@ 1ef61805:f18312cc

At OpSec Academy, we’ve customised TailsOS to include a suite of peer-reviewed applications that extend the operating system’s capabilities, enhancing privacy, security, and decentralisation. These tools are installed separately from the standard TailsOS installation and have been carefully vetted to meet the highest standards of security and functionality. In this article, we’ll break down each of the applications that are included and explain how they enhance the TailsOS experience. ## 1. **Hodl Hodl** Hodl Hodl is a decentralised peer-to-peer Bitcoin trading platform that allows users to buy and sell Bitcoin directly, without the need for an intermediary. It uses an escrow system to ensure trust and security during trades. By including Hodl Hodl in our custom TailsOS image, users gain access to a platform that allows for private, secure, and censorship-resistant Bitcoin transactions, in line with TailsOS's commitment to decentralisation and privacy. ## 2. **RoboSats** RoboSats is an automated, non-custodial Bitcoin exchange that enables users to trade Bitcoin for gift cards or other payment methods without compromising their privacy. It operates using a peer-to-peer model, ensuring that users retain full control over their funds throughout the process. Including RoboSats in our TailsOS image ensures that users can conduct Bitcoin trades privately and securely, without relying on centralised services. ## 3. **Mempool.space** Mempool.space is a visualisation tool that offers real-time insights into Bitcoin’s mempool—the collection of unconfirmed transactions waiting to be included in a block. This tool allows users to monitor transaction fees, network congestion, and block size, helping them optimise their Bitcoin transactions for faster confirmations and lower fees. By integrating Mempool.space into our custom TailsOS image, users gain access to critical information that can help them manage their Bitcoin transactions more effectively. ## 4. **Sparrow Wallet** Sparrow Wallet is a Bitcoin wallet that prioritises privacy and security, offering advanced features such as coin control, multi-signature support, and hardware wallet integration. It also integrates with Tor to ensure that users' transaction data remains private. Sparrow Wallet is an ideal choice for users who want complete control over their Bitcoin holdings, and by including it in our TailsOS image, we provide a secure and user-friendly solution for managing Bitcoin wallets with privacy at the forefront. ## 5. **Cake Wallet** Cake Wallet is a mobile wallet designed specifically for Monero (XMR), a privacy-focused cryptocurrency. It offers users a simple, intuitive interface to send, receive, and store Monero, all while integrating with Tor to maintain privacy. By adding Cake Wallet to our TailsOS image, we provide users with a secure and private way to manage their Monero transactions, enhancing TailsOS's focus on privacy protection in the cryptocurrency space. ## 6. **Snort (Nostr Client)** Snort is a decentralised client for the Nostr protocol, which is designed for secure, censorship-resistant communication. It provides users with a lightweight, minimal interface for sending and receiving messages in a private, decentralised manner. By including Snort on our custom TailsOS image, we empower users to engage in secure, peer-to-peer communication without relying on centralised platforms that may compromise privacy. ## 7. **Iris (Nostr Client)** Iris is another decentralised Nostr client, designed with a more feature-rich experience in mind. It supports multiple platforms and offers enhanced privacy features. Like Snort, Iris allows users to send and receive messages over the Nostr protocol in a secure, private, and decentralised way. By including Iris in our custom TailsOS image, we offer users an additional option for secure communication that aligns with the privacy-centric goals of TailsOS. ## 8. **BIP39 (Ian Coleman's Tool)** BIP39 is a Bitcoin Improvement Proposal that defines how to generate mnemonic phrases (seed phrases) for deterministic wallets. Ian Coleman's BIP39 tool is an open-source, web-based application that allows users to generate these seed phrases and derive wallet keys securely. By including Ian Coleman's BIP39 tool in our TailsOS image, we provide users with a secure, offline method to generate mnemonic phrases and recover their wallets, ensuring that they have complete control over their private keys. ## Why These Applications? Each of the applications included in our custom TailsOS image is designed to provide users with enhanced privacy, security, and decentralisation. These tools give users more control over their digital assets, communication, and transactions, all while ensuring that their activities remain private and secure. The peer-reviewed nature of these applications means that they have been rigorously tested and are trusted by experts, giving our users confidence that they are using some of the best privacy tools available. By adding these applications to TailsOS, we’ve created a more comprehensive, privacy-focused operating system that helps users navigate the digital world with greater security and freedom. ## Conclusion Our custom TailsOS image goes beyond the standard installation by incorporating a suite of peer-reviewed applications that enhance privacy, decentralisation, and security. Whether you’re looking to engage in secure communication, manage cryptocurrency, or monitor network activity, the applications we’ve included provide users with everything they need to operate privately and securely in an increasingly surveillance-driven world. With these powerful tools, users can take full control of their digital lives, all while staying true to the principles of decentralisation and privacy that TailsOS upholds.

@ 1ef61805:f18312cc

# **OpSec Academy is Specialising in TailsOS** At OpSec Academy, we have always been committed to providing the highest standards of privacy, security, and operational resilience. In line with this mission, we are excited to announce that we are now **specialising entirely in TailsOS** as the primary tool for teaching privacy and security practices. This transition marks our commitment to offering in-depth expertise in TailsOS, enabling individuals and organisations to leverage its full potential for operational security. ## **Why TailsOS?** Tails (The Amnesic Incognito Live System) is a privacy-focused, Debian-based operating system designed to ensure anonymity and data security. It operates as a **live system**, running directly from a USB stick or DVD without leaving traces on the computer. All internet connections are routed through **Tor**, offering robust protection from surveillance and censorship. Tails comes pre-installed with a variety of powerful privacy tools, including encryption software for secure communication and file storage. By specialising in TailsOS, we eliminate the complexities and risks associated with other security tools, focusing solely on providing the best possible training and support for this **leading privacy solution**. ## **How We Can Help You Master TailsOS** At OpSec Academy, we are not just adopting TailsOS for our own use—we are dedicating our expertise to helping others **learn how to use TailsOS effectively**. Whether you are an individual seeking to enhance your personal privacy or an organisation looking to implement secure communication protocols, we are here to guide you through the ins and outs of TailsOS. ### **Our Services Include:** - ✅ **Customised, Peer-Reviewed Secure TailsOS** – We offer a specially tailored version of TailsOS with added security features to meet your specific needs. - ✅ **One-on-One and Group Consultations** – Learn how to integrate TailsOS into your security framework with expert, hands-on guidance. - ✅ **Workshops and Training** – In-depth sessions focused on how to use TailsOS for secure communication, anonymous browsing, and data protection. - ✅ **Implementation Support** – Assistance with setting up TailsOS for businesses, journalists, or high-risk individuals. ## **Get Started with TailsOS Today** Our transition to specialising in TailsOS reflects our commitment to **privacy-first computing**. We invite you to join us in mastering the best tool available for secure and anonymous online activity. 🔐 **Interested in learning how to use TailsOS?** Contact us via our website [**opsecacademy.org**](https://opsecacademy.org) to learn more about our customised TailsOS services and consultation options. **Stay secure, stay anonymous, stay free.**

@ c13fd381:b46236ea

# Nostr *IS* Bitcoin: The Layer 3 That Ends the Old Internet Most people are still trapped in the old way of thinking. They try to compare Nostr to decentralised social media, calling it “the new Twitter” or “the uncensorable Facebook.” But this mindset is limiting—it completely misses the fundamental truth about what Nostr is. Nostr isn’t just another application built alongside Bitcoin. **It is the next logical extension of Bitcoin itself—a Layer 3 that completes the decentralised internet.** Bitcoin solved money. The Lightning Network solved fast, scalable payments. Nostr solves identity, communication, and coordination. And when you put all of these pieces together, something profound happens: **the old internet becomes obsolete.** --- ## The Internet Today: A System of Control The internet as we know it is broken. It’s a patchwork of corporate-owned platforms that act as gatekeepers to communication, identity, and finance. Every time you log into Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn, you’re not really accessing *your* identity—you’re borrowing space on someone else’s server, subject to their rules. This is a permissioned system. Your access is conditional. - Your Twitter account? Twitter controls it. - Your Facebook profile? Facebook owns it. - Even your emails and cloud storage? They sit on a corporate server that can delete them at any time. Bitcoin exposed the flaw in this model when it did the same thing to banks. Before Bitcoin, money was always controlled by an intermediary. But with Bitcoin, **your money became truly yours**, with no need for banks or approval. Now, Nostr is doing the same thing for identity and communication. --- ## Nostr as Bitcoin’s Layer 3 To understand why **Nostr is Bitcoin**, you have to look at how the layers fit together: - **Layer 1: Bitcoin** – The base layer of decentralised money. - **Layer 2: Lightning Network** – Scalable, instant payments built on Bitcoin. - **Layer 3: Nostr** – Decentralised identity, communication, and coordination. Bitcoin gave us financial sovereignty. But money alone isn’t enough—you also need a way to **communicate, organise, and transact without permission.** That’s where Nostr comes in. Nostr acts as **the identity and coordination layer of Bitcoin.** It allows users to interact freely, without relying on corporations, while remaining interoperable with Bitcoin itself. Through cryptographic keys, your Nostr identity isn’t just a social media profile—it’s **your passport to the decentralised internet.** And because Nostr integrates directly with Bitcoin and Lightning, the system is already primed to support payments, contracts, and governance without intermediaries. This isn’t just a Twitter replacement. **This is the new internet.** --- ## Why Nostr Changes Everything ### 1. **Your Identity Becomes Yours** Nostr eliminates the need for platform-based identity. Instead of creating an account on someone else’s system, you control a private key that acts as your identity across every application. No bans, no suspensions, no need for permission. ### 2. **Social Media Becomes Just a Skin** In the old model, social media platforms *were* the network. But with Nostr, **the network exists independently of any specific app.** Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn all become interchangeable interfaces that simply display Nostr data. This makes platforms obsolete—because your identity, posts, and connections live *outside* of any single service. ### 3. **Bitcoin and Nostr Are Interoperable** Nostr isn't separate from Bitcoin—it’s built to work with it. Lightning payments are already integrated into Nostr through Zaps, allowing instant Bitcoin transactions to be woven into communication itself. This means: - Tipping and payments happen *natively* in social interactions. - Crowdfunding, subscriptions, and paywalls don’t require third-party payment processors. - Entire economic models become possible without intermediaries. ### 4. **Censorship Becomes Impossible** Unlike traditional social media, Nostr has **no central authority**. It’s a protocol, not a platform. No one can shut it down. If one relay (server) censors content, another can pick it up. Your data and identity persist regardless. This makes Nostr the first truly **unstoppable** system for global communication—just as Bitcoin is the first unstoppable system for money. --- ## The Frustration of Seeing the Future All of this is inevitable. And yet, most people still don’t see it. They’re still asking, *“What’s the best Twitter alternative?”* They’re still thinking in terms of Web 2.0 platforms, branding themselves through corporate services instead of owning their own digital identity. But this mindset will soon be irrelevant. With Nostr, identity and communication become **protocols, not platforms.** And once identity is self-sovereign, platforms lose their power entirely. --- ## The Only Path Forward The future isn’t being built on platforms. It’s being built on **protocols.** Bitcoin started this shift by decentralising money. Lightning made it scalable. Now, Nostr is finishing it—by decentralising identity, communication, and social interaction. The Nostr protocol is already deployed. The infrastructure is here. The transition is happening whether people realise it or not. It’s only a matter of time before the world wakes up and understands: **Nostr *IS* Bitcoin. The old internet is already dead.**

@ 8d5ba92c:c6c3ecd5

**It’s no exaggeration to say that Bitcoin has moved beyond its roots as a monetary innovation, growing into a cultural movement built on resistance, decentralization, truth, and freedom. This makes perfect sense.** Money and technology are powerful forces redefining how we interact with each other and ultimately live. From the invention of the printing press to the rise of the Internet—and the countless areas they’ve transformed to this day—every major shift in how we exchange value and information has sparked cultural revolutions. The key here is to choose authenticity over the shallow narratives so often thrown our way. Bitcoin, by its very nature, challenges current systems. The culture it fosters naturally becomes a counterbalance to a world dominated by fiat—its rotten values, dishonest incentives, hopelessness, greed, and increasingly weaker social interactions. ## Go Out and Meet Your Tribe Over the years, I’ve been to plenty of Bitcoin-themed events. Conferences, meetups, hackathons, and so on. All sorts of gatherings. Each one has left me with not just cool memories and lessons learned, but also genuine connections. I’ve met so many amazing people—some I’m lucky to call friends now, and I know that if it weren’t for Bitcoin and the incredible community that’s grown around it, I probably never would’ve crossed paths with most of them. > Culture is not just about where we’ve come from. It’s about where we’re going... Last year, I joined 5 different conferences, not to mention smaller gatherings. Regardless of their format, they always enrich my personal perspectives, and, in turn, shape how I see the world and my place within it. My calendar for the first part of this year is already marked with 6 major events, one of which I’m personally co-organizing. From January to March alone, I’ve attended around 10 Bitcoin meetups and 1 larger event in Thailand—[SatsNFacts](nostr:npub1yrnuj56rnen08zp2h9h7p74ghgjx6ma39spmpj6w9hzxywutevsst7k5cx), a signal-rich 'unconference' ([here](nostr:naddr1qvzqqqr4gupzpr2m4ykgej3at3ee9upe82c4h58uda35xfd5292purmuntrv8mx4qqxnzden8yen2v3sxqcrgdpcr34j4m) you can read some memories from it). The more I travel and spend time with Bitcoiners from around the world, the happier, more hopeful, and more motivated I become. I truly believe that the places we choose to go and the people we meet along the way can profoundly shape our near and distant futures. ## Discover the Heartbeat of Bitcoin Culture Now, imagine a unique gathering that embodies the ethos of Bitcoin while blending artistic expression, intellectual stimulation and collaborative spirit. Not too big, with thousands of attendees you’ll never have a chance to talk to, and not as small as an average local meetup where every face is already familiar. That’s exactly what [Bitcoin FilmFest](nostr:npub1rjtrs7xqdvj3588r9njrexh2n750j7jdwx9qs543nutmdsj6ljaqpfmp8a) 2025 (#BFF25) feels like—the event I’m honored to co-create (again) this year. It’s not a typical conference but a community-driven cultural experience, that, for the third time already, is taking over one of Warsaw’s most iconic landmarks: the Palace of Culture and Science. Once known as 'Stalin’s Ziggurat,' now [our Cinematic Rebel ₿ase](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wb-bZeQ9sIg). I’m not writing this piece to promote the event itself but rather to show how attending more culture-themed events can impact your journey. By participating in these experiences, you’re not just learning or networking—you’re becoming part of a movement that values creativity, authentic storytelling, and human connections. ### 📣 Why to attend Bitcoin FilmFest (or any similar event): **#1: Fresh Perspectives Through Art and Storytelling** Even if you’re not an artist or filmmaker, most probably you consume their work in one way or another, anyway. Viewing Bitcoin’s cultural impact through the lens of independent art can make you a more conscious, and inspired member of this space. The best part? You won’t just watch films or artistic projects—you’ll also have the chance to meet the creators, ask questions, and dive deeper into their stories. This isn’t about being a random spectator. It’s about engaging with narratives that fuel your mind and heart in ways you can’t yet imagine. Simply put, step in and become part of the story. **#2: From Cypherpunks to Spiritual Awakening** Cultural events like BFF feel more organic than traditional conferences, where networking can often feel rushed or transactional. Built on art and creativity, they foster a relaxed and open atmosphere—a perfect environment to explore deeper conversations, even those with philosophical dimensions. Topics could span a wide range, from the cypherpunk movement and its emphasis on privacy to using Bitcoin to escape inflation, real-world examples of micro-nations, freedom-tech innovations, powerful music, permissionless art, higher consciousness, personal awakenings, and spirituality. When you add the opportunity to engage with like-minded participants who have firsthand experience in many of these areas, you gain mind-blowing insights that can inspire you for months to come. **#3: Non-Technical Areas and New Opportunities** While developers and their work is essential, Bitcoin thrives on a wide range of skills and perspectives. Attending events like BFF might reveal how your unique talents can contribute to this space—something you might not realize while sitting at home. As [Anya](nostr:npub1tc4q7lfxgeet0d3afacnxrlgslcywgfgagtczxm764tx8ytww26s8g0f8j), founder of [Bitvocation](nostr:npub1wtknktw4tl6dtu5075jnjststamucaerzml0unypcj0grhfjjpasm2vyt7) (*a partner of this year’s BFF, running a mini-site event where you can learn more about the Bitcoin job market, details to come), once told me: > Face-to-face interactions create real connection and trust—vital ingredients for Bitcoin's social layer. Just like her, I know that by attending Bitcoin meetups and conferences, we gain an unmatched opportunity to grow our network in real life, resulting in much closer relations than hanging out with someone on X or Nostr. It could even be the first step toward a new career path that, precisely because of your presence, begins to take shape. Indeed, quoting Anya again: > The best opportunities come to those who truly show up. Of course, this doesn’t mean that after attending an event, you’ll immediately walk away with a job in Bitcoin (though you might!). But you’ll likely leave with valuable connections, fresh ideas, and a clearer sense of direction. ## Final Thoughts A year has 12 months—whether that’s a lot or a little depends on how we spend it. But please remember that a sound culture thrives when we gather, create, and connect. That’s why I’d like to encourage you to make Bitcoin events and meetups part of your plans this year. Hope to see you in [Warsaw at BFF25](https://bitcoinfilmfest.com/bff25/) (May 22-25)—so you can verify for yourself whether the points I’ve raised above resonate with your own experience. Who knows? Maybe our paths will cross at other events I’ve penciled into my calendar as well 😎 *BTC Your Mind. Let it Beat. Şela*

@ df67f9a7:2d4fc200

> For over a year, I have been developing “webs of trust onboarding and discovery” tools for Nostr. With additional funding, I hope to continue this endeavor in 2025. Here’s the story so far… ## What I’m Building More than simply a “list of follows follows”, “web of trust” implementations will power user discovery, content search, reviews and reccomendations, identity verification and access to all corners of the “trusted” Nostr network as it scales. Without relying on a central “trust authority” to recommend people and content for us, sovereign Nostr users will leverage many forms of “relative trust” derived from our own “web” of natural interactions, “simply” by normalizing and scoring these interactions. The problem is, Nostr doesn’t have an extensible library for performing these “web of trust” calculations and delivering standardized reccomendations to any client … until now. I have built a developer library by which clients and relays can offer “webs of trust” score calculations for any user. Primarily, I am also building a “social onboarding” client, which will leverage this library to provide “webs of trust” powered recommendations for new users at their crucial “first interaction” touchpoint. - [Meet Me On Nostr](https://nostrmeet.me) (onboarding client) : This is my first project on Nostr, which I started a year ago with seed funding from [@druid](https://primal.net/druid). This “social onboarding” client will leverage in person relationships, QR invites, and advocate recommendations to improve new user retention. Currently, it creates new accounts with encrypted keys upon scanning any user’s invite. Last summer, without additional funding or a reliable WoT engine to produce recommendations, I “paused” development of this project. - [GrapeRank Engine](https://github.com/Pretty-Good-Freedom-Tech/graperank-nodejs) (developer library) : Working with [@straycat](https://primal.net/straycat) last fall, I built an open source and extensible library for Nostr developers to integrate “web of trust” powered reccomendations into their products and services. The power of GrapeRank is that it can generate different recommendations for different use cases (not just “web of trust” from “follows and mutes”), configurable easily by developers and by end users. This library is currently in v0.1, “generating and storing usable scores” without NIP standard outputs for Nostr clients. - [My Grapevine](https://grapevine.my) (algo dashboard) : In addition, I’ve just now wrapped up the demo release of a web client by which users and developers can explore the power of the GrapeRank Engine. 
 ## Potential Impact Webs of Trust is how Nostr scales. But so far, “web of trust” recommendations on Nostr have been implemented ad-hoc by clients with no consistency and little choice for end users. The “onboarding and discovery” tools I am developing promise to : - Establish “sovereignty” for webs of trust users, by stimulating a “free market of choices” with open source libraries, enabling any developer to implement WoT powered recommendations with ease. - Accelerate the isolation of “bots and bad actors”, and improve the “trustiness” of Nostr for everyone else, by streamlining the onboarding of “real world” trusted people directly into established “webs of trust”. - Improve “discoverability of users and content” across all clients, by providing an extensible algo engine with “unlimited” NIP standard outputs, allowing any client to consume and take advantage of WoT powered recommendations, even as these NIPs are still in flux. - Pave the way for “global Nostr adoption”, where WoT powered recommendations (and searches) are consistently available for any user across a wide variety of clients. ## Timeline & Milestones 2025 roadmap for “Webs of Trust Onboarding and Discovery” : - [Meet Me On Nostr](https://nostrmeet.me/) (onboarding client) : MVP release : “scan my QR for instant account and DM with me on Nostr”. - [GrapeRank Engine ](https://github.com/Pretty-Good-Freedom-Tech/graperank-nodejs)(developer library) : 1.0 release : “output WoT scores to Nostr NIPs and other stuff” for consumption by clients and relays. - [My Grapevine](https://grapevine.my/) (algo dashboard) : 1.0 release : “usable dashboard with API endpoints” for end users to configure and consume GrapeRank scores on their own clients and relays. - [Meet Me On Nostr](https://nostrmeet.me/) (onboarding client) : 1.0 release : first integration with My Grapevine, offering “follow and app recommendations for invited users”, customizable per-invite for Nostr advocates. ## Funding In February 2024, I received a one time donation from [@druid](https://primal.net/druid) to start the “Meet Me On Nostr” client. In May 2024, I applied for an OpenSats grant to fund further development of “Meet Me On Nostr”. This was denied. In September 2024, [@straycat](https://primal.net/straycat) offered to fund me for three months, to develop the “GrapeRank Engine” and “My Grapevine” demo client around his algorithm design. I have a [Geyser Fund page](https://geyser.fund/project/nostrmeetme) Please reach out via DM if you are interested to fund part of this or any related project.

@ c43d6de3:a6583169

## The Next 1000 Days Steam drifts from Jeffrey’s cup of coffee on the worn wooden table as he settles onto his familiar front porch, his only refuge from a world entirely different than the one he grew up in. Three years into retirement, he’s cultivated a quiet ritual: watching his neighbors through softly lit windows as they scurry about their morning routines.  Fathers in tailored suits exchange tender goodbye kisses with their children, while others—dressed down in basketball shorts—sprint to gather their little ones. Mothers go for jogs; mothers in suits pause, a foot outside their front doors, to take deep breaths before flipping their phones to their ears to jump on their first morning meetings as they strut down their driveways in high heels.  Men and women in rugged pants and long sleeve shirts packed in Ford 3500 trucks pile out in the street corner and begin unloading lawn care equipment for the work of the day.  Jeffrey has lived his life and is now watching the people of his neighborhood go about theirs.  He watches the evolving cadence of life; a rhythm that in his younger years would have seemed like science fiction.   Smartphones, cars with backup cameras, Teslas navigating on autopilot: technology has woven itself into the fabric of every routine. As his neighborhood empties and Jeffrey cues up a podcast with his coffee in hand, one truth emerges: his world has shifted dramatically.  And soon, yours will too. In just three years, artificial intelligence is set to upend corporate jobs. When the machines take over, where will you find your place? > "In 1000 days the world will be dramatically different than it is today"   -Daniel Priestly.  Those words do not linger in times new roman font deep in some obscure forum on the internet somewhere. They were spoken by prominent entrepreneur and writer, Daniel Priestly, on Peter McCormack's podcast a few weeks ago.  People echo these words in conversation as they ruminate on what has become of them since their schooling days and what still lies ahead.  Donald Trump, only a few days after his inauguration, brought the foremost leaders of AI on the stage to announce project "Stargate", an initiative which will pump billions of dollars and remove legislative red tape to further develop breakthroughs in AI.  How could anyone watch all of this unfolding and not think to themselves that something huge is coming. If you haven’t, I urge you to start thinking about it now because in as soon as three years you may find yourself sitting in a world you don’t recognize or fully understand like our friend Jeffrey on his porch.   ## The Holdouts This isn’t the first time society has faced the precipice of life-altering change. In fact, it’s happened countless times, and each era required humans to adapt in order to survive. The good news? Most of the time, this adaptation has led to swaths of the population enjoying better, less combative lives. But let’s be clear, some never made it through the transformations. The ones left behind in the wake of progress were those too stubborn to abandon old ways. Today, these holdouts are the ones clinging to the traditional life blueprint: go to university, earn a degree, seek out an entry-level job, and work for a large, reputable corporation. Tomorrow, however, those same corporations will replace human workers with machines that are not only cheaper but also infinitely better at the specific tasks central to their employment.  No hard feelings. For decades, education trained human beings to be pliable workers, cogs in the vast machinery of the economy. If you think this won’t affect your livelihood—or worse, if you’ve given it little thought—understand one thing: you are charging headfirst toward disaster. All your proverbial eggs are in one basket, and AI is about to knock that basket out of your hands. ## Natural Progression Consider this undeniable truth today: the affluent seek out one-of-a-kind, handcrafted treasures from those who labor with passion, while the masses settle for cheap, mass-produced widgets. Many voices predict a future where society either drifts into endless entertainment or reverts to a modern feudalism—an elite class of AI owners living like royalty while the rest labor merely to sustain the machine. I reject that dystopian vision. Instead, if we heed the dramatic shifts unfolding around us, it becomes clear that people, driven by the need for multiple income streams, will increasingly pivot toward what they do best. They’ll embrace the art of crafting custom-made products—whether by hand or through locally powered 3D printing—infusing each creation with a unique allure. In this future, while AI churns out soulless, mass-produced widgets, human hands will continue to craft irreplaceable works of art. A vibrant, decentralized marketplace will emerge, where neighbors and artisans trade items imbued with character and individuality. Look to the bitcoin space for a hint: platforms like NOSTR are already witnessing exchanges of goods and services for sats, transactions driven by genuine heart and soul. This is the future—a flourishing human economy that prizes the unique over the uniform. ## The Choice is Ours This transformation isn’t a fantasy or a guess, it’s a reality unfolding in real-time. AI will soon take over corporate roles it will redefine industries, it will displace workers, and it will shift the foundations of the traditional economy. The question isn’t if change is coming, but whether you will be ready when it does. We are at a crossroads. The choice is stark: continue relying on outdated systems that are on the verge of obsolescence, or take an active role in shaping the new economy. The sooner we embrace this shift, the smoother the transition will be—not just for individuals, but for society as a whole. A new marketplace is forming, one where human ingenuity, craftsmanship, and individuality hold more value than ever before. Many here on Nostr recognize this, albeit they may not be able to fully articulate it.  Those making active and early moves to adhere to these changes will be the ones that thrive in the next era—offering handcrafted, uniquely designed goods and services in a decentralized, global economy. The tools are already in place. Platforms like NOSTR and Bitcoin are glimpses of what’s to come—a world where economic exchange is no longer dictated by faceless corporations but by individuals trading real value with one another. But make no mistake—this transition will not be without obstacles.  ## The Challenges Ahead **Proof of Identity Will Become Crucial** As digital marketplaces grow, verifying authenticity will be essential. Fake identities, deepfakes, and AI-generated fraud will make it harder than ever to determine who is real and who isn’t. Those who build trust and credibility early in decentralized markets will have a significant advantage. **Geo-Politics May Stand in the Way of a Globalized Economy** While technology enables a worldwide marketplace, governments and institutions will resist. Economic protectionism, sanctions, and restrictions on decentralized trade could create friction, limiting global participation and increasing the risk of international conflict.  Looking at the recent Trump tariffs, it's easy to see how truly decentralized trade could be stymied as nations worldwide attempt to rein in natural global trade.  **Truth Will Become Harder to Define** AI will not only disrupt jobs but also the flow of information. Deepfake videos, synthetic news, and hyper-targeted misinformation will make it nearly impossible to discern what’s real. In an era where perception shapes reality, those who fail to sharpen their ability to seek truth will be left vulnerable. The world will change, of that, there is no doubt. But will you change with it? The next 1,000 days will define the trajectory of the next 100 years. If you’re waiting for someone to give you permission to adapt, you’ll already be too late. Start now. Be an active participant. Take control of your future before AI makes that choice for you. Here are some profiles of people taking advantage of this new change that are worth following and supporting! nostr:npub1uzt238htjzpq39dxmltlx60vxym9fetk9czz6kddq6fhvkf4z3usy9qtrh Oshi- Makes hand-made date bars and delicious goodies  nostr:npub1e2rd2k45ym2jmctnysfadxumrvrr57vqj69ck6trt2y62c40r0kqs9lx8t Eryn- Makes hand-made pottery of all kinds for your home  There are plenty more people leveraging their craftsmanship to serve the market and looking to establish relationships directly with you as their patron. Find more people like Oshi and Eryn at plebmall by nostr:npub1f0e6xymc9hy4wmepa7em60tp8p7s6kgnq53q06grq6n5r0m27l2s6tc5r6 This is how we actively participate in the future that is unfolding. --- Thank you for reading! If this article resonated with you, let me know with a zap and share it with friends who might find it insightful. Your help sends a strong signal to keep making content like this! Interested in fiction? Follow nostr:npub1j9cmpzhlzeex6y85c2pnt45r5zhxhtx73a2twt77fyjwequ4l4jsp5xd49 for great short stories and serialized fiction. More articles you might like from Beneath The Ink: nostr:naddr1qvzqqqr4gupzp3padh3au336rew4pzfx78s050p3dw7pmhurgr2ktdcwwxn9svtfqq2n23zrgg68x5rw2pg477t6fezks36z940kcth39v6 nostr:naddr1qvzqqqr4gupzp3padh3au336rew4pzfx78s050p3dw7pmhurgr2ktdcwwxn9svtfqq2nwd6829tkgwf3d9dyk42zdedx233d24f57yyvkjt nostr:naddr1qvzqqqr4gupzp3padh3au336rew4pzfx78s050p3dw7pmhurgr2ktdcwwxn9svtfqq24s4mrfdm55utg23z55ufs94argvn523k5yqhkrc3

@ 6f0a6a19:7dd662db

I have been on a mission to make bitcoin physical longer than I would like to admit. And I’m not talking about physical key cards or flash drives that hackers can exploit and governments can censor. I’m talking about incarnating the unit of account into physical material—a sort of cypherpunk alchemy. This obsession took root when I realized how close we are to the cashless and contactless society so many science fiction writers and futurists warned us about. At first, I thought this transition was just a given force of nature emerging from the evolution of free markets—one efficient innovation solving the inefficiency of another. However, as a digital assets journalist, I quickly discovered that financial privacy wasn’t only not an option in this more efficient system. Its public and traceable transparency was a feature that state actors would do anything to preserve. I learned that if I wanted to protect my freedom to cooperate with who and how I like, I would need to find a way to cash bitcoin, the oldest and most trustworthy digital asset, out of this surveillance matrix and into physical instantiations that are independently verifiable. Well, I discovered the secret to making this a reality. And I published an unalterable and uncensorable public record of it onto its blockchain. The bitcoin you see attached to this paper was minted using this standard. But before I explain the “how” and the, “why bitcoin?” I want to explain why cash is on its last dying breath and how states will use Bitcoin to usher in a new phase of the contactless matrix we are already living in. *You can find copies of this guide with physical bitcoin at local bookstores around LA.* ## THE CONTACTLESS NETWORK STATE Ask yourself this question. When did you last connect, in a meaningful way, with the other human being behind a transaction? I find that on the rare occasion there is a human to interact with in an exchange, it lacks eye contact or any sense of goodwill—an experience I'm afraid to admit happens on both sides of the counter. While I'm fully aware that my patience for interacting with strangers has reached a catastrophic low, I get the sense that I am not alone. I see it in the unwillingness to return those small courtesies that once saturated our society. You see, I am young enough to know and feel the social effects of growing up in a chronically online culture and old enough to remember a time when "thank you for your business" meant more than an adjustment to an electronic ledger. The exchange of tendered goods and services, if you recall, used to establish a relationship of mutual respect. Each transaction had body language and a face that other human beings could recognize, appreciate and hold accountable. Over the past few decades, we have systematically stripped those familiar human elements from commerce and deferred our responsibilities of recognition and accountability to a matrix of automated protocols and machines. I believe that this proliferation of intermediation is giving us early-onset dementia. It has removed the critical brain gym exercises that keep a body politic capable of trusting, engaging and holding other community members accountable. Each physical cash exchange may not feel significant, but it has a virtuous multiplying effect. On the rare occasions when we carry it, we are more willing to give it to someone in need. For example, cash is more likely to find its way to "The Young Entrepreneur's" bake sale outside Whole Foods than the grocery store's Amazon-owned bank account. Think about all the times a stranger asked you for money and you said, “sorry, I don’t have any cash on me.” Any cash you do have in your pocket doesn’t stay there for long. It passes from one human hand to another that owns a local business, is an independent contractor or simply in need. And yes, some use it for illicit activity, but that damage to society is an ounce in the bucket compared to the mass inequality and social erosion that hundreds of trillions in printed digital credit causes. At first glance, this observation makes it appear that cash is a moral good. But that's not what I'm suggesting. The difference is not between the quality of cash and digital cash. It is in the scope of intermediation between each exchange. Digital money may feel frictionless, but it contains the weight, energy and computing potential of this vast global network in between every transaction. Cash transactions, on the other hand, do not rely on any other machine to validate and execute a command. Instead, it only requires the mutual recognition of value and goodwill of both parties to maintain the cooperative relationship. The intermediating obfuscation of the human element is what slowly erodes our innate instinct to cooperate. And the human is what's at risk the more machine we insert into every human interaction. This slow march away from human trust not only removes the opportunities to give and reinvest cash into our communities, it makes us less generous towards and uninterested in the people closest to us. Instead, the same network of machines mediating our transactions harvests our attention by connecting us to people and content that affirm our views and boost our reach. Think about it. How many purchases from the past month were made because an algorithm suggested them to you while simultaneously connecting you to the content and people that best serve your interests? This experience is not only putting sales associates out of business; it is making them a literal deterrence from shopping in person. Customer surveys have shown that a simple question like, “can I help you with anything?” feels “pushy” and is an unwanted social interaction. Whether we see it or not, this reality is a matrix that disconnects us from the world. It makes conversations with people outside our narrow interests unbearable, creating divisions between the relationships that once meant most to us. This matrix also infects the way we see and engage nature. For example, a beautiful sunset ceases to be a sacred moment of reverence and awe when we view it through the anticipation of how it is received and compared to the other moments online. You don't need to take a picture of the sunset to feel this effect. You only need some presence on the network to shape how you perceive the moment. If you don’t believe me, I recommend reading “The Extinction of Experience” by Christine Rosen. She masterfully explains the total impact that these intermediating forces have on society. But the point I wish to make here is that the transition away from cash, amidst this societal shift, is giving up more agency and mutual good than we realize. But more pressingly, it gives up the public's only bargaining chip with the banking casino network. You see, even if you don't use cash, your ability to withdraw it from their accounting system puts an elastic check on money debasement. For example, banks are less inclined to infinitely leverage your deposits if they know you can take them out of their surveillance and credit-tracking network. Anyone within living memory of the 2008 financial crisis knows that the banking elite’s appetite for exploitation and control has no limit. If there is an opportunity for more, they will always take it. ## THE WAR AGAINST PHYSICAL MONEY This growing matrix isn’t simply conditioning us to use cash less and less. Those "no cash" signs you see at more and more coffee shops are just the tip of a well-constructed mechanical spear aimed squarely at the human-to-human exchange. For example, over the past 5 years, banks have doubled business cash deposit fees and increased all other costs associated with running a cash-heavy operation—making it more expensive than digital payment solutions. That coordinated effort, along with the help and political influence of organizations like The World Health Organization and Better Than Cash Alliance, has made refusing cash not only socially acceptable and financially expedient but they have made it a virtue of "sustainable development." This rebranding and the cachet businesses earned for requiring contactless payments during COVID-19 gave them the cover needed to continue the practice today. As a result, the number of companies no longer accepting cash is at an unprecedented all-time high of 40%. This effect is not the result of a secret cabal. It is what the techno-optimists hail as the grand "network effect." It is the culmination of incentives that orient banking, government and UN-backed systems toward increasing automation and intermediation. As I pen this essay, Congress is discussing a stablecoin bill that would allow the executive branch to eliminate cash altogether. The bill in its current draft enables the infrastructural changes needed for a cashless upheaval because it introduces a novel interbank accounting trick. It would let banks fund their operations with self-issued stablecoins backed with deposits at partner banks. The bill itself doesn't explicitly sanction this practice, but it does create exploitable loopholes to its effect. In short, it enables the same type of hidden leverage and circular financing that fueled the 2008 mortgage-backed security crisis, and it creates a regulated substitute that they can use to replace cash. If the bill passes, we are only one more financial crisis and emergency powers directive away from all banks closing their cash ATMs in turn for their freshly minted, surveillable and programmable stablecoins. ## THE CASHLESS CONTINGENCY PLAN With the looming US debt crisis, the timing of this bill suggests that this might be the work of a contingency plan for when the US government no longer has the political will to service its debt. You see, the Treasury and Congress are between a rock and a hard place. The cost to service the government's debt just surpassed the defense budget. And it will soon overtake and compete with Social Security and Medicare. Congress must either make room for the debt by making severe cuts to the budget or issue new debt to pay the old. The latter option is getting more difficult because the Federal Reserve needs to keep the cost of issuing debt high to curb inflation. And the economy and political will doesn't seem strong enough to make the necessary cuts for the debt payments. The only other option is refinancing the debt with key creditors like China and Russia. In this scenario, the US would face a different existential crisis. Because the interest that one receives for holding US debt is the only reason the world is interested in holding its Dollar. There is nothing else backing US currency. So, if the government renegotiates its debt, it would need a system to ensure and secure interest in the US Dollar. Historically, governments have fixed a currency exchange rate for gold and/or silver to secure this interest in their currency domestically and abroad. However, these metals' physical portability and untraceability make anticipating and regulating redemption difficult. For example, the type of gold liquidity crunches that plagued the late 19th century and early 20th crippled the US banking system and subjected the economy to prolonged and difficult depressions. This is why, amid the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an executive order to confiscate the public's gold. To avoid losing its monetary power and flexibility, the US government will discover that it needs to secure its debt with a digital asset it doesn't directly control but can instantaneously monitor and mark individual units with approval or disapproval. And they will need a digital dollar that its citizens can’t take out of their surveillance state. This level of oversight would give them the ability to not only set an exchange rate that can price the new asset at a level that can adequately service their debt, but it also gives them the ability to set a punitive exchange rate for units of the reserve digital asset not redeemed at approved custodians. This carrot and stick incentive structure would provide the global dollar debt market insurance against the type of liquidity problems it faced when it was backed by gold and issued as physical Federal Reserve Notes. Bitcoin is the only digital asset that the regulating powers can use to support this new monetary standard and system of control. First, it is the one asset secured on a universal public ledger with the longest record of distributed consensus value. Second, its public accounting record allows central authorities to track and devalue coins used for things or ways that don’t serve their interests. This asset’s transparency and historic primacy among all other digital coins make it an unbeatable state reserve asset. And so any currency not priced against it will eventually give way to a standard that is. This simple fundamental reality is undoubtedly why a bill to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve is currently in Congress. The plan to hold bitcoin now can very well provide the precedent to reprice the dollar to a fixed exchange with bitcoin when the time comes. And the US isn’t the only one. Nation-states around the world are facing the same debt problems. These countries are racing to accumulate Bitcoin to their reserve now because they likely suspect others will need to reprice their currencies against it. El Salvador and Butan were the first to announce their reserves. But others like Brazil, Russia and Germany all have indicated that they are moving toward that direction. A transition to such a standard will enrich many people holding bitcoin today. And it may avoid a prolonged global economic depression. But the trade-off will come at a grave cost. It will not only eliminate cash. It will further funnel the remaining energy reserved for in-person cooperation to this machine and the digital world in which it proliferates. And its expansion of power will make us more subject to coercion by exclusion. For example, suppose your credit to society is constantly monitored and validated by this Bitcoin-based matrix. In that case, your behavior is implicitly subject to its interests. Its most potent intelligence-gathering center will exercise this power by setting exclusionary restrictions on those less creditworthy and privileges to those who are more. These credit lines already exist and have, for a long time, created artificial boundaries between people, places, and things. But if we trade more and more of our lived experience for a system that can automate the enforcement of these lines, they will spread like the numbing venom of a parasite, transforming humanity into an empty host. We will exist as a means to something else’s end. Not someone else’s end, but a thing, an immaterial system of things bound by the predetermined objectives of a ghost. Many people who follow this industry are well aware of this threat. But the only response they can give is that tech billionaires like David Sachs, Howard Lutnick, Peter Theil, and Elon Musk are spearheading this initiative, and it seems they have good intentions. If you want a well-rounded and good-faith argument for this perspective, listen to Adam Curry's explanation of the Stablecoin bill on the Joe Rogan Podcast. Personally, I find the “trust me bro” argument unconvincing. And then if you want a deep dive investigation into the motives behind these tech entrepreneurs, I recommend Whitney Webb’s reporting. The technocratic aims of these figure heads are well documented. ## THE BITCOIN MINT At this point, it is hard to imagine cash surviving past the next four years, let alone a decade. The cashless society of a digital matrix feels unavoidable. And honestly, the current state of online culture, with its personality cults, clout chasers, and reactionary communities, does not make this new digital age appear that golden. Plenty of articles and documentaries attempt to warn the world of this growing separation. But these warnings, while alarming, fail to compel actual change. The small remnant of stubborn anarchists and luddites can't return society to material reality. Instead, these artists and commentators unwittingly feed the machine more attention by creating a market for techno-alarmist content. This market creates more financial and social capital incentives that pull collaborative energy away from other humans in the here and now. This irony doesn't discredit their points or invalidate their work. But speaking from experience, the irony is hard to swallow. At first glance, it seems that we can't exit the system without isolating ourselves from society, and we can't try to convince others to leave the system without strengthening it. This social predicament is like a Chinese finger trap. The harder you rage against it, the stronger it gets. So intuitively, the only way out is through. The Bitcoin Mint is how you and I can cash the value of our work in and out of this system. And it's a way we can speak to broader society without feeding the machine our attention. Here's how it works. At face value, it is a set of procedures that offer the Bitcoin Network a way to concede that bitcoin sent to addresses derived from one-of-a-kind physical material is irreversibly minted into those objects. When I first discovered this possibility, a friend asked me a question you are probably asking now. He could foresee how a genuinely one-of-a-kind object could correspond to frozen individual units of bitcoin, but he wanted to know how such a procedure could import bitcoin into physical material. It's a great question. However, it presupposes that bitcoin exists as an identifiable thing in digital space. This is not the case, and it is a common misconception. Bitcoin is accounted for on a shared ledger in digital space, but it does not exist there, just as gold doesn't exist in the markings recorded on a balance sheet. That might throw you. So, let me give you a quick refresher on the Bitcoin basics. Bitcoin's ledger isn’t the complex accounting system most assume it is. The ledger is only composed of three columns. The middle column accounts for the total supply of bitcoin, the far left denotes the location of each base unit of bitcoin, and the far right shows the record of change. This ledger has some rules and guidelines for making changes to this ledger that can get pretty technical, but conceptually, it doesn't get more complicated than those three columns. Nowhere in that ledger or set of mutually held rules is there anything that actually defines the bitcoin recorded in the middle column or limits it to what it can and cannot become. It only limits the supply to 21 million bitcoins, with each bitcoin consisting of 100 million base units. The question, therefore, is not, how do you import bitcoin into physical material? It is; how do you ascribe a definition to the unit recorded to its middle column? And where on its ledger can you record that definition? This question sent me down a curious thought experiment in a park in West Hollywood. You can't universally ascribe a definition at the top of the ledger because there is no way to ensure that each address owner will concede to abstract principles about the nature of the asset. And secondly, if the network could put forth a vote, there would be no way to prevent a vote to change it in the future. The question about its definition is why every attempt to explain "what it is" is never the same. Some argue that it is the energy it costs to acquire, hash rate, computing power, digital property, currency, etc. No matter how adamant someone is, the answer is never consistent. The only other option is to define bitcoin, one base unit at a time. But then the question becomes, where and how do you ascribe that definition to the ledger? At first, I thought one could theoretically ascribe that definition to the right side—the one dedicated to the record of change. This record includes every detail associated with a transaction. But it also has a memo line for extra data. The ledger's consensus rules only limit the size of the data. So the contents can be anything we want. Many use this space to catalog things like article headlines, digital images and entire coding libraries. I initially thought that I could ascribe the definition to individual units of bitcoin by attaching a photo and message claiming that the bitcoin included in its transaction is defined by the material in the image. But this definition doesn't hold true if the bitcoin in question can move to another destination address that isn't associated with that image. I realized that this type of actualization required sacrifice. It needed to sacrifice the potential for the accounted bitcoin to be anything other than this one thing in material reality. This definition would not only need to prove that its bitcoin could never change destination addresses again. It would need to prove that the anchoring destination address was not a random string of numbers in abstracted digital space but, in fact, a verifiable expression of that object. Otherwise, that ambiguity would sever the connection between the bitcoin unit's unique expression in time and space with its ascribed location. It would be like saying my body is sitting in a 1990 Toyota Pickup, but my soul is elsewhere. The procedural minting standard for The Bitcoin Mint meets this requirement. First, this standard is recorded on the right column of the bitcoin ledger under Satoshi Number: 1632665171305931. So anyone can reference it, and no one can alter it. Second, it offers free image detection software to create final destination bitcoin addresses derived from natural visual patterns. The public inscription of this software demonstrates, to those with a basic understanding of cryptography, that no one can ever send that bitcoin to another address. (For crypto nerds: The script proves this because it does not use public-private key pairs when creating the addresses.) Those who wish to mint bitcoin into physical material must find a natural object with a unique, one-of-a-kind pattern and upload an image of it to the software. Then, they need to send bitcoin to the address created from the object. This transaction, with reference to The Bitcoin Mint, will forever ascribe this definition to the ledger's left column, proving to anyone who can see the physical material that the amount of bitcoin in question can only ever be the object from which its address was derived. This minting standard transforms every single unit of bitcoin into little bits of a giant blank canvas. Every artistic contribution to that canvas is independently verifiable—meaning you don’t need an issuer or third party to authenticate it on your behalf. To verify first, visually inspect that its natural irreproducible pattern matches "The Natural Standard" (the image used to generate the address). Second, run the Natural Standard image through "The Minting Standard" protocol to verify it generates the same result. This proves that there was no way to authenticate an outgoing transaction from the address and that the address was deterministically derived from the object in question. Lastly, verify that the bitcoin minted to the object is accounted for at the same address on the network. This step verifies that bitcoin was actually minted to the object and it tells you how much it is worth. I call this last verification step the "The Money Standard" because it ascribes something universal to all money; a way to measure its applied value. ## WHAT NOW Now, you are probably thinking, "the coffee shop down the street refusing to take cash will certainly refuse physical bitcoin. What does this solve?" And it's a good point. The simple existence of physical bitcoin won't change society or reverse this slow march into the digital matrix. But I didn't publish The Bitcoin Mint with this over-inflated notion that it will or must change the world. I published it because I wanted a way for my community to cash in and out when we want and how we want. I did it because, even though cash exists now, it probably won't soon. And I did it to make art that can redirect attention from the matrix toward the here and now. The Bitcoin Mint doesn't need convincing or grand adoption to work. It is simply an inscription that shows you something. It unveils the garment of indescribability cloaked around Bitcoin's base units. What we do with that revelation is up for debate. You can use it to make bitcoin a canvas for your physical art. You can use it to hold and exchange bitcoin privately. You can even oppose this revelation with a religious devotion similar to the iconoclasts of old. That discussion and debate is the most exciting element of this project. Because I alone can't tell you what to do with it. I can only show you my works. And you can only show me yours. This discovery invites a dialectic discourse of creativity and cooperation that demands to be seen in the here and now. My work in all of this is to preserve the tension between organic cooperation and competition. Anarchists like Peter Kropotkin described this tension as mutual aid. It's the force that underpins and sharpens the collective efforts of every economic model throughout history. Automating that dialectic only weakens our resolve and makes us more pliable to the system mediating it. And it's why making bitcoin physical isn’t my end goal. Because at the end of the day, while rudimentary as it is, physical bitcoin is still a mediating tool. We can easily make it a slip of credit that affirms our self-individuality over a gift that can affirm the works of one another. It's why I made the distinguishing mark on my physical bitcoin a hand of aid. I want this revelation to remind people of their innate instinct to cooperate. ## EXCHANGING IDEAS So, in that vein, I'm hosting a regular in-person meet-up for this conversation, debate and art exchange. It's not a podcast or substack. It's just a handful of creatives and critics wanting to learn more about bitcoin, credit, mutual aid and true anarchy. The plan is to publish this guide with the in-person feedback from this meet-up to The Bitcoin Mint Press—a nested catalog within The Bitcoin Mint. This meet-up and publishing system has the potential to branch off into other publishing and distribution hubs. But for now, it's a single hangout in space and time. (You can find more details about this in the link tree.) You might ask, if the goal is to cultivate local cooperation and exchange, then why bother publishing anything at all? We forget that a publisher's work wasn't always an attempt to exploit your attention for personal gain. Publishing is also a way to preserve a consensus of ideas, facts and values. Cataloging this consensus in a public manner helps communities remember their past. It extends that in-person dialectic into the future so that distant communities can build on and refute the claims that came before. Unlike flashy self-publishing platforms like Twitter and Facebook, The Bitcoin Mint Press doesn't host or need a platform to deliver a frictionless user experience. It doesn't beg strangers to feed it their interests and desires. Yet its immutable inscription to the Bitcoin ledger ensures that no one can censor it from the public’s eye. ## EXCHANGING AID AND ART Lastly, this meet-up offers more than just conversation. It allows people to exchange physical bitcoin for aid and allows creatives to share their artistic expressions of bitcoin. These expressions are like those augmented reality QR codes you see at modern art exhibits. But instead of transporting your attention toward art transposed through digital space, they transport it to the material world. This signpost, or physical bitcoin receipt if you will, signals two things to people whose focus and presence occupy digital space. First, it signals you must leave digital space to see and experience the art. Second, it signals that you can actualize your bitcoin into new and creative expressions of art. Now, you might be thinking, “How does physical bitcoin art differ from posting pictures of physical art on social media?” The key difference is the message and verifiability. When you post a picture of physical art, you say, "Look at what I created or discovered." You give the network a digital substitute for the real thing so people don't have to spend the energy to see the art themselves. It doesn't matter if the image is fake or if you were there because you are giving them the experience in and of the post. A physical bitcoin receipt doesn't deliver a substitute for the real thing. It invites you to experience the art in person. It's more like a classifieds posting in the newspaper. Only the posting is permanent and independently verifiable. This public permanence allows artists to ascribe provenance and create dynamic art collections by including additional data in the minting transaction. This information, like the minting standard itself, can be recorded on the right side of the ledger—next to its corresponding transaction. There are quick and easy ways to embed this information. Simply look up "how to inscribe Ordinal collections," and you will find creative ways to string physical mints together under your authorship. Of course, there are still ways for people to exploit this standard to funnel attention back to the machine. But as an anarchist, I'm not here to tell people what they shouldn't do with The Bitcoin Mint. I'm only here to offer an alternative approach. But if you are interested in subverting the technocratic system pervading our day-to-day, consider adopting a simple ethic. Don't engage the matrix with fear or avoidance. Instead, approach it with courage and intention. Look for opportunities to post, coordinate physical cooperation and ghost. And if you are an artist who wants to adopt these principles, consider using the posting (see linkt.ree) for this guide as a template: \[{Share inscription} {opportunity for in-person collab or exchange} {#thebitcoinmint(location)}\]. This standard shows the Luddites and anarchists of the world a way to engage people within the machine on their terms—a way that doesn't feed its digital attention-harvesting objectives. Every inscription attracts local cooperation and local experience, and every local interaction it facilitates inspires more expressions of physical bitcoin art and exchange. But this propensity for growth doesn't mean that the standard needs a network effect to work. It only requires the person before you to see its unalterable ascribed definition on Bitcoin's public ledger. The physical bitcoin attached to the physical editions of guide is part of a social experiment in mutual aid and self-determination. But I won't mince my words here. Your personal agency and orientation to the physical world is an affront to the machine. It and the people most committed to its network objectives will look for ways to stop you, pull you back in and restrain you. But you don’t need their or anyone’s permission to be free. You only need to remember the power and gift of agency this life has given you. See the Link Tree Directory below for information and updates on the local Bitcoin Mint meet-up. And if you don't live close, share this guide and create your own space for mutual aid. Feel free to contact me directly if you have questions or want paper copies with physical bitcoin attached. [Link Tree Directory](https://linktr.ee/TheBitcoinMint) #TheLosAngelesBitcoinMint #TheBitcoinMint

@ 878dff7c:037d18bc

## Energex Releases Power Restoration Timeline Following Storms ### Summary: Following severe storms in Queensland, Energex has detailed timelines for restoring power to various suburbs. As of Wednesday morning, approximately 58,654 customers remain without electricity. Hard-hit areas include Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Logan, Moreton Bay, and Redlands. Restoration times vary, with some areas expected to have power restored within a day or two, while others may remain without power for up to a week. Sources: <a href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/weather/suburbbysuburb-when-energex-will-restore-power-to-your-area/news-story/7c4c50f1d28fc33da0710c75563457e7" target="_blank">The Courier-Mail - March 12, 2025</a> ## Orica CEO Favors US Over Australia for Investments Due to High Gas Prices ### Summary: Orica's CEO, Sanjeev Gandhi, expressed a preference for investing in the US over Australia, citing more favorable investment conditions, superior infrastructure, and better talent availability. He criticized Australia's high gas prices and advocated for domestic reservation policies and government intervention to ensure affordable gas for manufacturers. Gandhi also highlighted opportunities arising from potential US tariffs on steel and aluminum, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency for America's manufacturing growth. Orica's recent financial performance shows a substantial rise in net profit, indicating strong demand. Sources: <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/companies/us-still-beats-australia-in-the-gas-cost-stakes-says-orica-boss-sanjeev-gandhi/news-story/e1d21e60954948849380c9839ff58f95" target="_blank">The Australian - March 13, 2025</a> ## Western Australia's Growing Gas Consumption Raises Economic and Environmental Concerns ### Summary: Western Australia's (WA) increasing gas consumption, led by sectors like LNG processing, electricity generation, alumina refining, and ammonia production, contrasts with the rest of Australia's move away from gas. This trend raises concerns about potential supply constraints, higher prices, and environmental impacts. The report suggests that adopting new technologies and leveraging renewable energy could reduce WA's gas dependency and benefit its industries. Sources: <a href="https://ieefa.org/articles/western-australias-growing-addiction-gas-burning-issue-industry-and-nation" target="_blank">IEEFA - March 13, 2025</a> ## Australian Medicine's Historic First: Successful Total Artificial Heart Implant ### Summary: In a groundbreaking medical achievement, Australian doctors at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney successfully implanted the country's first BiVACOR total artificial heart into a patient suffering from severe heart failure. The six-hour procedure, led by Dr. Paul Jansz, served as a bridge for the patient awaiting a donor heart. Remarkably, after several weeks in intensive care, the patient was discharged and later received a donor heart transplant, marking the longest duration between an artificial heart implant and a heart transplant. This advancement, developed with contributions from Monash University and other Australian research institutions, aims to reduce transplant wait times and provide alternatives for patients unable to obtain donor hearts. Sources: <a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/science/human-body/unmitigated-success-australian-medicine-celebrates-major-breakthrough/news-story/2723f3d4b6be84100b9e87f0147d62c6" target="_blank">News.com.au - March 13, 2025</a> ## Cyclone Alfred's Impact on Queensland Property Market ### Summary: Ray White data indicates that while some areas experienced negative price growth immediately following the flood event in February 2022, they rebounded with significant growth three years later. Suburbs like Camp Hill, Grange, Holland Park, and The Gap saw price drops of over 5% between 2022 and 2023 but grew by 10-17% by 2025. High-risk areas still command premium prices due to lifestyle benefits, despite potential natural disaster threats. Queensland's property prices are more sensitive to flood risks, further influenced by rising insurance costs, and properties that mitigate insurance costs may become more valuable. The Real Estate Buyers Agents Association of Australia (REBAA) notes that limited housing supply, especially in southeastern Queensland, will concentrate demand in unaffected areas. Ray White Queensland CEO, Jason Andrew, advises vendors to continue selling despite recent weather events to avoid increased competition later. Wilston, a flood-affected suburb, has resumed property inspections, with strong buyer interest in properties that withstood Cyclone Alfred well. Sources: <a href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/real-estate/queensland/brisbane/more-buyers-fighting-for-homes-across-queensland-in-the-wake-of-cyclone-alfred/news-story/476a6fad367ca1438773d4bfe778e73c" target="_blank">The Courier-Mail - 13 March 2025</a> ## Australia Responds to U.S. Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum ### Summary: The U.S. has imposed a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, affecting Australian exports. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized the move as unjustified but stated that Australia would not retaliate with its own tariffs, emphasizing that such measures could harm both economies. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton criticized Albanese for failing to secure an exemption, labeling him as weak. One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson supported the U.S. tariffs, arguing they protect local industries, despite bipartisan pushback. Additionally, former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull faced backlash for his public criticisms of former U.S. President Donald Trump, with media commentators debating the implications of his remarks on current trade tensions. Sources: <a href="https://apnews.com/article/fe8ad2239a20c65d42c9249c05ae9303" target="_blank">Associated Press - March 13, 2025</a>, <a href="https://www.news.com.au/world/no-australian-carve-out-from-trump-tariffs/news-story/2a7c62130a57b8e20e7c6426cf2137c8" target="_blank">news.com.au - March 13, 2025</a>, <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/current-affairs/shut-up-host-blows-up-at-turnbull/news-story/3a57773f02fb9a0a517546eae0a7f475" target="_blank">news.com.au - March 13, 2025</a> ## Victoria to Implement Australia's Toughest Bail Laws ### Summary: Victoria is set to introduce the nation's strictest bail laws in response to rising crime rates. Premier Jacinta Allan announced reforms prioritizing community safety, particularly targeting serious offenses among adults and youths. The changes aim to reverse the trend where jail is considered a last resort, ensuring that individuals committing indictable offenses while on bail face stricter consequences. This move follows public concerns and notable figures urging the government to take decisive action against escalating crime. Sources: <a href="https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/politics/victoria-set-to-bring-in-toughest-bail-laws-ever-in-major-crime-crackdown/news-story/5d4af1b0507346d97ae8a17be28a8ab8" target="_blank">news.com.au - 13 March 2025</a>, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/12/bail-laws-victoria-jacinta-allan" target="_blank">The Guardian - 12 March 2025</a> ## Concerns Over Potential Global Trade War Amid U.S. Tariffs ### Summary: The U.S. administration's decision to impose significant tariffs on steel and aluminum imports has raised fears of a global trade war. While Australia's exports of these metals to the U.S. are relatively minor, the broader implications could affect global economic growth and trade dynamics. Economists warn that such tariffs could lead to higher consumer prices and strained international relations, potentially impacting Australia's economy. Sources: <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/no-winners-here-were-in-for-a-wild-tariffs-ride/news-story/0ab9ad52b8c876ab1d1e404f360b6a1b" target="_blank">The Australian - March 13, 2025</a>, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/12/trump-tariffs-global-trade-war-australia-impact" target="_blank">The Guardian - March 13, 2025</a> ## Victorian Judge Raises Alarm Over Mentally Ill Woman's Prolonged Solitary Confinement ### Summary: A Victorian County Court judge has expressed deep concern over a mentally unwell woman who has been in solitary confinement at Thomas Embling Hospital for nearly a decade. Found not guilty of assault due to mental impairment, her prolonged isolation has led to further deterioration of her condition. Psychiatrists criticize the lack of action toward her reintegration, emphasizing that extended seclusion exacerbates mental health issues. The judge is urging immediate improvements, highlighting the urgency of addressing her situation. Sources: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/13/mentally-unwell-woman-in-solitary-confinement-for-almost-a-decade-an-emergency-victorian-judge-warns-ntwnfb" target="_blank">The Guardian - March 13, 2025</a> ## Former PM Malcolm Turnbull Criticizes Trump's Trade Policies ### Summary: Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has openly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's trade policies, particularly the recent tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium. Turnbull described the tariffs as detrimental to global trade and warned against succumbing to such "bullying" tactics. In response, Trump labeled Turnbull as "weak and ineffective." Media commentator Andrew Bolt defended Turnbull's right to free speech, while others suggested that former prime ministers should refrain from commenting on current affairs to avoid complicating diplomatic negotiations. Sources: <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/current-affairs/shut-up-host-blows-up-at-turnbull/news-story/3a57773f02fb9a0a517546eae0a7f475" target="_blank">News.com.au - 13 March 2025</a> ## Victoria's LNG Import Plan Faces Criticism ### Summary: Victoria's plan to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) to address Australia's East Coast gas crisis is under scrutiny. Critics argue that importing gas is costly, increases emissions, and doesn't solve underlying issues. They suggest implementing a domestic gas reservation policy and market reforms to ensure competitive pricing and adequate supply. Accelerating new gas development and reforming regulatory frameworks are among the proposed solutions. Sources: <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/rethinking-victorias-lng-import-plan/news-story/6ec1c479b022f5065b62100b0ff25b28" target="_blank">The Australian - 13 March 2025</a> ## Urgent Action Needed to Address Battery Fires ### Summary: The Gladstone Regional Council has raised concerns about the increasing threat of battery-related fires, with over 10,000 incidents occurring annually across Australia's waste and recycling streams. These fires cause significant environmental harm and infrastructure loss. The council urges the federal government to expedite legislation enforcing greater disposal responsibility for battery producers and importers, emphasizing the need for immediate action to mitigate these risks. Sources: <a href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/regional/council-raises-alarm-about-unacceptable-risk-to-waste-services-community/news-story/84004538e70f2b05aa6d4893999778a0" target="_blank">The Courier-Mail - 12 March 2025</a>

@ 7d33ba57:1b82db35

### **A Desert by the Sea** The Maspalomas Dunes are one of Gran Canaria’s most iconic natural wonders, offering a stunning mix of golden sand, rolling dunes, and Atlantic Ocean views. Located in the south of the island, this 400-hectare protected nature reserve** feels like a mini desert right next to the sea, making it a must-visit for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.  ## **🏜 What to See & Do in the Maspalomas Dunes** ### **1️⃣ Walk Through the Dunes** Explore the vast sand dunes on foot and experience the **ever-changing landscape shaped by the wind**. There are **marked paths** to protect the fragile ecosystem, but you can also take in the scenery from several viewpoints. ### **2️⃣ Sunset & Sunrise Views** The dunes are most breathtaking during **sunrise and sunset**, when the golden sand glows under the soft light. This is a great time for **photography** or a peaceful stroll. ### **3️⃣ Visit the Maspalomas Lighthouse (El Faro de Maspalomas)** This **historic 19th-century lighthouse** stands at the edge of the dunes and offers a beautiful contrast between **desert-like sands and the ocean**. The area around the lighthouse has **shops, cafés, and oceanfront promenades** to explore.  ### **4️⃣ Discover the Charca de Maspalomas** A small **oasis-like lagoon** near the dunes, home to **migratory birds, fish, and native plants**. It’s a great spot for birdwatching and adds a unique touch to the desert scenery. ### **5️⃣ Camel Rides & Sandboarding** 🐪🏄 For a fun experience, try a **camel ride across the dunes**, giving you a taste of desert travel. Some companies also offer **sandboarding** for those who want to surf the dunes!  ## **📍 How to Get to Maspalomas Dunes** 🚗 **By Car:** - 30 min drive from **Las Palmas** via GC-1 - Free & paid parking available near the **lighthouse or Playa del Inglés** 🚌 **By Bus:** - Global Bus lines **30, 32, or 50** from Las Palmas - From Playa del Inglés: short walk or taxi  ## **💡 Tips for Visiting** ✅ **Go early or late** – The sand gets hot during midday ☀️ ✅ **Wear comfortable shoes** – Walking on sand can be tiring 👟 ✅ **Respect the environment** – Stick to paths and don’t disturb wildlife 🌿 

@ 22050dd3:480c11ea

Bitcoin fixes this – what I thought immediately upon stepping off the ferry in Isla Mujeres. An hour prior, a friend of a friend brought me to the ferry in Cancun as a private transport and I now had to transfer them money. The backstory of why I was paying an hour after the fact doesn’t matter now. What mattered then was that I needed to find an ATM to withdraw cash. Furthermore, I also needed to find an OXO convenience store to send the cash to the friend’s bank account. If only they accepted bitcoin! While this was my technically 2nd time in Isla Mujeres, it was 1st true time there. My technical 1st visit was when I was 9 years old with my family in 2004. Now at 30 years old and traveling solo and staying on the island for 2 weeks, this was my true first time on the island. ### How I Ended Up in Isla Mujeres I had first heard about [BTC Isla ](https://keithmeola.com/btc-isla-bitcoin-circular-economy/)a few months prior in October 2024. I stumbled upon a girl named Isa on Nostr who is trying to orange-pill the island and create a Bitcoin circular economy. Subsequently, hearing her interview on Efrat Fenigson’s podcast [“You’re The Voice”](https://www.youtube.com/@EfratFenigson) inspired me to reach out to Isa. I messaged her on Nostr saying that I thought what she was doing with BTC Isla was cool and inspiring, and that I wanted to help. Flash-forward to January 13 2025 and there I was on the island with boots on the ground. ### First Day While I didn’t meet Isa until the following day during one of two Bitcoin meetups I was on the island for, my first experience with Bitcoin was later that first evening. A fellow bitcoiner on the island messaged me seeing if I wanted to grab tacos for dinner and explore the island, and that’s what we did. However, with a severe itch to start spending bitcoin as soon as possible, I set off to the Mayakita restaurant to grab lunch and pay in bitcoin. Delicious food with a view! Mayakita is the unofficial hub for [BTC Isla](https://www.btcisla.xyz/) and is the usual meeting spot for both the Bitcoin meetups and classes. It’s in a great location with a beautiful view right on the ocean and serves up delicious food. Pair all of that with the fact that they excitedly accept bitcoin, and you’ve got a restaurant that I’d frequent almost every day during my 2 weeks on the island. Later that evening, the fellow bitcoiner picked me up and we went out for a taco dinner. Naturally, we paid for the tacos with bitcoin, and it was an exciting experience! The owner of the restaurant was glad to accept bitcoin and chatted with us a little. He seemed intrigued to hear that I had traveled from the US to Isla Mujeres specifically because of Bitcoin. Later that evening, while exploring the island, we stopped by a food cart serving churros that had recently started accepting bitcoin. I was finally able to have some delicious churros again after being away from Mexico for a year, and best of all was able to pay for them with bitcoin. Octopus tacos! There was a visible reaction and excitement from the cart owners when they saw us pull up. They knew my friend, and knew that our arrival meant they’d get to stack some sats and receive some bitcoin! It was a solid first day on the island. I reunited with the Mexican food that I love dearly and also paid for it all with bitcoin. Wins all around! ### Day 2: Bitcoin Meetup & Down To Business The next day was a big one, as first there was a Bitcoin meetup in the morning! Afterwards, Isa and I would be spending the afternoon together working on BTC Isla and driving around orange-pilling merchants. I found the meetup especially fun because it was only the second Bitcoin meetup I had ever attended. The friend from the previous evening’s adventures was there, as well as several others. Breakfast, coffee, and smoothies were enjoyed by everyone and paid for in bitcoin. The official BTC Isla tuk-tuk also made an appearance! Isa brought it out to the front of the restaurant for the meetup. As is a new tradition for BTC Isla, the new Bitcoiners to the island signed the tuk-tuk and posed for a picture with it. A fun tradition and a way to display community growth, in my opinion. After the meetup, Isa and I got to work discussing ways I could help her with BTC Isla during my 2 weeks on the island. We then set off in a golf cart to start visiting merchants and try to orange-pill. In total, we went to about 10-12 places that afternoon, officially orange-pilling one merchant! We handed out a flyer I had made to several other businesses and had a few conversations with owners as well. Some businesses were completely uninterested in Bitcoin, not even wanting to hear what we had to say. Others, however, were intrigued and were happy to chat. While we only got one new merchant to accept bitcoin, we felt good about our efforts. We likewise felt confident that 2 or 3 businesses would start accepting bitcoin after thinking it over. My lack of Spanish-speaking ability was frustrating for me. It was clear that it would be an obstacle in my goal to orange-pill 10 merchants while on the island. My first 2 days on the island were a smashing success in my mind. Now, I had some goals and tasks to work on over the next 10 days, and I was eager to start.

@ 8bad797a:8461b4bc

&gt; Philosophy's most important function... is to clarify the religious question. Science and practical common sense almost take care of themselves, but in facing life, death, and the everlasting, the first and last or strictly cosmic things, man is in great danger of fanatical faith, on as he can, and to do this he must cooperate with others, whatever their beliefs, in mutual criticism. This free mutual criticism is the central task of philosophy. Charles Hartsh > Philosophy's most important function... is to clarify the religious question. Science and practical common sense almost take care of themselves, but in facing life, death, and the everlasting, the first and last or strictly cosmic things, man is in great danger of fanatical faith, on the one hand, and cynical despair, on the other. He needs to think about these topics as wisely as he can, and to do this he must cooperate with others, whatever their beliefs, in mutual criticism. This free mutual criticism is the central task of philosophy. Charles Hartshorne, *Anselm's Discovery*, p. 24.

@ d34e832d:383f78d0

**Micro** with its operands and keybindings. --- Micro is a modern, user-friendly text editor designed for the terminal. It offers extensive features, including mouse support, multiple cursors, syntax highlighting, and an intuitive command bar. --- ## **1. Command Bar** - Open it with `Ctrl-e` - Supports shell-like argument parsing (single/double quotes, escaping) - No environment variable expansion --- ## **2. Commands Overview** Commands are entered using `Ctrl-e` followed by the command. ### **File Management** - `save ['filename']` → Save the current buffer (or "Save As" if a filename is given) - `quit` → Exit Micro - `open 'filename'` → Open a file - `reopen` → Reload the current file from disk - `pwd` → Print the current working directory - `cd 'path'` → Change the working directory ### **Navigation** - `goto 'line[:col]'` → Move to an absolute line and column - `jump 'line[:col]'` → Move relative to the current line ### **Editing** - `replace 'search' 'value' ['flags']` → Replace text - `-a` → Replace all occurrences - `-l` → Literal search (no regex) - `replaceall 'search' 'value'` → Replace all without confirmation - `textfilter 'sh-command'` → Pipe selected text through a shell command and replace it ### **Splitting and Tabs** - `vsplit ['filename']` → Open a vertical split - `hsplit ['filename']` → Open a horizontal split - `tab ['filename']` → Open a file in a new tab - `tabswitch 'tab'` → Switch between tabs - `tabmove '[-+]n'` → Move tab position ### **Configuration** - `set 'option' 'value'` → Set a global option - `setlocal 'option' 'value'` → Set an option for the current buffer - `show 'option'` → Show the current value of an option - `reset 'option'` → Reset an option to its default ### **Plugins** - `plugin list` → List installed plugins - `plugin install 'pl'` → Install a plugin - `plugin remove 'pl'` → Remove a plugin - `plugin update ['pl']` → Update a plugin - `plugin search 'pl'` → Search for plugins ### **Miscellaneous** - `run 'sh-command'` → Run a shell command in the background - `log` → View debug messages - `reload` → Reload all runtime files (settings, keybindings, syntax files, etc.) - `raw` → Debug terminal escape sequences - `showkey 'key'` → Show what action is bound to a key - `term ['exec']` → Open a terminal emulator running a specific command - `lint` → Lint the current file - `comment` → Toggle comments on a selected line or block --- ## **3. Keybindings Overview** | **Action** | **Keybinding** | |------------------|--------------| | **Navigation** | | | Move cursor left | `←` or `h` | | Move cursor right | `→` or `l` | | Move cursor up | `↑` or `k` | | Move cursor down | `↓` or `j` | | Move to start of line | `Home` | | Move to end of line | `End` | | Move to start of file | `Ctrl-Home` | | Move to end of file | `Ctrl-End` | | Move by word left | `Ctrl-←` or `Ctrl-b` | | Move by word right | `Ctrl-→` or `Ctrl-f` | | **Editing** | | | Copy | `Ctrl-c` | | Cut | `Ctrl-x` | | Paste | `Ctrl-v` | | Undo | `Ctrl-z` | | Redo | `Ctrl-Shift-z` | | Delete word left | `Ctrl-Backspace` | | Delete word right | `Ctrl-Delete` | | **Splitting & Tabs** | | | Open horizontal split | `Ctrl-w h` | | Open vertical split | `Ctrl-w v` | | Switch tab left | `Alt-←` | | Switch tab right | `Alt-→` | For more, check the official keybindings: 🔗 [Micro Keybindings](https://github.com/zyedidia/micro/blob/master/runtime/help/keybindings.md) 🔗[Available Here](https://micro-editor.github.io/) --- ## **Final Thoughts** Micro is a powerful text editor for terminal users who want an alternative to Vim or Nano. With an intuitive command bar, extensive customization options, and full plugin support, it offers a lightweight yet feature-rich editing experience. 🚀

@ 8f69ac99:4f92f5fd

Durante décadas, os europeus foram incentivados a **poupar para o futuro** — para a reforma, a compra de casa ou segurança financeira. Mas agora, a Comissão Europeia quer **redefinir a poupança** — não como património pessoal, mas como um **recurso para investimento controlado pelo Estado**. A **União de Poupanças e Investimentos (Savings and Investments Union, ou SIU)**, um plano que integra a União dos Mercados de Capitais e a União Bancária. Oficialmente, trata-se de “empoderar os cidadãos” e “desbloquear oportunidades de investimento”. Na realidade, trata-se de uma **mudança radical rumo ao controlo financeiro**, onde **as suas poupanças são pressionadas ou mesmo desviadas para investimentos aprovados pelo Estado**. Ao mesmo tempo, o **euro digital será lançado em Outubro de 2025**. Esta moeda programável tornará os juros negativos, os controlos de capital e as restrições de gastos **mais fáceis de aplicar do que nunca**. A mensagem é clara: **a UE está a desmantelar a autonomia financeira**. O que antes eram as suas **poupanças privadas** pode em breve tornar-se uma **ferramenta económica gerida pelo Estado**. Será apenas mais uma medida burocrática ou o primeiro passo para uma distopia financeira? Vamos analisar. ## **O Plano: "Transformar Poupanças Privadas em Investimento"** A declaração de Ursula von der Leyen — *"Vamos transformar poupanças privadas em investimento muito necessário"* — parece um plano inofensivo para impulsionar a economia. Mas, na realidade, assinala **uma tomada de controlo estatal da riqueza pessoal**. Os governos **desconfiam da independência financeira**. Quando os indivíduos poupam por conta própria, fazem **escolhas financeiras pessoais** que podem não estar alinhadas com **as agendas burocráticas**. A **União de Poupanças e Investimentos da UE** pretende mudar isso, criando mecanismos para **empurrar o capital privado para sectores aprovados pelo governo**. A Comissão Europeia **estima que os cidadãos da UE detenham 10 biliões de euros em poupanças inactivas**, e pretende **mobilizar esse dinheiro para financiar a militarização da Europa e apoiar o complexo militar-industrial europeu**. A Comissária Europeia para os Serviços Financeiros e para a União de Poupança e Investimento, **Maria Luís Albuquerque**, afirmou explicitamente que **o rearmamento europeu dependerá fortemente da captação de investimento privado**. ### **Como Isto Será Feito?** - **Taxas de juro negativas** — A erosão lenta das poupanças, tornando oneroso manter dinheiro no banco. - **Investimentos forçados em sectores “verdes”, militares e “estratégicos”** — O seu dinheiro pode não ir para onde quer, mas para onde os políticos decidem. - **Controlos de capital** — Impedindo a livre movimentação do seu dinheiro para alternativas mais seguras. Albuquerque declarou que o problema da Europa é **a diferença entre poupanças paradas e empresas que precisam de financiamento**. Para fechar essa diferença, a Comissão Europeia **pretende criar um novo esquema para mobilizar fundos privados para o investimento na indústria da UE** no âmbito da União de Investimento e Poupança. Isto não tem a ver com liberdade económica. Tem a ver com **direccionar capital para onde o Estado deseja**. E o novo **euro digital do BCE**, a CBDC europeia, facilita ainda mais esse controlo. ## **O Euro Digital: A Ferramenta Perfeita de Controlo** Com o **euro digital**, o BCE está a introduzir **dinheiro programável**, o que significa que **as transacções podem ser controladas, monitorizadas e até restringidas em tempo real**. ### **O Que Pode Fazer o Dinheiro Programável?** - **Aplicar taxas de juro negativas automaticamente** — As suas poupanças digitais podem diminuir com o tempo. - **Restringir como e onde pode gastar** — Compras podem ser bloqueadas para itens considerados “não essenciais”. - **Definir datas de validade para o dinheiro** — Forçando-o a gastar rapidamente. - **Limitar levantamentos ou transferências** — Impedindo-o de sair do sistema. O BCE afirma que o euro digital melhorará a “eficiência financeira”, mas o seu verdadeiro poder reside em **vigiar e controlar todas as transacções**. Se você não pode manter dinheiro fora do sistema, então **não é dono do seu dinheiro** — o Estado é. ## **Como Proteger-se** Com a UE a apertar o cerco, precisa de **agir agora** para proteger a sua riqueza: - **Opte pelo Bitcoin** — A melhor reserva de valor fora do controlo governamental. - **Use dinheiro físico enquanto pode** — Mantenha-o em circulação para retardar a sua eliminação. - **Auto-custódia de tudo** — Se não tem controlo directo, não é realmente seu. - **Eduque-se e resista** — Espalhe a consciência antes que estas medidas se tornem irreversíveis. ## **Conclusão: Reivindique a Sua Liberdade Financeira** O plano da UE é claro: **controlo total sobre o seu dinheiro e a sua vida**. O euro digital, as taxas de juro negativas e os controlos de capital **não visam a prosperidade, mas garantir que ninguém possa escapar**. Mas **Bitcoin oferece uma alternativa**. Um sistema financeiro paralelo, **incensurável, inconfiscável e deflacionário**. A escolha é clara: **submeter-se à tirania financeira ou optar pela soberania monetária com Bitcoin**. **O tempo para agir é agora.** --- _Photo by [Etienne Girardet](https://unsplash.com/@etiennegirardet?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash) on [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/CxTCcjUo2hM?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash)_

@ 04ed2b8f:75be6756

  Every warrior’s journey begins in the trenches—facing hardship, doubt, and a world that refuses to believe in them. But the few who refuse to stay down, who grind relentlessly with an unshakable vision, are the ones who rise from nothing to something—to everything. One man who embodies this philosophy is **Conor McGregor**. His story is not just about fighting; it’s about **relentless discipline, unbreakable will, and the mindset of a true warrior**. --- ### **From Nothing – The Fire of the Underdog** Before the millions, before the championship belts, before the fame, **Conor McGregor was just another struggling fighter from Dublin, Ireland**. He was living in his parents’ house, surviving on welfare checks, and barely making ends meet. Many would have given up, accepted a regular life, and abandoned the dream. But McGregor had something most don’t: **an unshakable belief in himself and the discipline to back it up.** - He trained like a man possessed. - He visualized victory before he ever stepped into the cage. - He embraced the struggle and used it as fuel. This is the essence of a warrior: **When you have nothing, you create something through sheer will.** --- ### **To Something – The Rise of a Champion** McGregor’s discipline turned dreams into reality. He **went from small local fights to the UFC**, knocking out opponents with precision and confidence. But he didn’t just fight—he dominated, both mentally and physically. - He trained harder than anyone else. - He outworked, outthought, and outmaneuvered every opponent. - He spoke his victories into existence—and then made them happen. **Success is not luck. It is preparation meeting opportunity.** --- ### **To Everything – The Legacy of a Warrior** Conor McGregor didn’t just win fights—he changed the game. He became the first **double-division UFC champion**, proved doubters wrong, and built an empire beyond the cage. - He became a global icon. - He fought legends, even stepping into boxing against Floyd Mayweather. - He turned his name into a brand worth hundreds of millions. From collecting welfare to **becoming one of the highest-paid athletes in the world**, McGregor proved that **discipline, confidence, and an unbreakable warrior mindset can take you anywhere.** --- ### **The Lesson: Forge Your Own Path** McGregor’s journey teaches every warrior the truth: **No one will hand you success. You must take it.** **Your belief must be stronger than your excuses.** **Discipline is the only way to turn "nothing" into "everything."** Every day, you wake up with a choice: **Stay the same—or rise, fight, and conquer.** **The path is brutal, the struggle is real—but warriors are made in the fire.** If McGregor could rise from nothing to something to everything, so can you. Now go and forge your own legacy.

@ ddf03aca:5cb3bbbe

Welcome to Built with Cashu-TS, a series dedicated to crafting cool applications powered by Cashu and its TypeScript library, Cashu-TS. In this first post, we'll dive into creating a tiny, personal Lightning Address server! > [!NOTE] > Quick note: To keep things concise and easy to follow, the examples provided here aren't production-grade code. I'll clearly highlight spots where I've intentionally simplified or taken shortcuts. ## What we are building Today we are building a Lightning Address server. The server is responsible for returning a Lightning Invoice whenever someone tries to pay your Lightning Address. The exact flow is described in LUD16, but here is a quick rundown: 1. User enters your Lightning Address into their wallet 2. Wallet constructs the matching URL as per LUD16 and sends a GET request 3. Server creates a JSON response with some metadata (min amount, max amount, callback url, etc.) and returns it 4. Wallet displays metadata and upon user interaction sends a second SET request to the callback url including the specified amount. 5. Server fetches an invoice for the requested amount and returns it Usually the invoices are fetched from a Lightning Node. But today we are using a Cashu mint as our Lightning provider. ## Setup the project Our Lightning Address server will be written in TypeScript using the express framework. First we got to initialise a new project and install our dependencies. ```sh mkdir tiny-lud16 cd tiny-lud16 npm init npm i express cors @cashu/cashu-ts npm i -D typescript esbuild @types/node @types/cors @types/express ``` ### Adding a build script Because we are using TypeScript we need to add a build step to execute our code (recent versions of node support direct execution of node, but this is the "traditional" way). We are using esbuild to compile our code to JavaScript > [!NOTE] > esbuild does not check types. If you want to make sure your code typechecks use `tsc` **build.js** ```js #!/usr/bin/env node const esbuild = require("esbuild"); esbuild .build({ outdir: "dist/", format: "cjs", platform: "node", entryPoints: ["src/index.ts"], bundle: true, sourcemap: "external", }) .then(() => { console.log("Server built sucessfully"); }); ``` Now we can build our project using `node build.js` and then run our project with `node dist/index.js` ## Configuration Before we start working on our web server we need to set some options. For this we create `/src/config.ts` - `USERNAME` will be the address part in front of the `@`. - `HOSTNAME` is the URL (including the protocol) the server will run on - `MINT_URL` is the URL of the mint that we want to use to generate invoices and receive token from. - `MIN_AMOUNT` and `MAX_AMOUNT` are LNURL specific settings that define the range of amounts in mSats that we want to allow. > [!NOTE] > Because the smalles amount in the `sat` unit in Cashu is 1 Sat, `MIN_AMOUNT` can not be smaller than 1000 ```ts export const USERNAME = "egge"; export const HOSTNAME = " https://test.test"; export const MINT_URL = " https://mint.minibits.cash/Bitcoin"; export const MIN_AMOUNT = 1000; export const MAX_AMOUNT = 10000; ``` ## Adding some utility To keep our request handler clean, we will put some of the utility functions in a separate file `src/utils.ts`. ```ts import { HOSTNAME, MAX_AMOUNT, MIN_AMOUNT, USERNAME } from "./config"; export function createLnurlResponse() { return { callback: `${HOSTNAME}/.well-known/lnurlp/${USERNAME}`, maxSendable: MAX_AMOUNT, minSendable: MIN_AMOUNT, metadata: JSON.stringify([ ["text/plain", "A cashu lightning address... Neat!"], ]), tag: "payRequest", }; } export function isValidAmount(amountInSats: number) { return ( amount >= MIN_AMOUNT && amount <= MAX_AMOUNT && Number.isInteger(amount) ); } ``` The `createLnurlResponse` function creates the response for the first call to our LNURL endpoint. This structure is defined in LUD16 and in our case it does not rely on any state, other than the configuration constants we defined in `src/config.ts`. This object contains the metadata that is the response of step 3 in our flow. The `isValidAmount` function helps us determine whether the amount we will receive in Step 4 is valid. We check whether it is within the boundaries of our `MIN_AMOUNT` and `MAX_AMOUNT`. Because we will convert the requested amount from mSats into sats, we need to check whether this converted amount is an integer. ## Adding out wallet backend This blog series is about awesome Cashu use cases, so of course our "Lightning backend" is a mint. We are using the `@cashu/cashu-ts` npm package to streamline Cashu interaction. ```ts import { CashuMint, CashuWallet, getEncodedToken, Proof, } from "@cashu/cashu-ts"; import { MINT_URL } from "./config"; import { resolve } from "path"; import { existsSync, mkdirSync, writeFileSync } from "fs"; const mint = new CashuMint(MINT_URL); const wallet = new CashuWallet(mint); export async function createInvoiceAndHandlePayment(amount: number) { const { quote, request } = await wallet.createMintQuote(amount); const interval = setInterval(async () => { const stateRes = await wallet.checkMintQuote(quote); if (stateRes.state === "PAID") { const proofs = await wallet.mintProofs(amount, quote); clearInterval(interval); const token = turnProofsIntoToken(proofs); saveTokenLocally(token); } }, 10000); return request; } function turnProofsIntoToken(proofs: Proof[]) { return getEncodedToken({ mint: MINT_URL, proofs }); } function saveTokenLocally(token: string) { const tokenDirPath = resolve(__dirname, "../token"); if (!existsSync(tokenDirPath)) { mkdirSync(tokenDirPath); } writeFileSync(resolve(tokenDirPath, `${Date.now()}_token.txt`), token); } ``` The first thing we do here is instantiating a CashuWallet class from Cashu-TS. This class will take care of the Cashu operations required to create an invoice and mint tokens. Then we create a utility function that will handle our invoice creation and later make sure to check whether an invoice was paid. `wallet.createMintQuote` will talk to the mint to create a mint quote. The mint returns a `MintQuoteReponse` that includes the ID of the quote as well as the invoice (`request`) that needs to be paid before the Cashu proofs can be minted. This `request` is what we will return to the payer later. Once the mint quote is created we will start polling the mint for it's payment state using `wallet.checkMintQuote`. As soon as the state changes to `"PAID"` we know that the payment was done and we can mint the proofs using Cashu-TS' `mintProofs` method. This returns some Cashu proofs that we will serialize into a Cashu Token and save to our disk using the `saveTokenLocally` function. > [!NOTE] > In this example we use `setInterval` to poll for a payment update. In the real world you would use a proper request queue for this to make sure we do not spam the mint with too many requests at the same time > Also saving the token to disk is not ideal. You could instead send yourself a nostr DM or post it to a webhook ## Adding the handler Because our LNURL endpoint and our callback endpoint are the same, we only need a single route handler. This route handler will take care of any GET request coming in at `/.well-known/lnurlp/USERNAME`. Wether it is a callback or not can be determined by checking the `amount` query parameter. ```ts import { NextFunction, Request, Response } from "express"; import { createLnurlResponse, isValidAmount } from "./utils"; import { createInvoiceAndHandlePayment } from "./wallet"; export const lud16Controller = async ( req: Request<unknown, unknown, unknown, { amount: string }>, res: Response, next: NextFunction, ) => { try { if (!req.query.amount) { res.json(createLnurlResponse()); return; } const parsedAmount = parseInt(req.query.amount); const mintAmount = parsedAmount / 1000; const isValid = isValidAmount(mintAmount); if (!isValid) { throw new Error("Invalid Amount"); } const invoice = await createInvoiceAndHandlePayment(mintAmount); res.json({ pr: invoice, routes: [], }); } catch (e) { next(e); } }; ``` Let's take this handler function apart and see hat is happening here. First we check whether the `amount` query parameter is present. If it is not, we now that we are currently in step 3 of our LNURL flow. In this case all we need to do is create the expected metadata object using our `createLnurlResponse` utility and return it to the caller. If the parameter is present we are in step 5 of our flow and the real work begins. As mentioned above we need to first convert the amount, which is in mSats as per LUD16 into sats to be compatible with our mint running the `sat` unit. Because query parameters are always `string`, we use the built-in `parseInt` to parse the string into a `number`. We then check whether the amount is valid using our `isValidAmount` utility. If it is not, we throw an error which will get caught and passed to express' built in error middleware. > [!NOTE] > The error returned by the express middleware is a basic error page without proper error codes. Usually you would define error classed and a custom middleware to take care of this. Once we made sure that the amount is valid the Cashu logic takes place. We pass the amount to `createInvoiceAndHandlePayment` to create an invoice and start the state polling behind the scenes. At the end of the function we simply return the mint's invoice in a JSON reponse as per LUD16. ## Adding the route The last step of the process is to add our route handler to the right path of our web server. This path is defined in LUD16: `<domain>/.well-known/lnurlp/<username>`. We create our web server and add the route handler in `/src/index.ts`. ```ts import express from "express"; import { USERNAME } from "./config"; import { lud16Controller } from "./controller"; const app = express(); app.get("/.well-known/lnurlp/" + USERNAME, lud16Controller); app.listen(8080, () => { console.log("Server running on port 8080"); }); ``` This snippet is very straight forward. We create an express app, add the route handler to handle GET requests at our desired path and then tell the server to listen on port 8080. ## Conclusion With just a few lines of code and without using our own Lightning backend we have built a working LNURL Lightning Address server. This is one of the features I love so much about Cashu: It enables new Lightning and Bitcoin use cases. I hope you enjoyed this first part of the new series. Please make sure to leave your feedback 💜🥜

@ ef1744f8:96fbc3fe

VLlN4aIRTEBeZ85l1Q/B5w00gvbpIUAyQw8aUwS558cY0AxBYfvUcHu7BYHejKVVAU862AO8jIvD3Q0bMWCNnLW6aBJwCLlYZxlVW6FxbNtDfK5unuWX3LNyUHqLYWmDUwhKHZldNFNitZVS12YWeABMg+g8IGONF91cmRaFIPhUvr37TcqWHeuLVvRA87WKYIfTcVHRH6GFNIZLTPxwNiLPNofIRCJr87w0jYjUEMOo0WnI+ewMRr5wI7shU8/6D2pfBJHcHrkc6t6bgubpWXO/i/ejxFZvaoikGK+UXn8fNfMMgyu89xo12LNJ4+1lwYgDzNOLX1mfUNdejtmUiNFiupQ8f5bqbBJnNrSpSsGmBveF/0Dk4V3bYaU9rK2i?iv=I+FzAdK6egl3xr2ycTXx8Q==

@ 6e0ea5d6:0327f353

Davvero, when we look at the grandeur flaunted by many, we must ask ourselves: what are they really trying to hide? Non tutto è oro quel che luccica. Excesses are often a mask for the deficiencies we fear to expose. Like a tree that grows crooked but covers itself with leaves to disguise its tilt, so too does a man hide his weaknesses with exaggeration. Why do some indulge in excessive luxuries? Is opulence a sign of success or a silent cry of insecurity? The heaviest armor is not worn by the strong, but by those who fear the slightest blow. It is internal fragility that demands external walls. Rigid rules and inflexible standards are often the refuge of those who don’t trust themselves. Does one truly confident need to impose so many restrictions? The self-assured man walks freely, while the insecure shackles himself with norms he has created. In everyday life, we see this constantly. The tyrannical boss who hides his incompetence behind harsh orders. The politician who masks his flaws with grand promises. The louder the tone, the greater the attempt to silence the inner void. Instead of covering our deficiencies with excess, we must face them. What use is heavy armor if it prevents us from moving? Overprotection can become a prison. In the game of power, recognizing and manipulating your own shortcomings can be the most effective weapon. Don’t let yourself be trapped by rules that only serve to mask insecurities. Use appearances to your advantage, letting others underestimate your fragility while you advance. After all, who said vulnerability can’t be your greatest strategy? Thank you for reading, my friend! If this message resonated with you, consider leaving your "🥃" as a token of appreciation. A toast to our family!

@ d1d95580:0e253b97

--- **Morning: Energize and Focus** - **Meal:** - **Option 1:** 2-3 eggs (fried or scrambled in butter) with 4-6 oz of sausage or bacon. - **Option 2:** Full-fat Greek yogurt (plain) with a handful of mixed nuts and a teaspoon of honey. - **Why:** High protein and fats provide steady energy; variety ensures accessibility. Based on Saladino and Baker’s emphasis on animal-based nutrition, with a nod to broader dietary preferences. - **Drink:** Water or black coffee—hydration and focus without complexity. - **Habit (Inspired by DrJackKruse & hubermanlab):** - **Natural Light:** 5-15 minutes outdoors in morning light (sunny or overcast). - **Why:** Regulates sleep-wake cycles and boosts alertness—Kruse’s circadian science and Huberman’s practical neuroscience agree it’s foundational. - **Learning:** - **Short Study:** 5-10 minutes reading a health article or listening to a podcast segment (e.g., Huberman Lab on sleep or nutrition). - **Why:** Starts the day with useful knowledge—small, digestible doses for busy schedules. --- **Midday: Maintain Momentum** - **Meal:** - **Option 1:** Grilled chicken (6-8 oz) with sautéed kale or spinach in olive oil. - **Option 2:** Baked salmon (5-6 oz) with a small sweet potato and steamed asparagus. - **Why:** Protein sustains muscle and focus, vegetables add vitamins—combines Baker’s meat focus with Huberman’s balanced nutrient approach. - **Sport (Inspired by hubermanlab):** - **Activity Break:** 10-15 minutes of movement—brisk walk, 3 sets of 10 squats, or 15 push-ups. - **Why:** Improves blood flow and mental clarity—Huberman’s research shows short exercise enhances productivity. - **Habit:** - **Water Boost:** Drink 16-20 oz of water (optional pinch of sea salt for electrolytes). - **Why:** Prevents dehydration, supports stamina—Saladino and Kruse highlight hydration’s role in health. --- **Afternoon: Stay Steady** - **Meal (Snack):** - **Option 1:** 2 hard-boiled eggs with a handful of almonds. - **Option 2:** A medium apple with 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter. - **Why:** Quick, nutrient-rich options stabilize energy—protein, fats, and minimal carbs align with ancestral eating (Saladino) and practical snacking (Huberman). - **Reading (Inspired by MartyBent):** - **Daily Read:** 15-20 minutes with a book—e.g., *Atomic Habits* (James Clear) for behavior or *The Body* (Bill Bryson) for health science. - **Why:** Bent’s curiosity-driven approach—steady learning builds long-term benefits. - **Habit (Inspired by hubermanlab):** - **Breathing Pause:** 1-2 minutes of slow breathing (inhale 4 seconds, exhale 6 seconds). - **Why:** Lowers stress, resets focus—Huberman’s data-backed method for mental resilience. --- **Evening: Recover and Reflect** - **Meal:** - **Option 1:** Pan-seared beef steak (8-10 oz) with roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts. - **Option 2:** Roasted cod (6 oz) with quinoa (half cup) and a side salad (olive oil dressing). - **Why:** Protein repairs tissue, sides provide fiber and variety—Saladino’s meat-first philosophy meets Huberman’s holistic nutrition. - **Sport/Habit (Inspired by DrJackKruse):** - **Light Movement:** 15-20 minute walk after eating or 5-10 minutes of stretching (focus on back and legs). - **Why:** Supports digestion and relaxation—Kruse’s focus on natural rhythms, made simple. - **Learning (Inspired by MartyBent):** - **Social Scan:** 10 minutes on X, reading or engaging with health-related posts. - **Why:** Bent’s community engagement—stay informed, connect with ideas. --- **Night: Rest Well** - **Habit (Inspired by hubermanlab & DrJackKruse):** - **Screen Wind-Down:** Reduce screen brightness or use warm lighting 1 hour before bed (target 10-11 PM sleep). - **Why:** Preserves sleep quality—Huberman and Kruse both stress light’s impact on rest. - **Reading (Optional):** - **Night Read:** 10-15 pages of a calming book—e.g., *Sapiens* (Yuval Noah Harari) or a novel like *To Kill a Mockingbird*. - **Why:** Eases the mind, encourages reflection—pairs well with a thoughtful lifestyle. --- **Core Principles** - **Meals:** Prioritize whole foods—protein, healthy fats, moderate vegetables or carbs. Flexible and realistic. - **Sports:** Brief, effective exercise—enhances health without dominating your day. - **Habits:** Use natural tools (light, water, breath)—simple, proven, no gimmicks. - **Learning/Reading:** Consistent input—broaden knowledge practically and gradually.

@ a367f9eb:0633efea

As Congress debates yet another *Continuing Resolution* to hastily fund the federal government for a few months, the House yesterday passed a resolution that mixes together several bills. Tucked within these provisions was a legalistic quirk that would end Congress’ ability to end President Trump’s “State of Emergency” that has so far given him some legal latitude to impose swaths of new tariffs and duties that affect consumers. The resolution passed by the House of Representatives contained [four sections](https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-resolution/211/all-actions?overview=closed&q=%7B%22roll-call-vote%22%3A%22all%22%7D) for consideration: 1.) Repeal of the IRS rule related to DeFi brokers and registration (also known as the broker role), affecting cryptocurrency platforms. 2.) Opening the state of limitations related to pandemic relief era as provided in the CARES Act. 3.) A Continuing Resolution to fund the government on a temporary basis **4.) Declaring the rest of the year as a single calendar day for the purposes of the National Emergencies Act** While each of these sections should elicit some debate or praise, the last section is purposefully written so as to freeze time on the Congressional calendar. Why is this important? The section reads: “Each day for the remainder of the first session of the 119th Congress shall not constitute a calendar day for purposes of section 202 of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622) with respect to a joint resolution terminating a national emergency declared by the President on February 1, 2025.” As [reported](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/11/us/politics/trump-tariffs-house-gop-vote.html) by the New York Times, this is a procedural move that would neuter Congress’ ability to pass any vote or resolution to gain back their power to issue tariffs and other trade sanctions, because 15 calendar days will not pass (at least legally) for the remainder of the year: > House Democrats had planned to force a vote on resolutions to end the tariffs on Mexico and Canada, a move allowed under the National Emergencies Act, which provides a mechanism for Congress to terminate an emergency like the one Mr. Trump declared when he imposed the tariffs on Feb. 1. > > That would have forced Republicans — many of whom are opposed to tariffs as a matter of principle — to go on the record on the issue at a time when Mr. Trump’s commitment to tariffs has spooked the financial markets and spiked concerns of reigniting inflation. > > … > > The national emergency law lays out a fast-track process for Congress to consider a resolution ending a presidential emergency, requiring committee consideration within 15 calendar days after one is introduced and a floor vote within three days after that. By passing the resolution, the House Majority has effectively neutered its own authority to set trade policies and to hold the Executive Branch accountable, allowing it to keep the *State of Emergency* in place so President Trump can issue tariffs on Canada, Mexico, China, the European Union, or any other country without much opposition. Though the President has some authority to issue tariffs in an emergency situation, according to the *National Emergencies Act*, removing Congress’ ability to end or even reverse the *State of Emergency* for the rest of 2025 means Congress has abrogated its responsibility to even have a say on trade policies. By allowing President Trump to prolong his *State of Emergency*, there will be no constitutional way for Congress to curb the excesses of the multi-theater trade wars being waged across the world, harming consumers who would otherwise profit from freer trade. Tariffs are taxes on consumers, and trade wars only make consumers poorer, as **Consumer Choice Center** describes in detail on [FreeTrade4Us.org](https://freetrade4us.org/). Knowing this was a possibility, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul introduced a bill last year to reaffirm the ability of Congress – and Congress alone – to set trade policy and avoid costly tariffs that raise prices for consumers. He called it the “[No Taxation Without Representation Act](https://www.paul.senate.gov/dr-rand-paul-celebrates-constitution-day/)“. “Our Constitution was designed to prevent any branch from overstepping its bounds. Unchecked executive actions enacting tariffs tax our citizens, threaten our economy, raise prices for everyday goods, and erode the system of checks and balances that our founders so carefully crafted,” wrote Sen. Paul. If Congress neuters its ability to counter tariffs, then American consumers will have to continue to bear the brunt of protectionist policies that are currently making them worse off.

@ e97aaffa:2ebd765d

O que se passou, hoje, no parlamento português é indescritível, simplesmente um bando de garotos, para não dizer um bando de imbecis, que não querem saber do país, apenas se movem por interesses partidários ou/e pessoais. Todos queriam ir para eleições, mas negava-o publicamente e empurravam a responsabilidade para o outro, foi um teatro. Agora vamos para eleições, 3° eleições em 4 anos, isto é um absurdo, um completo absurdo. Eu desde pequeno, sempre tive interesse por política, gosto de estar informado, mas nunca me senti tão cansado e sem paciência para esta atual classe de políticos. São quase todos medíocres, de ano para ano, só piora, sinceramente, não sei como o país vai sair desta espiral. Há uns anos, os partidos ainda tinham a decência de limpar as maçãs podres, mesmo que fosse impopular, ou mesmo que perdessem votos ou cargos. Hoje em dia, parecem que escolhe a dedo, as maçãs podres como candidatos a líder e consequentemente para governar o país. Da mesma maneira que critiquei o PS, quando elegeu o PNS, após ser demitido do governo após vários escândalos e por demonstrar incompetência. Agora com todas estas suspeitas sobre Montenegro, que esteve em todos os momentos, péssimo no caso, deixou o caso crescer, crescer, até que ficou indomável. Não seria melhor o PSD escolher outro líder, eu acho que sim, não é a opinião do partido. O Montenegro está a fazer uma jogada muito arriscada, o tiro pode sair pela culatra. Eu acho que eles não estão a fazer bem as contas. Depois de todas as polémicas é previsível que o Chega perca votos, é neste ponto a crença do AD, que acredita que pode ganhar 1 ou 2% e a IL fica com os restantes. Eles acreditam que podem fazer um governo de maioria, juntamente com a IL. Mas eu acho que eles estão se a esquecer de um pormenor, será que os eleitores descontentes do Chega, vão mudar o voto para o AD ou para o IL? Uma pequena parte vai mudar com certeza, mas o grande público do Chega, são malta descontentes com política e com os políticos, que viram no partido um esperança. Isso foi visível nas últimas eleições, o Chega foi fundamental na queda da abstenção, eram pessoas que não votavam há anos ou que nunca tinham votado, acreditaram que o Chega era diferente, foi um voto de protesto. Possivelmente, estas pessoas não vão mudar o voto para AD ou para IL, mas sim, vão voltar a contar como abstenção. Eu acho que o AD não está a fazer bem as contas. O pior disto tudo, é que vamos para eleições agora, não resolvemos nada e daqui a um ano e meio, estamos de novo em eleições. Os portugueses estão saturados de eleições, mas os políticos só olham para o seu umbigo, não querem saber dos portugueses.

@ 04c915da:3dfbecc9

Recently we have seen a wave of high profile X accounts hacked. These attacks have exposed the fragility of the status quo security model used by modern social media platforms like X. Many users have asked if nostr fixes this, so lets dive in. How do these types of attacks translate into the world of nostr apps? For clarity, I will use X’s security model as representative of most big tech social platforms and compare it to nostr. **The Status Quo** On X, you never have full control of your account. Ultimately to use it requires permission from the company. They can suspend your account or limit your distribution. Theoretically they can even post from your account at will. An X account is tied to an email and password. Users can also opt into two factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of protection, a login code generated by an app. In theory, this setup works well, but it places a heavy burden on users. You need to create a strong, unique password and safeguard it. You also need to ensure your email account and phone number remain secure, as attackers can exploit these to reset your credentials and take over your account. Even if you do everything responsibly, there is another weak link in X infrastructure itself. The platform’s infrastructure allows accounts to be reset through its backend. This could happen maliciously by an employee or through an external attacker who compromises X’s backend. When an account is compromised, the legitimate user often gets locked out, unable to post or regain control without contacting X’s support team. That process can be slow, frustrating, and sometimes fruitless if support denies the request or cannot verify your identity. Often times support will require users to provide identification info in order to regain access, which represents a privacy risk. The centralized nature of X means you are ultimately at the mercy of the company’s systems and staff. **Nostr Requires Responsibility** Nostr flips this model radically. Users do not need permission from a company to access their account, they can generate as many accounts as they want, and cannot be easily censored. The key tradeoff here is that users have to take complete responsibility for their security. Instead of relying on a username, password, and corporate servers, nostr uses a private key as the sole credential for your account. Users generate this key and it is their responsibility to keep it safe. As long as you have your key, you can post. If someone else gets it, they can post too. It is that simple. This design has strong implications. Unlike X, there is no backend reset option. If your key is compromised or lost, there is no customer support to call. In a compromise scenario, both you and the attacker can post from the account simultaneously. Neither can lock the other out, since nostr relays simply accept whatever is signed with a valid key. The benefit? No reliance on proprietary corporate infrastructure.. The negative? Security rests entirely on how well you protect your key. **Future Nostr Security Improvements** For many users, nostr’s standard security model, storing a private key on a phone with an encrypted cloud backup, will likely be sufficient. It is simple and reasonably secure. That said, nostr’s strength lies in its flexibility as an open protocol. Users will be able to choose between a range of security models, balancing convenience and protection based on need. One promising option is a web of trust model for key rotation. Imagine pre-selecting a group of trusted friends. If your account is compromised, these people could collectively sign an event announcing the compromise to the network and designate a new key as your legitimate one. Apps could handle this process seamlessly in the background, notifying followers of the switch without much user interaction. This could become a popular choice for average users, but it is not without tradeoffs. It requires trust in your chosen web of trust, which might not suit power users or large organizations. It also has the issue that some apps may not recognize the key rotation properly and followers might get confused about which account is “real.” For those needing higher security, there is the option of multisig using FROST (Flexible Round-Optimized Schnorr Threshold). In this setup, multiple keys must sign off on every action, including posting and updating a profile. A hacker with just one key could not do anything. This is likely overkill for most users due to complexity and inconvenience, but it could be a game changer for large organizations, companies, and governments. Imagine the White House nostr account requiring signatures from multiple people before a post goes live, that would be much more secure than the status quo big tech model. Another option are hardware signers, similar to bitcoin hardware wallets. Private keys are kept on secure, offline devices, separate from the internet connected phone or computer you use to broadcast events. This drastically reduces the risk of remote hacks, as private keys never touches the internet. It can be used in combination with multisig setups for extra protection. This setup is much less convenient and probably overkill for most but could be ideal for governments, companies, or other high profile accounts. --- Nostr’s security model is not perfect but is robust and versatile. Ultimately users are in control and security is their responsibility. Apps will give users multiple options to choose from and users will choose what best fits their need.

@ 38c4a72d:8b479bff

The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.

@ 8d34bd24:414be32b

Two nights ago I had a very bad night’s sleep and only got about 4.5 hours of sleep. I read before bed and frequently I read some rather deep books, but last night wasn’t up to anything that required too much brain power. I found a book [*The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards*](https://www.amazon.com/Unwavering-Resolve-Jonathan-Edwards-Profile/dp/1567691080/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1) by Steven J. Lawson that my husband had picked up at a library book sale. Honestly, it looked like a summary book for kids, but ended up being a little deeper, although not a hard read. It began with this quote: Living the Christian life, by all biblical accounts, necessitates the passionate pursuit of personal holiness. Sanctification is never an elective course that a believer may or may not take. Neither is it an upper-level graduate study, required for only a few disciples. Instead, it is a core class, mandated for all Christians. Godliness is a lifelong study, for no one graduates from the school of Christ this side of heaven. I found this statement inspiring, especially because I see so many people, who call themselves Christians, but that don’t look any different in the way they live their lives than the non-Christians. I decided to investigate more about what the Bible says about sanctification and holiness. I will start with what Jesus, himself, said to us. > But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. **I have given them Your word**; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. **Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth**. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. For their sakes **I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth**. (John 17:13-19) {emphasis mine} God gave believers His word, but we frequently leave it sitting on the shelf gathering dust. OK, I’ll admit I’m a book geek and my go-to response to any problem or interest is to read a bunch of books on the subject, but I still don’t understand how someone who knows and loves God can ignore His word. We are so blessed to live in a time when God’s word is easily and cheaply available to all. I’m not sure how many Bibles we have in our home, but it is definitely in double digits. Some are new and some are old. We have hardback, paperback, and leather cover. We have multiple translations. We have Bibles with the traditional order and it at least one that is a chronological Bible. Some are just the words of the Bible while some are study Bibles with commentary from godly men. For most of history, most people couldn’t afford a Bible (handwritten Bibles usually cost more than a year’s income). Those who managed to buy a Bible cherished it and handed it down as a precious family heirloom, but even then, frequently they had to learn a foreign language to read it. They couldn’t read God’s word in their own language. How blessed are we to have Bibles that anyone can afford (and online and Gideon Bibles for those who can’t afford anything) and that we can read in our native language? We all need to make the most of the blessing of being able to read the word of God as if He was speaking directly to us. In this passage, Jesus also says we will be “*sanctified in truth*.” The process of being sanctified to be more like Jesus requires that we know, believe, and obey His word. We can only grow so much without spending serious time in the Bible. How can we become more like Jesus if we don’t know who He is? How can we obey God if we don’t know what He commands? How can we share the gospel if we don’t know the whole gospel as defined in Scripture? Of course just knowing the Bible and the truth is not enough either. > What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? **Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.** > > But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and **I will show you my faith by my works**.” **You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder**. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? (James 2:14-20) {emphasis mine} There are two things mentioned in this passage. I’ll start with the second because it is easiest. We can’t just know and believe in God. Even “*the demons also believe, and shudder*.” Head knowledge is not enough for salvation, much less sanctification. The demons know that Jesus is the son of God and that He is the creator of all that is, including themselves. This has not made the demons saved or good. They know the truth, but reject it. Therefore, the first thing after gaining knowledge of Jesus, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit is to believe and submit to His will. Knowing isn’t enough. Believing isn’t enough. Submission and obedience are required. This brings us to the evidence of true belief and salvation. “*I will show you my faith by my works*.” If we see no change in the life of a so-called believer, we need to question their salvation, whether it is ourselves or others. “*Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself*.” True faith will be followed by good works in obedience and thankfulness to God. > If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. (John 15:10) In the beatitudes, who does Jesus say will be blessed? > “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8) Who has a pure heart? > Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “**He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us**”? But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” **Submit therefore to God**. **Resist the devil** and he will flee from you. **Draw near to God** and He will draw near to you. **Cleanse your hands**, you sinners; and **purify your hearts**, you double-minded. (James 4:5-8) {emphasis mine} Those who have a pure heart have the Spirit dwelling in us leading to us: - Submitting to God, - Resisting the devil, - Drawing near to God, - Cleansing our hands, and - Purifying our hearts. Of course trying to do these without the indwelling of the Spirit is a losing proposition. We can only succeed through His power. Even though our sanctification requires the guidance and power of the Spirit in us, that doesn’t mean we just sit around passively waiting for improvement to happen. We are called to actively submit, resist, draw near, cleanse, and purify. We are called to actively learn, yield, follow, and obey. When we seek to become more like Jesus, He empowers us to become more like Jesus. Sometimes He puts us in situations to help us grow. Sometimes He makes miraculous changes in our lives. Sometimes He brings other godly Christians into our lives to mentor us. Each person’s sanctification journey looks unique, just as each of us is unique. The key point is to seek a relationship with Him, to study His word, to fellowship with other believers, and to share God’s love and the gospel with those who don’t know Him. Just as when God fed the 5,000, He wants us to take that first step and give the little we have and then He multiplies it to do a great work in us and in others. > He whose ear listens to the **life-giving reproof**\ > Will dwell among the wise.\ > He who neglects **discipline** despises himself,\ > But he who **listens to reproof** acquires understanding.\ > The fear of the Lord is the **instruction** for wisdom,\ > And before honor *comes* **humility**. (Proverbs 15:31-33) {emphasis mine} In order to grow in Christ, we need to humbly listen to reproof, instruction, and discipline. We need to honestly judge ourselves against the ideal model, Jesus Christ, and be willing to change anything that doesn’t look, think, or act like Jesus. In college I took an art history class. Being a glutton for punishment, I took the harder art history class taken by art majors instead of the easier one for not art majors. There was a story about someone asking Michelangelo about how he carved his masterpiece David statue. He replied something like, “I just carved away everything that wasn’t David.” In the same way, we need to carve away everything in our lives that isn’t like Jesus. Just as in sculpture, the first carvings are chipping away large chunks of rock. In the same way, there are certain things in our lives that are so repulsive to God, they need to be chipped away quickly even if crudely. As the sculptor gets farther along, His work gets more and more precise and usually slower and slower. In the same way, as we become more and more Christ-like, our sanctification may get more fine-tuned and precise. The changes may seem like they come along more slowly and less obviously to those around us, but we will continue to be refined every day of our lives. > **Pursue** peace with all men, and **the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord**. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears. (Hebrews 12:14-17) {emphasis mine} Sanctification requires repentance and turning to God. We all have a period of life when we can accept Jesus and when we can grow in His likeness, but a day will come, at either death or rapture, where we will no longer have the opportunity to repent or to be further sanctified. > Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. I**f any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire**. (1 Corinthians 3:12-15) {emphasis mine} Do you want to be the person who squeaks into heaven with nothing to show for your life? Or would you rather be like the good servant who hears: > His master said to him, ‘**Well done, good and faithful slave**. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; **enter into the joy of your master**.’ (Matthew 25:21) {emphasis mine} I want to hear, “*Well done, good and faithful slave*,” rather than, “OK. You can come in.” I want to faithfully show my Savior how grateful I am for His mercy and His sacrifice. I want to show my God how awesome I think He is. > Therefore, **if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work**. Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, **with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart**. But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and **escape from the snare of the devil**, having been held captive by him to do his will. (2 Timothy 2:21-26) {emphasis mine} I know I want to be “*a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work*.” How about you? Are you willing to do the work? Are you willing to submit? Are you willing to sacrifice? I find that the more I serve, the better I know God and the more willing I am to work, to submit, and to sacrifice. I notice my priorities lining up more and more with His priorities. Many things that I thought were so important, don’t seem important at all. Other things, for which I didn’t have much interest, have become central in my life. I had more than a decade of poor health. I could barely take care of my family and our business. I was in survival mode. Still I found time to study God’s word and read the writings of many godly men. It was a time of growing in faith and knowledge and a time of learning to rest in my Savior. Now I have reached a time where I feel an overwhelming need to share what I learned in all of my study. God has given me good enough health that I have more to give (although I still have to be careful to not over do it.) Although we need to grow in our faith and knowledge, we aren’t useful until we share it with others. Sometimes this may be sharing about God to unbelievers. Sometimes it may be speaking the truth in love. Sometimes it may be taking a young Christian and discipling them to be more like Jesus. We all go through different stages of life, but we always need to be available to be used by God. > In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, **constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following**. But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, **discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness**; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but **godliness is profitable for all things**, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. (1 Timothy 4:6-10) {emphasis mine} I want to be a profitable work of my God. We need to make the pursuit of godliness a lifelong pursuit. I’ll leave you with this additional quote from the book that was my inspiration. Growth in holiness is not a one-time act, but a lifelong pursuit, one that requires a daily determination to live according to the truths taught in Scripture. — Steven J. Lawson “The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards May God call you to Himself, guide you in knowledge of Him, carve you into the image of Jesus, and use you to call many others to Himself. Trust Jesus

@ da0b9bc3:4e30a4a9

Hello Stackers! Welcome on into the ~Music Corner of the Saloon! A place where we Talk Music. Share Tracks. Zap Sats. So stay a while and listen. 🚨Don't forget to check out the pinned items in the territory homepage! You can always find the latest weeklies there!🚨 🚨Subscribe to the territory to ensure you never miss a post! 🚨 originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/911193

@ 9dd283b1:cf9b6beb

My Raspberry Pi 4 (running Umbrel) has been disconnecting approximately once a month, and my 1TB SSD now has only 80GB of space remaining. I'm considering an upgrade—possibly moving to a Pi 5 with a 2TB drive—but I'm open to any suggestions for a better setup within a similar budget. Any recommendations? originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/911133

@ bc575705:dba3ed39

In our hyper-connected age, the concept of "Know Your Customer" (KYC) has morphed from a regulatory necessity into a pervasive surveillance apparatus, subtly eroding our fundamental liberties. While purported to combat financial crime, KYC has become a tool for mass surveillance, data exploitation, and the gradual dismantling of personal privacy. Let’s embark on a comprehensive exploration of this system, exposing its inherent flaws and advocating for a paradigm shift towards decentralized financial sovereignty. ## **Beyond the Surface: The Intricate Web of KYC Data Collection** **KYC transcends mere identity verification;** it's a deep dive into the minutiae of our lives. Consider the breadth and depth of data extracted: **Geographic Surveillance:** Proof of address requirements delve into historical residency, creating granular maps of our movements. Combined with location data from mobile devices and online activity, this paints a comprehensive picture of our physical presence. **Financial Autopsy:** KYC dissects our financial lives with surgical precision. Income sources, asset declarations, and transaction histories are meticulously cataloged. Algorithmic analysis reveals spending habits, investment strategies, and even potential political affiliations. **Behavioral Predictive Modeling:** AI algorithms analyze our financial behavior, predicting future actions and preferences. This data is invaluable for targeted advertising, but also for social engineering and political manipulation. **Biometric Invasiveness:** Facial recognition, iris scans, and voice analysis create permanent, immutable records of our physical selves. These biometrics are highly sensitive and vulnerable to breaches, potentially leading to identity theft and even physical harm. **Social Network Mapping:** KYC extends beyond individuals, mapping our social and professional networks. Institutions analyze our connections, identifying potential risks based on our associations. This has a chilling effect on free association and dissent, as individuals become hesitant to associate with those deemed "risky." **Psychometric Profiling:** With the increase of online tests, and the collection of online data, companies and states can build psychometric profiles. These profiles can be used to predict actions, and even manipulate populations. ## **The Fallacy of Security: KYC's Ineffectiveness and the Rise of the Surveillance State** Despite its claims, KYC fails to effectively combat sophisticated financial crime. Instead, it creates a system of mass surveillance that disproportionately targets law-abiding citizens. **The Scourge of False Positives:** Automated KYC systems frequently generate false positives, flagging innocent individuals as potential criminals. This can lead to financial exclusion, reputational damage, and even legal persecution. **A Ticking Time Bomb:** Centralized KYC databases are prime targets for hackers, putting vast amounts of sensitive personal information at risk. Data breaches can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and even physical harm. **The State's Panopticon:** KYC empowers governments to monitor the financial activities of their citizens, creating a powerful tool for surveillance and control. This can be used to suppress dissent, target political opponents, and enforce conformity. **The Criminals Advantage:** Sophisticated criminals easily bypass KYC using shell companies, money laundering, and other techniques. This makes KYC a system that punishes the innocent, and gives the criminals a false sense of security for the data collected. ## **Decentralized Alternatives: Reclaiming Financial Sovereignty and Privacy** In the face of this encroaching surveillance state, decentralized technologies offer a path to financial freedom and privacy. **Cryptocurrency | A Bastion of Financial Freedom:** Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies provide censorship-resistant alternatives to traditional financial systems. They empower individuals to transact freely, without the need for intermediaries or government oversight. **Decentralized Finance (DeFi) | Democratizing Finance:** DeFi platforms offer a range of financial services, including lending, borrowing, and trading, without the need for traditional banks. These platforms are built on blockchain technology, ensuring transparency, security, and accessibility. **Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) | Empowering Individuals:** SSI solutions enable individuals to control their own digital identities, without relying on centralized authorities. This allows for secure and private verification of identity, without the need to share sensitive personal information with every service provider. **Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PETs) | Shielding Your Data:** Technologies like zero-knowledge proofs, homomorphic encryption, and secure multi-party computation can be used to protect personal data while still allowing for necessary verification. **Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) | Creating new forms of governance:** DAOs provide new ways for groups to organize, and make decisions. They provide a transparent way to pool resources, and make decisions. ## **A Call to Action: Defending Our Digital Rights and Building a Decentralized Future** We cannot passively accept the erosion of our fundamental freedoms. We must actively defend our digital rights and demand a more just and equitable financial system. **Advocate for Robust Privacy Laws:** Demand stronger regulations that limit the collection and use of personal data. **Champion Decentralized Technologies:** Support the development and adoption of cryptocurrencies, DeFi platforms, and other decentralized solutions. **Educate and Empower:** Raise awareness about the dangers of KYC and state surveillance. **Cultivate Critical Thinking:** Question the narratives presented by governments and corporations. **Build Decentralized Communities:** Join and support decentralized communities that are working to build a more free and open financial system. **Demand transparency from all data collection:** Insist that all data collection is open, and that there are strong penalties for those that misuse data. **The fight for financial freedom is a fight for human freedom. Let us stand together and reclaim our digital sovereignty.**

@ edeb837b:ac664163

In the fast-evolving world of investing, traders are constantly looking for ways to streamline their trading experience, share insights, and build transparency in the community. NVSTly, the social investing platform, has taken a significant step forward with its brokerage integration feature. This game-changing addition allows traders to automatically track and share their trades with 100% accuracy, creating an ecosystem of trust and transparency for both casual investors and [top traders](https://nvstly.com/ranks). ## What is NVSTly's Brokerage Integration? NVSTly's brokerage integration enables users to securely connect their brokerage accounts to the platform, allowing trades to be automatically recorded, tracked, and shared in real time. This means no more manual trade entries or missing crucial details—every trade is verified directly from the broker, ensuring authenticity. Currently, NVSTly supports Webull, but we're actively working on adding support for Charles Schwab (ThinkorSwim), Robinhood, Moomoo, TradeStation, and more. As we expand, traders from multiple brokerages will be able to seamlessly integrate their accounts, making NVSTly the go-to platform for automated trade tracking and [social investing](https://nvstly.com/). ## How Does It Work? 1. Securely Link Your Broker – Users can connect their brokerage account to NVSTly through a secure authentication process. 2. Automatic Trade Tracking – Every trade executed in the linked brokerage account is automatically recorded on NVSTly, including trade details such as asset type, entry/exit price, time, and trade status. 3. Real-Time Trade Sharing – Users can choose to share trades instantly with their followers, to social media, or Discord. 4. 100% Accuracy & Verification – Since all trades are pulled directly from the brokerage account, the data is fully verified and cannot be altered, ensuring complete transparency. ## Why Are Traders Linking Their Broker Accounts? NVSTly’s brokerage integration provides immense value for traders of all levels. Here’s why thousands are choosing to connect their broker: ### 1. No More Manual Entry Keeping track of trades manually is time-consuming and prone to errors. With NVSTly, all trades are logged automatically, eliminating mistakes and saving traders valuable time. ### 2. 100% Trade Accuracy & Transparency Top traders and signal providers on NVSTly can showcase their trades with full credibility, as every trade is verified directly from the broker. This builds trust within the community and ensures followers are seeing real, authentic trades, not fabricated ones. ### 3. Ideal for Signal Providers & Analysts Signal providers and market analysts can effortlessly share their trades in real-time, giving their subscribers confidence in their strategies. The auto-sharing feature means followers get instant updates, allowing them to act quickly on trading opportunities. ### 4. Social Traders Can Learn From Verified Trades Unlike traditional investing platforms where traders post trade ideas or screenshots, NVSTly ensures that every trade shown is real and executed. [Social traders](https://nvstly.com/ranks) can analyze the moves of top investors and gain insights from actual, successful trading strategies. ## What’s Next? 1-Click Copy Trading is Coming Soon One of the most exciting upcoming features of NVSTly is 1-Click Copy Trading. Once we complete support for more brokerages, users will be able to automatically copy the trades of top-performing traders in real time. This will allow newer traders to follow experienced professionals and benefit from their strategies effortlessly. ## The Future of Social Investing Starts Here NVSTly's brokerage integration is revolutionizing the way traders track, share, and analyze trades. By providing automated tracking, trade verification, and real-time sharing, we are creating a transparent and trustworthy environment for traders, signal providers, and social investors. If you're ready to take your trading experience to the next level, link your Webull account today and stay tuned as we expand our brokerage integrations to Charles Schwab (ThinkorSwim), Robinhood, Moomoo, TradeStation, and more! --- NVSTly is available for free on [web](https://nvstly.com/), mobile devices ([iOS](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nvstly-social-investing/id6475617649) & [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ly.nvst.android)), and is fully integrated with Discord via a [unique bot-](https://discord.com/application-directory/901245095502819358) the only of it's kind and available to any server or trading community on Discord. Or feel free to join a community of over 50,000 investors & traders on our [Discod server](https://discord.com/invite/rhAvzyzk9J).

@ 95cb4330:96db706c

## **Introduction: Why Speed Beats Efficiency in Hyper-Growth Markets** In business, most people think **growing carefully and efficiently** is the best approach. But in **high-potential industries**, the opposite is often true. This is where **Blitzscaling** comes in—a strategy embraced by **Reid Hoffman, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Sam Altman**. **Blitzscaling** is about prioritizing **speed over efficiency** when a market is ready for rapid expansion. The goal? **Scale as fast as possible to establish dominance before competitors can catch up.** In this article, we’ll cover: ✔ **What Blitzscaling is and why it works** ✔ **Examples of how top entrepreneurs used it to dominate industries** ✔ **How you can apply Blitzscaling to your business, investments, or projects** --- ## **What Is Blitzscaling?** **Blitzscaling** is a concept popularized by **Reid Hoffman (LinkedIn co-founder, PayPal Mafia)** in his book *Blitzscaling: The Lightning-Fast Path to Building Massively Valuable Companies*. The core idea: > **Speed matters more than efficiency when a huge market opportunity exists.** Instead of carefully optimizing profits, companies using Blitzscaling: - **Reinvest aggressively into growth** instead of focusing on short-term margins. - **Expand as fast as possible**, even if it means operating at a loss. - **Take risks to capture market share** before competitors can react. When done correctly, Blitzscaling allows a company to: ✅ **Establish itself as the market leader** ✅ **Create massive barriers to entry** ✅ **Dominate an industry before others even have a chance** This strategy is **risky**, but when applied in the right market, it can create **billion-dollar companies in record time**. --- ## **Examples of Blitzscaling in Action** ### **1. Jeff Bezos and Amazon: Prioritizing Growth Over Profits** Amazon could have been a **small, profitable e-commerce company**—but Bezos **chose Blitzscaling instead**: ✅ He **reinvested nearly every dollar of profit** into expanding logistics, AWS, and new markets. ✅ He **ignored short-term profits**, focusing on long-term market dominance. ✅ He **scaled globally** before competitors had a chance to react. By the time traditional retailers realized what was happening, Amazon had already **become a monopoly in e-commerce** and built **the world’s most powerful cloud platform (AWS)**. 📌 **Lesson:** Sometimes, short-term profits are **less important than long-term market dominance**. --- ### **2. Elon Musk and Tesla/SpaceX: Scaling Despite High Risk** Elon Musk didn’t build **Tesla and SpaceX** by playing it safe. He used **Blitzscaling** to: ✅ **Push Tesla into mass production** despite major financial and operational risks. ✅ **Scale SpaceX rapidly** before competitors could emerge, securing government contracts. ✅ **Bet everything on speed**, knowing that if Tesla and SpaceX failed, there would be **no second chance**. By **moving fast**, Tesla became **the world’s dominant EV company** and SpaceX became **the leader in private space travel**. 📌 **Lesson:** In high-growth industries, moving **slowly** often means losing to faster-moving competitors. --- ### **3. Sam Altman and OpenAI: Rapid Expansion in AI** AI is a field where **first-mover advantage matters**. Sam Altman applied **Blitzscaling principles** to OpenAI by: ✅ **Expanding rapidly**, even before AI was widely adopted. ✅ **Raising billions in funding** to scale model development at breakneck speed. ✅ **Launching ChatGPT publicly early**, creating viral adoption before competitors could react. By **moving fast**, OpenAI became the go-to AI platform **before Google, Microsoft, or Meta could dominate the space**. 📌 **Lesson:** In emerging technologies, **speed determines who controls the market**. --- ## **How to Apply Blitzscaling to Your Own Work** You don’t need to run a billion-dollar company to apply Blitzscaling principles. The **same mindset** applies to: ✅ **Startups** – Prioritize speed in a **fast-moving industry** to outpace competitors. ✅ **Investing** – Identify companies that **are Blitzscaling and ride the wave**. ✅ **Personal Growth** – Learn, adapt, and **scale your skills 10x faster** than your peers. ### **1. Identify an Area Where Speed Gives You an Edge** - What **industry or opportunity** is emerging fast? - Where can **moving quickly** create an unfair advantage? 📌 **Example:** If you’re in **crypto, AI, or biotech**, waiting too long means **missing the window of opportunity**. --- ### **2. Optimize for Scale, Not Just Efficiency** - Ask: **“What would I do differently if my goal was to scale 10x faster?”** - Focus on **growth first, efficiency later**—especially in early-stage markets. 📌 **Example:** If you’re launching a startup, instead of **perfecting every detail**, **focus on rapid adoption and expansion**. --- ### **3. Be Willing to Take Short-Term Losses for Long-Term Wins** - Most people **optimize for short-term profit**—but Blitzscaling requires **investing aggressively into growth**. - If the market opportunity is big enough, **it’s worth taking calculated risks to dominate early**. 📌 **Example:** **Tesla lost money for years** before becoming the most valuable car company in the world. --- ## **Final Thoughts: Move Fast or Get Left Behind** 🔹 **Blitzscaling is not for every situation—but in high-growth industries, speed matters more than efficiency.** 🔹 **Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Sam Altman all scaled their companies by prioritizing growth over short-term optimization.** 🔹 **If you’re in an industry with massive upside, the biggest risk is moving too slowly.** 💡 **Action Step:** Identify **one area where speed could give you a major advantage. What would you do differently if your goal was to scale 10x faster instead of cautiously optimizing?** 🚀 **The future belongs to those who move first. Start Blitzscaling today.** --- ## **Resources to Learn More** - 📖 [**Blitzscaling by Reid Hoffman** – Summary](https://www.blitzscaling.com/) - 🎥 [**Elon Musk on Moving Fast** – YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jgw-_hlFQk4) - 📰 [**Why Speed Matters in Scaling** – Harvard Business Review](https://hbr.org/2019/06/scaling-culture-in-fast-growing-companies) 🚀 **Speed wins. If you’re in a market that rewards Blitzscaling, don’t wait—move fast.**

@ f25afb62:8d50c6e7

https://i.postimg.cc/6p0S1LrR/Kiwi-bitcoin.png # Modernizing the Kiwi Dollar: How Kiwibank Can Lead the Future of Money ## **A Nation at an Inflection Point** Kiwibank’s upcoming capital raise offers New Zealand a rare opportunity to **future-proof its currency and banking system**. With up to **$500 million** in new capital on the table, the government aims to strengthen Kiwibank as a competitor to the dominant Australian-owned banks. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has emphasized that **more capital means greater competition**, which could **drive down interest rates** and improve banking services for everyday Kiwis. But this is more than just a competition play—it's a **chance to radically modernize the Kiwi dollar itself**. By integrating **Bitcoin's open infrastructure**, Kiwibank could issue a **digitally native, globally liquid, and ultra-secure NZD**. This wouldn’t require reinventing the financial system but rather **leveraging existing and proven Bitcoin technologies**. The result? A financial system that **empowers Kiwis**, attracts global investment, and **puts New Zealand at the forefront of monetary innovation**. This article outlines a **practical, step-by-step roadmap** for how Kiwibank could: 1. **Tokenize the New Zealand Dollar (NZD)** using **a Bitcoin sidechain like Liquid**. 2. **Issue Kiwi eCash**, providing **cash-like digital money** that’s private and fast. 3. **Enable global NZD payments via the Lightning Network**, making NZD as **instant and accessible as Bitcoin itself**. 4. **Unlock new Bitcoin-powered business models** that **expand Kiwibank’s revenue streams**. This isn’t a distant dream—it’s **completely feasible today**. The question is: **Will New Zealand lead or lag?** 🚀⚡🇳🇿 --- ## **Kiwibank’s Capital Raise – A Launchpad for Innovation** Kiwibank is raising fresh capital **to strengthen its position against the Big Four banks**, but this money could do much more than just improve traditional banking services. **It could lay the foundation for a digital-first Kiwi dollar, designed for the 21st century.** New Zealand is actively **courting global investment**, simplifying its **“golden visa”** program to attract **wealthy innovators and investors**. If Kiwibank integrates **Bitcoin-powered financial infrastructure**, it would send a **strong signal that New Zealand is open for high-tech finance business**—drawing interest from: - **Kiwi citizens**, who would benefit from a **better, faster, and cheaper** banking system. - **KiwiSaver funds and institutional investors**, who would see Kiwibank as a **bold growth investment**. - **Global Bitcoiners**, who might **invest in NZ** or move their wealth into a **Bitcoin-friendly jurisdiction**. Simply put, **this capital raise is a chance to future-proof the Kiwi financial system**—and Bitcoin provides the tools to make it happen. --- ## **Step 1: Tokenized NZD on a Bitcoin Sidechain** The **first step** in modernizing NZD is **bringing it onto Bitcoin rails** by issuing a **tokenized NZD** on **a Bitcoin sidechain** like **Liquid** or **a custom-built KiwiBTC sidechain**. ### **How It Works** - Kiwibank, alongside other NZ banks, could **issue digital NZD tokens**, backed **1:1 by reserves**. - This would be **secured on a federated Bitcoin sidechain**—a **fast, low-fee** network pegged to Bitcoin. - Transactions would **settle in seconds instead of days**, with **confidentiality features** ensuring **financial privacy**. This is **not an experiment**—it's **already being done**. **Tether (USDT) uses Liquid today** to issue stablecoins, and the same **proven tech** could be used to issue NZD. ### **Why This Matters** - **Faster Payments:** Move NZD **instantly**, unlike today’s slow banking rails. - **Global Liquidity:** Anyone, anywhere, could **hold and transact NZD digitally**. - **No Need for a CBDC:** The NZ government **retains full control** over monetary policy, without creating a **central bank-controlled digital currency**. This **solves many of the problems** the Reserve Bank of New Zealand has been grappling with in its **CBDC research**—by **using open Bitcoin tech instead of building from scratch**. --- ## **Step 2: Kiwi eCash – Digital Money With Cash-Like Privacy** While a **tokenized NZD** would **revolutionize banking and business payments**, **Kiwi eCash** would do the same for **everyday transactions and person-to-person payments**. **Kiwi eCash** is a **Chaumian eCash system**—a **digital cash** that **preserves privacy and security**, just like physical banknotes. It’s based on **battle-tested cryptographic blind signatures**, meaning: - **No bank account required.** - **No transaction tracking.** - **Total financial privacy.** ### **How It Works** - **NZ banks (or independent issuers) mint Kiwi eCash tokens**, backed by **tokenized NZD or Bitcoin**. - These tokens are **held in a wallet and can be spent freely**—just like handing someone cash. - Banks **don’t see individual transactions**, ensuring privacy. - Multiple issuers (banks, credit unions, or fintech firms) could **offer interoperable Kiwi eCash mints**. This is already happening with **Bitcoin eCash mints like Cashu and Fedimint**, and the **same concept** can be applied to **NZD**. ### **Why It Matters** - **Digital cash with cash-like privacy**—protecting **financial freedom**. - **Fast, free transactions**, perfect for **micro-payments and daily spending**. - **Works offline**, unlike today’s banking apps. - **Interoperable across banks**, reducing monopolistic control. --- ## **Step 3: Bridging Kiwi eCash to Lightning – NZD at the Speed of Bitcoin** The **final piece** of the puzzle is **making Kiwi eCash as fast and global as Bitcoin itself**. By **bridging Kiwi eCash to the Lightning Network** (via **Taproot Assets**), NZD transactions would become: - **Instant:** Settle in **milliseconds**, anywhere in the world. - **Global:** Easily convert NZD to **any currency, anywhere**. - **Ultra-cheap:** Fees near **zero**, unlike Visa or SWIFT. ### **How It Works** - Kiwi eCash is **wrapped into Lightning channels** using **Taproot Assets**. - **Payments flow instantly over Lightning**, just like Bitcoin transactions. - Merchants, individuals, and businesses can **send and receive NZD globally** in a **Bitcoin-compatible format**. This **integrates NZD directly into the Bitcoin economy**, giving it **instant global reach**. --- ## **Step 4: New Bitcoin-Powered Services for Kiwibank** Beyond modernizing NZD itself, **Bitcoin infrastructure unlocks entire new revenue streams** for Kiwibank: 1. **Bitcoin Custody:** Offer **multi-sig vaults** instead of **risky single-key custody**. 2. **Bitcoin Lending:** Let customers **borrow NZD against their BTC**—a proven model. 3. **Lightning Yield:** Earn **fees by providing Lightning liquidity**. 4. **Collaborative Bitcoin Custody:** Offer **collaborative custody** where customers **retain control** and Kiwibank is available for **recovery assistance**. 5. **Digital Securities**: Help **Kiwi business raise capital** with **digital securities on the Bitcoin sidechain** and facilitate **secondary market liquidity** of these securities. Each of these **aligns with Bitcoin’s strengths** while **expanding Kiwibank’s business model**. --- ## **A Bold Vision to Future-Proof the Kiwi Financial System** This **isn’t just an idea**—it’s **a path forward that’s 100% possible today**. - **For New Zealanders:** A **faster, fairer financial system** that puts power back in their hands. - **For Investors:** A **banking innovation play**, positioned for growth. - **For Bitcoiners worldwide:** A **Bitcoin-friendly financial hub**, with real-world Bitcoin services. Kiwibank has **a golden opportunity** to lead this transformation. The technology is ready, the capital is available, and the global financial landscape is **ripe for disruption**. The only question left is: **Will New Zealand lead, or will we be left behind?** 🚀⚡🇳🇿 --- ## **Sources** 1. Kiwibank Capital Raise: [NZ Lawyer](https://www.thelawyermag.com/nz/practice-areas/banking-and-finance/kiwibank-to-receive-500m-boost-as-government-targets-greater-competition-in-banking-sector/517422) 2. New Zealand Active Investor Visa: [NZTE](https://www.nzte.govt.nz/page/investor-migrants) 3. Taproot Assets & Lightning: [Lightning Labs](https://docs.lightning.engineering/the-lightning-network/taproot-assets) 4. Bitcoin Sidechains & Liquid: [Blockstream](https://blockstream.com/elements/) 5. Bitcoin eCash (Cashu/Fedimint): [Cashu](https://cashu.space/) --- originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/911023

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

The cryptocurrency world, known for its rapid growth and equally rapid fluctuations, has been rocked by a series of scandals that have left investors wary and regulators on high alert. Among these, the story of Brenda Chunga, better known by her online alias "Bitcoin Beautee," stands out for its sheer scale and the audacity of the fraud involved. Chunga's rise from a relatively unknown figure to a celebrated icon in the crypto community encapsulates the allure and dangers of the cryptocurrency boom. **Table of Contents** - The Rise of Bitcoin Beautee - The Scheme Unfolds - The Crackdown Begins - Implications for Crypto Regulation - The Future of Cryptocurrency - Conclusion - FAQs **The Rise of Bitcoin Beautee** Brenda Chunga's transformation into Bitcoin Beautee represented the quintessential crypto success story. She portrayed herself as a self-made millionaire who had unlocked the secrets of cryptocurrency investment. Her social media was awash with images of luxury cars, exotic vacations, and high-end fashion, all purportedly funded by her savvy investment strategies. This glamorous lifestyle was not just a personal branding tool but also a marketing strategy to attract more investors into the HyperFund scheme she promoted. Chunga's narrative tapped into the zeitgeist of the era, a time when Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies were seeing unprecedented gains. Her story was compelling because it offered hope and validation to the many who wished to replicate her success. However, beneath the surface of this success story lay a web of lies and manipulation. Chunga's wealth was not the result of astute investment but rather the proceeds from a Ponzi scheme that preyed on the hopes and dreams of ordinary people looking to improve their financial situations. **The Scheme Unfolds** The unraveling of the HyperFund scheme revealed the mechanics of a classic Ponzi operation, albeit one supercharged by the global reach and anonymity afforded by the cryptocurrency market. Investors were promised extraordinary returns, a common red flag for investment fraud, yet the allure of quick wealth in the burgeoning crypto market proved irresistible to many. Chunga, leveraging her status as Bitcoin Beautee, was instrumental in giving the scheme credibility and drawing in a vast network of investors from around the globe. The scheme's collapse was not just a financial disaster for those involved but also a significant blow to the credibility of the cryptocurrency market at large. It highlighted the dark side of the crypto boom: the ease with which unscrupulous individuals could exploit the lack of regulation and the general misunderstanding of how cryptocurrencies work. The case of HyperFund was a wake-up call, illustrating the need for greater diligence and skepticism in the face of promises of outsized returns. **The Crackdown Begins** The legal repercussions for Chunga and her associates mark a turning point in the regulatory approach to cryptocurrency fraud. Her guilty plea and the subsequent charges against her co-conspirators signify a more aggressive stance from authorities in tackling crypto-related crimes. This shift is partly a response to the growing realization of the potential for cryptocurrency to be used in illegal activities, from money laundering to financing terrorism. The crackdown on Bitcoin Beautee and others involved in the HyperFund scheme is part of a broader effort to clean up the cryptocurrency space. It sends a clear message that the wild west days of the crypto market may be coming to an end. Regulatory bodies are now more determined than ever to impose order, protect investors, and ensure that the revolutionary potential of cryptocurrency is not undermined by fraudsters and criminals. **Implications for Crypto Regulation** The saga of Bitcoin Beautee has reignited the debate over cryptocurrency regulation. Critics of the industry have seized on the scandal as evidence of the inherent risks of a market that operates largely outside traditional financial oversight. Proponents, however, argue that the actions of a few should not tarnish the entire sector and that regulation should not stifle innovation. The challenge for regulators is to strike a balance between protecting investors and allowing the legitimate use and development of cryptocurrencies. The HyperFund case has shown that this is no easy task, but it has also provided valuable lessons on the tactics used by fraudsters in the crypto space. These insights are crucial in shaping effective regulatory responses that can prevent similar schemes from emerging in the future. **The Future of Cryptocurrency** The impact of the HyperFund scandal extends beyond the immediate legal and financial repercussions. It has prompted a period of introspection within the cryptocurrency community. The realization that such a large-scale fraud could go unnoticed for so long has led to calls for greater self-regulation and community vigilance. The future of cryptocurrency now hinges on the ability of the community and regulators to learn from incidents like the downfall of Bitcoin Beautee. The promise of decentralized finance and the potential for cryptocurrencies to revolutionize the global financial system remain intact. However, achieving these lofty goals requires a concerted effort to build trust, enhance transparency, and foster a culture of ethical investment practices. **Conclusion** The downfall of Bitcoin Beautee and the unraveling of the $2 billion HyperFund Ponzi scheme serve as a cautionary tale for the cryptocurrency industry. They underscore the urgent need for regulatory frameworks that can adapt to the unique challenges of the digital age while preserving the innovative spirit of the crypto community. As the industry continues to evolve, the lessons learned from this scandal will be instrumental in shaping a more secure, transparent, and sustainable future for cryptocurrency. **FAQs** **Who is 'Bitcoin Beautee'?** 'Bitcoin Beautee' is the online alias of Brenda Chunga, who became known for her involvement in the HyperFund Ponzi scheme, which defrauded investors of approximately $2 billion. **What was the HyperFund scheme?** HyperFund was a Ponzi scheme disguised as a cryptocurrency investment platform. It promised investors unrealistically high returns, funded by the capital of new investors rather than genuine profit. **What has happened to Brenda Chunga?** Brenda Chunga, aka 'Bitcoin Beautee,' has pled guilty to fraud charges related to her role in the HyperFund scheme and faces up to five years in prison. **What are the implications of this case for cryptocurrency regulation?** The case has highlighted the need for stricter regulation and oversight in the cryptocurrency market to prevent fraud and protect investors. **How can investors protect themselves from similar schemes?** Investors should conduct thorough research, be skeptical of investments offering unusually high returns, and invest only in schemes that are transparent and regulated. **That's all for today** **If you want more, be sure to follow us on:** **NOSTR: croxroad@getalby.com** **X: [@croxroadnewsco](https://x.com/croxroadnewsco)** **Instagram: [@croxroadnews.co/](https://www.instagram.com/croxroadnews.co/)** **Youtube: [@thebitcoinlibertarian](https://www.youtube.com/@thebitcoinlibertarian)** **Store: https://croxroad.store** **Subscribe to CROX ROAD Bitcoin Only Daily Newsletter** **https://www.croxroad.co/subscribe** **Get Orange Pill App And Connect With Bitcoiners In Your Area. Stack Friends Who Stack Sats link: https://signup.theorangepillapp.com/opa/croxroad** **Buy Bitcoin Books At Konsensus Network Store. 10% Discount With Code “21croxroad” link: https://bitcoinbook.shop?ref=21croxroad** *DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.*

@ 758d2216:8f255388

So, I got kicked off X. Not for anything cool like inciting a coup or posting cryptic manifestos—just for trying to help a friend and then daring to tweak my username. Apparently, that’s the kind of high treason that gets you permanently banished from the digital kingdom, where rules are arbitrary and appeals are a myth. It all began when a buddy of mine got whacked with a DMCA suspension. Something about sharing content that offended the copyright gods—I don’t know, I wasn’t paying that much attention. Being the bleeding-heart idiot I am, I figured I’d play the hero and advocate for his return. A few tweets, some tags, nothing fancy. Turns out, the algorithm wasn’t a fan of my altruism. Next thing I know, I’m flagged as spam and shown the virtual door. Permanently. No trial, no explanation, just a big “you’re done” from the faceless overlords of X. I didn’t take it lying down—at first. I fired off appeal after appeal, explaining that I wasn’t a bot, just a guy trying to do a solid. Crickets. I even got a lawyer to draft a sternly worded letter, because nothing screams “I’m not a spammer” like a legal invoice. Spoiler: it didn’t work. The void didn’t care. Desperate, I tried to sneak back in with a new username, thinking I could outwit the system. Big mistake. X sniffed out my genius plan and slapped me with an evasion ban faster than you can say “terms of service.” Lesson learned: you can’t outsmart a machine that’s already decided you’re guilty. Now, I’m an X-ile, cast out from the platform I actually liked. Sure, I’ve washed up on Nostr’s shores, where the vibe’s less “ban-hammer” and more “live and let live.” It’s fine, I guess. But let’s not kid ourselves—it’s not X. I miss the mess of it all: the arguments, the hot takes, the flood of info that hit me like a firehose every time I logged in. Politics? I was there for it, from election meltdowns to policy nerd fights. AI? Loved watching the tech geeks duke it out over neural nets and ethics. Random stuff? Always good for a late-night rabbit hole. Now, I’m stuck piecing together the world from scraps—news sites, blogs, whatever doesn’t require a login I no longer have. That’s the kicker: I liked learning on X. It wasn’t just doomscrolling or dunking on bad takes—though, yeah, that was fun too. It was real-time, unfiltered, chaotic education. AI breakthroughs, political scandals, memes that doubled as philosophy—gone. Sure, I can Google stuff, but it’s not the same as riding the wave of a thousand voices shouting at once. I feel like I’ve been locked out of the library and left with a pamphlet. This whole fiasco has taught me one thing: don’t bet your brain on a single app. Social media’s a fickle beast—here today, banning you tomorrow for reasons it won’t bother to explain. Diversify, they say, like I’m managing a stock portfolio instead of my curiosity. Maybe I’ll find new corners of the internet to haunt. Maybe I’ll start yelling at clouds IRL. Or maybe I’ll just sit here, quietly missing the days when I could refresh my feed and feel like I had a pulse on the planet. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss X. The dopamine hit of a notification, the smug glow of a clever tweet, the sense I was plugged into something bigger—it’s hard to replicate. I’ve got Nostr now, sure, but it’s like swapping a rock concert for a coffee shop acoustic set. Nice, but not the same kick. One day, I might slink back to X with a burner account, praying the algorithm’s forgotten my face. Until then, I’m just a guy who got canned for caring too much, mourning the loss of a platform that taught me more than I ever expected. Thanks for nothing, X.

@ 401014b3:59d5476b

Alright, football maniacs, it’s March 2025, and we’re crashing into the NFC East like it’s a Philly cheesesteak brawl with a side of New York attitude. Free agency’s a street fight, the draft’s a gamble, and this division’s always a circus of hype and havoc. The Eagles soared in 2024, the Cowboys stayed scrappy, the Giants licked wounds, and the Commanders showed spark. Let’s slap some records on this chaos and see who’s got the juice to claim the crown. Here we go, fam—bring the noise. ### **Philadelphia Eagles: 11-6 – Hurts’ High-Flying Hustle** The Eagles owned 2024, and 2025’s Jalen Hurts’ encore. He’s got A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith torching secondaries, Saquon Barkley bulldozing fools, and that O-line’s a freaking tank. The defense—Josh Sweat, Jalen Carter—wrecks shop, but free agency’s a wild card. Brandon Graham’s probably done, and Fletcher Cox’s ghost still haunts the D-line. 11-6’s the call, division champs. Philly’s got that dawg mentality—try stopping ‘em. ### **Dallas Cowboys: 9-8 – Dak’s Do-or-Die Dance** The Cowboys hung in there in 2024, and 2025’s Dak Prescott’s last stand (maybe). He’s tossing to CeeDee Lamb and Jake Ferguson, with Rico Dowdle keeping the run game alive. The defense—Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs—is electric when it’s on, but free agency looms. DeMarcus Lawrence will likely bolt to the Lions, and the O-line’s aging. 9-8’s the vibe, maybe a wildcard if Dak stays hot. Dallas is always a soap opera—will they shine or implode? ### **Washington Commanders: 8-9 – Daniels’ Next Step** The Commanders turned heads in 2024 with Jayden Daniels, and 2025’s his glow-up. He’s got Terry McLaurin and Zach Ertz to sling it to, while Brian Robinson Jr. grinds the run game. The defense—Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne—brought heat but are likely gone this season. Jeremy Chinn might also chase a bag, and the secondary’s thin. 8-9’s where they land—close, but not back in the playoffs. Washington’s cooking, just not fully seasoned. ### **New York Giants: 6-11 – Jones’ Swan Song?** The Giants were a mess in 2024, and 2025’s not much brighter. QB is uncertain. Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson will need to step up, the run game’s blah without Saquon, and the O-line’s a tire fire. The defense—Kayvon Thibodeaux, Dexter Lawrence—has bite, but free agency might swipe Azeez Ojulari, and the vibes are off. 6-11’s the harsh reality—rebuilding, not contending. Big Blue’s got work to do. ### **The Final Showdown** The NFC East in 2025 is an Eagles strut with a Cowboy twist. The Eagles (11-6) snag the title because Hurts is a beast, the Cowboys (9-8) tease a wildcard, the Commanders (8-9) push forward, and the Giants (6-11) lag behind. Free agency’s the curveball—lose a star, you’re sunk; keep ‘em, you’re soaring. Hit me on X when I butcher this, but this is my NFC East sermon. Let’s roll, degenerates.

@ 21335073:a244b1ad

Before I saw those X right-wing political “influencers” parading their Epstein binders in that PR stunt, I’d already posted this on Nostr, an open protocol.  “Today, the world’s attention will likely fixate on Epstein, governmental failures in addressing horrific abuse cases, and the influential figures who perpetrate such acts—yet few will center the victims and survivors in the conversation. The survivors of Epstein went to law enforcement and very little happened. The survivors tried to speak to the corporate press and the corporate press knowingly covered for him. In situations like these social media can serve as one of the only ways for a survivor’s voice to be heard.  It’s becoming increasingly evident that the line between centralized corporate social media and the state is razor-thin, if it exists at all. Time and again, the state shields powerful abusers when it’s politically expedient to do so. In this climate, a survivor attempting to expose someone like Epstein on a corporate tech platform faces an uphill battle—there’s no assurance their voice would even break through. Their story wouldn’t truly belong to them; it’d be at the mercy of the platform, subject to deletion at a whim. Nostr, though, offers a lifeline—a censorship-resistant space where survivors can share their truths, no matter how untouchable the abuser might seem. A survivor could remain anonymous here if they took enough steps.  Nostr holds real promise for amplifying survivor voices. And if you’re here daily, tossing out memes, take heart: you’re helping build a foundation for those who desperately need to be heard.“ That post is untouchable—no CEO, company, employee, or government can delete it. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t take it down myself. The post will outlive me on the protocol.  The cozy alliance between the state and corporate social media hit me hard during that right-wing X “influencer” PR stunt. Elon owns X. Elon’s a special government employee. X pays those influencers to post. We don’t know who else pays them to post. Those influencers are spurred on by both the government and X to manage the Epstein case narrative. It wasn’t survivors standing there, grinning for photos—it was paid influencers, gatekeepers orchestrating yet another chance to re-exploit the already exploited. The bond between the state and corporate social media is tight. If the other Epsteins out there are ever to be unmasked, I wouldn’t bet on a survivor’s story staying safe with a corporate tech platform, the government, any social media influencer, or mainstream journalist. Right now, only a protocol can hand survivors the power to truly own their narrative. I don’t have anything against Elon—I’ve actually been a big supporter. I’m just stating it as I see it. X isn’t censorship resistant and they have an algorithm that they choose not the user. Corporate tech platforms like X can be a better fit for some survivors. X has safety tools and content moderation, making it a solid option for certain individuals. Grok can be a big help for survivors looking for resources or support! As a survivor, you know what works best for you, and safety should always come first—keep that front and center. That said, a protocol is a game-changer for cases where the powerful are likely to censor. During China's # MeToo movement, survivors faced heavy censorship on social media platforms like Weibo and WeChat, where posts about sexual harassment were quickly removed, and hashtags like # MeToo or "woyeshi" were blocked by government and platform filters. To bypass this, activists turned to blockchain technology encoding their stories—like Yue Xin’s open letter about a Peking University case—into transaction metadata. This made the information tamper-proof and publicly accessible, resisting censorship since blockchain data can’t be easily altered or deleted. I posted this on X 2/28/25. I wanted to try my first long post on a nostr client. The Epstein cover up is ongoing so it’s still relevant, unfortunately. If you are a survivor or loved one who is reading this and needs support please reach out to: National Sexual Assault Hotline 24/7 https://rainn.org/ Hours: Available 24 hours

@ 15125b37:e89877f5

## Unmasking the Enigmatic Creator The identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, has sparked countless theories and debates since the digital currency's inception. Over the years, a number of leading candidates have emerged, each with their own compelling reasons for being the person behind Bitcoin. Despite the unending list of potential candidates, almost 17 years later, we are still no closer to finding his true identity than we were at the Genesis block, ***and that's a good thing.*** #### Leading Candidates * **Elon Musk**: Known for his visionary work with Tesla and SpaceX, Musk’s name has often been thrown into the ring, primarily due to his background in technology and innovation. However, Musk has denied being Satoshi, even joking that he wishes he were. * **Jack Dorsey**: Recently there has reemerged the claim that [Jack Dorsey is Satoshi Nakamoto](https://x.com/financeguy74/status/1890850549035110558) hiding in plain sight by correlating forensic data of Satoshi’s time-stamped messages and Dorsey’s whereabouts at the time, along with a slew of other unverified claims. Despite repeated denials from Jack himself, the speculation regularly resurfaces. However, many are very skeptical for reasons pointed out in [this thread](https://blog.lopp.net/jack-dorsey-is-not-satoshi-nakamoto/). * **Len Sassaman**: A respected cryptographer and privacy advocate, Sassaman was an early supporter of the Cypherpunk movement. Some believe his deep understanding of cryptography and privacy issues could make him a prime candidate, though there’s no concrete evidence. * **Hal Finney**: Hal Finney, an early Bitcoin contributor and the recipient of the first Bitcoin transaction, is one of the most plausible candidates. Finney was a well-respected cryptographer and was closely involved with Bitcoin from the very beginning. He exchanged emails with Satoshi and worked on the Bitcoin software. Some even believe he might have been the person behind the pseudonym, with many pointing out that his involvement in Bitcoin’s early days was unusually hands-on. However, Finney himself denied being Nakamoto, and his untimely passing in 2014 left many questions unanswered. Finney’s close ties to Bitcoin’s development and his pioneering work in cryptography make him one of the most discussed figures in the search for Satoshi. * **Dorian Satoshi Nakamoto**: In 2014, Newsweek published an article claiming that Dorian Satoshi Nakamoto, a Japanese-American man living in California, was the creator of Bitcoin. The magazine based its investigation on a series of coincidences, including his name and some vague statements Dorian made. However, Dorian has firmly denied being the creator of Bitcoin, even claiming he had never heard of it before being contacted by the media. Despite this, the claim generated a lot of attention and sparked further speculation, though it was ultimately dismissed by most in the Bitcoin community. * **Nick Szabo**: Nick Szabo, a cryptographer and legal scholar, is another highly speculated candidate. Szabo is best known for his work on Bit Gold, an early digital currency that shares many similarities with Bitcoin. Szabo has a deep understanding of cryptographic protocols and decentralized systems, and his writings on digital money and smart contracts are highly regarded. While Szabo has consistently denied being Satoshi, his connection to the ideas behind Bitcoin, as well as his background in cryptography and distributed systems, make him a strong contender for the title of Nakamoto. * **Gavin Andresen**: Gavin Andresen is one of the earliest developers to contribute to Bitcoin after its creation. He became the lead developer of the Bitcoin project after Satoshi’s disappearance in 2010. Andresen was involved in many of Bitcoin’s early decisions, including the creation of the first Bitcoin faucet and the development of the Bitcoin Foundation. Some believe that Andresen could have been Satoshi due to his early involvement, though he has always denied being the creator. He once claimed that he communicated directly with Satoshi, but like many others, he remains an enigma in the Bitcoin story. * **Adam Back**: Adam Back, a British cryptographer and inventor of the Hashcash proof-of-work system (which would later inspire Bitcoin’s mining algorithm), has also been mentioned as a potential Satoshi candidate. Back has a deep understanding of cryptography and was one of the early pioneers in the digital currency space. He was an influential figure in the Cypherpunk movement and has contributed to various projects involving privacy and decentralization. While Back has denied being Nakamoto, his connections to Bitcoin’s creation make him an interesting figure in the search for Satoshi. #### Imposters: The Case of Craig Wright Of course, no discussion of Satoshi’s identity is complete without mentioning Craig Wright, an Australian entrepreneur who has claimed to be Nakamoto on multiple occasions. Wright’s claims, however, have been met with skepticism and a lack of proof. Despite his insistence, the crypto community remains unconvinced, and many consider him an imposter. UPDATE: a court recently ruled that [Craig Wright is NOT Satoshi Nakamoto](https://cointelegraph.com/news/craig-wright-not-satoshi-nakamoto). #### The Mystery Behind Satoshi: What Makes Bitcoin Great While the question of Satoshi’s true identity remains unresolved, this very mystery is one of the factors that makes Bitcoin so remarkable. Here’s why the unknown identity of Satoshi is actually a strength for Bitcoin: * Decentralization: Bitcoin’s success isn’t dependent on any one individual or authority. Satoshi’s anonymity ensures that Bitcoin remains decentralized, free from the influence of its creator. * Focus on the Idea, Not the Person: By keeping Satoshi’s identity a secret, Bitcoin’s development and adoption have focused on the technology itself, not the personality behind it. This helps remove any biases or distractions that might arise from knowing the creator. * Trustless System: Bitcoin operates on trustless principles—users trust the code, not the person behind it. This makes the system more resilient and trustworthy, as it doesn’t rely on any one individual to maintain its integrity. * Anonymity and Privacy: The mystery surrounding Satoshi also aligns with the ideals of privacy and anonymity that Bitcoin champions. It emphasizes the importance of protecting personal information, even for its creators. * Satoshi’s Vision Lives On: The beauty of Bitcoin is that it doesn’t matter who Satoshi is. The system he or she created continues to evolve and serve its purpose, independent of its originator. It’s a testament to the strength of the open-source community and the lasting power of decentralized technologies. * While the true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto may never be known, the fact that it doesn’t matter is a key part of what makes Bitcoin so special. It’s a technology that stands on its own, free from central authority and focused on the ideals of freedom, privacy, and decentralization. Stay tuned for the next edition of Becoming One with Bitcoin, where we’ll dive into the early adoption of Bitcoin and the milestones that helped it grow into the global phenomenon it is today.

@ 878dff7c:037d18bc

## Housing crisis? More like government bloat and excessive taxation! ### Summary: A recent report by the Centre for International Economics, commissioned by the Housing Industry Association (HIA), reveals that Australians are facing substantial financial burdens when building new homes due to escalating taxes, regulatory costs, and infrastructure charges. These expenses can amount to up to $576,000, representing approximately 49% of the total value of house-and-land packages. ​ In Sydney, the total expenditure for a typical house-and-land package in a greenfield estate averages around $1.182 million. Of this, nearly half is attributed to government-imposed charges, including regulatory costs, statutory taxes, and infrastructure fees. Other major cities are similarly affected, with government charges comprising 43% of costs in Melbourne, 41% in Brisbane, 36% in Perth, and 37% in both Adelaide and Hobart. ​ The report also highlights significant delays in the approval process for home-building projects. Obtaining development approval for a subdivision now takes over 12 months, extending project timelines by 50%. These prolonged timelines contribute to increased costs and exacerbate housing shortages. ​ Industry leaders are urging the government to reduce taxes and streamline regulatory processes to address these issues. Such reforms are deemed essential to meet the goal of constructing 1.2 million new homes by mid-2029. The HIA's chief economist, Tim Reardon, emphasizes that with half of the cost of a new home being taxes and government charges, new home buyers spend the first 15 years of a 30-year mortgage just paying off that tax. ​ The report further notes that 14% of all GST revenues are directly associated with housing construction and dwelling ownership. This has led to calls for a GST exemption on new homes as a measure to alleviate the housing crisis. ​ Both the Labor and Coalition parties have proposed strategies to tackle housing shortages. These include infrastructure funding, freezes on construction code changes, and incentives for building apprenticeships. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains contingent on addressing the underlying issues of high taxes and regulatory burdens that continue to inflate housing costs. ​ ### Sources 1. **"Great Australian dream strangled by government taxes and costs"** *The Australian*, Published March 11, 2025 [Read more](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/great-australian-dream-strangled-by-government-taxes-and-costs/news-story/6814dff4749fd0d5eba6488ed9be34dd) 2. **"Insane tax amount Vic pays on new homes exposed"** *News.com.au*, Published March 11, 2025 [Read more](https://www.news.com.au/finance/real-estate/melbourne-vic/vic-families-slugged-373k-in-tax-red-tape-on-new-builds-hia/news-story/998318a4893664b1821e48417dc1898e) 3. **"Half cost of new house goes to tax, report"** *News.com.au*, Published March 11, 2025 [Read more](https://www.news.com.au/finance/money/tax/half-the-mortgage-life-paying-off-taxes-red-tape-taxes-eating-up-the-cost-of-new-homes/news-story/49d90befbf67ffae961a3ab3ed831040) ## Australians Urged to Prepare Emergency Plans Amid Increased Storm Activity ### Summary: Despite the high likelihood of natural disasters during storm season, less than 50% of Australians have an emergency plan. Authorities emphasize the importance of preparation as storms, bushfires, cyclones, and floods become more frequent. Recent bushfires have already impacted Victoria and NSW, with significant fires ongoing in the Grampians National Park. Preparedness includes having an emergency kit, evacuation plans, and ensuring pets' safety. Failure to include animals in emergency planning can hinder evacuations. The NSW State Emergency Service performed over 66,000 animal rescues in 2022, highlighting the significance of readiness for all family members during natural disasters. Sources: [news.com.au - 12 March 2025](https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/aussies-urged-to-make-emergency-plan-during-storm-season/news-story/b9497e2f4d2f2c7e5c2b6efb2560df8a) ## Senator Lambie Proposes Closing Pine Gap Over US Tariffs ### Summary: In response to the US imposing tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium, Senator Jacqui Lambie has suggested closing the Pine Gap intelligence base near Alice Springs as a countermeasure. Lambie argues that such a move would significantly impact US intelligence operations in the region, providing Australia with leverage in negotiations. Pine Gap has been a critical component of US-Australia defense cooperation since the 1960s. Sources: [The Courier-Mail - March 12, 2025](https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/senator-jacqui-lambie-says-pine-gap-should-be-closed-if-trump-puts-tariffs-on-australia/news-story/fffa13097c919b3077b40ec64399e441) ## Australia's Exemption from US Tariffs Unlikely Amid Record Gold Exports ### Summary: Australia's record gold exports to the US have led to the first trade surplus with the US in decades. This development undermines Australia's argument for exemption from impending US tariffs, including a 25% tariff on aluminium and steel. While Australia's direct exports of these metals to the US are minimal, other sectors like pharmaceuticals and agriculture could face significant impacts. The broader concern is the potential depressive effect on global trade, which could reduce demand for Australian exports. Industry groups are preparing for the tariffs, and government efforts for exemptions continue. The unpredictable nature of US trade policies is causing substantial nervousness among Australian exporters. Sources: [The Guardian - March 12, 2025](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/12/australias-record-gold-exports-to-us-set-back-its-case-for-tariff-relief-as-trump-trade-war-looms), [The Australian - March 12, 2025](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/markets/cracks-are-appearing-in-us-economy-over-tariff-threat/news-story/79b3a5b07f94c8ce9fa3d85dde1d7441), [News.com.au - March 12, 2025](https://www.news.com.au/world/no-australian-carve-out-from-trump-tariffs/news-story/2a7c62130a57b8e20e7c6426cf2137c8) ## Australian Consumer Confidence Hits Three-Year High ### Summary: Australian consumer confidence reached a three-year high in March, driven by slowing inflation and the first interest rate cut in over four years. The Westpac-Melbourne Institute index showed a 4% rise from February and a 13.6% increase from last year, though it remained at 95.9, indicating more pessimists than optimists. The Reserve Bank of Australia's recent quarter-point rate cut to 4.1% and ongoing low inflation have bolstered consumer sentiment. Market expectations suggest another potential rate cut in May, with rates possibly declining to 3.5% by year-end. Improved confidence in the labor market and family finance outlooks contributed to an increase in buyer sentiment, with notable optimism about the next few years. Sources: [Reuters - March 12, 2025](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australian-consumer-confidence-hits-3-year-high-march-survey-says-2025-03-10/) ## The Left's Waning Techno-Optimism: A Call for Reengagement ### Summary: Recent discussions highlight a resurgence in techno-optimism, driven by movements like Effective Accelerationism and figures such as Elon Musk. Historically, the political left championed technological advancements for societal liberation, notably during the COVID-19 vaccine development. However, current skepticism towards innovations like genetically modified crops and space exploration suggests a retreat from this stance. Advocates argue that the left should reclaim its techno-optimism, promoting state-led technological advancements through democratic economic planning to address global challenges and harness technology for collective liberation. Sources: [The Guardian - March 11, 2025](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/ng-interactive/2025/mar/11/democrats-liberal-technology-innovation) ## Victoria Proposes 'Toughest Bail Laws' Amid Youth Crime Concerns ### Summary: The Victorian government plans to introduce stringent bail laws targeting serious repeat offenders, including youth offenders accused of serious crimes. This move comes amid debates over a perceived crime crisis, with statistics indicating that youth crime comprises 13% of total crime, though recent data shows a rise in incidents attributed to a small number of repeat youth offenders. Experts caution that while crime rates appear to be increasing post-COVID, media amplification may contribute to heightened public perception of a crime crisis. Sources: [The Guardian - 12 March 2025](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/12/bail-laws-victoria-jacinta-allan) ## Opposition Leader Peter Dutton Threatens to Break Up Major Insurers Over Anti-Competitive Behavior ### Summary: Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has threatened to break up large insurance companies if they engage in anti-competitive behavior, emphasizing the need for competition in the market. However, this stance has led to confusion within the Coalition, as other members have expressed differing views on the policy's scope. Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor initially seemed to exclude insurers from the divestiture plan but later affirmed that anti-competitive behavior in any industry would be addressed. Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley and Senator Jane Hume have ruled out including insurers in the divestiture policy, which is currently confined to major supermarkets and hardware retailers. Sources: [The Australian - 12 March 2025](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/confusion-as-peter-dutton-doubles-down-on-threat-to-breakup-insurers/news-story/ad1d6968aa3a50ce7ea2f78fcaeaa7ac) ## Australian Government Calls for Permanent Centre for Disease Control ### Summary: The Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) warns that another pandemic is inevitable and calls for the establishment of a permanent Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) to coordinate future health emergency responses. The interim CDC is set to become permanent by January 1, 2026, with $251.7 million allocated to the project. Experts criticize the government for slow implementation and a lack of preparedness during the COVID-19 pandemic. The PHAA urges rebuilding trust, balancing individual freedoms with public health needs, and prioritizing human rights in emergency planning. Sources: [News.com.au - March 12, 2025](https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/public-health-association-calls-for-australian-cdc-on-covid-fiveyear-anniversary/news-story/cb487b0aaaa81e66bdf462c51348ad11) ## Fatal Shark Attack Claims Surfer's Life in Western Australia ### Summary: Steven Jeffrey Payne, a 37-year-old surfer from Melbourne, has been identified as the victim of a fatal shark attack on March 10 at Wharton Beach, Australia. Payne was attacked by a massive shark while surfing in chest-deep water. Despite efforts by the WA Police Force, Marine Rescue WA, and SES personnel, his body has not been recovered, and the search has shifted from rescue to recovery. Witnesses, including Payne's partner, observed the tragic incident, which was also captured by drone footage showing a large cloud of blood near the shore. Authorities plan to reopen the beach on March 12, as there have been no other shark sightings. This marks the fourth fatal shark attack in the area since 2017. Sources: [People - March 12, 2025](https://people.com/37-year-old-man-identified-as-surfer-killed-by-massive-shark-in-chest-deep-water-11694572) ## Former Prime Minister Turnbull's Public Criticisms Strain U.S.-Australia Relations ### Summary: Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's public criticisms of U.S. President Donald Trump have raised concerns about their potential impact on Australia's negotiations for tariff exemptions. Turnbull labeled Trump as thin-skinned and a bully, criticizing his trade policies and foreign relations. These remarks have led to tensions, with Trump responding by labeling Turnbull as weak and ineffective, potentially jeopardizing Australia's efforts to secure tariff exemptions. Sources: [News.com.au - 12 March 2025](https://www.news.com.au/world/north-america/us-politics/punching-down-malcolm-turnbull-unloads-on-thin-skinned-donald-trump-again/news-story/0d4e995aa07dcb38dbf116106a1f7a4b), [News.com.au - 12 March 2025](https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/current-affairs/shut-up-host-blows-up-at-turnbull/news-story/3a57773f02fb9a0a517546eae0a7f475) ## Australia's Air Quality Among World's Best, Study Finds ### Summary: A recent report by IQAir reveals that only seven countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and Estonia, adhered to the World Health Organization's guidelines for PM2.5 levels last year. Almost every other country has air pollution levels exceeding these guidelines. Chad, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and India are the most polluted, with PM2.5 levels up to 18 times higher than recommended. The report highlights air pollution as a major risk factor for mortality, second only to high blood pressure. While the share of cities meeting PM2.5 standards increased from 9% in 2023 to 17% in 2024, disparities in air quality persist, especially in Eastern Europe and non-EU Balkan countries. Sources: [The Guardian - March 11, 2025](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/11/only-seven-countries-worldwide-meet-who-dirty-air-guidelines-study-shows) ## Gas Industry Criticizes Australia's Energy and Climate Policies ### Summary: Santos CEO Kevin Gallagher and other energy executives have urged Australia to utilize its abundant natural gas reserves. They criticize current policies for hindering the development of new gas sources, contrasting with the U.S. approach under former President Donald Trump, who separated energy and climate policies to promote affordable energy. The gas industry warns of potential shortages on Australia's east coast, which could impact service prices and manufacturing viability. Projects like Santos' Narrabri face regulatory delays. In response, importing LNG is suggested, though it's more expensive than domestic sources. APA Group proposes a nearly $2 billion investment in infrastructure to address the issue, while Victoria's administration seeks federal support for an LNG import facility. Sources: [The Australian - March 12, 2025](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/gas-crisis-a-consequence-of-coupling-energy-and-climate-policies-santos-boss/news-story/e4b9526f15b1480cd3371826fd31a214)

@ 3c7dc2c5:805642a8

## 🧠Quote(s) of the week: 'For anybody worried about Bitcoin's current pullback, here's some perspective: Today's drawdowns are within range of previous bull-run pullbacks. In other words, corrections like these are historically normal during bull runs. Steady lads!' - The Bitcoin Layer ## 🧡Bitcoin news🧡 On the 4th of March: ➡️The IMF demands El Salvador stop buying Bitcoin as a condition of further funding. Disgusting! The IMF just made a very public confession: Bitcoin is a direct threat to their power.  By barring El Salvador from accumulating more, the IMF is admitting that sovereign Bitcoin adoption shatters their grip. <https://i.ibb.co/NgFPp5S2/Gl-Mv-Hf-X0-AAh05-N.png> '94 countries have loans with the IMF. All those countries were just sent a message that they can’t buy Bitcoin. This is why after 2021 no other countries followed El Salvador, SOMETHING stopped the momentum. We now have a pretty good idea who was behind that.' - Nico (Bitvolt) Please read the following tweet/post by Mags for more clarification on this topic. https://x.com/Crypto_Mags/status/1897034635605062024 Alex Gladstein said it best: 'Zero coverage in the mainstream economic media but think of the simple implication: The IMF considers Bitcoin a threat No longer useless, but revolutionary.' ➡️River: 'The era of "banning" Bitcoin is over. It has never been more globally accessible than today. Countries are slowly coming around to Bitcoin products, payments, custody, and now reserves.' https://i.ibb.co/TD34f2tB/Gl-Io-Y0d-XMAAh0-KD.jpg ➡️'Crypto markets are now worth -$100 billion LESS than they were before the US Crypto Reserve announcement. Over the last 24 hours, crypto has erased -$500 BILLION of market cap in a massive reversal. ➡️China-based Holographic tech firm MicroCloud has purchased up to $200 million in Bitcoin. ➡️Riot mined 470 Bitcoin worth $39.6 million in February. ➡️BlackRock wakes up to Bitcoin's scarcity: "If every millionaire in the US asked their financial advisor to get them 1 bitcoin, there wouldn’t be enough." You don't say!😉 There isn't enough Bitcoin for everyone on earth to have 0.01 BTC. Today you can buy 0.01 BTC for $860. 0.01 BTC will eventually buy a house. ➡️North Korea’s Lazarus Group has fully laundered the proceeds of the Bybit hack. 500,000 ETH has been converted, primarily to BTC as ETH trades down to ~$2,100. On the 5th of March: ➡️Metaplanet acquires another 497 Bitcoin, bringing its total holdings to 2,888. Metaplanet CEO says, “We wanna buy as much Bitcoin as we can before the price goes up.” “I think $1 Million is still cheap in the long term.” ➡️Strategy is the largest convertible bond issuer again in 2025. Year to date, they are 30% of the US convertible market, powered by Bitcoin. On the 6th of March: ➡️Bhutan’s PM tells how strategic Bitcoin reserve helped finance their nation’s expenses. 'Hundreds of people have made billions of dollars on the back of Bitcoin - why aren't governments doing more?' ➡️Liquidity is coming! 'The Global M2 Money Supply chart just printed another vertical line.  (See the far right side of the chart. Yellow line.) https://i.ibb.co/zTT0M6dF/Gl-SPDYMWYAErkh-F.jpg The rally for Bitcoin and other assets is going to be epic.' - Colin Talks Two days later: Global liquidity just hit a new ATH, adding $1.5 TRILLION IN ONE DAY. The correlation with M2 is mainly with direction, not necessarily magnitude. Bitcoin is now at $78,000—only $8k away from fully converging with the path that the global M2 money supply charted ~70 days ago. Fear and greed index at 20, a value reached in bull markets when bitcoin is on its way to making a local bottom. ➡️'Texas passed the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve legislation SB 21 in the Senate. Texas is the 8th biggest economy in the world. This would be like Italy, France, or India establishing a Bitcoin Reserve.' -Bitcoin Archive On the 7th of March: ➡️USA Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Plan https://i.ibb.co/n8ML8KXW/Glc-ACZw-WIAAmck-S.jpg https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/establishment-of-the-strategic-bitcoin-reserveand-united-states-digital-asset-stockpile/ Bit Paine: I literally have not seen a single person who read the EO correctly. This is MORE than I was hoping for: -BTC is recognized as a valuable strategic asset by the largest economy in the world. -BTC and shitcoins are now officially separated in US government policy. Shitcoins seized won’t be sold, only Bitcoin is worth accumulating. -Bessent and Lutnick were authorized to develop budget-neutral strategies for further acquisition. Literally what else was anyone hoping for? This is everything. The United States just signaled its intent to buy and hodl Bitcoin. Most people aren't aware of this information yet. 'I’ve noticed three distinct responses wrt the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. No-coiners: Totally unaware. Didn’t know it happened. Couldn’t tell you the current Bitcoin price either. Bitcoin Tourists: Bummed the announcement didn’t instantly pump their bags. Anxious the top may be in this cycle. Considering selling some. Real Bitcoiners: Euphoric, bullish, regardless of short-term price action, knowing the long-term paradigm shift to a Bitcoin standard is well underway.' - AlanBWatts Which one are you? On the 9th of March: ➡️'Internal Ripple emails, submitted in the SEC’s lawsuit over unregistered securities sales, reveal the company was behind promoting the “Bitcoin is controlled by China” FUD.' - Bitcoin News ➡️US Govt could sell some of its $800B gold to buy Bitcoin for its Strategic Reserve - Standard Chartered On the 10th of March: ➡️Bitcoin just made the biggest weekly price drop in history with a $13,561 red candle. Bitcoin longs obliterated! Biggest wipeout since the crypto casino meltdowns (Celsius, 3AC, FTX). Leverage traders REKT https://i.ibb.co/MDRcVnFH/Glr-id7-Ws-AA7xs2.jpg ➡️Spain's second-largest bank BBVA gets approval to launch Bitcoin trading and custody services ➡️Japanse giant, SBI VC, just acquired 4000 Bitcoin. ➡️Strategy to issue up to $21 billion in 8.00% Series A perpetual strike preferred stock through an ATM program to buy more Bitcoin. ➡️A Bitaxe Ultra with ~491 Gh/s just found block #887212 on Solo CK Pool. Absolutely obliterating the required difficulty with 719.9T! With a total of 3.3Th running on their account they had a 1 in 250,000,000 chance and they hit. Boom — a quarter million bucks off of $150 hardware. ➡️$1.5 trillion Franklin Templeton says the US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve can help alleviate the deficit. ## 💸Traditional Finance / Macro: On the 3rd of March: 👉🏽'The S&P 500 has officially erased ALL of its post-election gains. The index has now lost -$3.3 TRILLION since February 19th. That's -$330 billion PER TRADING DAY for the last 10 days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is now down -1,700 points in 24 hours. The S&P 500 is now just ~3% away from entering correction territory. The Nasdaq is now ~0.5% away from correction territory. $4 trillion+ of capital has been lost.' On the 9th of March: 👉🏽On February 20th, JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon sold $234 million worth of JPMstock. On February 22nd, Warren Buffett announced a record $334 BILLION cash balance. This is one of the largest cash balances held by a public company ever recorded. They held $286.5 BILLION of US Treasury Bills. Meanwhile, the US Federal Reserve held $195.3 billion in US Treasury Bills at the time of this announcement. This means that Berkshire Hathaway held ~$91.2 billion MORE of T-bills than the Fed. Once again, unprecedented. 12 days later, the Nasdaq 100 crashed -11%. What are the odds!? Almost as if they knew... On the 10th of March: 'It is not Bitcoin that is crashing, it is the whole market that is. JPMorgan Chase (JPM) -15% Meta Platforms (META) -18% Nvidia (NVDA) -30% Tesla (TSLA) -50% Apple (AAPL) -25% Microsoft (MSFT) -22% Amazon (AMZN) -28% Alphabet (GOOGL) -20% Netflix (NFLX) -35% Walmart (WMT) -12% Disney (DIS) -27% Intel (INTC) -40% Welcome to the first leg of the V-shaped economy. Trump's trade war is leading us to a V-shaped economy where there is an initial crash, and then a massive spike.' - Sina 21st Capital That’s why DCA is key through the ups and downs to capitalize on the opportunity! ## 🏦Banks:  👉🏽 no news ## 🌎Macro/Geopolitics: On the 3rd of February: 👉🏽60% of Americans have below a 6th-grade reading level, per Ray Dalio. And only 3 million are driving all technological innovation. Neo feudalism!? 👉🏽'Further evidence of a weakening labor market: The share of US consumers saying there will be fewer jobs over the next 6 months spiked to 26% in February, the highest in 12 years. This percentage now exceeds 2020 levels and is in line with 2001 levels. Furthermore, the share of Americans claiming jobs are hard to get jumped to 16%, the 3rd-highest since 2021. Americans believe the labor market is deteriorating.' - TKL On the 4th of March: 👉🏽Italy rejects sending Italian troops to Ukraine. Italian Prime Minister Meloni tells France and the UK they are on their own if they go into Ukraine. 👉🏽The market is now pricing in three full Fed Fund rate cuts by the end of the year. 👉🏽Jeroen Blokland: The European Union will invest up to EUR 800 billion to 'Rearm' itself. First, this is a positive sign that Europe is finally taking action. But why do European leaders deliberately and systematically avoid taking responsibility for the fact that they have acted too late? And not just concerning defense spending and the war in Ukraine. And where does this EUR 800 billion leave the Draghi EUR 800 billion to improve competitiveness, which was also abandoned under the same 'leaders.' For markets, you see where this is going, right? Massive budget deficits, more debt accumulation, and massive pressure on the ECB to keep rates low. The last thing these European leaders need right now is any anxiety about the debt sustainability of France or Italy. Even though spending hundreds of billions of euros will cause more inflation. Why on earth would you strategically allocate to French government bonds? But still, Europe is moving because it finally realizes (at least I hope) that it must stand on its own feet.' My problem with the new 'ReArm first' statement or thoughts on this topic is that the European Union could accommodate the increase in defense spending by reducing inessential and unproductive political spending. Instead, leaders are discussing how to disguise more debt. Which will lead to a financial death spiral for the European Union. France and Italy have debt issues and Germany will have to spend on its own domestic problems. The money simply isn't there. Oh and by the way, Von der Leyen, EU Commission President, said 'We are in an era of rearmament and Europe will step in as Trump pulls aid from Ukraine. I will give you a reason why Von der Leyen is incompetent: In 2022, Von Der Leyen mocked Russia, claiming it was so desperate that it had to scavenge computer chips from dishwashers and that its industry was in tatters. Now, the same Von Der Leyen insists Europe must burn through 800 billion to defeat this supposedly ruined Russia. For good measures please read the following article from 2019: "Among friends and foes alike, von der Leyen’s stewardship of the defense ministry, which she has headed since 2014, is regarded as a failure.", “The Bundeswehr’s condition is catastrophic,” https://www.politico.eu/article/ursula-von-der-leyen-biography-career-inconvenient-truth/ First of all, not a single EU citizen cast a vote for her, and second of all, not a single EU citizen, will get to vote on this. The EU is an anti-democratic, and neo-liberal disaster! Bjorn Lomborg: EU badly spends €367 billion per year on climate EU badly needs €325 billion per year on defense Any ideas on how to fix this? $381 (€367) billion on climate, https://assets.bbhub.io/professional/sites/24/951623_BNEF-Energy-Transition-Trends-2025-Abridged.pdf…, need at least €325 billion for defense https://economist.com/europe/2025/02/27/europe-will-need-to-pull-all-the-levers-to-up-its-defence-spending A simple rethink of the EU's costly and ineffective climate policy could free up hundreds of billions of euros. https://i.ibb.co/Kpks8kNj/Gl-R7-SHQXg-AATvl-U.jpg 👉🏽The tax on gas in the Netherlands has increased by more than 200% since 2015. While consumers paid 23 cents per cubic meter in 2015, in 2025 it will be 69.95 cents per cubic meter, according to a new comparison by gaslicht.com To solve all the problems on the overloaded power grid and keep energy affordable for Dutch citizens and businesses, an astonishing investment of 195 billion euros will be needed over the next fifteen years. So that same dubious government is now going to solve the problems it created itself with taxpayers' money? Now regarding the Climate Transition Plan 2040 and on this topic. The following report from CE Delft was released recently on January 17, 2025. https://kalavasta.com/reports/greenpeace_klimaatneutraal.pdf The Conclusion: 'With an inflation rate and price uncertainty of approximately 4% per year, the investment will range between €607 billion and €1.350 trillion. Since prices generally tend to rise and estimated costs for megaprojects almost always exceed expectations, an estimate between €886 billion and €1.350 trillion is reasonable based on this study.' Now my dear follower / weekly recap reader ask yourself: how does money work? And where does 'money' come from? 👉🏽Ireland will soon be able to tap into this energy via the Celtic Interconnector. Great work by Ireland, splendid job! They do know this is nuclear, right? You know, the kind of energy generation that is banned in Ireland. Ireland following the Germany handbook: Step 1: ban nuclear energy Step 2: import nuclear energy from France Step 3: the irony! https://i.ibb.co/1fzVpmg5/Gl-OY-l-TWIAAFz-XJ.jpg I'm sure France is delighted that once again it's having to subsidise Europe's stupid energy policies. Merci! I haven't fact-checked the following statement but putainnnn: 'Three nuclear plants built in Ireland could provide up to 25% of the country's current power demand. That means 12 reactors could do it all and you'd have a totally green power grid.' If true...just build your own nuclear reactors, you fucking morons. 👉🏽The Bank of England has spent £24 million of taxpayers' money on a UK CBDC so far. The Government should stop pumping huge amounts of public money into an intrusive digital pound that could severely impact financial privacy, freedom & fairness. A CBDC that no one will use, everyone will hate, and which (if launched) will randomly turn off for no apparent reason. 👉🏽Oil prices crash to their lowest level since November 2024 as recession odds rise sharply. 👉🏽Deutsche Telekom CEO fumes at EU bureaucracy: "You know, what Europe needs is a DOGE" — Bloomberg On the 5th of March: 👉🏽German government bonds just posted their worst day since 1990. 👉🏽Macron just delivered his speech to the nation: “I’ve decided to begin strategic discussions on protecting our allies on the European continent with our French nuclear weapons” Nuclear weapons combined with Macron's big ego and unreliability—a dangerous combination. https://i.ibb.co/Xf1gYsZ1/Gl-TY4-SXMAAZp-Gi.jpg 👉🏽'Global debt rose by ~$7 trillion in 2024, to a year-end record of $318 trillion. Emerging markets accounted for ~65% of this growth, driven by China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. Over the last 2.5 years, global debt has soared by a whopping ~$30 trillion. The global debt-to-GDP ratio also increased by 1.5 percentage points to 328%. This marks the first jump in the ratio since the 2020 pandemic. Deficit spending is becoming a global issue.' - TKL https://i.ibb.co/Z1xLt3sD/Gl-SG03q-X0-AAS5-EP.jpg On the 6th March: 👉🏽'Inflation is surging: US consumers believe inflation will rise to 6.0% over the next 12 months, the highest since May 2023. This marks the 3rd consecutive monthly increase in expectations, according to the Conference Board survey. Moreover, Americans believe prices will rise at an annual rate of 3.5% over the next 5-10 years, a 30-year high. Meanwhile, prices paid in regional manufacturing surveys in Philadelphia, New York, Kansas, and Texas all jumped to the highest since mid-2023. Lastly, the prices paid index for services remained elevated at 60.4 points in January, the third-highest since February 2023. Inflation is clearly HOT.' -TKL 👉🏽Japanese yields hitting levels not seen since the Great Financial Crisis. 👉🏽Trump Tariff War 1.0 vs 2.0: The first Trump Trade War proved to be an exceptional buying opportunity, as shown below per ZeroHedge. Markets are trading on nearly the SAME exact route right now. Deja vu all over again. https://i.ibb.co/RGrPrkrg/Gl-Xf0f1-Ws-AABNP3.jpg 👉🏽Scott Bessent: “The first time I went to see President Trump he looked at me and said ‘How do we get this debt and deficit down without killing the economy?’ I’ve been thinking about this for 18 months… 25% of GDP goes through Area Code 202 (Washington DC)” On the 7th of March: 👉🏽'The US economy adds 151,000 jobs in February, below expectations of 159,000. The unemployment rate RISES to 4.1%, above expectations of 4.0%. January's jobs report was also revised lower by -18,000 jobs. DOGE job cuts and economic uncertainty are ramping up.' On the 9th of March: 👉🏽Christine Lagarde confirms the digital euro launches in October. The European Central Bank (ECB) is pushing ahead with its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) – the Digital Euro – set to launch in October 2025. They claim it’s about modernizing payments, but let’s be real: This adds no benefit to the current system for users. Instead, it’s about control, surveillance, and programmability of money. The Digital Euro is not money. It’s a tool for control. Bitcoin remains the only truly decentralized, censorship-resistant alternative. Your wealth, your freedom, your choice. Will you accept the ECB’s financial panopticon, or will you opt-out? https://i.ibb.co/jP1MP588/Glq-AGTm-WEAAc-EUW.jpg ## 🎁If you have made it this far I would like to give you a little gift: What’s Driving Bitcoin Adoption in 2025? This week, @PrestonPysh & @1basemoney discuss Bitcoin’s role as an "escape hatch" from financial chaos, its valuation models, and the impact of global liquidity on its future in the digital economy. You can find the podcast here: youtu.be/2mhB0pHeHxA Credit: I have used multiple sources! My savings account: Bitcoin The tool I recommend for setting up a Bitcoin savings plan: PocketBitcoin especially suited for beginners or people who want to invest in Bitcoin with an automated investment plan once a week or monthly. Use the code SE3997 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! ▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

@ 2f4550b0:95f20096

Adult education is a field rich with potential and full of challenges. Unlike traditional higher education, where students often follow a structured path fueled by societal expectations or youthful ambition, adult learners juggle competing priorities. These include jobs, families, and financial pressures. So, despite their initial enthusiasm, many drop out. Understanding why adults disengage from learning and how leaders can reignite their drive offers valuable lessons. These insights benefit anyone in a leadership role tasked with inspiring action. Drawing from the experiences of adult education dropouts, we can uncover practical strategies, such as tying goals to personal wins to transform disinterest into determination. ### Why Adults Disengage The decision to return to education as an adult is rarely impulsive. It often stems from a desire for career advancement, personal growth, or necessity, such as adapting to a shifting job market. So why do so many abandon the journey? Research and anecdotal evidence point to a mix of external and internal barriers. Externally, life often intervenes. A single parent might enroll in a community college course but leave when childcare falls through. A full-time worker might abandon an online certification when overtime cuts into study hours. These are not excuses; they are realities. "A 2021 study by StraighterLine and the University Professional and Continuing Education Association found that 32% of college dropouts cited family commitments and 42% cited financial challenges as reasons for leaving, highlighting the role of work and family obligations." Time, money, and energy are not infinite, and adult learners frequently exhaust all three. Internally, the struggle is equally significant. Many adult learners face self-doubt or a disconnect between effort and reward. Consider a 40-year-old factory worker pursuing a GED after decades away from school. The material feels unfamiliar, progress is slow, and the payoff seems distant. Motivation fades when the reason behind the effort becomes unclear. Unlike younger students, adults lack the cushion of a system designed to keep them on track. They are more likely to question whether the sacrifice is worthwhile. When relevance or confidence slips, engagement often follows. ### Leadership Lessons: Seeing Through Their Eyes For leaders, whether educators, managers, or mentors, these dropout stories are not failures to judge but opportunities to learn. The first lesson is empathy: step into their perspective. A leader who assumes disengagement stems from apathy misses the broader context. Perhaps that learner does not see how a course connects to his life, or past failures have eroded her belief in success. Recognizing these barriers shifts the focus from blame to problem-solving. The second lesson is clarity. Adults need a compelling reason that resonates with their reality. Leaders cannot rely on vague promises of a better future, which feel too abstract when someone is balancing rent and a second shift. Instead, they must bridge the gap between effort and outcome. Dropout experiences highlight this: those who leave often say the goals felt too distant or disconnected from their daily struggles. Leaders who listen can adapt, making the purpose immediate and tangible. ### Reigniting the Drive: Tying Goals to Personal Wins So how do you pull the unmotivated back in? One powerful tactic is tying goals to personal wins, which are specific outcomes that matter to the individual. This approach avoids generic incentives like earning more money or getting a degree. It focuses on identifying what excites them or solves their specific challenges. Consider that factory worker chasing a GED. A leader might ask, "What could this unlock for you?" Perhaps it is the pride of helping their child with homework or the chance to apply for a long-desired supervisor role. By framing the goal as a personal victory, something they can feel and envision, the abstract becomes concrete. Research from the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy shows that aligning education with learners’ goals increases persistence, a principle echoed in AAACE conference discussions. Implementation matters. Leaders can begin with one-on-one conversations to uncover what drives each person. From there, they can tailor milestones. For example, "Pass this test, and you are one step closer to that promotion." This is not coddling; it is strategic alignment. Pair this with small, achievable wins to build momentum. Completing a single module might seem minor, but for an adult returning to education, it boosts confidence and encourages further effort. ### The Ripple Effect Motivating the unmotivated extends beyond getting adults back into classrooms. It serves as a leadership blueprint. Whether rallying a team at work or inspiring a community, the principles apply: understand their barriers, clarify the stakes, and connect the effort to personal wins. Adult education dropouts teach us that disengagement is not the end of the story; it is a signal to adjust. By meeting people where they are and showing them what is possible, leaders can turn reluctance into resolve. That is a lesson worth embracing.

@ 2ed3596e:98b4cc78

Bitcoin is the first form of digital money that is controlled by "people" from around the world rather than a central authority, so it can’t be changed arbitrarily, which makes it arguably the most sound form of digital money. Here are the 5 W’s ( What, Who, Why, When and Where) of bitcoin and what it matters to you: ## What is Bitcoin? Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency. Much like traditional currency, it can be purchased, earned and spent, but all Bitcoin transactions take place online. The Bitcoin network was created to be open-source and decentralized, meaning it is an electronic payment system unencumbered by third parties, such as a bank. This peer-to-peer system prevents a single person or entity from controlling the currency. One bitcoin (BTC) is equivalent to 100,000,000 satoshis (sats). This means that you can own a fraction of a bitcoin, just like cents in a dollar. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/e630e92637ff82c95120db602019f279952e49843a64002c2468e71f2bd6110f.png"> ## Who created Bitcoin? A programmer using the pseudonym of Satoshi Nakamoto created the protocol for Bitcoin. Nobody really knows who Satoshi is. Some say it might be a collective of people, while others say it is only one person. The guide Satoshi created also explained the principles of cryptography and how it works to create a trustless payment system. Being trustless may sound spooky, but it simply means that you are not required to trust anyone in order for the system to work. ## When was Bitcoin created? Satoshi laid out the foundation of Bitcoin when they presented the white paper on October 31st, 2008. This white paper outlined what bitcoin was meant to be in theory. However, the origins of bitcoin date back decades or even millennia in the past. Satoshi created a money and monetary system that contained the best attributes of various successful monetary systems of the past, all combined into a singular system. Then, Satoshi officially launched the fully functional Bitcoin network on January 3rd, 2009 bringing the theory to life. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/da95db58e2fc32e0be60e60b695257c384837008d15690f6d8af72cf479fb665.jpg"> ## Why is Bitcoin important? Bitcoin enables a more financially connected world, where transactions can be sent directly between individuals on the Internet. Having decentralized currency is important because it allows anyone to transact with ease, without the need for a third party or bank account/credit. This allows people that are unbanked to become part of the internet economy directly as well. An important distinction between fiat currency and bitcoin is that even with its volatility even with its lows during a bear market, the price has always plateaued higher than the last fluctuation showing a positive trend in value. Alternatively, keeping your long-term savings in cash or a bank account could very likely have an inverse effect since inflation continues to reduce the buying power of major currencies over time. What you save today may not be enough for tomorrow… Bitcoin has the potential to fix this for us today and future generations. By understanding why Bitcoin was created, it could change your perspective on how to store money. The protocol empowers individuals to reevaluate their relationship with money and take full control of their bitcoin. This can be done because bitcoin transactions are cryptographic proofs saved on a public blockchain. ## Where can I get bitcoin? The best place to buy bitcoin is [Bitcoin Well](https://bitcoinwell.com/) Bitcoin Well is on a mission to enable independence. We do this by making it easy to self custody bitcoin. By custodying their own money, our customers are free to do as they wish without begging for permission. By creating a full ecosystem to buy, sell and use your bitcoin to connect with the modern financial world, you are able to have your bitcoin in self custody and easily spend it too. Bitcoin Well is also the best place in the world to earn bitcoin. When you earn points in your Bitcoin Well account, you gain the opportunity to play the [Bitcoin (Wishing) Well](https://bitcoinwell.com/blog/how-to-earn-bitcoin-with-bitcoin-well), where you win sats with every play.

@ 7d33ba57:1b82db35

### Hiking to Mirador Cruz del Confital – A Scenic Coastal Trail The Mirador Cruz del Confital hike is a moderate coastal trail offering some of the best panoramic views over Las Palmas, Playa de Las Canteras, and El Confital Beach. This hike combines rugged volcanic landscapes, ocean breezes, and stunning sunset viewpoints**, making it a must-do for nature lovers visiting Gran Canaria.  ## **🥾 Trail Overview** 📍 **Starting Point:** El Confital Beach, Las Palmas 🎯 **End Point:** Mirador Cruz del Confital 📏 **Distance:** ~4 km round trip ⏳ **Duration:** ~1.5 to 2 hours 📈 **Elevation Gain:** ~150 meters 🟢 **Difficulty:** Moderate (rocky paths, some incline)  ## **🌿 What to Expect on the Hike** ### **1️⃣ Start at El Confital Beach** The hike begins at El Confital, a wild and natural beach located beyond Playa de Las Canteras. This area is famous for crystal-clear waters, volcanic rock formations, and top-tier surfing waves**. ### **2️⃣ Climbing the Coastal Ridge** The trail gradually ascends along a dirt path, revealing breathtaking views of Las Palmas’ coastline and the Atlantic Ocean**. The terrain is mostly rocky, with some uneven sections, but it’s manageable for most hikers. ### **3️⃣ Reaching Mirador Cruz del Confital** At the top, you’ll find a cross monument marking the viewpoint. From here, enjoy aerial views of Playa de Las Canteras, the city skyline, and the vast ocean stretching towards Tenerife on clear days.  ### **4️⃣ Return Hike** Descend via the same trail or take an alternative loop path for a slightly different perspective of the rugged coastline. 

@ 7d33ba57:1b82db35

### **Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Verde & Mojo Picón + Gambas al Ajillo**  These two **classic Canarian and Spanish dishes** are a must-try if you love bold flavors! Papas Arrugadas (wrinkly potatoes) are small salt-crusted potatoes served with mojo verde (green sauce) and mojo picón (spicy red sauce), while Gambas al Ajillo (garlic shrimp) is a sizzling tapas dish loaded with garlic and chili flavors.  ## **🥔 Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Verde & Mojo Picón** ### **Ingredients:** ✅ **For the Papas Arrugadas:** - 1 kg **small new potatoes** (preferably Canarian or baby potatoes) - ½ cup **coarse sea salt** - Water (enough to barely cover potatoes) ✅ **For Mojo Verde (Green Sauce):** - 1 bunch **fresh cilantro** (or parsley) - 2 cloves **garlic** - ½ tsp **cumin** - ½ tsp **sea salt** - 3 tbsp **olive oil** - 1 tbsp **white wine vinegar** - 2 tbsp **water** ✅ **For Mojo Picón (Spicy Red Sauce):** - 2 dried **red chili peppers** (rehydrated in warm water) - 2 cloves **garlic** - ½ tsp **cumin** - ½ tsp **sea salt** - ½ tsp **sweet or smoked paprika** - 3 tbsp **olive oil** - 1 tbsp **red wine vinegar** - 2 tbsp **water** ### **Instructions:** 1️⃣ **Cook the Potatoes:** - Wash the potatoes but **do not peel** them. - Place in a pot with enough water to just cover them and **add salt**. - Boil until water evaporates and potatoes develop a **wrinkled, salty skin** (~20-25 min). 2️⃣ **Prepare the Mojo Verde:** - Blend all ingredients until smooth. Adjust salt and consistency with water. 3️⃣ **Prepare the Mojo Picón:** - Blend ingredients into a thick sauce, adjusting heat by adding more chili. 4️⃣ **Serve:** - Drain the potatoes and let them dry in the pot for a few minutes. Serve with both sauces on the side.  ## **🦐 Gambas al Ajillo (Spanish Garlic Shrimp)** ### **Ingredients:** - 300g **fresh shrimp** (peeled, tails optional) - 4-5 cloves **garlic**, thinly sliced - 1 small **red chili** (or ½ tsp red pepper flakes) - 4 tbsp **olive oil** - ½ tsp **sea salt** - ½ tsp **paprika (sweet or smoked)** - 2 tbsp **white wine or dry sherry** (optional) - **Fresh parsley** (for garnish) - **Lemon wedges** (for serving) ### **Instructions:** 1️⃣ Heat the **olive oil** in a pan over medium heat. 2️⃣ Add the **garlic and chili** and sauté until fragrant (don’t burn the garlic!). 3️⃣ Add the **shrimp**, season with salt & paprika, and cook until pink (~2-3 min). 4️⃣ Deglaze with **white wine**, if using, and let it reduce slightly. 5️⃣ Remove from heat, sprinkle with **fresh parsley**, and serve hot. --- ### **🔥 Serving Tips:** 🥖 **Serve both dishes with crusty bread** to dip into the sauces! 🍷 **Pair with a crisp white wine** like a Canarian **Malvasía** or a Spanish **Albariño**. 🌞 **Perfect for a tapas night** or a taste of the Canary Islands at home!

@ dbb19ae0:c3f22d5a

I had this idea nostr:nevent1qvzqqqqqqypzpka3ntswp659x2yu2nru4qg8s2mpxpkgfr9d3kzpv969jlplyt26qqsdcsjaf57l9dssenlw6rt7vz2kd3kq9hqy5h6f3jx20u2j4vkmetgtg9q24 And today I wrote the python program using #nostr_sdk Using nostr_sdk 0.39 replace nsec_key with your secret key be careful, I just made like 2 or 3 test run. ``` python #!/usr/bin/env python3 import asyncio import argparse import json from nostr_sdk import Metadata, Client, NostrSigner, Keys, init_logger, LogLevel async def write_metadata(secret_key, profile_data): try: init_logger(LogLevel.INFO) keys = Keys.parse(secret_key) signer = NostrSigner.keys(keys) client = Client(signer) public_key = keys.public_key() print(f"Public key (npub): {public_key.to_bech32()}") # Add relays await client.add_relay("wss://relay.damus.io") await client.connect() # Parse profile content profile_content = json.loads(profile_data['content']) # Update metadata new_metadata = Metadata()\ .set_name(profile_content.get('name', '')) \ .set_picture(profile_content.get('picture', '')) \ .set_banner(profile_content.get('banner', '')) \ .set_about(profile_content.get('about', '')) await client.set_metadata(new_metadata) print("Metadata updated successfully.") except Exception as e: print(f"An error occurred in update_metadata: {e}") raise if __name__ == '__main__': parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description='Forcing user metadata using Nostr SDK.') parser.add_argument('json_file', type=str, help='Path to the JSON file containing profile data.') args = parser.parse_args() with open(args.json_file, 'r') as file: profile_data_list = json.load(file) # Assuming the first profile in the JSON file is the one to be updated profile_data = profile_data_list[0] # Replace with actual secret key secret_key = "nsec_key" asyncio.run(write_metadata(secret_key, profile_data)) ```

@ 46fcbe30:6bd8ce4d

# MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION **SUBJECT:** Meeting with Russian President Yeltsin **PARTICIPANTS:** - U.S. - President Clinton - Secretary Albright - National Security Advisor Berger - Deputy National Security Advisor Steinberg - Ambassador Sestanovich - Carlos Pascual - Russia - Russian President Yeltsin - Foreign Minister Ivanov - Kremlin Foreign Policy Advisor Prihodko - Defense Minister Sergeyev - Interpreter: Peter Afansenko - Notetaker: Carlos Pascual **DATE, TIME AND PLACE:** November 19, 1999, 10:45 a.m. - 11:40 a.m. Istanbul, Turkey President Yeltsin: We are in neutral territory here. I welcome you. The President: Neither of us has a stake here. It's good to see you. President Yeltsin: Well, Bill, what about those camps here in Turkey that are preparing troops to go into Chechnya? Aren't you in charge of those? I have the details. Minister Ivanov, give me the map. I want to show you where the mercenaries are being trained and then being sent into Chechnya. They are armed to the teeth. (Note: Yeltsin pulls out map of Turkey and circulates it.) Bill, this is your fault. I told Demirel yesterday that I will send the head of the SRV tomorrow and we will show him where the camps are located. These are not state-sanctioned camps. They are sponsored by NGOs and religious organizations. But let me tell you if this were in Russia and there were but one camp, I would throw them all out and put the bandits in the electric chair. The President: Perhaps Demirel could help you. President Yeltsin: Well, he ought to. Tomorrow after I get back, I will send the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service here. Bill, did you hurt your leg? The President: Yes, but it is not bad. President Yeltsin: When one leg of the President hurts, that is a bad thing. The President: It lets me know I am alive. President Yeltsin: I know we are not upset at each other. We were just throwing some jabs. I'm still waiting for you to visit. Bill. I've said to you come to visit in May, then June, then July and then August. Now it's past October and you're still not there. The President: You're right, Boris, I owe you a visit. President Yeltsin: Last time I went to the U.S., Bill. The President: Well, I better set it up. I'll look at the calendar and find a time that's good for you and me. President Yeltsin: Call me and tell me the month and date. Unless I have another visit, I will do the maximum amount I can to do everything around your schedule. The main things I have are to go to China and India. The President: Boris, we still have lots to do together. President Yeltsin: You heard my statement on nuclear arms and on banning nuclear tests. I just signed a law on ratification of a new agreement on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Isn't that right, Minister Ivanov? Minister Ivanov: You signed the documents that sent the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty to the Duma for review. President Yeltsin: Well, in any case, I still approved it. The President: Maybe I can get the Congress to agree still. They kept the Treaty even after they rejected it. So perhaps, there is still a chance. President Yeltsin: Or perhaps it's just the bureaucrats working and they haven't had a chance to send it back to you yet. I'm upset that you signed the law to change the ABM Treaty. The President: I signed no such law. People in Congress don't like the ABM Treaty. If Congress had its way, they would undermine the treaty. I'm trying to uphold it. But we need a national missile defense to protect against rogue states. We can't have a national missile defense that works without changing the ABM Treaty. But I want to do this cooperatively. I want to persuade you that this is good for both of us. The primary purpose is to protect against terrorists and rogue states. It would be ineffective against Russia. The system we're looking at would operate against just 20 missiles. And, Boris I want to figure out how to share the benefits. For all I know, in twenty years terrorists could have access to nuclear weapons. I know your people don't agree with me, but I'm not trying to overthrow the ABM Treaty. We're still trying to discover what's technically possible with national missile defense, but there are people in America who want to throw over the ABM Treaty. I have made no decisions yet. President Yeltsin: Bill, Bill. I got your note. It went into all these things in incredible detail. I read it and I was satisfied. I've not yet ceased to believe in you. I ask you one thing. Just give Europe to Russia. The U.S. is not in Europe. Europe should be the business of Europeans. Russia is half European and half Asian. The President: So you want Asia too? President Yeltsin: Sure, sure. Bill. Eventually, we will have to agree on all of this. The President: I don't think the Europeans would like this very much. President Yeltsin: Not all. But I am a European. I live in Moscow. Moscow is in Europe and I like it. You can take all the other states and provide security to them. I will take Europe and provide them security. Well, not I. Russia will. We will end this conflict in Chechnya. I didn't say all the things I was thinking (in his speech). I listened to you carefully. I took a break just beforehand. Then I listened to you from beginning to end. I can even repeat what you said. Bill, I'm serious. Give Europe to Europe itself. Europe never felt as close to Russia as it does now. We have no difference of opinion with Europe, except maybe on Afganistan and Pakistan—which, by the way, is training Chechens. These are bandits, headhunters and killers. They're raping American women. They're cutting off ears and other parts of their hostages. We're fighting these types of terrorists. Let's not accuse Russia that we are too rough with these kinds of people. There are only two options: kill them or put them on trial. There's no third option, but we can put them on trial, and sentence them to 20-25 years. How many Americans, French, British and Germans have I freed that were there in Chechnya under the OSCE? The Chechen killers don't like the language of the OSCE. Here's my Minister of Defense. Stand up. We have not lost one soldier down there. Tell them. Minister Sergeyev: We did not lose one soldier in Gudermes. President Yeltsin: You see, Gudermes was cleansed without one military or civilian killed. We killed 200 bandits. The Minister of Defense is fulfilling the plan as I have said it should be. He's doing this thoughtfully. The soldiers only ask: don't stop the campaign. I promised these guys—I told every soldier, marshal and general—I will bring the campaign to fruition. We have these Chechens under lock and key. We have the key. They can't get in, they can't get out. Except maybe through Georgia; that's Shevardnadze's big mistake. And through Azerbaijan; that's Aliyev's mistake. They're shuttling in under the name of Islam. We're for freedom of religion, but not for fundamentalist Islam. These extremists are against you and against me. We have the power in Russia to protect all of Europe, including those with missiles. We'll make all the appropriate treaties with China. We're not going to provide nuclear weapons to India. If we give them submarines, it will be only conventional diesel submarines, not nuclear. They would be from the 935 generation. You're going in that direction too. I'm thinking about your proposal—well, what your armed forces are doing—getting rid of fissile materials, particularly plutonium. We should just get rid of it. As soon as it's there, people start thinking of how to make bombs. Look, Russia has the power and intellect to know what to do with Europe. If Ivanov stays here, he will initial the CFE Treaty and I'll sign it under him. But under the OSCE Charter, there is one thing I cannot agree—which is that, based on humanitarian causes, one state can interfere in the affairs of another state. National Security Advisor Berger: Mr. President, there's nothing in the Charter on one state's interference in the affairs of another. Secretary Albright: That's right. What the Charter says is that affairs within a state will affect the other states around it. President Yeltsin: Russia agrees to take out its property and equipment from Georgia in accordance with the new CFE Treaty. I have a statement on this. (looking toward Ivanov) Give it to me. I signed it today. Actually, it was late last night. I like to work late. The President: Me, too. President Yeltsin: I know you like to work late, Bill. When you call me, I calculate the time and I tell myself it's 4 a.m. and he's calling me. It lets you cleanse your brain and you feel great. I am not criticizing you, Bill. The President should be encouraged to work hard. The President: So, we will get an agreement on CFE. President Yeltsin: Yes. The President: That's very important, seven years. We've worked on this for a long time. President Yeltsin: Look, Ivanov has lost the statement in his own bag. He can't find the paper in his own bag. On the Charter, we have to look at it from the beginning. The Charter's ready. However, when states begin to tie in the Charter with the final declaration that has wording unacceptable to us, that's when we'll say no. And responsibility for this will fall fully on the West. (Looking at Ivanov) Give me this thing. It is written on paper. Bill. I am ready to sign it. It is a declaration about what we're talking about. Secretary Albright: Some states want to record in the declaration your willingness to have an OSCE mission. President Yeltsin: No, not at all. We will finish this with our own forces. Chechnya is the business of the internal affairs of Russia. We have to decide what to do. After we cleansed Gudermes, the muslim mufti came and asked for help, said I hate Basayev and he should be banned. These are the kinds of leaders we will put forward. I have thought this through carefully. The President: On the Chechen problem. I have been less critical than others. Even today, I asked the others how they would deal with this if it were their country. This is a political issue. It may be the best thing for you within Russia to tell the Europeans to go to hell. But the best thing for your relations with Europe for the long term is to figure out the policy that you want to have with Europe and to keep that in mind as you deal with Chechnya. President Yeltsin: (Gets up rapidly) Bill, the meeting is up. We said 20 minutes and it has now been more than 35 minutes. The President: That's fine. We can say the meeting is over. President Yeltsin: This meeting has gone on too long. You should come to visit, Bill. The President: Who will win the election? President Yeltsin: Putin, of course. He will be the successor to Boris Yeltsin. He's a democrat, and he knows the West. The President: He's very smart. President Yeltsin: He's tough. He has an internal ramrod. He's tough internally, and I will do everything possible for him to win—legally, of course. And he will win. You'll do business together. He will continue the Yeltsin line on democracy and economics and widen Russia's contacts. He has the energy and the brains to succeed. Thank you, Bill. The President: Thank you, Boris. It was good to see you. End of Conversation

@ 4c96d763:80c3ee30

# Changes ## Ethan Tuttle (1): - support Cmd+Enter for posting on macOS ## Ken Sedgwick (5): - update android default config push instructions - WIP: use modified version of egui - allow deprecated round_rect_to_pixels - fixed egui::Frame::NONE references - android: need argv0 placeholders because unneeded arg detection ## William Casarin (17): - windows: fix build due to outdated nostrdb-rs bindings - FIX BUILD YET AGAIN - search: auto-focus search field on navigate - remove extra crap from manifest - android: get GameActivity to launch - update to egui 0.30.0 - android: 0.30.0 game activity - android: update to latest winit/egui/android-activity - android: misc testing - android: expand logs - android: improve make commands - android: add push configs to readme - android: capture current keyboard height - android: switch to android-activity out of path - android: attempt initial keyboard visibility fix - fix a few compile issues after rebase - ui: fix deprecated rounding routines in search ui ## kernelkind (4): - fix context selection responses - fix note context menu placement inside rect - fix note content rects - introduce NoteContext pushed to [notedeck:refs/heads/master](http://git.jb55.com/notedeck/commit/c93c2242b13dd4790a2c143db5d301ed2c8ad625.html)

@ b1b16be0:08f41c1d

am@primal.net My first Zap! jskitty@jskitty.cat Thanks for support! 🐱Miau! blockstream@blockstream.com So honor to me!