge If you're still falling for this shit, you deserve to get scammed.' -Rajat Soni To make it even worse: 'The ETHBTC ratio is now lower than the day when Coinbase listed it in 2016. You would have been buying ETH at ~$13, but funny enough if you would have just bought and held Bitcoin, you would have actually outperformed it.' -Pledditor. ➡️ First union in Idaho bought Bitcoin. ➡️ California state officials embraced Bitcoin. ➡️Wyoming filed for Strategic Bitcoin Reserve bill. ➡️Massachusetts filed for Strategic Bitcoin Reserve bill. Up to 10% of the $9 Billion Commonwealth Stabilization Fund can be invested in Bitcoin On the 18th of January: ➡️ Swiss Bitcoin advocates are pushing for the Swiss National Bank to add Bitcoin to the national reserves - Bloomberg They need 100,000 signatures to put it to a national vote. ➡️3.47M Bitcoin addresses hold more than 0.1 BTC. If you own one of them you’re set for life. ➡️Donald Trump dropped a meme coin instead of stacking Bitcoin for a Strategic Reserve. If the president of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA can launch and promote a memecoin, then essentially it's OK (and not shamed) for anyone/anywhere to do so.  The grift to come is going to be unreal, even by CrApTo standards. A memecoin/shitcoin is a zero-sum* lottery. There is no wealth creation. Every buy order is simply matched by a sell order. After an initial spike, the price eventually crashes and the last buyers lose everything. That's the only thing I am going to share on the subject. [](https://i.ibb.co/jRctP3r/Ghpx9-BNWUAA2-Nxg.jpg) ➡️Arizona Strategic Bitcoin Reserve bill introduced The State can invest up to 10% from: 1) State general fund - $28B 2) State retirement funds - $50B ➡️ Bitwise bought +$200 MILLION Bitcoin for its ETF today. The biggest single-day inflow since launching last year. On the 19th of January: ➡️ Bitcoin Network System Explained in a Chart: [](https://i.ibb.co/RBrC5tw/Ghn8-Bv-BW8-AAi-Xu-X.jpg) On the 20th of January: ➡️Bitcoin mining difficulty hits a NEW ALL-TIME HIGH. ➡️YouTube rival Rumble started buying Bitcoin for its balance sheet on Friday - CEO ➡️Bitcoin went up 20x in Trump's first term as President. 10x this time? ## 💸Traditional Finance / Macro: 👉🏽no news ## 🏦Banks:  👉🏽Global central banks now hold more Gold than at any point in the past 45 years. Something is brewing. ## 🌎Macro/Geopolitics: On the 12th of January: 👉🏽Treasuries are entering their 6th year of the third great bond bear market of the last 240 years! On the 16th of January: 👉🏽EU Commission allows Thierry Breton to take up a new job at Bank of America despite a rule that requires a two-year waiting period before starting lobbying jobs. There are no rules for these corrupt EU (you fill in the blank). The rules apply only to citizens, not to the Brussels elite, and certainly not if you belong to the French political elite. In December I shared some news on the EU crusade against X. Let me explain this to you in simple terms. Breton, a man preaching about the ‘rule of law’ and X, while breaching the rules he signed up to himself: ‘Code of Conduct EU Commissioners’. Now read that again. Bitcoin only. Defund politicians. 👉🏽'The Congressional Budget Office just lowered the US population forecast by 11 million, to 372 million in 2054. This implies 6.3% growth over the next 30 years instead of the 10.5% previously expected. The agency also expects deaths to exceed births starting in 2033, 7 years earlier than in the 2024 estimates. Lower fertility rates and lower net immigration expectations were behind the outlook changes. Are we heading into a demographic crisis?' - TKL On the 17th of January: 👉🏽 Germany had 17 nuclear power plants. It shut them all down. Germany spent $1 Trillion for its energy revamp with the following results: - It is now totally dependent on Russian gas, French nuclear power electricity, and coal (the most polluting fossil fuel) - Its citizens pay the highest electricity price in Europe - It causes several times more CO2 per kWh than France Go woke, go broke. $1T for ruining both its economy and environment. Wunderbar! Just some data: In 2025, Europe is buying Russian gas at an unprecedented pace and spending billions of dollars on it, reports Politico. In the first 15 days of the year, the EU countries imported 837.3 thousand tons of Russian liquified natural gas (LNG). Just to show you how fucked up things are in the EU. EU companies are backstabbed by their own policymakers. 'Europe's carmakers risk hefty bill for carbon credit from Chinese rivals.' source: https://www.ft.com/content/677190d1-7d34-4506-a037-418baab67237 I read the article. It’mind-blowingng. It's like shooting a two-barrelled shotgun in your own nuts. On this point, EU regulators are destroying an entire part of the economy (Car manufacturing + subcontractors) and are giving the keys to Chinese companies. Go woke, go broke. China is making new coal plants at a rate that cancels German / EU efforts 10X or maybe 100x over. Now from an economic perspective: 'European equities are more or less where they were at the beginning of the century. Overregulation and bureaucracy throttling innovation, and belief in left redistribution nonsense instead of hard work and entrepreneurship have their price.' -Michael A. Arouet [](https://i.ibb.co/DWCV5pV/Ght-HId-Wc-AINW2x.jpg) 👉🏽Treasuries have experienced their worst rolling 10-year return in 90 YEARS, now at -0.5%. People out here still stacking U.S. gov bonds instead of Bitcoin. Data: U.S. Treasury bonds: -42% - Bitcoin: +809% 'The “smart money” is buying 30-year treasury bonds with a nominal yield of 1.20% on the whim that another investor (or central bank) will buy it from them at a higher price.' -Dylan Leclair On the 18th of January: 👉🏽Argentina has officially reached its first budget surplus in 14 years. Vamos! Under Milei’s leadership, Argentina turned a $7.94B trade deficit in 2023 into a record-smashing $18-19B surplus in 2024, surpassing the previous high of $16.89B in 2009. His push to boost energy exports from the Vaca Muerta shale reserves and ramp up grain sales is paying off, making Argentina a global exporting powerhouse again. With inflation already down from nearly 300% to 117.8%, Milei’s economic reforms are proving their worth. Argentinian President Javier Milei announces "Zero deficit is a reality...promises are fulfilled." Let me refrain from the above: ➡️Less state ➡️Less government expenses ➡️Capitalism ➡️Free market 👉🏽Wealth exodus accelerated by 157% in 2024: One millionaire leaves Britain every 45 minutes under Labour — Telegraph 157% increase in the outflow of millionaires since Labour came to power - including losing over 10,000 millionaires & 12 billionaires. All these people created wealth in the U.K. through living and spending. On the 19th of January: 👉🏽U.S. Housing Market 16.2% of Home Purchase Deals were canceled last month, the highest cancellation rate in history If for some reason people still believe Bitcoin is a Ponzi scheme, well that's their fault. Let me share with you the real Ponzi scheme. The following chart summarizes the impact of demographics on European pension systems really well: [](https://i.ibb.co/r7QkYsv/Gh-J7j41-Wg-AEah31.jpg) A ticking time bomb! The regulatory burdens suffered by citizens are imposed by unelectable bureaucrats! Study Bitcoin. ## 🎁If you have made it this far I would like to give you a little gift: Some fountain of Lyn Alden's wisdom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZlcrLZkNA8 Lyn Alden is a macro analyst, investment strategist, and the author of Broken Money. In this episode of What Bitcoin Did, they discuss the impact of fiscal policy on inflation, the Federal Reserve's constraints under fiscal dominance, and the role of tariffs in shaping the economic landscape. They also get into a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, and what Donald Trump’s Administration will mean for Bitcoin. Credit: I have used multiple sources! The complete Weekly Recap will be accessible on my Bitcoin Friday page on Habla. Enriched with detailed charts, illustrative images, and comprehensive macroeconomic news to provide context and clarity. My savings account: Bitcoin The tool I recommend for setting up a Bitcoin savings plan: PocketBitcoin especially suited for beginners or people who want to invest in Bitcoin with an automated investment plan once a week or monthly. Use the code BITCOINFRIDAY Get your Bitcoin out of exchanges. Save them on a hardware wallet, run your own node...be your own bank. Not your keys, not your coins. It's that simple.⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ Do you think this post is helpful to you? If so, please share it and support my work with a zap. ▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃ ⭐ Many thanks⭐ Felipe - Bitcoin Friday! ▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

@ f3b691eb:aa9a5c31

I know there are a ton of people working on onboarding resources for new users. Informational sites, user guides, wallet info etc. Where do you send new users? originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/859149

@ b17fccdf:b7211155

Some guides on MiniBolt / RaMiX have suffered some modifications and need additional instructions to migrate. Here is a summary: 🔘 New installation/update instructions of [BTC RPC Explorer](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bitcoin/bitcoin/blockchain-explorer) to avoid [this issue](https://github.com/janoside/btc-rpc-explorer/issues/668). 🔘 New installation/update method of [Node + NPM](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/nodejs-npm). 🔘 New installation/update method of [PostgreSQL](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/postgresql) ~ > **Attention!** If you installed PostgreSQL **after 30/09/2024**, you do not need to follow these steps related to PostgreSQL. --- ## Update Nodejs + NPM to the latest LTS version (using the new method) > Guide related: [Node + NPM](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/nodejs-npm) > **Context:** The installation/upgrade section of this guide has suffered some modifications, so to upgrade to the latest LTS released version using the new installation method, you need to follow the next steps: * Stop the Nodejs + NPM dependencies: ``` sudo systemctl stop thunderhub btcrpcexplorer ``` * With user **admin**, update the packages and upgrade to keep up to date with the OS, press "y" and ENTER when needed or ENTER directly: ``` sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade ``` * Change to a temporary directory which is cleared on reboot: ``` cd /tmp ``` * Set the environment variable of the version: ``` VERSION=22 ``` * We will use the new NodeSource Node.js Binary Distributions repository [instructions](https://github.com/nodesource/distributions?tab=readme-ov-file#using-ubuntu-nodejs-22). Download the setup script: ``` curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_$VERSION.x -o nodesource_setup.sh ``` * Run the setup script: ``` sudo -E bash nodesource_setup.sh ``` * Update the package manager and update Node.js + NPM to the latest LTS version: ``` sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade ``` * Check the correct update of NodeJS: ``` node -v ``` **Example** of expected output: ``` v22.12.0 ``` * Check the correct installation of NPM: ``` npm -v ``` **Example** of expected output: ``` 10.9.0 ``` * **(Optional)** Delete the setup script: ``` rm nodesource_setup.sh ``` * Start again the Nodejs + NPM dependencies: ``` sudo systemctl start thunderhub btcrpcexplorer ``` ----------- ## Update BTC RPC Explorer to the latest version > Guide related: [2.3 Blockchain explorer: BTC RPC Explorer](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bitcoin/bitcoin/blockchain-explorer) > **Context:** After [this notice](https://t.me/minibolt_news/37), if you deleted the `deprecatedrpc=warnings` flag because it is no longer necessary, it is probably that the ["**Node Details**"](https://explorer.minibolt.info/node-details) section of the BTC RPC Explorer got you [this error](https://github.com/janoside/btc-rpc-explorer/issues/668), this is because after the Bitcoin Core v28 update, just like LND, Electrs and other services, they have needed an update to remain compatible. BTC RPC Explorer was updated on this [commit](https://github.com/janoside/btc-rpc-explorer/commit/01585b7825afe0eb3e8f6cf39e9e135a20c8c2dd), but an official version that includes this correction has not been officially released yet. To fix this, it is necessary to **point to the current source code** and not the one related to the last released version (3.4.0). **~ >** Get instructions to get this by following these steps and fix the issue ~ > [HERE](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bitcoin/bitcoin/blockchain-explorer#upgrade) < ~ ----------- ## Update PostgreSQL (server instance migration & others) > Guide related: [PostgreSQL](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/postgresql) > **Attention!!** If you installed PostgreSQL **after 30/09/2024**, **you don't need to do anything**, and the next steps don't apply to your case. > **Context:** With each major version jump of PostgreSQL, the update creates a new and dedicated cluster and folder with the number of each version. Also, the changes made between versions cause the need to migrate the database, that is, from one cluster to another, with a specific tool. This was unknown at the beginning, before creating the MiniBolt PostgreSQL installation guide, so a specific folder for the versions was not created. The [installation section](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/postgresql#installation) was changed past **30/09/2024** to use this new method, but people who followed the PostgreSQL installation before that, need to do things to be in line with the MiniBolt guide. Following the next steps, we are going to do the necessary migrations, the summary is the next: **1.** Migrate the PostgreSQL database to a new location (*a dedicated folder for each version*). **2.** Migrate from PostgreSQL server version 16 to 17. --- **Verification** If you are not sure whether you installed PostgreSQL before or after the mentioned date (**30/09/2024**), you can check as follows: * With user `admin` list the existing clusters: ``` pg_lsclusters ``` Expected output if you installed PostgreSQL **after 30/09/2024**, **(you don't need do anything)**: ``` Ver Cluster Port Status Owner Data directory Log file 17 main 5432 online postgres /data/postgresdb/17 /var/log/postgresql/postgresql-17-main.log ``` Expected output if you installed PostgreSQL **before 30/09/2024**, and performed a full upgrade of the MiniBolt with **`sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade`**, **(you need to follow the next steps)**: ``` Ver Cluster Port Status Owner Data directory Log file 16 main 5432 online postgres /data/postgresdb /var/log/postgresql/postgresql-16-main.log 17 main 5433 down postgres /var/lib/postgresql/17/main /var/log/postgresql/postgresql-17-main.log ``` Expected output **if you have not** performed a full upgrade of the MiniBolt with `sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade` **since 26/09/2024 (the PostgreSQL v17 release)** (unlikely case) **(you need to follow the next steps)**: ``` Ver Cluster Port Status Owner Data directory Log file 16 main 5432 online postgres /data/postgresdb /var/log/postgresql/postgresql-16-main.log ``` --- ### **Migrate the PostgreSQL database to the new location** > (Only if you installed PostgreSQL following the MiniBolt guide **before 30/09/2024**) * Show the existing clusters to show the current path of the database: ``` pg_lsclusters ``` **~ >** Expected output **if you have not** performed a full upgrade of the MiniBolt with `sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade` **since 26/09/2024 (PostgreSQL v17 release)** (unlikely): ``` Ver Cluster Port Status Owner Data directory Log file 16 main 5432 online postgres /data/postgresdb /var/log/postgresql/postgresql-16-main.log ``` **~ >** Expected output **if you have** performed a full upgrade of the MiniBolt with `sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade` **since 26/09/2024 (PostgreSQL v17 release)** (most likely): ``` Ver Cluster Port Status Owner Data directory Log file 16 main 5432 online postgres /data/postgresdb /var/log/postgresql/postgresql-16-main.log 17 main 5433 down postgres /var/lib/postgresql/17/main /var/log/postgresql/postgresql-17-main.log ``` ~ > Check the current "Data directory" column value of the cluster 16 **(/data/postgresdb)** for the future, we have changed this to a dedicated folder for each version (`/data/postgresdb/16`, `/data/postgresdb/17`, `/data/postgresdb/18`, etc.) * Stop the PostgreSQL dependencies and the PostgreSQL version 16 cluster: ``` sudo systemctl stop thunderhub scbackup btcpay lnd nbxplorer nostrelay cloudflared postgresql@16-main ``` ~ > Ensure all services are successfully stopped by monitoring the logs of each service, especially **lnd** ~ > `journalctl -fu lnd`. * Monitor the logs of the PostgreSQL version 16 cluster to ensure that it has been stopped gracefully: ``` journalctl -fu postgresql@16-main ``` Expected output: ``` minibolt systemd[1]: Stopping PostgreSQL Cluster 16-main... minibolt systemd[1]: postgresql@16-main.service: Deactivated successfully. minibolt systemd[1]: Stopped PostgreSQL Cluster 16-main. ``` ~ > Press `Ctrl + C` to continue. * Create a temporary directory in a place out of the `/data/postgresdb` to move the data securely: ``` sudo mkdir /tmp/postgresdb-temp ``` * Sync the existing data of the current directory `/data/postgresdb` to this temporary directory: ``` sudo rsync -av /data/postgresdb/ /tmp/postgresdb-temp/ ``` Example of expected output: ``` [...] pg_xact/ pg_xact/0000 [...] sent 40,397,103 bytes received 18,619 bytes 80,831,444.00 bytes/sec total size is 40,330,914 speedup is 1.00 ``` ~ > Wait until the prompt shows up again. * Change to the user `root` temporary: ``` sudo su ``` * Delete the content of the folder that hosted the original database: ``` sudo rm -rf /data/postgresdb/* ``` * Come back to the `admin` user: ``` exit ``` * Create a new specific and dedicated folder to the version number and to be in line with the [new and current storage method](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/postgresql#create-data-folder) of the current guide: ``` sudo mkdir /data/postgresdb/16 ``` * Assign as the owner to the user `postgres`: ``` sudo chown postgres:postgres /data/postgresdb/16 ``` * Assign the correct permissions to the folder: ``` sudo chmod 700 /data/postgresdb/16 ``` * Now you can sync the data from the temporary directory to `/data/postgresdb/16` in a secure way since this directory is not inside the source directory: ``` sudo rsync -av /tmp/postgresdb-temp/ /data/postgresdb/16/ ``` Example of expected output: ``` [...] pg_xact/ pg_xact/0000 [...] sent 40,397,103 bytes received 18,619 bytes 80,831,444.00 bytes/sec total size is 40,330,914 speedup is 1.00 ``` ~ > Wait until the prompt shows up again. * Modify the configuration file (`postgresql.conf`) of the PostgreSQL to point to the new directory folder created: ``` sudo nano +42 /etc/postgresql/16/main/postgresql.conf ``` * Replace the data directory location to match with the new path: ``` data_directory = '/data/postgresdb/16' ``` * Start again the PostgreSQL service instance: ``` sudo systemctl start postgresql@16-main ``` * Monitor the logs of the PostgreSQL version 16 cluster to ensure that it works fine: ``` journalctl -fu postgresql@16-main ``` Expected output: ``` minibolt systemd[1]: Starting PostgreSQL Cluster 16-main... minibolt systemd[1]: Started PostgreSQL Cluster 16-main. ``` ~ > Press `Ctrl + C` to continue. * Check the new database location with: ``` pg_lsclusters ``` ~ > Expected output **if you have not** performed a full upgrade of the MiniBolt with `sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade` **since 26/09/2024** (unlikely): ``` Ver Cluster Port Status Owner Data directory Log file 16 main 5432 online postgres /data/postgresdb/16 /var/log/postgresql/postgresql-16-main.log ``` ~ > Expected output **if you have** performed a full upgrade of the MiniBolt with `sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade` **since 26/09/2024** (most likely): ``` Ver Cluster Port Status Owner Data directory Log file 16 main 5432 online postgres /data/postgresdb/16 /var/log/postgresql/postgresql-16-main.log 17 main 5433 down postgres /var/lib/postgresql/17/main /var/log/postgresql/postgresql-17-main.log ``` ~ > Check the new path on the "Data directory" column value of the cluster version 16, now **(/data/postgresdb/16)**. * Start again the PostgreSQL dependencies services: ``` sudo systemctl start lnd nbxplorer btcpay thunderhub scb-backup nostr-relay cloudflared ``` ~ > Check all work fine with the logs of each service, especially **lnd** ~ > `journalctl -fu lnd`. * Stop again the PostgreSQL dependencies services, to continue working: ``` sudo systemctl stop thunderhub scbackup btcpay lnd nbxplorer nostrelay cloudflared ``` ~ > Ensure all services are successfully stopped by monitoring the logs of each service, especially **lnd** ~ > `journalctl -fu lnd`. ### **Migrate from PostgreSQL server version 16 to 17** > (Only if you installed PostgreSQL following the MiniBolt guide **before 30/09/2024**) > **Context:** If you fully updated your OS after **26/09/2024** (the PostgreSQL v17 launched), using `sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade`, and **you installed PostgreSQL before that date** following [the PostgreSQL MiniBolt guide](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/postgresql), it is likely that you now are using the old version (v16) of the PostgreSQL server instance. To confirm that, follow the next steps: **Check the PostgreSQL server version in use** * With the user `admin`, enter the psql (PostgreSQL CLI): ``` sudo -u postgres psql ``` * Enter the next command to get the server version: ``` SELECT version(); ``` Expected output: ``` version ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PostgreSQL 16.6 (Ubuntu 16.6-1.pgdg22.04+1) on x86_64-pc-linux-gnu, compiled by gcc (Ubuntu 11.4.0-1ubuntu1~22.04) 11.4.0, 64-bit (1 row) ``` ~ > Check the previous version is "PostgreSQL 16.6" (an outdated version of the PostgreSQL server), the latest version is PostgreSQL 17.2. 🔧✅ We are going to fix this in the next steps. * Come back to the `admin` user bash prompt: ``` \q ``` * List the cluster to show the state of the both PostgreSQL server instances: ``` pg_lsclusters ``` ~ > Expected output **if you have not** performed a full upgrade of the MiniBolt with `sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade` **since 26/09/2024** (unlikely): ``` Ver Cluster Port Status Owner Data directory Log file 16 main 5432 online postgres /data/postgresdb/16 /var/log/postgresql/postgresql-16-main.log ``` ~ > Expected output **if you have** performed a full upgrade of the MiniBolt with `sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade` **since 26/09/2024** (most likely): ``` Ver Cluster Port Status Owner Data directory Log file 16 main 5432 online postgres /data/postgresdb/16 /var/log/postgresql/postgresql-16-main.log 17 main 5433 down postgres /var/lib/postgresql/17/main /var/log/postgresql/postgresql-17-main.log ``` **Update PostgreSQL** If you haven't done so before, make sure to update the OS (PostgreSQL included to the latest version 17): * With user `admin`, fully update the OS with the package manager: ``` sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade ``` ~ > Press "y" and enter or directly enter when the prompt asks you. ----------- #### **PostgreSQL server migration** * Stop all existing clusters: ``` sudo systemctl stop postgresql@16-main postgresql@17-main ``` * Create a new database destination folder for the v17 cluster ready for migration from v16: ``` sudo mkdir /data/postgresdb/17 ``` * Assign the owner as the postgres user: ``` sudo chown postgres:postgres /data/postgresdb/17 ``` * Assign the correct permissions: ``` sudo chmod 700 /data/postgresdb/17 ``` * Delete the cluster created by default for v17: ``` sudo -u postgres pg_dropcluster 17 main ``` * Update the systemd: ``` sudo systemctl daemon-reload ``` * Start the migration with the PostgreSQL migration tool: ``` sudo -u postgres pg_upgradecluster 16 main /data/postgresdb/17 ``` **~ >** ⌛ This may take a lot of time depending on the existing database size (the nostr relay database especially) and your machine's performance; it is recommended to use [tmux](https://github.com/tmux/tmux). Wait until the prompt shows up again. Example of expected output: ``` Restarting old cluster with restricted connections... Notice: extra pg_ctl/postgres options given, bypassing systemctl for start operation Creating new PostgreSQL cluster 17/main ... /usr/lib/postgresql/17/bin/initdb -D /data/postgresdb/17 --auth-local peer --auth-host scram-sha-256 --no-instructions --encoding UTF8 --lc-collate en_US.UTF-8 --lc-ctype en_US.UTF-8 --locale-provider libc The files belonging to this database system will be owned by user "postgres". This user must also own the server process. The database cluster will be initialized with locale "en_US.UTF-8". The default text search configuration will be set to "english". Data page checksums are disabled. fixing permissions on existing directory /data/postgresdb/17 ... ok creating subdirectories ... ok selecting dynamic shared memory implementation ... posix selecting default "max_connections" ... 100 selecting default "shared_buffers" ... 128MB selecting default time zone ... Etc/UTC creating configuration files ... ok running bootstrap script ... ok performing post-bootstrap initialization ... ok syncing data to disk ... ok Warning: systemd does not know about the new cluster yet. Operations like "service postgresql start" will not handle it. To fix, run: sudo systemctl daemon-reload Copying old configuration files... Copying old start.conf... Copying old pg_ctl.conf... Starting new cluster... Notice: extra pg_ctl/postgres options given, bypassing systemctl for start operation Running init phase upgrade hook scripts ... Roles, databases, schemas, ACLs... set_config ------------ (1 row) set_config ------------ (1 row) Fixing hardcoded library paths for stored procedures... Upgrading database postgres... Fixing hardcoded library paths for stored procedures... Upgrading database template1... Stopping target cluster... Stopping old cluster... Disabling automatic startup of old cluster... Starting upgraded cluster on port 5432... Warning: the cluster will not be running as a systemd service. Consider using systemctl: sudo systemctl start postgresql@17-main Running finish phase upgrade hook scripts ... vacuumdb: processing database "postgres": Generating minimal optimizer statistics (1 target) vacuumdb: processing database "template1": Generating minimal optimizer statistics (1 target) vacuumdb: processing database "postgres": Generating medium optimizer statistics (10 targets) vacuumdb: processing database "template1": Generating medium optimizer statistics (10 targets) vacuumdb: processing database "postgres": Generating default (full) optimizer statistics vacuumdb: processing database "template1": Generating default (full) optimizer statistics Success. Please check that the upgraded cluster works. If it does, you can remove the old cluster with pg_dropcluster 16 main Ver Cluster Port Status Owner Data directory Log file 16 main 5433 down postgres /data/postgresdb/16 /var/log/postgresql/postgresql-16-main.log Ver Cluster Port Status Owner Data directory Log file 17 main 5432 online postgres /data/postgresdb/17 /var/log/postgresql/postgresql-17-main.log ``` * Reload the systemd again: ``` sudo systemctl daemon-reload ``` * List the clusters to show the state: ``` pg_lsclusters ``` Expected output: ``` Ver Cluster Port Status Owner Data directory Log file 16 main 5433 down <unknown> /data/postgresdb/16 /var/log/postgresql/postgresql-16-main.log 17 main 5432 online <unknown> /data/postgresdb/17 /var/log/postgresql/postgresql-17-main.log ``` ~> **Notes:** * Don't worry about the <unknown> output of the "Owner" column. * Note how the old 16 cluster has automatically gone into status "down" after the migration. --- * Stop the version 17 cluster using the `pg_ctlcluster` tool, to then be able to run it and manage it with `systemd`: ``` sudo pg_ctlcluster 17 main stop ``` * List the clusters again to show the state: ``` pg_lsclusters ``` Expected output: ``` Ver Cluster Port Status Owner Data directory Log file 16 main 5433 down <unknown> /data/postgresdb/16 /var/log/postgresql/postgresql-16-main.log 17 main 5432 down <unknown> /data/postgresdb/17 /var/log/postgresql/postgresql-17-main.log ``` **~>** Note how the version 17 cluster has gone into status "down". * Start the version 17 cluster with systemd: ``` sudo systemctl start postgresql@17-main ``` * Monitor the logs of the PostgreSQL version 17 cluster to ensure that it working fine with `systemd`: ``` journalctl -fu postgresql@17-main ``` Expected output: ``` minibolt systemd[1]: Starting PostgreSQL Cluster 17-main... minibolt systemd[1]: Started PostgreSQL Cluster 17-main. ``` ~ > Press `Ctrl + C` to continue. * List the clusters again to show the state: ``` pg_lsclusters ``` Expected output: ``` Ver Cluster Port Status Owner Data directory Log file 16 main 5433 down <unknown> /data/postgresdb/16 /var/log/postgresql/postgresql-16-main.log 17 main 5432 online <unknown> /data/postgresdb/17 /var/log/postgresql/postgresql-17-main.log ``` **~>** Note how the version 17 cluster has come back into the status "online". * Delete the version 16 (old and disused) cluster: ``` sudo pg_dropcluster 16 main ``` * List again the clusters to check the correct deletion: ``` pg_lsclusters ``` Expected output: ``` Ver Cluster Port Status Owner Data directory Log file 17 main 5432 online <unknown> /data/postgresdb/17 /var/log/postgresql/postgresql-17-main.log ``` **~>** Note how it no longer appears version 16 (old and disused) cluster. **Check the PostgreSQL server version in use** * With the user `admin`, enter the psql (PostgreSQL CLI): ``` sudo -u postgres psql ``` * Enter the next command to get the server version: ``` SELECT version(); ``` Example of expected output: ``` version ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PostgreSQL 17.2 (Ubuntu 17.2-1.pgdg22.04+1) on x86_64-pc-linux-gnu, compiled by gcc (Ubuntu 11.4.0-1ubuntu1~22.04) 11.4.0, 64-bit (1 row) ``` **~ >** Check the previous version in use is now PostgreSQL 17.2 (the latest and current version of the PostgreSQL server at this moment). * Come back to the `admin` user bash prompt: ``` \q ``` * Start again the PostgreSQL dependencies services: ``` sudo systemctl start lnd nbxplorer btcpay thunderhub scb-backup nostr-relay cloudflared ``` ~ > Check all works fine with the logs of each service, especially **lnd** ~ > `journalctl -fu lnd`. * **(Optional)** Once you have verified that everything is working correctly, you can delete the created PostgreSQL backup and temporary directory: ``` sudo rm -rf /tmp/postgresdb-temp ``` * Delete unnecessary packages: ``` sudo apt autoremove ``` ~ > Press "y" and ENTER when needed or ENTER directly when the prompts ask you. --- ✅ That's it! If you have any questions or issues, you can go to any RRSS available for the MiniBolt project ~ > [HERE](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/#community) < ~ --- Only for MiniBolters! Enjoy it! 💙

@ b17fccdf:b7211155

~ > **Check out the steps to get this** ~ > [HERE](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/static-ip-and-custom-dns-servers#dot-doh--dnssec) < ~ **Note:** for different reasons, it is recommended choosing [Option 1: DoT & DNSSEC using systemd-resolved](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/static-ip-and-custom-dns-servers#option-1-use-dot-and-dnssec-validation-with-systemd-resolved), but you could want to use [Option 2](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/static-ip-and-custom-dns-servers#option-2-use-doh-with-cloudflared-proxy-dns), choose behind your criteria, both are valid to achieve the same objective. ----------- Some more changes were released recently in other places of the MiniBolt guide, check the full release notes: #### **Full release notes** ~ > [Static IP & custom DNS servers](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/static-ip-and-custom-dns-servers) bonus guide: - Adds custom DNS server suggestions. - Adds different steps to check the changes after configurations. - Deleted some unnecessary steps. - Fix some nits. --- ~ > Modifications on [Configuration](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bitcoin/bitcoin/bitcoin-client#configuration) (`bitcoin.conf`) of [Bitcoin Core](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bitcoin/bitcoin/bitcoin-client): - Replace proxy value parameter to use UNIX domain socket (`proxy=unix:/run/tor/socks`) | (recently [enabled](https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/pull/27375) on Bitcoin Core v28). - Replace `startupnotify=chmod g+r /home/bitcoin/.bitcoin/.cookie` to `rpccookieperms=group` [Bitcoin Core PR](https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/pull/28167). - Adds another special bind address to listen to incoming connections from Tor (`bind=127.0.0.1=onion`) | (recently [changed](https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/blob/master/doc/release-notes/release-notes-28.0.md#p2p-and-network-changes) on Bitcoin Core v28). - Modified [systemd service](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bitcoin/bitcoin/bitcoin-client#create-systemd-service) to improve the startup and shutdown process. **Note:** remember to restart Bitcoin Core and reload the systemd with `sudo systemctl daemon-reload` to apply changes. --- ~ > Delete unnecessary parameters of the [systemd service](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/lightning/lightning/lightning-client#create-systemd-service) of [Lightning client](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/lightning/lightning/lightning-client). **Note:** remember to reload the systemd with `sudo systemctl daemon-reload` to apply changes. --- ~ > **Others:** - New [i2pd webconsole](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/system/system/privacy#access-to-the-i2pd-webconsole) section. - Adds a new ["Validation"](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bitcoin/bitcoin/bitcoin-client#validation) subsection to the guides to clarify when checks begin. - New "[Use the Tor proxy from another device](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/system/system/privacy#use-the-tor-proxy-from-another-device)" section. - Adds Electrs [compatible with Testnet4](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/bitcoin/minibolt-on-testnet#bitcoin-electrs) on Testnet bonus guide. - Adds how to build a [Guard/Middle relay](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/tor-services#guard-middle-relay) section on "Tor services: bridges & relays" bonus guide. - Adds [Extras (optional)](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/tor-services#extras-optional) section to "Tor services: bridges & relays" bonus guide with different utilities like install Nyx, how to "Limit bandwidth" and others. - Changed [Electrs](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/bitcoin/electrs) ports to enable simultaneous mode with Fulcrum. - [Updated aliases](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/aliases#upgrades) list to include news additions in line with updates. - Updated the [Networkmap](https://bit.ly/minibolt-ramix_netmap) resource to include news additions in line with updates and migrate to a dynamic visual mode. - Reorganized some menu items and sections to improve the UX and make more sense in the face of the future. - Restructure and rename the "Tor obfs4 bridge" bonus guide to ["Tor services: bridges & relays"](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/tor-services) and modify it to run the obfs4bridge, relays, and the master, in separate instances. - Hidden [NYM mixnet](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/nym-mixnet) and [Sparrow server](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/bitcoin/sparrow-server) bonus guides from the menus due to disuse or poor performance. **Note:** it will continue to be maintained later if the situation changes due to the development of the associated software. - Bump version of various services. --- ~ > **Coming soon...** - Enable DNSSEC for your domain using Cloudflare + Namecheap. - Enable DoH on: - Desktop/Android browser (Windows/Linux). - OS: Windows 11 // Linux ([Completed](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/static-ip-and-custom-dns-servers#option-2-use-doh-with-cloudflared-proxy-dns) ✅) - Router. - Enable DoT on: - Android OS. - OS: Windows 11 // Linux ([Completed](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/static-ip-and-custom-dns-servers#option-1-use-dot-and-dnssec-validation-with-systemd-resolved) ✅) with DNSSEC verification included. - Router. --- Enjoy it MiniBolter!💙

@ b17fccdf:b7211155

--- **CHECK OUT at** ~ > **[ramix.minibolt.info](https://ramix.minibolt.info)** < ~ --- **Main changes:** * **Adapted to Raspberry Pi 5**, with the possibility of using internal storage: a PCIe to M.2 adapter + SSD NVMe: > *Connect directly to the board, **remove the instability issues** with the USB connection, and unlock the ability to enjoy **higher transfer speeds*** * **Based on Debian 12** (Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm - 64-bit). * **Updated all services** that have been tested until now, to the latest version. * Same as the MiniBolt guide, changed I2P, Fulcrum, and ThunderHub guides, to be **part of the core guide**. * **All UI & UX improvements in the MiniBolt guide** are included. * Fix some links and wrong command issues. * Some existing guides have been improved to **clarify the following steps**. --- **Important notes:** * The RRSS will be the same as the MiniBolt original project (for now) | More info -> [HERE](https://ramix.minibolt.info/#community) <- * The common resources like the [Roadmap](https://github.com/orgs/minibolt-guide/projects/1) or [Networkmap](https://bit.ly/minibolt-ramix_netmap) have been merged and will be used together | Check -> [HERE](https://ramix.minibolt.info/#resources) <- * The attempt to upgrade from Bullseye to Bookworm (RaspiBolt to RaMiX migration) has failed due to **several difficult-to-resolve dependency conflicts**, so unfortunately, there will be no dedicated migration guide and **only the possibility to start from scratch** ☹️ ⚠️ **Attention**‼️-> This guide is in the WIP (work in progress) state and hasn't been completely tested yet. Many steps may be incorrect. Pay special attention to the "**Status: Not tested on RaMiX**" tag at the beginning of the guides. Be careful and act behind your responsibility. --- For Raspberry Pi lovers!❤️🍓 Enjoy it RaMiXer!! 💜 --- By [⚡2FakTor⚡](nostr:npub1k9luehc8hg3c0upckdzzvusv66x3zt0eyw7290kclrpsndepz92sfcpp63) for the plebs with love ❤️🫂

@ b17fccdf:b7211155

~ > Available at: [https://minibolt.info](https://minibolt.info) --- ~> It builds on a personal computer with **x86/amd64** architecture processors. ~> It is based on the popular [RaspiBolt v3](https://raspibolt.org) guide. --- **Those are some of the most relevant changes:** * Changed OS from Raspberry Pi OS Lite (64-bits) to ***Ubuntu Server LTS*** (Long term support) 64-bit PC (AMD64). * Changed binaries and signatures of the programs to adapt them to ***x86/amd64 architecture***. * Deleted unnecessary tools and steps, and added others according to this case of use. * Some useful authentication logs and monitoring commands were added in the security section. * Added some interesting parameters in the settings of some services to activate and take advantage of new features. * Changed I2P, Fulcrum, and ThunderHub guides, to be part of the core guide. * Added exclusive optimization section of services for slow devices. --- ~ > Complete release notes of the MiniBolt v1: [https://github.com/twofaktor/minibolt/releases/tag/1.0](https://github.com/twofaktor/minibolt/releases/tag/1.0). ~ > Feel free to contribute to the [source code on GitHub](https://github.com/minibolt-guide/minibolt) by opening [issues](https://github.com/minibolt-guide/minibolt/issues), [pull requests](https://github.com/minibolt-guide/minibolt/pulls) or [discussions](https://github.com/orgs/minibolt-guide/discussions). --- Created by [⚡2 FakTor⚡](nostr:npub1k9luehc8hg3c0upckdzzvusv66x3zt0eyw7290kclrpsndepz92sfcpp63)

@ b17fccdf:b7211155

😱 Did you recently find this signature verification error when you tried to update your MiniBolt repositories with -> `sudo apt update`? 💥🚨👇  🔧 Don't worry, that's because Tor renewed its signing key since it expired last 07/15, just renew your keyring by following the next steps to solve this problem: ~ > [CLICK HERE](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/system/system/privacy#tor-signature-verification-error) < ~ --- Enjoy it MiniBolter!💙

@ b17fccdf:b7211155

**Link to the bonus guide** ~ > [HERE](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/bitcoin/minibolt-on-testnet) <~ --- Some notes: ℹ️ For the moment, this guide will touch only the case of an **only testnet mode** situation, in the future, we will study adding the case of configuration to enable the parallel/simultaneous mode (mainnet+testnet in the same device) in an extra section in this guide. ℹ️ The services mentioned in this guide are those that have been tested using testnet configuration and these worked fine. Later, in the next versions of this guide, we will go to adding other processes to adapt other services to the testnet mode. --- Enjoy it MiniBolter! 💙

@ b17fccdf:b7211155

Available at: [https://minibolt.info](https://minibolt.info) --- **Main changes to** the version 1: * The complete guide has been migrated to the new design visual builder web tool platform [gitbook.com](https://www.gitbook.com/) * New modern UI (responsive, full width, and better visual items) * New menu structure for a better user experience * New visual items to improve the navigation through the web page * New switch to enable light/dark theme * Enabled Cloudflare Proxy for maximum protection against attacks and better management of the domain --- **Other changes:** * New [MiniBolt Linktr](https://linktr.minibolt.info/) forked of the alternative [FOSS project](https://github.com/gzuuus/linktr) proposed by [Gzuuus](https://twitter.com/gzuuus) * Changed MiniBolt from a personal project to an [organization](https://github.com/minibolt-guide) so that the project has its own identity * New email contact address [hello@minibolt.info](mailto:hello@minibolt.info) to receive proposals and give support * New [resources](https://github.com/minibolt-guide/minibolt/tree/main/resources) folder with the current MiniBolt roadmap, network map diagrams, and others --- ℹ️ **More info:** * The new version is available with the known domain: [minibolt.info](https://minibolt.info/) but from now on links associated with the new v2 version were shared using the [v2.minibolt.info](https://v2.minibolt.info/) subdomain due to a GitBook limitation * The old and deprecated v1 will be still available at a time in the subdomain [v1.minibolt.info](https://v1.minibolt.info/), but is in the roadmap delete it definitely in the future, take note ASAP of all that you need of that version before this happens * Contributors and collaborators will be able to continue doing PR through code programming or using the design block builder [gitbook.com](https://www.gitbook.com/) --- [GitHub release](https://github.com/minibolt-guide/minibolt/releases/tag/2.0) --- Enjoy it MiniBolter! 💙

@ b17fccdf:b7211155

The **router reserves the IP address** of the device **for a time after going out**, but if the device goes out some time, the next time that the device starts, the router could assign a different IP and you could lose access to your node. To avoid this, you need to **set a static IP to your MiniBolt**. ~ > In addition, you can **customize your DNS servers to improve your privacy**, normally your ISP, gives you the router with its own DNS servers set by default, and this does that you expose all of your navigation trackings to your ISP, affecting seriously your privacy. ~ > This bonus guide includes all of the necessary steps to get this and is available ~ > [HERE](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/static-ip-and-custom-dns-servers) < ~ ---  --- Enjoy it MiniBolter! 💙

@ b17fccdf:b7211155

Link to the bonus guide ~ > [HERE](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/ssh-keys) < ~ --- Some sections of the guide: * Generate SSH keys * Import SSH pubkey * Connect to the MiniBolt node using SSH keys * Disable password login * Disable admin password request --- Some shortcuts to the Extra sections: * Disable password login: click ~ > [HERE](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/ssh-keys#disable-password-login) < ~ * Disable admin password request: click ~ > [HERE](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/ssh-keys#disable-admin-password-request-caution) < ~ --- Enjoy it MiniBolter! 💙

@ b17fccdf:b7211155

**Link to the bonus guide** ~ > [HERE](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/bitcoin/ordisrespector) < ~ --- ⏰ Recently added an update that includes a new section **[How to detect Ordinals transactions](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/bitcoin/ordisrespector#how-to-detect-ordinals-transactions) and [verify Ordisrespector filter works](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/bitcoin/ordisrespector#check-the-ordisrespector-filter-working-on-your-mempool)** to verify that Ordispector is **filtering and burning Ordinals** correctly 🔥 --- Fuck Ordinals🤡🔫 and enjoy it MiniBolter! 💙

@ b17fccdf:b7211155

Some sections inside of the guide: * Set up Dynamic DNS * Wireguard VPN server & client side configurations * Install & configure the WireGuard VPN Client on a mobile phone * Configure additional servers & clients * Use your router’s DDNS preconfigured provider * Port forwarding on NAT/PAT router --- Link to the bonus guide [HERE](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/wireguard-vpn) --- Enjoy it MiniBolter! 💙

@ b17fccdf:b7211155

Do you want to use a different disk to store data (blockchain and other databases) independently of the disk of the system? A step-by-step guide using a secondary disk to store the data (blockchain and other databases) independently of the disk of the system and using the Ubuntu Server guided installation. --- ### **What's changed** * Rebuilt the [Ubuntu Server installation guide](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/system/system/operating-system#ubuntu-server-installation) based on this bonus guide added. * Added GIFs to improve the illustration of the steps to follow. * [Case 1](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/static-ip-and-custom-dns-servers#option-1-at-the-beginning-during-the-ubuntu-server-installation-gui): during the Ubuntu server guided installation. * [Case 2](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/static-ip-and-custom-dns-servers#option-2-after-ubuntu-server-installation-by-command-line): build it after system installation (by command line). --- ~ > Link to the bonus guide [HERE](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/store-data-secondary-disk) --- Enjoy it MiniBolter! 💙

@ b17fccdf:b7211155

**Link to the bonus guide** ~> [HERE](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/bitcoin/btcpay-server) < ~ --- Enjoy it MiniBolter! 💙

@ b17fccdf:b7211155

The past 26 August, Tor [introduced officially](https://blog.torproject.org/introducing-proof-of-work-defense-for-onion-services/) a proof-of-work (PoW) defense for onion services designed to prioritize verified network traffic as a deterrent against denial of service (DoS) attacks. ~ > This feature at the moment, is [deactivate by default](https://gitlab.torproject.org/tpo/core/tor/-/blob/main/doc/man/tor.1.txt#L3117), so you need to follow these steps to activate this on a MiniBolt node: * Make sure you have the latest version of Tor installed, at the time of writing this post, which is v0.4.8.6. Check your current version by typing ``` tor --version ``` **Example** of expected output: ``` Tor version 0.4.8.6. This build of Tor is covered by the GNU General Public License (https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.en.html) Tor is running on Linux with Libevent 2.1.12-stable, OpenSSL 3.0.9, Zlib 1.2.13, Liblzma 5.4.1, Libzstd N/A and Glibc 2.36 as libc. Tor compiled with GCC version 12.2.0 ``` ~ > If you have v0.4.8.X, you are **OK**, if not, type `sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade` and confirm to update. * Basic PoW support can be checked by running this command: ``` tor --list-modules ``` Expected output: ``` relay: yes dirauth: yes dircache: yes pow: **yes** ``` ~ > If you have `pow: yes`, you are **OK** * Now go to the torrc file of your MiniBolt and add the parameter to enable PoW for each hidden service added ``` sudo nano /etc/tor/torrc ``` Example: ``` # Hidden Service BTC RPC Explorer HiddenServiceDir /var/lib/tor/hidden_service_btcrpcexplorer/ HiddenServiceVersion 3 HiddenServicePoWDefensesEnabled 1 HiddenServicePort 80 127.0.0.1:3002 ``` ~ > Bitcoin Core and LND use the Tor control port to automatically create the hidden service, requiring no action from the user. We have submitted a feature request in the official GitHub repositories to explore the need for the integration of Tor's PoW defense into the automatic creation process of the hidden service. You can follow them at the following links: * Bitcoin Core: https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd/issues/8002 * LND: https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/issues/28499 --- More info: * https://blog.torproject.org/introducing-proof-of-work-defense-for-onion-services/ * https://gitlab.torproject.org/tpo/onion-services/onion-support/-/wikis/Documentation/PoW-FAQ --- Enjoy it MiniBolter! 💙

@ b17fccdf:b7211155

It turns out that Ubuntu Linux installations of Ubuntu 23.04, 22.04.3 LTS, and installs done since April 2023 that accepted the Snap version update haven't been following Ubuntu's own recommended security best practices for their security pocket configuration for packages. A new Subiquity release [was issued](https://github.com/canonical/subiquity/releases/tag/23.09.1) to fix this problem while those on affected Ubuntu systems already installed are recommended to manually edit their `/etc/apt/sources.list` file. If you didn't install MiniBolt recently, **you are affected by this bug**, and we need to fix that manually if not we want to install all since cero. Anyway, if you installed Minibolt recently, we recommend you review that. Follow these easy steps to review and fix this: * Edit the `sources-list` file: ``` sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list ``` * Search now for every line that includes '-security' (without quotes) (normally at the end of the file) and change the URL to --> http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu ~ > For example, from http://es.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu (or the extension corresponding to your country) to --> http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu ~> Real case, Spain location, **before fix**: ``` deb http://es.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu jammy-security main restricted # deb-src http://es.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu jammy-security main restricted deb http://es.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu jammy-security universe # deb-src http://es.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu jammy-security universe deb http://es.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu jammy-security multiverse # deb-src http://es.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu jammy-security multiverse ``` **After fix:** ``` deb http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu jammy-security main restricted # deb-src http://es.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu jammy-security main restricted deb http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu jammy-security universe # deb-src http://es.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu jammy-security universe deb http://security.ubuntu.com/ubuntu jammy-security multiverse # deb-src http://es.archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu jammy-security multiverse ``` **Save and exit** **Note:** If you have already these lines changed, you are not affected by this bug, and is not necessary to do anything. Simply exit the editor by doing Ctrl-X * Finally, type the next command to refresh the repository pointers: ``` sudo apt update ``` * And optionally take the opportunity to update the system by doing: ``` sudo apt full-upgrade ``` More context: * https://wiki.ubuntu.com/SecurityTeam/FAQ#What_repositories_and_pockets_should_I_use_to_make_sure_my_systems_are_up_to_date.3F * https://bugs.launchpad.net/subiquity/+bug/2033977 * https://www.phoronix.com/news/Ubuntu-Security-Pocket-Issue

@ b17fccdf:b7211155

### **What's changed** * New method for Bitcoin Core signature check, click ~ >[HERE](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bitcoin/bitcoin/bitcoin-client#signature-check)< ~ * GitHub repo of Bitcoin Core release attestations (Guix), click ~ >[HERE](https://github.com/bitcoin-core/guix.sigs)< ~ --- **History:** ~ > PR that caused the broken and obsolescence of the old signature verification process, click ~ >[HERE](https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/pull/26598)< ~ ~ > New GitHub folder of Bitcoin Core repo that stores the signatures, click ~ >[HERE](https://github.com/bitcoin-core/guix.sigs/tree/main/builder-keys)< ~ --- Thanks to nostr:npub1gzuushllat7pet0ccv9yuhygvc8ldeyhrgxuwg744dn5khnpk3gs3ea5ds for building the command that made magic possible 🧙‍♂️🧡 --- Enjoy it MiniBolter! 💙

@ b17fccdf:b7211155

### **Important notice to MiniBolt node runners:** ~ > It turns out that the I2P devs have opened an issue on the Bitcoin Core GitHub repo commenting that because they gave the option to enable the `notransit=true` parameter in the official documentation: > [...] If you prefer not to relay any public I2P traffic and only allow I2P traffic from programs connecting through the SAM proxy, e.g. Bitcoin Core, you can set the no transit option to true [...] are having a heavy load on the I2P network since last December 19. Also comment that it is advisable to share as much bandwidth and transit tunnels as we can, to increase anonymity with coverage traffic, by contributing more to the I2p network than we consume. So they ask that we deactivate that option that you use activated. With all this, he already updated the "Privacy" section by removing that setting. The steps to delete this configuration once we have already configured it, are the following: * With the "admin" user, stop i2pd: ``` sudo systemctl stop i2pd ``` * Comment line 93 with "#" at the beginning of it (notransit = true), save and exit ``` sudo nano /var/lib/i2pd/i2pd.conf --line numbers ``` * Start i2pd again: ``` sudo systemctl start i2pd ``` * And that's it, you could take a look at Bitcoin Core to see that it has detected i2pd running again after the reboot with: ``` tail --lines 500 -f /home/bitcoin/.bitcoin/debug.log ``` ~ > If you don't see that I2P is up in Bitcoin Core after the restart, `sudo systemctl restart bitcoind` and look again at the logs of the same. --- More info in the rollback commit, see ~> [HERE](https://github.com/twofaktor/minibolt/commit/99cae67a5150bb5b7deae3674cc958eb31c74a75) < ~

@ b17fccdf:b7211155

> Your MiniBolt is on a home local network, you want to expose it on the public Internet (clearnet) without exposing your public IP, without Firewall rules, without NAT port forwarding, without risk, easy and cheap? --- Go to the bonus guide by clicking ~ >[HERE](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/cloudflare-tunnel) <~ --- Enjoy it MiniBolter! 💙

@ b17fccdf:b7211155

> Build your nostr relay step by step on your MiniBolt node! (**easily adaptable to other environment**) No need to trust anyone else! Be sovereign! ~> Go to the bonus guide by clicking ~> [HERE](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/nostr/nostr-relay)< ~ ~> This guide includes a complete [extra section](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/nostr/nostr-relay#extras-optional) to cover the different processes for using nostr **as a user and relay operator**. --- PS: The MiniBolt project has its FREE relay, be free to connect by adding to your favorite client the next address: `wss://relay.minibolt.info` ~> Let a review on [noStrudel](https://nostrudel.ninja/#/r/wss%3A%2F%2Frelay.minibolt.info) or [Coracle](https://coracle.social/relays/relay.minibolt.info) of your experience using it. --- Remember, Nostr is freedom! Stay resilient! 💜 🛡️💪

@ b17fccdf:b7211155

### What's changed A bonus guide to get a quick overview of the system status with the most relevant data about the services on the main guide. ----------- #### ➕Additional extra sections (optional) to: * [Show on login](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/system-overview#show-on-login-optional) * [Get the channel.db size of an old LND bbolt database backend](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/system-overview#get-the-channel.db-size-of-an-old-lnd-bbolt-database-backend) * [Use MobaXterm compatibility version](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/system-overview#use-the-mobaxterm-compatibility-version) 🔧 **GitHub PR related**: https://github.com/minibolt-guide/minibolt/pull/97 Σ **Dedicated GitHub repository**: https://github.com/minibolt-guide/system_overview ----------- #### 🫂Acknowledgments This is a fork of the [minibolt_info repository](https://github.com/rmnscb/minibolt_info), the main developer of this project is [rmnscb](https://github.com/rmnscb), a member of the MiniBolt community, all the merits go to him. Thank you for your contribution 🧡🫂 ----------- -> [CLICK HERE](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/system-overview) <- to go to the bonus guide ----------- Enjoy it MiniBolter! 💙

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

In the annals of treasure hunting, tales of sunken galleons and buried chests have given way to a new narrative—one that unfolds in the digital realm. The U.S. Government, traditionally associated with the physical might of gold reserves in Fort Knox, has inadvertently entered the arena of cryptocurrency by amassing a staggering $5 billion in Bitcoin. This digital fortune, however, was not amassed through investment or mining efforts but rather through the seizure of assets from the darker corners of the internet. As we stand at the crossroads of finance and technology, this cache of Bitcoin opens up a Pandora's box of possibilities and challenges that could redefine the economic landscape of tomorrow. **Table Of Content** - A Digital Fort Knox - The Origins of the Cache - The Dilemma of Liquidation - Potential Paths Forward - The Impact on the Future of Currency - Conclusion - FAQs **A Digital Fort Knox** Imagine a vault, not of steel and stone, but of complex cryptographic algorithms, housing a vast sum of Bitcoin equivalent to the wealth of small nations. This digital Fort Knox does not require armed guards or thick walls but instead relies on the impenetrable nature of blockchain technology. The U.S. Government's acquisition of such a significant amount of Bitcoin is a testament to the changing nature of value and wealth in the 21st century. Each Bitcoin in this modern trove was once part of illicit transactions, flowing through the veins of the internet until it was intercepted by the vigilant efforts of federal agencies. The narrative of each coin is a digital ledger, chronicling a journey from the shadowy fringes of the web to the secure wallets of the government. **The Origins of the Cache** The backstory of the government's Bitcoin collection is not one of serendipity but of strategic cyber sleuthing and legal might. It is a modern saga of law enforcement adapting to the challenges posed by the digital age. Federal agencies, armed with court orders and cutting-edge technology, have traced the movement of these digital assets through the blockchain, unraveling complex webs of transactions that lead to the criminal enterprises operating in the darknet markets. Each seizure represents a battle won in the ongoing war against cybercrime, with the confiscated Bitcoin serving as both evidence of victory and the spoils of war. **The Dilemma of Liquidation** The government's Bitcoin cache presents a unique conundrum: to liquidate or not to liquidate? This decision is fraught with economic implications, akin to a game of high-stakes poker where the government's hand could influence the entire table. A sudden influx of $5 billion worth of Bitcoin into the market could trigger a tidal wave of volatility, potentially devaluing the currency and destabilizing the fragile ecosystem of digital assets. The government must navigate these waters with a blend of economic savvy and strategic foresight, ensuring that any decision made is in the best interest of not just the immediate financial landscape but also the long-term viability of cryptocurrencies. **Potential Paths Forward** The government stands at the helm, charting a course through uncharted waters with its Bitcoin bounty. The options are as varied as they are complex. Holding onto the Bitcoin could be seen as an endorsement of its value, a digital reserve akin to the gold of yesteryear. Alternatively, a measured approach to selling the Bitcoin could be employed, releasing it into the market in a controlled manner to mitigate any negative impacts. There's also the innovative possibility of integrating Bitcoin into the government's financial transactions, embracing the very currency that was once shunned by the establishment. **The Impact on the Future of Currency** The U.S. Government's handling of this Bitcoin cache is not merely a financial decision; it is a statement on the future of currency itself. As the line between digital and fiat currencies blurs, the actions taken with this Bitcoin hoard could send ripples across the global economy. It could influence how governments around the world perceive and interact with digital assets, potentially ushering in a new era where cryptocurrency becomes a staple of economic policy and international trade. **Conclusion** The U.S. Government's Bitcoin cache is more than a collection of digital assets; it is a symbol of a new era in governance and economic strategy. The decisions made regarding this treasure will likely resonate through the annals of financial history, setting precedents for how nations interact with the burgeoning realm of digital currencies. As we delve deeper into this narrative, we realize that this treasure is not hidden but in plain sight, waiting to unlock a future where digital assets are as commonplace and as valuable as the gold once stored in the vaults of old. **FAQs** **How did the U.S. Government acquire $5 billion in Bitcoin?** The U.S. Government seized this Bitcoin from various cybercriminal operations and darknet markets through legal and technological efforts by federal agencies. **What is the significance of the government holding such a large amount of Bitcoin?** This significant holding of Bitcoin by the government underscores the changing landscape of value and wealth, highlighting the increasing relevance of digital currencies in today's economy. **What challenges does the government face with this Bitcoin cache?** The government faces the challenge of deciding how to manage and potentially liquidate the Bitcoin without causing market disruption due to the currency's volatility. **What are the potential strategies for the U.S. Government's Bitcoin cache?** Strategies include holding the Bitcoin as a reserve asset, selling it off gradually to minimize market impact, or using it for government transactions and policy-making. **How could the government's handling of the Bitcoin cache affect the future of currency?** The government's approach to managing the Bitcoin cache could set a precedent for how digital assets are treated by national entities, potentially influencing the integration of cryptocurrencies into mainstream finance. **That's all for today** **If you want more, be sure to follow us on:** **NOSTR: croxroad@getalby.com** **X: [@croxroadnews.co](https://x.com/croxroadnewsco)** **Instagram: [@croxroadnews.co](https://www.instagram.com/croxroadnews.co/)** **Youtube: [@croxroadnews](https://www.youtube.com/@croxroadnews)** **Store: https://croxroad.store** **Subscribe to CROX ROAD Bitcoin Only Daily Newsletter** **https://www.croxroad.co/subscribe** *DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.*

@ dbb19ae0:c3f22d5a

Warning: *Use this at your own risk Backup your files before using them in the software Backup often, test your backup. Verify and dry test your files before doing a production run* I had to write this program because rmdir was claiming not to have enough authorization context nostr:note1l0u4pw5xp73eultr9nf5tgmlsgnv9q05wdqha4t6grd4699v74zssshm40 ```perl use strict; use warnings; use File::Path qw(remove_tree); # Specify the directory to be deleted my $directory = 'c:\\Users\\mydirectory\\mysubdirectory\\'; # Remove the directory remove_tree($directory, {error => \my $err}); # Check for errors if (@$err) { foreach my $diag (@$err) { my ($file, $message) = %$diag; if ($file eq '') { print "General error: $message\n"; } else { print "Problem unlinking $file: $message\n"; } } } else { print "Directory successfully deleted.\n"; } ```

@ 75656740:dbc8f92a

We spend too much time enthralled by even numbers. We can instantly tell if a number is even or odd and often have preferences in the matter. In grade school we memorize rules like - An **even** plus an **even** is an **even** - An **odd** plus an **odd** is an **even** - An **even** plus an **odd** is and **odd** And so forth to rules of multiplication. But this magical quality of numbers really just means *evenly divisible by 2.* What is so special about 2? Shouldn't we just as well care if a number is divisible by 3? So I am introducing **threeven numbers** as all numbers divisible by 3. 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, ... are all threeven numbers. But what about numbers that aren't divisible by 3? Numbers that are not divisible 2 are called *odd* so I guess *throdd?* There is, however, a slight problem. There seem to be more throdd numbers than threeven numbers. 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, ... To solve that we need to think about what an odd number is. If an even number is some number *n times 2* or *2n* then odd numbers are *2n + 1* This gives a nice way to think about threeven numbers as well. Every threeven is *3n* and a throdd is *3n + 1* and we need to introduce throdder numbers as *3n + 2*. There isn't any reason that there should only be two types of numbers. So instead of numbers that are divisible by 2 and numbers that aren't, we have numbers that are divisible by 3, numbers that are 1 greater than a multiple of three and numbers that are 2 greater than a multiple of three. To recap - Threeven = *3n* - Throdd = *3n + 1* - Throdder = *3n + 2* Now for handy rules of thumb. - A **threeven** plus a **threeven** is a **threeven** - A **threeven** plus a **throdd** is a **throdd** - A **threeven** plus a **throdder** is a **throdder** - A **throdd** plus a **throdd** is a **throdder** - A **throdd** plus a **throdder** is a **threeven** - A **throdder** plus a **throdder** is a **throdd** And, for multiplication - A **threeven** times a **threeven** is a **threeven** - A **threeven** times a **throdd** is a **threeven** - A **threeven** times a **throdder** is a **threeven** - A **throdd** times a **throdd** is a **throdd** - A **throdd** times a **throdder** is a **throdder** - A **throdder** times a **throdder** is a **throdd** This is just modular arithmetic and the same can be done for any integer *n* *m mod n = 0* Means *m* is an **nven** and there will be *n - 1* varieties of **nodd** **Threeven**, however, is the most fun to say and makes the point nicely, there is no need to carry it further. Note: it appears that I am not the first to have discovered threeven numbers. And now you are stuck knowing about them as well.

@ 30b99916:3cc6e3fe

## Details - 🍳 Cook time: 10 to 8 minutes at 350 - 🍽️ Servings: About 4 dozen cookies ## Ingredients - 2 sticks of butter - 2 eggs - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup brown sugar - 1 cup peanut butter - 1 t vanilla - 2 cups flour - 1/2 t salt - 1 t soda - 6 oz Semi-Sweet Chocolate chips (optional) ## Directions 1. Blend butter, eggs, vanilla and sugars together thoroughly 2. Next blend in peanut butter thoroughly 3. Next blend in flour, salt, and soda thoroughly 4. Optional blend in chocolate chips 5. Add about table spoon of cookie dough per cookie on a cookie sheet. With a fork based in sugar place a cross hatch pattern on each cookie. Bake cookies for 10 to 8 minutes and place onto cooler rack.

@ 85cd42e2:0e6f2173

<img src="https://blossom.primal.net/eadba2f69da199a082e7f618aca85ba219b193cf08c89cc29aa298c82eb7c23d.jpg"> Solomon, Moses, and Melchizedek were worshipping, and an enchanting beast was underneath the throne, and its mouth was an abyss. A cunning angel worshiped near the three prophets and said to them, "Any who can satisfy the Beast at the Lord's feet will be blessed forever." \ \ The three prophets spoke among themselves and asked the angel, "What is the beast's name?" \ \ And the angel answered them, "She is called ‘Desire’." \ \ Solomon went before the Beast and it spoke and said, "I can only be satisfied by great treasure." Solomon was a man of great riches, so he cast all his vast empire into the mouth of the Beast, but it was not filled. The Beast said, "What a marvelous offering! There are many great treasures, but something else is needed. You are blessed, but you shall go away empty-handed." Solomon was impoverished but rejoiced. \ \ Moses went before the Beast, and the Beast spoke and said, "Do you have great treasure?" Moses was a mighty prophet, so he struck the earth with his staff and made a river of gold flow into the mouth of the Beast for eternity, but it was not filled. The Beast spoke and said, "Moses, you are cursed to gaze until this river fills my belly." And Moses was cursed to gaze upon the abyss that could not be filled until the end of the age. \ \ Melchizedek went before the Beast, and the Beast spoke and said, "No matter what I eat, I am not satisfied." Melchizedek said, "I see that if a man gives all he has, you are not satisfied. I see that if a man gives you treasures without meaning, it is the same as offering dust and you will curse him. Thus, I will give you a portion of a treasure that has great worth." Melchizedek had two jewels called Urim and Thummim. He gave the black stone to the Beast, and the Beast didn't desire to eat Urim without Thummim. She did not consume the jewel but gazed upon it and desired its pair. The Beast spoke and said, "Give me the other stone." Melchizedek replied, "If I give you the other, you will consume both and we will have nothing between us. Let us make a covenant; If you will not bless me or curse me, but let me live in peace, I will give you Thummim at the end of time." The Beast agreed to Melchizedek's request and fashioned Urim into an amulet, and that amulet became the only possession of the Beast called Desire. Thus, Melchizedek subdued Desire by teaching her that satisfaction is not in consumption, stockpiling, or might. Satisfaction is found in treasure shared between two souls. [#poetry](https://primal.net/search/%23poetry) [#writing](https://primal.net/search/%23writing) [#bitcoin](https://primal.net/search/%23bitcoin) [#literature](https://primal.net/search/%23literature) [#story](https://primal.net/search/%23story) [#stories](https://primal.net/search/%23stories) [#mythology](https://primal.net/search/%23mythology) [#books](https://primal.net/search/%23books)[#readstr](https://primal.net/search/%23readstr) [#grownostr](https://primal.net/search/%23grownostr) [#bookstr](https://primal.net/search/%23bookstr) [#fantasy](https://primal.net/search/%23fantasy) [#plebstr](https://primal.net/search/%23plebstr) [#readstr](https://primal.net/search/%23readstr) [#philosophy](https://primal.net/search/%23philosophy)[#art](https://primal.net/search/%23art) [#artst](https://primal.net/search/%23artst) [#family](https://primal.net/search/%23family) [#parenting](https://primal.net/search/%23parenting) [#plebianmarket](https://primal.net/search/%23plebianmarket) [#market](https://primal.net/search/%23market) [#zap](https://primal.net/search/%23zap) [#diy](https://primal.net/search/%23diy)[#nostrart](https://primal.net/search/%23nostrart) [#hodl](https://primal.net/search/%23hodl) [#proofofwork](https://primal.net/search/%23proofofwork) [#craft](https://primal.net/search/%23craft) [#artisans](https://primal.net/search/%23artisans) [#nashville](https://primal.net/search/%23nashville) [#market](https://primal.net/search/%23market) [#olas](https://primal.net/search/%23olas)[#artwork](https://primal.net/search/%23artwork) [#digitalart](https://primal.net/search/%23digitalart) [#buyintoart](https://primal.net/search/%23buyintoart) [#dadlife](https://primal.net/search/%23dadlife) [#smallbusiness](https://primal.net/search/%23smallbusiness) [#education](https://primal.net/search/%23education)[#kidsbook](https://primal.net/search/%23kidsbook) [#gift](https://primal.net/search/%23gift) [#gm](https://primal.net/search/%23gm) [#artist](https://primal.net/search/%23artist) [#introductions](https://primal.net/search/%23introductions) [#wisdom](https://primal.net/search/%23wisdom)

@ bcea2b98:7ccef3c9

 originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/857857

@ f3b691eb:aa9a5c31

Not all coffee roasts are created equal. The way coffee is roasted significantly impacts its flavor, aroma, and overall quality. Let’s dive deeper into the differences between drum roasting and air roasting—and why air roasting might just change the way you experience coffee. Drum Roasting: The Traditional Approach Drum roasting involves placing coffee beans into a rotating drum that’s heated from below. This method has been around for centuries and is popular among many large-scale roasters. However, it comes with some challenges: Uneven Heat Distribution: Beans rest against the hot drum surface, leading to inconsistent roasting. Some beans may scorch, while others roast unevenly. Residual Chaff: The outer skin of the coffee bean, called chaff, remains in the drum during roasting. If not properly removed, it can burn and contribute to bitter or smoky flavors. Slower Process: Drum roasting can take longer, which can risk over-roasting and muting the coffee’s unique flavor notes. While drum roasting is widely used, it often requires an experienced hand to avoid these pitfalls and deliver a high-quality roast. Air Roasting: The Modern Revolution Air roasting, also known as fluid-bed roasting, uses a stream of hot air to roast coffee beans. This method creates a perfectly balanced environment where beans are suspended and roasted evenly. The results? Pure, unadulterated flavor. Here’s why air roasting is superior: Even Roasting: With no direct contact with hot surfaces, beans are roasted uniformly, ensuring consistent flavor throughout every batch. Cleaner Taste: Chaff is blown away during the roasting process, preventing it from burning and leaving behind off-putting bitterness. Enhanced Flavors: Air roasting preserves the coffee’s natural flavor notes, highlighting the bright, clean, and vibrant characteristics of each bean. Faster Roasting: The shorter roasting time minimizes over-cooking and delivers a fresher, more aromatic cup of coffee. Air roasting isn’t just a method—it’s an art. By focusing on the bean’s intrinsic qualities, it elevates your coffee experience to a whole new level. Try Micro-Batch Air Roasted Coffee Ready to taste the difference for yourself? Check out Food Forest Farms and explore their micro-batch air-roasted coffee. Each roast is crafted to bring out the best in every bean. https://Foodforestfarms.com (US orders only) Accepts Bitcoin 🪙 Always Free Shipping 📦 Use code LOTS10 for 10% off your first order! Make the switch to air roasting and discover coffee the way it’s meant to taste. Your mornings will never be the same! 🚀 #coffee #coffeechain #fffcoffee originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/857770

@ f527cf97:65e232ee

Our modern civilization comes with a lot of amenities and luxuries for all. When Christopher Columbus brought the potato from America to the Spanish royal court, it was a luxury vegetable reserved only for the nobility. Today, potatoes are thrown at anyone who has 1-2 Dollars or Euros. The same applies to chocolate. Once a luxury good, it now costs only a few Cents. We live in luxury, just like kings did a few centuries ago. But all this has a price. Allah ﷻ says in the Quran that he sent "manna and quails from above" to the people of Musā (Moses) عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام (Surah 2, Ayah 57 and Surah 7, Ayah 160), after they escaped from Pharaoh and fled from Egypt into the desert. Manna is a food described in the Quran and the Bible as a gift from God to the people of Israel. It is described as a white, sweet, and nutritious powder that lay on the ground every morning. The exact nature of manna is unknown, but there are various theories about what it could be. Some scientists believe that manna could be a product of the tamarisk plant (Tamarix gallica), which occurs in the Sinai Desert. The tamarisk plant produces a sweet, white resin that could be used as food by the Israelites. Other theories suggest that manna could be a product of insects like ants or butterflies that produce a sweet secretion. Quails are small birds that occur in the Sinai Desert. They are an important part of the food chain in the desert and were used as food by the Israelites. Some studies have shown that the resin of the tamarisk plant, which is considered a possible source of manna, is rich in various nutrients, including: - Carbohydrates: Manna probably contains a mixture of simple and complex carbohydrates, such as sugar, starch, and cellulose. - Proteins: Manna may also contain proteins from insects or other organisms that produce the resin. - Vitamins: Manna may contain vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin B1, and vitamin B2. - Minerals: Manna may contain minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron. Quails are small birds rich in various nutrients. Here are some of the most important nutrients found in quails: - Proteins: Quails are rich in proteins that are essential for building and maintaining muscles and other body tissues. A 100g piece of quail contains about 20-25g of protein. - Fat: Quails also contain fat, which is essential for energy supply and maintaining body functions. A 100g piece of quail contains about 10-15g of fat. - Vitamins: Quails are rich in various vitamins, including: - Vitamin B12: essential for blood formation and nerve function - Vitamin B6: essential for energy supply and immune function - Vitamin E: essential for cell protection and tissue function - Vitamin A: essential for vision and immune function - Minerals: Quails also contain various minerals, including: - Iron: essential for blood formation and oxygen supply - Calcium: essential for bone formation and muscle contraction - Phosphorus: essential for bone formation and energy supply - Magnesium: essential for muscle contraction and nerve function - Amino acids: Quails contain various amino acids that are essential for building and maintaining proteins. To put it in one sentence: Allah gave the people of Musā عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام in the wilderness everything they needed to survive. In the Quran and the Bible, it is reported that some members of the community of Musā عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام complained about the monotonous diet of manna and quails. They longed for the variety of foods they had eaten in Egypt. In the Quran, this is described in Surah 2, Ayah 61: "And when you said to us, 'O Moses, we will not be satisfied with one dish. Ask your Lord to bring us from the earth, from vegetables, onions, garlic, lentils, and chickpeas.' He said, 'Do you want to exchange something better for something worse? Go down to a city, and you will find what you want.'" These complaints show that the people in the community of Musā عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام had difficulty adapting to the new situation and being content with the simple diet. For they were accustomed to the variety and luxury of Egypt. Even though they lived there as slaves and an oppressed minority. They could be physically rescued from slavery by Musā عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام , but the mental slavery was still anchored in them. They could not bear the total freedom, even if it came with sufficient food, and became ungrateful. (from Nouman Ali Khan, Tafseer Lessons) These stories in the Quran are timeless and not told without reason. Even today, we find ourselves in a kind of spiritual bondage and cannot mentally free ourselves from the captivity and slavery in which we voluntarily reside. If we could, we would have to live with much less, but it would be enough. And we would have to work harder for it than the people of Musā عَلَیهِ‌السَّلام did back then. We would have to engage in agriculture and farming with the means available to us. We would have to plow and dig and get our hands dirty. But we wouldn't have to go to the supermarket and apply for a credit card to pay for goods. We would have to trade with our surplus to buy meat from the equally self-sovereign livestock farmer. We would have to build a trading community with all sovereign individuals and use money that the banks cannot exclude us from. The common pattern here is: freedom and self-sovereignty require effort, work, and being content with what one needs. - If we want freedom and self-sovereignty in our money, we have to deal with Bitcoin and seed storage technologies. - If we want free, full, and fair hearing in social media, we have to acquire the basic technical understanding to handle Nostr correctly. People give up their self-sovereignty because they want more than they need and are not willing to do the necessary work.  The Matrix trilogy also deals with this topic, describing a future where humans serve as energy sources for the machines that, in turn, simulate a world (the Matrix) that people desire. We already see the first approaches to this today. We give our data to Big Tech, which generates profits for various industries. We have AI in the starting blocks, which is supposed to largely automate the analysis and preparation of this data. With neural interfaces, we are supposed to approach human thoughts and, above all, desires. If you know what people long for, you can sell them the perfect product. Or just simulate it. Humans then become mere milkable data cows, whose "real work" (for the Matrix) becomes superfluous. With socialist ideas, such as unconditional basic income or its capitalist counterpart "ad revenue sharing" by large platforms, it is ensured that the individual also has something to spend. Regardless of their qualifications or professional experience, because these no longer count. A large part of humanity becomes an energy source for the machines. Unless we become self-sovereign again and get our hands dirty for what we actually need.