@ 2e8970de:63345c7a

 > Tough math teachers get lower ratings from students, because students like them less. However, students get better grades with the tough teachers than with laxer teachers. Reason #167 why student evaluations of teaching aren’t particularly useful. https://www.stevestewartwilliams.com/p/implicit-bias-training-the-psychology originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/877830

@ 89ccea93:df4e00b7

**[Original Post](https://expatriotic.me/robosats/)** ## Why use RoboSats ### 1. Lightning Fast * LN Hodl invoices serve as bonds & escrows for high assurance and speed. ### 2. Absolutely Private * Best privacy practices by default. * Simple and KYC-free. * You will generate a random Robot avatar for a single use. * The exchange is Tor-only. ### 3. Open Source * RoboSats is fully open source. - [Github](https://github.com/RoboSats/robosats) *I'm going to use the Tor Browser on desktop for this guide. But the android app is essentially identical. So the flow should be the same.* ```I prefer Bisq for buying as I can get really good deals. Plus the use of a larger deposit helps to secure things. However, Bisq is onchain only, so in a higher fee environment, it could get pricey. RoboSats however is using lightning.``` *BTW, for Bisq if the miner fees get higher, check out a [Monero based fork](https://github.com/retoaccess1/haveno-reto) where you can pay the deposit in Monero, as this will help with miner fees. Plus generally speaking, and especially in a high fee environment, Monero fees should be lower.* ## Step 1 - Download or use in Tor browser 1. Use <http://robodexarjwtfryec556cjdz3dfa7u47saek6lkftnkgshvgg2kcumqd.onion/> for use in Tor Browser 2. Download APK from Github and check signature to make sure it's signed with the Reckless-Satoshi [PGP key](https://keys.openpgp.org/vks/v1/by-fingerprint/B4AB5F19113D4125DDF217739C4585B561315571) (if this is something you know how to do. Explaining it is outside the purview of this article) - <https://github.com/RoboSats/robosats/releases/> ## Step 2 - Roll a Robot *Image 1 - GARAGE tab*  1. For regular mode click "*🚀START*". A robot will be given to you. You'll be prompted to save a unique string that will help you log back in to that specific robot. Helpful if you initiate a trade. If you wanted to make an order directly, I recommend you skip step one and go to directly to step two. *Image 2 - Start menu*  *Image 3 - After rolling a robot*  *Image 4 - Prompted to browse or make an order.*  2. If you want to make create an order, skip down to "*➡️ FAST GENERATE ORDER*" *Image 2 - Start menu*  *Image 5 - FAST GENERATE ORDER*  ## Step 3 - Go to the OFFERS tab *Image 6 - OFFERS tab*  1. Select BUY/SELL depending on your need. 2. Select currency. Just look for the "**🌎 ANY**" and pick your currency from the drop down menu. 3. Filter payment method by clicking "**METHOD**" and selecting one of the options, or simply start typing and watch your option pop up. 4. Click "*Premium*" until it sorts from the lowest premium to the highest. ## Step 4 - Select/Create an offer *Image 7 - taking an offer*  1. Take the order (or make one) and if the person had a range, put in how much bitcoin you wish to buy. 2. Click take order ## Step 5 - Receiving the bitcoin 1. Pay a small deposit to lock in the order *Image 8 - taking order*  2. Paste in a LN invoice for the amount of LN sats to be received. (see Addendum #2) 3. Pay using fiat method preselected 4. Bitcoin is paid out of escrow and into the LN invoice that you gave. ## Addendum 1. Use this for more help - <https://learn.robosats.com/> 2. If you don't wish to receive in lighting, then in Step 5, instead of your own LN invoice, use one from https://boltz.exchange/swap. You can do this natively in RoboSats, but they charge an arm and a leg. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/877796

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

I would have done about an hour better today, but my hatred of food waste got the best of me. My daughter wanted the crusts cut off of her toast and, since no one else was going to eat them, I gobbled them up. That was the last thing I ate, yesterday, though, and I didn't eat or drink anything for the next 16 hours. Still pretty good. ## Score Card Day 1: 14 hour fast (13 dry) Day 2: 15 hour fast (14 dry) Day 3: 17 hours (16 dry) Day 4: 18 hours (17 dry) Day 5: 18 hours (16 dry) Day 6: TBD (16 dry) originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/877787

@ f6b1e489:f1c91bc4

# Psychedelics and Bitcoin Almost everyone who gets into bitcoin at some point realizes how it destroys your mental models of the world. You start questioning the _status quo_ and experience a serious rewiring of the brain. This can be confusing and frightening at first. But in hindsight it is mostly viewed as positive and people end up being a different, better person. Less focussed on hedonistic consumption, more focussed on long term health and wealth. # Rewiring the Brain I realized that psychedelics (like LSD or Psilocybin) and learning Bitcoin had a similar effect on my brain. The closest to my head-over-heels experience down the Bitcoin rabbithole were my experiences with LSD long before I discovered Bitcoin. Both shaped my life in an unexpected but positive way. I can´t talk about psychedelic experiences with most of my family, similar as with Bitcoin. They just don´t get it. And at this point I won´t bother trying to explain it anymore. # Volatility Then there is the volatility aspect. Psychedelic trips can be quite volatile, you never know what to expect. There is always some level of loss of control and you have to be fine with it. Similar with Bitcoin: You have to be able to stand the ups and downs, one day feeling like a genius, being full of doubt the next day. # Questioning Authority There are also some historical and cultural parallels between the spread of LSD in the 60s and Bitcoin today. In the 1960s Timothy Leary coined the term "_Turn on, tune in, drop out_". Large parts of the youth counterculture discovered the freeing effect of LSD on the mind and said "Fuck it, we´re not gonna participate in your wars". They challenged authority and the societal norms. Today, bitcoiners find the freedom of Bitcoin. They like to opt out of the system and say "Fuck it, we´re not gonna participate in your bullshit any longer". Passionate, freedom-loving communities have formed around both phenomena. What are your thoughts on this? Do you have similar experiences? Did I miss anything? originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/877770

@ fd208ee8:0fd927c1

## Beginning at the start In my previous article, [The Establishment](https://next-alexandria.gitcitadel.eu/publication?d=the-gitcitadel-blog-the-establishment-3-by-stella-v-1), I answered the question: "How do we form a company?" I realize, now, that I was getting a bit ahead, of myself, as the precursor to a *company* is a *team*, and many people struggle to form teams. So, I will go back to the beginning, and then you can read both articles to the end, and then stop. ## The Initiation The first, and most-difficult step of team formation, is *the initiation*. We know that it must be the most-difficult, as it's the step that carries the highest potential reward, and it's the step that is tried-and-failed most often. (Some people, like Elon Musk or Donald Trump, are born Initiators with excellent follow-through, but this archetype is exceedingly thin on the ground because it requires you to be mildly autistic, have barely-throttled ADHD, and/or tend to megalomania, also popularly known as "toxic masculinity", "CEO personality", or "being a successful military officer".) Someone needs to form a useful, attractive Vision and then motivate other people to help them achieve it. That sounds really easy, but it's actually brutally difficult because * You have to come up with an idea that is coherent, plausible, and inspiring. * You have to be able to communicate that idea to other people and make it appealing to them, by tying it into their own personal goals and desires. * You have to be able to hone and reformulate that idea, constantly, to correct it or to re-motivate the other team members. * You have to defend the idea against detractors, naysayers, and trolls, and you have to do it so vociferously, that it will erode your own popularity among those who disagree with you and open you to personal attacks. * You have to be able to focus on the idea, yourself, for a long stretch of time, and not allow yourself to get bored, lazy, or distracted.  So, just do and be all of those things, and then initiate the team, with the method I will name the *Hatbock Method*. It is so named because of the classic, German initiation ritual, in which an Initiator stands up, loudly defines their Vision and calls into a group "Wer hat Bock?" (roughly, "Who has the hunger/desire?") and whoever responds with "Ich hab Bock." (roughly, "Yes, I hunger for this.") is a part of the team. Then the Initiator says, "Okay, everyone with the hunger, let's sit down together, and discuss this some more." (This "sitting" is literally called a "seating", or "Sitzung", which is the German word for "meeting".) ## The Sitting We now get to the second most difficult part of team formation: figuring out *where to sit*. Most teams get this wrong, repeatedly, and many teams dissolve or fracture under the difficulty of this momentous decision. You would think organizing yourselves online would make this easier ("Oh, we'll just meet online!"), but the number of places available for sitting online are limitless. You can talk your whole Vision into the ground, with laborous discussions and migrations between Chachi, OxChat, Telegram, SimpleX, Slack, Discord, WhatsApp, GitHub, Teams, Coracle, Matrix... you get the idea. Try to keep in mind that the Vision is more important than the seating area, and go with the flow. Simply, find someplace and go there. Worry about it again, at a later date. Don't lose momentum. Sit down and start discussing the Vision, *immediately*.  Now, this next bit is very important: > Do not let anyone outside your team influence where you sit! ...unless they are providing your team with some good, service, or income, that makes choosing their preferred location the superior choice. This is the German *Stammtisch* principle, where a host encourages you to come sit down, regularly, in some particular place, because your sitting there provides them with some benefit: they can overhear your conversations, get you to test out their seating area, sell you refreshments, etc. Your choice of seating, in other words, is a valuable good, and you should only "sell" it to someone who rewards you in measure. They have to reward you because their preferred seating area wasn't your immediate and obvious choice, so there was probably something unappealing or uncertain about the seating area. ## Plan it in Once you've sat down, and finished your rough draft of the Vision, you need to figure out *when to sit*. This is the third most-difficult part of team formation. (Yes, don't worry, it gets easier as it goes along.) The most popular plan is the Wirsehenuns Plan (roughly, "We'll see each other, around.") This can work quite well, if you just want to have a loose collaboration, that calls itself together in an ad hoc fashion, when a team member feels the need. Also known as "@ me, bros". It's not a great plan for more intensive collaboration, as that tends to need a certain amount of velocity, to actually happen, as the speed of movement has a centrifugal effect on the tasks. Team momentum, in other words, creates a sort of gravity, that keeps the team together as a unit. So, for deeper teamwork, I would recommend the Stammtisch variant: name a place and date/time, when you will next meet. Preferably, on a rotating schedule: daily, weekly, last Thursday of the month, etc. And then meet there and then. And discuss amongst yourselves. Set clear, short-term tasks (and assign them to particular people!), medium-term strategies, and longer-term goals. *Write everything down.* Anything not written down, is a suggestion, not an assigned task. If you find your Stammtisch becoming increasingly rewarding and productive, and your goals start moving closer and closer into sight, then you might want to formalize your team structure further, [as a company](https://next-alexandria.gitcitadel.eu/publication?d=the-gitcitadel-blog-the-establishment-3-by-stella-v-1).

@ 52adc2ef:9f4bc0ba

ใครบอก“คนเก่งกว้าง”ไม่ประสบความสำเร็จ มาเข้าใจเทคนิค เก่งกว้าง เพื่อประสบความสำเร็จกัน เราว่าทุกคนคงเคยโดนปลูกฝังมาว่า ชีวิตเราต้องเรียนรู้ให้เก่งเฉพาะด้านไปเลย ถึงประสบความสำเร็จ แต่เราเป็นคนนึงที่ไม่ได้มีความเก่งเฉพาะด้านขนาดนั้น (คิดว่าส่วนใหญ่เหมือนกัน) กระทั่งมาอ่านหนังสือ **`*How to be better at (almost) everything*`** ได้เจออีกมุมมองว่า ทุกทักษะสามารถนำมาประยุกต์ใช้เเละสามารถพาเรามีข้อได้เปรียบมากกว่า คนเก่งลึก ไม่ได้บอกคนเก่งลึกไม่ดีนะครับ เเต่จะชี้ไปว่าเก่งกว้างก็มีข้อดีของมัน ### การเก่งกว้าง 1.ไม่จำเป็นต้องเก่งเป็น The Best ก็สามารถประสบความสำเร็จได้ 2.การรู้หลายทักษะสามรถที่จะ adopt ในการทำสิ่งใหม่ได้ เหมือนเเซนวิส ที่ต้องมี ขนมปัง ผักต่างๆ เนื้อสัตว์ ประกอบเข้าด้วยกัน 3.เเละเมื่อเรามี skill ต่างๆที่หลากหลาย จะทำให้คู่แข่งของเราน้อยลง เช่น เพื่อนๆเป็นนักวิ่งที่เก่งมาก เเต่ไม่ถึงกับเก่งที่สุดในรุ่นก็ได้ เเต่ถ้ามีทักษะการการเขียน เราว่าจะสามารถถ่ายทอดเเละสื่อสารได้ดีกว่า นักวิ่งที่อาจจะวิ่งเก่งกว่าเรา เเละสามารถให้คนรู้จักเราได้มากกว่า 4.เเละเมื่อเรามีทักษะที่สนใจเเล้ว คนเราเปลี่ยนเเปลงตัวเองได้ เกิดจากสิ่งที่เราทำมากกว่าสิ่งที่เรารับ เพราะต้องฝึกฝนเพื่อให้เกิดการเปลี่ยนแปลง ### อิสระในการเลือก การมีอิสระในการเลือก เป็นสิ่งที่ทุกคนต้องการอยู่เเล้ว เเต่ในเมื่อเรามีสิทธิ์เลือก จะทำให้เราไม่ focus กับสิ่งที่ทำ เเต่การเป็นอิสระต้องเก่งก่อน หรือเรียกว่า **`อิสระความเป็นเลิศ`** ตัวอย่างเช่น เราอยากจะเล่นกีต้าร์ อาจจะฝึกเล่น คอร์ดต่างๆ ฝึกไล่สเกล picking ลูกเล่น ถ้าเราเเค่มีอิสระที่จะเลือกเล่นก็อาจได้เเค่ตีคอร์ด ร้องเพลง แค่นั้น เเต่ถ้าเรามีอิสระความเป็นเลิศ เมื่อเราฝึกสิ่งที่ยากเก่งกว่าคนทั่วไป (เดี๋ยวจะบอกว่าควรฝึกมากเท่าไหร่) เราจะมีอิสระในการทำสิ่งนั้นๆ เราจะสามารถเล่นได้อย่างอิสระอย่างแท้จริง สามารถที่จะคิด หรือ หยิบลูกเล่นต่างๆมาใช้ เพราะ เราจะรู้ว่าเทคนิคนี้ควรใช้ตรงไหน รู้ทั้งหมดก่อนเพื่อที่จะได้เลือกใช้ เชื่อเถอะ ความสุขเกิดจากการฝึกฝนเเละลงมือทำ ### กฎ 5 ข้อของคนเก่งกว้าง **1.เรียนรู้หลายๆทักษะเเละนำทักษะทั้งหมดมารวมกัน** เช่น เพื่อนๆเล่นกีต้าร์เก่งเเบบ เทพสุดๆ เเต่ไม่มีทักษะ การขายตัวเอง ต้องพึ่งพาคนอื่นในการหางานเเสดงต่างๆ กลับกันถ้าเล่นเก่งประมาณนึง เเละเล่นำด้หลายหลาย มีทักษะการขาย ที่เรียนรู้มา ก็มีโอกาสที่เราจะได้งานเเละเป็นที่รู้จักมากกว่า **2.Focus ฝึกฝนเพื่อเก่งระยะสั้น** การจะมีทักษะใหม่เพิ่มเข้ามา บางคนกลัวว่าทักษะเดิมที่อยู่เเล้วจะไม่พัฒนา เเต่ต้องพัฒนาทักษะใหม่โดยยอมเสียทักษะเดิมไปนิดหน่อย เพื่อพัฒนาเอาทักษะมาใช้ร่วมกัน **3.เก่งในทักษะนั้นๆ อย่างน้อย 80%** มาตรวัดคือ เมื่อเราฝึกฝนสิ่งนั้นเเล้ว การใช้เวลาในการฝึกฝนมากกว่าผลลัพธ์ที่ออกมา เเสดงว่าเราถึงจุดที่ทบทวนทักษะของตัวเองว่า ควร focus ทักษะอื่นๆมั้ย เช่น ยกน้ำหนัก เราจะยกได้มากขึ้นในช่วงๆเเรก เเต่เมื่อถึงจุดนึง ที่ไม่ว่าเราเพิ่มน้ำหนักเข้า เพียงเล็กน้อย เรากลับใช้เวลามากในการฝึกฝน **4.Focus เเต่ทักษะที่จำเป็นตามเป้าหมาย** เราต้องหาประโยชน์ที่เราจะฝึกฝนในทักษะนั้นๆ โดยตัดส่วนที่ไม่จำเป็นออกไปก่อน เช่น ฝึกเล่นกีต้าร์ที่มีท่อน solo ยากๆ ให้อยากท่อนฝึก เเต่ละช่วงให้เก่ง เเละ ค่อยfocus ในส่วนต่อไป **5.เพิ่มระดับความยาก** ถ้าอยากจะเพิ่มทักษะใดๆก็ตาม ต้องเพิ่มระดับความยาก เป็นไปไม่ได้เลยเเม้เราจะมีวินัยในการฝึก เเต่เหมือนเดิมทุกวัน ไม่มีทางที่เราจะเก่งมากขึ้น ### ทักษะสำหรับคนเก่งกว้าง การจะเก่งกว้างนั้นต้องมีักษะพื้นฐานที่จำเป็นด้วย 1. ทักษะพื้นฐาน เช่น ทักษะการใช้เหตุผล ทักษะการโน้มน้าว เป็นสิ่งพื้นฐานที่คนเราทุกคนควรต้องมี 2. ทักษะที่เราสนใจ ถ้าเรามีสิ่งที่เราสนใจ เราสามารถฝึกฝนมันได้ดีมากขึ้น 3. ทักษะการขาย เป็นสิ่งที่ขาดไม่ได้เลย เพราะเมื่อเพื่อนๆมีความสามารถ ควรที่จะให้คนอื่นรับรู้ ของคุณค่าสิ่งที่คุณมี เมื่อเราทราบเเล้วมาเราควรต้องมีทักษะอะไรบ้าง **`ระเบียบวินัย`** - คือ การทำตามคำสั่งของตัวเอง โดยมีเเรงบัลดาลใจจากสิ่งที่ไม่ได้ชอบ - สามารถเพิ่มความมั่นใจให้แก่เราได้ ตอนเริ่มต้นในการเริ่มต้นทักษะ เราจะไม่มีความมั่นใจเลย เพราะเราไม่เก่งมากพอ เเต่เมื่อเราทำจนเกิดผลลัพธ์ ความมั่นใจและระเบียบวินัยจะตามมา - เพิ่ม Passion จากที่เราทำสิ่งที่ไม่ถนัดหรือไม่ชอบ เเต่เริ่มได้ skill เราจะเริ่มสนุกเเละมีความหลงใหลในทักษะนั้นๆ **`สมาธิ`** - โดยธรรมชาติ จะมี ”`แรงต้าน`” เพื่อที่จะทำให้เราพ่ายแพ้ต่อสิ่งที่เราตั้งใจหรือ Focus - สมาธิ หมายถึง การควบคุมสิ่งที่คิดในหัวตัวเองได้ เช่น เริ่มมีเเรงบัลดาลใจในการเขียน เเต่ก็อาจจะมี comment เเย่ๆ ที่เราต้องไปตอบโต้ก่อน ทำให้จากความตั้งใจเดิมของเรานั้นเสียไป **`การโน้มน้าว`** - ต้องหาเหตุผลสิ่งที่เราเชื่อเเละยึดมั่นในการให้เหตุผลสิ่งนั้นๆ - การโน้มน้าวความโน้มน้าวกับคนที่เห็นด้วยกับเพื่อนๆ ซึ่งนั้นสามารถสร้างความสุขให้เค้าได้ - เเต่เมื่อคุณโน้มน้าวกับคนที่ไม่เห็นด้วยกับเพื่อนๆ ไม่มีทางแน่ๆที่เค้าจะฟัง **`เหตุผล`** - การมีเหตุผลคือ การที่เราสามารถที่จะเเสดงจุดยืนของตัวเองได้ **`ความเชื่อ`** - ความเชื่ออยากจะเชื่อในสิ่งที่เป็นวิทยาศาสตร์ หรือ สิ่งเหนือธรรมชาติ ก็ได้ ถ้ามีเหตุผลที่ดีในการเชื่อ เท่านั้นพอ - คนเราไม่สามารถที่จะพิสุจน์เรื่องเหนือธรรมชาติได้ ถ้าสิ่งนั้นอยู่เหนือธรรมชาติ หมายความว่า อยู่เหนือขอบเขตของวิทยาศาสตร์ไปแล้ว ไม่สามารถที่จะเอาหลักการวิทยาศาสตร์มาคุยได้ - “ความทุกข์ยาก จำเป็นในการสร้างคุณค่าของมนุษย์” ### ค้นหาทักษะที่ชอบ เมื่อพบทักษะที่สนใจจริงๆเเล้ว ควรต้องฝึกฝน เเค่คุณชอบหรือให้ความสำคัญกับมันมากพอ คุณก็จะมีเวลาในการฝึกซ้อมกับมัน อย่าลืม Focus เเต่การฝึกทักษะจำเป็น การทำสิ่งที่ชอบ มีความสุข เเละดีต่อผู้อื่น นั้นคือการดำเนินชีวิตที่ถูกต้อง เเละอย่าท้อ งานทุกชิ้นเกิดจากส่วนย่อยหลายๆส่วนประกอบกัน เหมือนเเต่งเพลงโดยนำทำนองง่ายๆมาประกอบกันจนซับซ้อน ### ทักษะที่เรามี ต้องสร้างประโยชน์แก่สังคม โดยทั่วไปเเล้วมนุษย์เราตัดสินใจในลักษณะเดียวกันคือ **`สิ่งนั้นมีประโยชน์หรือส้รางความสุขแก่ตนเอง`** - เมื่อการตัดสินใจเป็นแบบนี้ ทำให้เศรฐกิจโตที่โตได้ เพราะ ทุกคนในสังคมมอบประโยชน์ให้แก่กัน - หมั่นสังเกต เเละ เรียนรู้ จากตลาดว่า ผู้คนใช้จ่ายไปกับอะไร เเละ หาว่าทักษะของเรานั้น ให้ประโยชน์อะไรกับผู้คนเหล่านั้นได้บ้าง - ***ทักษะการขายสำคัญมากกก*** - เพื่อนๆจะมีความสุข เมื่อสิ่งที่ทำนั้นยากเเละมีความหมาย > *สุดท้ายเตือนตัวเองว่า เหตุผลเเรกที่เราเริ่มทำอะไรบางอย่างคืออะไร อย่าลืมความรู้สึกตอนนั้น* >

@ f1989a96:bcaaf2c1

Good morning, readers! In India, the central bank has taken a significant step toward launching its central bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital rupee. In partnership with fintech firms Mobikwik and Cred, the digital rupee is now available to 180 million users through a new “e₹ wallet,” a CBDC wallet app designed for public use. Predictably, the CBDC comes with tight restrictions, including limits on payment amounts and frequency and extensive personal data collection, raising concerns over financial privacy.  In open-source news, HRF is pleased to announce a collaboration with MIT for the 2025 MIT Bitcoin Expo. This two-day freedom-focused event will explore how Bitcoin and adjacent freedom tech can help combat financial surveillance and repression under authoritarian regimes through expert speakers, panels, workshops, and more. Elsewhere, Joltz became the first self-custodial wallet to support Taproot Assets, enabling access to stable digital dollars on a decentralized network for activists, dissidents, and others in difficult political environments. We conclude with an extensive guide from Area Bitcoin, a Brazilian education hub, thoroughly examining Brazil’s DREX CBDC and its implications for financial freedom and human rights in Brazil and beyond. **Now, let’s dive right in!** ### [**Subscribe Here**](https://mailchi.mp/hrf.org/financial-freedom-newsletter?mc_cid=bf652c0a5a) ## **GLOBAL NEWS** #### **India | Central Bank Partners with Fintech Firms to Pilot Launch CBDC** The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) [partnered](https://www.businesstoday.in/personal-finance/news/story/mobikwik-cred-join-hands-with-rbi-to-fully-launch-cbdc-ers-for-android-check-features-usage-462318-2025-01-28) with fintech firms MobiKwik and Cred, alongside Yes Bank, to expand the digital rupee, India’s CBDC. With a combined user base of [180 million,](https://www.ledgerinsights.com/fintech-wallets-go-live-in-digital-rupee-cbdc-pilot/) Mobikwik and Cred will act as entry points for public access to the CBDC through their new “e₹ wallet” CBDC app. However, the app mandates video verification and imposes significant restrictions. For instance, a daily transaction cap of ₹50,000 ($577) and ₹10,000 ($115) limit per transaction. The RBI’s decision to embed the digital rupee within existing fintech firms to boost adoption leaves few avenues for financial privacy and freedom as the Indian state [pushes](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/india-s-plan-world-without-cash) further towards a cashless economy. #### **El Salvador | Lawmakers Scale Back Bitcoin Legal Tender Law** El Salvador’s congress [amended](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/lawmakers-el-salvador-rush-new-bitcoin-reform-after-imf-deal-2025-01-30/) its Bitcoin law, making private sector acceptance of Bitcoin voluntary. The reform follows a $1.4 billion loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that wanted to limit the government’s, citizens’, and economies’ exposure to Bitcoin. Salvadoran lawmaker Elisa Rosales [said](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/lawmakers-el-salvador-rush-new-bitcoin-reform-after-imf-deal-2025-01-30/) the latest reform guarantees Bitcoin’s “permanence as legal tender” while facilitating its “practical implementation.”  But, John Dennehy, founder of the civil society organization [Mi Primer Bitcoin](https://es.myfirstbitcoin.io/), [explained](https://x.com/jdennehy_writes/status/1885346352621617615) that the reform removed “all references of bitcoin as money or legal tender, plus the actual conditions, such as the government accepting bitcoin for things such as taxes, are now prohibited.” The future of freedom technology in El Salvador will be worth monitoring closely as the regime continues to erode protections on civil liberties. #### **Nigeria | Regime Hikes Telecom Tariffs for Citizens** In Nigeria, the regime approved a [50% increase](https://thenationonlineng.net/50-tariff-hike-a-necessary-step-or-a-burden-for-nigerians/) in telecom tariffs, further straining citizens already grappling with financial instability. Call rates will rise from 11 to 16.50 naira per minute ($0.0074 to $0.011) and SMS charges from 4 to 6 naira ($0.0026 to $0.004), exacerbating three-decade-high inflation as the ripple effects spread through the economy. Telecom companies justify the price hike as necessary for the sector’s survival amid the naira’s ongoing [devaluation](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-13/why-nigeria-s-naira-currency-ngn-usd-slumped-and-why-it-matters). [Deolu Ogunbanjo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/deolu-ogunbanjo-62b5a18b/?originalSubdomain=ng), president of the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers, however, [argues](https://thenationonlineng.net/50-tariff-hike-a-necessary-step-or-a-burden-for-nigerians/) that “this decision shows the government cares more about protecting profits than protecting people.” For Nigerians relying on mobile networks for work, banking, and daily communications, the increased costs will make phone services less accessible, putting even more pressure on civil society under an authoritarian government. #### **Nicaragua | Inter-American Court of Human Rights Rules Against Ortega** In Nicaragua, where the financial repression of individuals, opposition, and civil society is widespread, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights [ruled](https://havanatimes.org/news/inter-american-human-rights-court-rules-against-nicaragua/) that Daniel Ortega’s reelections since 2011 were illegitimate. This ruling “is the legal confirmation that there is no legitimate president in Nicaragua, but rather a dictator who has usurped power,” [said](https://havanatimes.org/news/inter-american-human-rights-court-rules-against-nicaragua/) Jaime Aparicio, a Bolivian lawyer, [adding](https://havanatimes.org/news/inter-american-human-rights-court-rules-against-nicaragua/) that “this is the first time that there is a legal precedent determining the illegality of Ortega’s presidency.” In a country where the regime systematically [freezes](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/nicaragua-govt-accuses-catholic-church-money-laundering-freezes-accounts-2023-05-27/) bank accounts, seizes assets, and [shuts down](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/261539/nicaraguan-dictatorship-shuts-down-more-organizations-including-dominican-nuns) nonprofits to silence dissent, this verdict sets a critical legal precedent against the abuse of state power to secure reelection. While the court lacks enforcement, its ruling strengthens legal challenges to Ortega’s rule and could provide a foundation for future actions against electoral fraud and authoritarian control. #### **Webinar Series for Nonprofits | Become Unstoppable** In an era where financial control is weaponized against dissent, the ability to transact freely is more important than ever. For activists and nonprofits operating under oppressive regimes, Bitcoin can offer a way to resist censorship, protect funds, and remain operational. Join HRF for a free, three-day webinar from March **17–19**, led by Anna Chekhovich, HRF’s Bitcoin nonprofit adoption lead and financial freedom expert at the Anti-Corruption Foundation. The sessions will run daily from **10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EDT** and are designed specifically to teach human rights defenders and nonprofit organizations how to integrate Bitcoin into their work to challenge state censorship and confiscation in a beginner-friendly way. ### [Register Here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf0sjqwSFQo8HGMsWIIDRyhx34TsoonOSTfYoWSy-aaBbLeSw/viewform) ## BITCOIN AND FREEDOM TECH NEWS #### **MIT | 2025 Bitcoin Expo** HRF is partnering with [MIT](https://www.mit.edu/) to host the [2025 MIT Bitcoin Expo](https://mitbtcexpo.org/), a two-day event from April 5-6 at the Stata Center, exploring Bitcoin and freedom technologies as tools for privacy, financial sovereignty, and civil liberties — especially for people living under authoritarian regimes. Now in its 12th year, the expo features keynotes, panels, technical workshops, and hackathons. It brings together developers, activists, students, and researchers to dive into privacy, self-sovereignty, and decentralization. Attendees will also gain hands-on experience and engage in meaningful discussions on the real-world impact of freedom technologies. Learn more about the expo and get your tickets [here](https://mitbtcexpo.org/)**.** #### **Bitcoin Mining | Two Blocks Mined by Solo Miners This Week** This week, two solo miners successfully mined Bitcoin blocks, marking a rare and significant event. The first block was [solved](https://x.com/FutureBit/status/1884740065223495821) through a collaborative effort led by the [256 Foundation](https://256foundation.org/) (where 300+ participants [pooled](https://crypto.news/solo-miner-solving-a-block-and-getting-3-146-btc/) their hashrate for a fundraising event). The second block was [mined](https://x.com/SoloSatoshi/status/1885418398345269572) independently through [solo.ckpool](https://solo.ckpool.org/) by a miner using hashrate equivalent to thousands of BitAxe devices, a type of open-source home mining hardware. The news shows that independent miners can still compete outside of large [mining pools](https://river.com/learn/terms/m/mining-pool/). These events reaffirm Bitcoin’s decentralization and censorship resistance, proving that solo mining remains viable with the proper coordination and infrastructure, which is especially key as solo mining can be done privately and quietly under tyrannical regimes. #### **Joltz Wallet | First Self-Custodial Wallet to Support Taproot Assets** Joltz has [launched](https://x.com/joltz_btc/status/1885097351108243487) the first self-custodial wallet for [Taproot Assets](https://docs.lightning.engineering/the-lightning-network/taproot-assets), enabling users to hold and transact stablecoins like USDT (Tether) directly on Bitcoin — without intermediaries. Unlike custodial solutions, Joltz ensures users retain full control over their funds while enabling BTC-to-USDT swaps through a user-friendly interface. This could expand access to stable money — particularly for activists and nonprofits in volatile markets in search of digital dollars. However, stablecoins still carry centralization and censorship risks, as issuers like Tether can freeze funds or be beholden to regulatory demands. #### **Olas | New Updates Enhance Accessibility and Features** [Olas](https://github.com/pablof7z/olas), an Instagram-like Nostr client built by [Pablof7z](https://github.com/pablof7z), [released](https://github.com/pablof7z/olas/releases/tag/0.2.0) a new update for iOS and Android. The update introduces multiple images per post, Instagram-style filters, and improved video playback. It also enhances its Nostr-native wallet functionality so users can more fluidly receive Bitcoin tips and payments. The client also made Nostr Wallet Connect (NWC), a protocol that allows apps to interact with Bitcoin Lightning wallets, more reliable for end users. Nostr clients like Olas may prove to be a useful tool for censorship-resistant communications on social networks among activists worldwide and stand as a stark contrast to centralized, permissioned alternatives. #### **OpenSats | Announces Ninth Wave of Bitcoin Grants** [OpenSats](http://opensats.org), a public nonprofit supporting open-source Bitcoin projects, [announced](https://opensats.org/blog/ninth-wave-of-bitcoin-grants) its ninth wave of Bitcoin grants advancing financial freedom and privacy. Among the recipients, [Nutstash](https://www.nutstash.app/), a multi-platform Cashu ecash wallet, enables private, censorship-resistant Bitcoin transactions — critical for human rights defenders. Another grantee, [El Tor](https://devpost.com/software/el-tor), is developing a fork of the [Tor Network](https://www.torproject.org/) integrated with Bitcoin's Lightning Network, aiming to enhance online privacy for activists and dissidents. HRF welcomes OpenSats’ continued support for decentralized tools in an increasingly surveilled world. #### **bitcoin++ | Upcoming Bitcoin Developer Conference** Bitcoin developers and freedom tech enthusiasts will [gather](https://btcplusplus.dev/conf/floripa) in Florianopolis, Brazil, from Feb. 19-22, 2025, for the special “hacking edition” [bitcoin++](https://btcplusplus.dev/) conference. Unlike past bitcoin++ events, which focused on single topics like scripting or ecash, this event will feature hands-on development to enhance Bitcoin’s privacy, scalability, and censorship resistance. Attendees will participate in workshops, live coding challenges, and technical discussions. HRF will help the event include attendees from authoritarian regimes in Latin America. Learn more about the conference or buy tickets [here](https://btcplusplus.dev/conf/floripa). ## RECOMMENDED CONTENT #### **The Risks of the DREX Central Bank Digital Currency by Area Bitcoin** In this [article](https://blog.areabitcoin.co/cbdc-drex/), [Area Bitcoin](https://www.areabitcoin.co/), a Brazilian Bitcoin education hub, examines [DREX](https://cbdctracker.hrf.org/currency/brazil), Brazil’s central bank digital currency (CBDC), and its threat to Brazilians’ financial autonomy. DREX operates as a token on a centralized, permissioned blockchain that grants officials sweeping surveillance and control over individual financial activity. Further, its strict Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) measures erode financial privacy. Area Bitcoin [warns](https://blog.areabitcoin.co/cbdc-drex/), “By embracing it, we risk surrendering our personal data, the fruits of our labor, and even generational wealth to political and bureaucratic oversight.” *If this article was forwarded to you and you enjoyed reading it, please consider subscribing to the Financial Freedom Report [here](https://mailchi.mp/hrf.org/financial-freedom-newsletter?mc_cid=bf652c0a5a).* *Support the newsletter by donating bitcoin to HRF’s Financial Freedom program [via BTCPay](https://hrf.org/btc).*\ *Want to contribute to the newsletter? Submit tips, stories, news, and ideas by emailing us at ffreport @ [hrf.org](http://hrf.org/)* *The Bitcoin Development Fund (BDF) is accepting grant proposals on an ongoing basis. The Bitcoin Development Fund is looking to support Bitcoin developers, community builders, and educators. Submit proposals [here](https://forms.monday.com/forms/57019f8829449d9e729d9e3545a237ea?r=use1)*. [**Subscribe to newsletter**](http://financialfreedomreport.org/) [**Apply for a grant**](https://forms.monday.com/forms/57019f8829449d9e729d9e3545a237ea?r=use1&mc_cid=39c1c9b7e8&mc_eid=778e9876e3) [**Support our work**](https://hrf.org/btc?mc_cid=39c1c9b7e8&mc_eid=778e9876e3) [**Visit our website**](https://hrf.org/programs/financial-freedom/)

@ 1f3ce62e:6e6b5d83

During challenging times for relationships of all kind, stopping & reflecting brings a new perspective and help us to observe our contribution to it. **We spend a lot of time at work, our relationships there are important** 👥 When we **hit a wall with a colleague** it takes a lot of energy, stress and inefficiencies in our daily tasks. Have you ever gotten stressed about sending an email to a colleague? 😅 By listening to myself (to my inner voice, to my body) have helped me to start observing it. 👂 Then, observing it 👀 like an outsider has helped me to put myself on the other's shoes. Empathy does its thing at this stage. **People are stories, wounds not healed, as we all have.** 💕 Finally, I **proactive open an space to talk**. I like to listen first, all that is being said, not just words. Then I use my voice. Or vice versa as needed. **Not all relationship's challenges can be solved** (I have learned to accepted that), but I honor them, **by opening the space anyways**. From my research 🤓 ... Observing 👀 Reflecting 🤔 Opening an space to talk 👥 Listening 👂 ⚖ Speaking 🗣 👂What is being said, but the most important… 👂💛 **What is not being said.** And **when we start listening deeply, we can listen to fears, our own and others**.\ \ I wonder why we don't talk about dragons 🐉 at work. 🤭\ \ I wonder why we don't talk about fears.\ \ As an individual who explored them a lot in therapy, and I have experienced the benefit of it, I wonder, why no-one talks about them at workplaces. **Have you ever asked your team...What is their biggest fear?** 🤔 Talking about fears at work could feel uncomfortable at the very beginning, but exploring them is a way to connect with others while realizing we share a lot of them. **Overcoming them with others could bring a lot of relief too.** Fears limit our actions, decisions and our ideas to blow. Using tools like LEGOs helps us to explore the unconscious mind 🖤 🧠, where most of the fears have their residence. From where most of the decisions are made 😅 🌱 With Mini figures and blocks we **can project a situation** that you or your team is going through. 🌱 As we project it, you can **detach emotionally from it** and you **become an observer** of it. 🌱 You can only change, what you can **observe with** **full presence**. 🌱 **Playing** does exactly that, **brings us to the present moment**. **By using LEGOs we can bring perspective and spark more creative solutions.** Ignoring fears at work means ignoring we are... just humans. So step by step, we made our workplaces more human. **Deep listening breaks down walls.** **And that is what The World 🌎 strongly needs these days.** **In the end, what is really behind any wall, it is a wound not healed.** Stay colorful! Laus

@ cf7ed325:050194cf

The [TIA Nile Cruise](https://www.etbtoursegypt.com/tour/ms-tia-nile-cruise) offers a fantastic way to experience Egypt’s timeless beauty, as it takes you on an unforgettable journey along the majestic Nile River. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, this cruise offers something for everyone. One of the standout features of this cruise is its luxurious accommodations, combining modern amenities with the charm of traditional Egyptian hospitality. As you sail through Egypt’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Valley of the Kings, the Pyramids of Giza, and the temples of Karnak and Luxor, the comfort of the TIA Nile Cruise ensures that every moment is enjoyable. If you’re exploring other options, there are many other high-end Nile cruises that offer similarly unforgettable experiences. The [Gemma Nile Cruise](https://www.etbtoursegypt.com/tour/gemma-nile-cruise) is one of the most popular alternatives, offering luxury and sophistication while cruising through the heart of Egypt. It’s perfect for those seeking an elegant escape with premium service and spectacular views. Another excellent choice is the [Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise](https://www.etbtoursegypt.com/tour/sonesta-sun-goddess-nile-cruise), which provides a combination of relaxed luxury and top-notch service. Guests can enjoy stunning views of Egypt’s famous landmarks, along with a variety of recreational facilities on board. For those looking for something extra special, the [Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise](https://www.etbtoursegypt.com/tour/Sonesta-Star-Goddess-Nile-Cruise) and the [Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise](https://www.etbtoursegypt.com/tour/Sonesta-Moon-Goddess-Nile-cruise) are both fantastic options, offering spacious rooms and exceptional service. These cruises ensure that guests have an unparalleled experience as they explore the wonders of Egypt. The [Sonesta Nile Goddess Nile Cruise](https://www.etbtoursegypt.com/tour/Sonesta-Nile-Goddess-Cruise-tours) is another luxurious option, known for its elegance and comfort. It offers an array of gourmet dining options and entertainment for an all-around memorable trip. Lastly, the [Sonesta George Nile Cruise](https://www.etbtoursegypt.com/tour/Sonesta-St-George-Nile-Cruise) promises an exceptional cruising experience with modern amenities and stunning Nile views. Whichever cruise you choose, you can be sure that your journey along the Nile will be unforgettable, filled with adventure, culture, and relaxation. 🌐 Visit us at www.etbtoursegypt.com 📲 Contact us now! +20 10 21100873 📧 For Booking and Inquiries: info@etbtours.com 🏢 Company Address: 4 El Lebeny Axis , Nazlet Al Batran , Al Haram, Giza , Egypt

@ 4506e04e:8c16ba04

This spec aims to build a client application that enables patients to securely store and access their medical data using the Nostr protocol while ensuring only authorized doctors can write medical records. All data is end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) before being stored on Nostr relays, preventing unauthorized access. Patients can grant or revoke doctors’ write permissions, and all medical updates are encrypted with the patient’s public key, ensuring only they can read them. An audit log keeps track of all doctors (identified by their npubs) who have accessed or modified the patient’s data. This solution provides privacy, security, and transparency while leveraging decentralized, zero-trust storage on Nostr. 🚀 --- ## **1️⃣ Core Architecture** ### **Client Application (Mobile - Patient)** - **Stores only encrypted medical data** (no write permissions). - Allows **temporary read access** to the patient. - Maintains an **audit log of npubs** (medical staff) who wrote/modified data. ### **Client Application (Mobile - Doctor)** - **Writes new medical records** and encrypts them with the patient’s **npub**. - Submits encrypted records to Nostr relays. - Can view past records that they (or other authorized doctors) have written. ### **Nostr Relays** - Store **only encrypted medical records** (relays cannot read them). - Act as a **communication layer** between doctors and the patient. --- ## **2️⃣ How It Works (End-to-End Workflow)** ### **👨‍⚕️ Writing/Updating Medical Data (Doctor)** 1. The doctor inputs new medical records into their mobile app. 2. The data is **encrypted using the patient’s npub** (so only the patient can read it). 3. The encrypted record is published to **Nostr relays**. 4. The patient’s app detects the update and decrypts the data locally for viewing. ### **👩‍⚕️ Managing Doctor Access (Patient)** 1. The patient manually **grants or revokes access** to doctors via their app. 2. If a doctor is **granted access**, they can write new records. 3. The patient **cannot modify or delete medical records**, only read them. ### **🔑 Secure Key Exchange for Read Access** 1. The doctor **encrypts records** with the patient’s **npub**. 2. The patient uses their **nsec** (private key) to decrypt and read the data. 3. Other unauthorized parties (including relays) **cannot decrypt the data**. ### **📜 Access Logging** - Every **write operation** (new or modified medical record) is **logged in the patient’s app**. - The log includes: - **npub of the doctor** who made the update. - **Timestamp of the update**. - **Hash of the encrypted record** for verification. --- ## **3️⃣ Security Measures** ✅ **Doctors Can Write, Patients Can Only Read** - Only **authorized doctors** can submit medical data. - Patients can only **view** (not modify) their records. ✅ **End-to-End Encryption** - Data is **encrypted before transmission**, ensuring no unauthorized access. ✅ **Zero-Trust Storage** - Nostr relays **store encrypted records** that are useless without the decryption key. ✅ **Audit Log for Transparency** - Patients can track **who wrote or modified** their records. ✅ **No Long-Term Access Without Authorization** - The patient can revoke a doctor’s **write permissions** anytime. --- ## **4️⃣ Technology Stack** - **Frontend (Mobile App)** - **Flutter (Dart)** or **React Native (JavaScript/TypeScript)** - Secure local storage for audit logs (**EncryptedSharedPreferences** on Android, **Keychain** on iOS) - **Cryptography** - **ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography)** for **key exchange** (Nostr encryption model) - **AES-256** for **encrypting medical records** (written by doctors) - **Networking & Storage** - **Nostr Protocol** (NIPs 04 for encrypted DMs, NIP 33 for event-based access control) - **Multi-Relay Storage** (for redundancy) --- ## **5️⃣ Potential Challenges & Solutions** ### **🔹 Patient Cannot Edit Records** - Patients might want to **annotate or request corrections** on their records. - Solution: Allow a **separate encrypted channel** for patient feedback. ### **🔹 Doctor Write Permissions Management** - A UI is needed for patients to **approve/revoke doctor access** easily. - Solution: Implement a **simple approval system** in the mobile app. ### **🔹 Relay Availability** - Solution: Store records **on multiple relays** for redundancy. --- This design ensures that **only authorized doctors can write data**, while **patients have full visibility and control over access**. 🚀 ***I'm looking for a co-founder to build this. I've got the experienced and cost-efficient team who can build this. DM me for details.***

@ 044da344:073a8a0e

Nachdem ich in diesem Jahr schon die [Schweiz](https://www.freie-medienakademie.de/medien-plus/die-afd-spricht-englisch) gewürdigt habe und den renitenten [Osten](https://www.freie-medienakademie.de/medien-plus/resonanz-aus-dem-osten), wird es Zeit, nach Österreich zu schauen. Wien, Hannes Hofbauer, Promedia. Für mich eine Dreifaltigkeit, seit ich im September 2021 bei der [Zukunftskonferenz](https://www.manova.news/artikel/weil-es-anders-geht) war. Auf den Straßen der Stadt lief mein altes Leben davon. Der Wien-Marathon, geplant eigentlich für April 2020 und für mich seinerzeit ein Fixpunkt im Kalender, weil ich glaubte, besser in Form zu sein als je zuvor. Den Startplatz hatte ich unter Protest zurückgegeben, nachdem die Organisatoren per Rundmail dazu aufriefen, sich doch bitte die Spritze zu holen. Die Zeit reiche sogar noch für zwei. Mitten im Training wohlgemerkt, wenn das Immunsystem ohnehin permanent im Keller ist und nicht mal eine Rotznase in der Nähe verkraftet. Für Rekorde war es an jenem Septembersonntag dann ohnehin viel zu heiß. Also zur Zukunftskonferenz, die es eigentlich gar nicht hätte geben dürfen. Jedenfalls für mich nicht. Kein Zertifikat, nirgends. Von jenseits der Grenze schien Wien damals eine uneinnehmbare Festung zu sein für alle, die ohne Maske einreiten wollen. Die Impfpflicht war zwar noch nicht beschlossen, aber die veröffentlichte Stimmung ließ kaum Zweifel, dass das kommen würde. In Wien, das habe ich damals gelernt, geht trotzdem immer was. Kein Hotel ohne Test? Dann wohnst Du eben privat, lieber Michael. Und wenn wir Hunger haben, finden wir immer einen Griechen oder jemanden vom Balkan.  Wien spielt auch im neuen Buch von Hannes Hofbauer eine Rolle. Eine kleine, okay, und beim Blick auf Cover und Titel auch nicht unbedingt zu erwarten. Russland heute, sagen alle optischen Signale. Wirtschaftskrieg, Sanktionen, ein neues Schloss aus Eisen. Hofbauer wäre aber nicht Hofbauer, wenn er es bei den letzten paar Jahren belassen würde. Wie schon in seinem Buch über [Zensur](https://medienblog.hypotheses.org/10635) taucht er in die Geschichte ein und kommt so über die Hanse und Maria Theresia, über den unseligen Gutsverwalter Charles Boykott und Woodrow Wilson zwangsläufig auch zur Embargopolitik des Westens im Kalten Krieg. COCOM. Eine dieser Abkürzungen, die auch ausgeschrieben nicht verraten, was wirklich dahintersteckt. „Koordinationsausschuss für Ost-West-Handel“, sagt Wikipedia. Der Zeitzeuge Michael Meyen erinnert sich an eine DDR-Jugend, in der er sehnsüchtig auf das Weihnachtspaket aus dem Westen wartete. Vielleicht gibt es ja diesmal Taschenrechner, Quarzuhr oder irgendetwas anderes von dem, was sonst nur im Intershop liegt. Wien, sagt Hannes Hofbauer, war ein „Hotspot“ des Ost-Schmuggels. Einer der Orte, über die das gehandelt wurde, was nicht auf den schwarzen COCOM-Listen stand und so eigentlich auch nicht in mein Kinderzimmer kommen konnte. Die Quellen dieses Hotspots: Familienbande, Tradition und eine Position zwischen den großen Mächten. Vermutlich ist es deshalb kein Zufall, dass ein Buch wie dieses aus Österreich kommt. Hannes Hofbauer muss nicht groß herausstreichen, dass er sich auskennt im Osten Europas. Seine Bücher sprechen so für sich, dass ein paar zarte Hinweise genügen. Frühjahr 1990, kurz nach der Eröffnung von McDonalds am Puschkin-Platz in Moskau. Eine lange Schlange, erinnert sich Hofbauer. „Den Geschmack des Westens“ probieren (S. 214). Heute sind die 825 Standorte verkauft. Der neue Betreiber hatte vorher Erfolg in Sibirien und sagt jetzt auf Russisch: „Wkusno i totschka“. Lecker und Punkt. Damit ist ein Teil der Geschichte schon erzählt. Die Russen haben reagiert und den „härtesten Wirtschaftskrieg, den der Westen seit 1945 führt“, ins Leere laufen lassen (S. 203). BRICS und der Trend weg vom Dollar, die Umstellung der Landwirtschaft, die Weizen-Rekordernte 2024 und die Obst-Importe aus der Türkei. „Das westliche Sanktionsregime hat die Welt verändert“, sagt Hannes Hofbauer – aber anders als gedacht (S. 221). Damit sind nicht nur die Verluste gemeint, für die hier McDonalds steht, oder der Push für die russische Wirtschaft, sondern auch der „schleichende Wandel von der russländischen zur russisch-nationalen Identität“. *Russki mir* heißt das Schlagwort, das auf Zusammenhalt zielt. Russische Welt, Rechtsruck und Kirchenmacht inklusive (S. 238). Zu Hofbauers Geschichte gehören aber auch, wie sollte es bei einem Historiker anders sein, die langen Linien, die Scharmützel mit dem Irak und Libyen, die die „Dollar-Zwangsjacke“ abstreifen wollten (S. 65), und der Rechtsbruch, der stets damit verbunden ist, irgendwelche „Bestimmungen“ gegen Länder durchzusetzen, die jemand mit Allmachtsphantasien gerade als „Bösewicht und Unruhestifter“ ausgemacht hat (S. 14). „Schießkrieg und Wirtschaftskrieg hängen eng zusammen“ (S. 17): Diese Formel hat Woodrow Wilson, seinerzeit US-Präsident, schon im September 1919 in das kollektive Weltgedächtnis geschrieben. Möge der Krieg auch barbarisch sein, so sei doch der Boykott „ein unendlich viel schrecklicheres Kriegsinstrument“ (S. 9). Das erklärt COCOM. Das erklärt „Amerikas Kampf gegen russische Energie für Europa“, den Hannes Hofbauer schon 1960 beginnen lässt (S. 53). Das erklärt auch das Kontaktschuld-Prinzip, das ich im Dezember 2019 live auf Kuba erleben durfte. Dunkle Städte beim Anflug, Warten an den Tankstellen und der Zweifel, ob es etwas werden würde mit einer Vortragstour so ganz ohne Benzin. Dann endlich ein Schiff am Horizont. Wer in Havanna anlegt, so habe ich gelernt, ist für US-Häfen tabu. Die Kubaner sind damals nicht verhungert, immerhin. Aber gut ging es ihnen trotzdem nicht. „Russland ruinieren“: Bei Hannes Hofbauer beginnt dieses Kapitel 2009 – mit dem Versuch, über die Idee „Östliche Partnerschaft“ sechs Staaten aus dem Dunstkreis Moskaus zu lösen (S. 81). Moldawien, Georgien, Armenien, die Ukraine, Belarus, Aserbaidschan. Wir wissen, wie das ausgegangen ist. Wir wissen auch, wie und warum die Spirale weitergedreht wurde. Geopolitischer Wahn, der Kampf um kulturelle Deutungshoheit, wunderbar nachzulesen im Promedia-Buch von [Hauke Ritz](https://www.freie-medienakademie.de/medien-plus/die-macht-der-ideen), dazu der „Kampf um das große Geschäft“ (S. 104) und natürlich um das große Geld, der hier und jetzt selbst russische Auslandsvermögen nicht zu verschonen scheint, obwohl doch Eigentum ein Fetisch ist, der nicht einmal Straftätern entzogen werden kann (S. 133). Hannes Hofbauer verlässt den Hochsitz des Chronisten hin und wieder, um auf Menschen zu schauen, die zu Kollateralschäden geworden sind. Jozef Hambálek, ein slowakischer Motorradfahrer, der seinen Ministerpräsidenten brauchte, um von der Sanktionsliste gestrichen zu werden. So-yoen Schröder-Kim, fristlos entlassen, weil sie am 9. Mai 2023 mit ihrem Mann, Ex-Bundeskanzler, in der russischen Botschaft war. Justus Frantz, einst Klassikstar und heute Persona non grata, weil er nicht von alten Freunden und großer Kunst lassen wollte. Hofbauer spricht von einem „Russland-Hass“, der bei den Volksvertretern der EU „paranoide Züge“ trage, und von einer „kolonialen Attitüde moralischer Überlegenheit“ (S. 127). Er zeigt die Folgen jenseits der Wirtschaft. Kultur, Olympia, Wissenschaft, private Reisen. Die Zensur natürlich – nötig allein schon deshalb, damit die „russische Erzählung“ unsichtbar wird (S. 160). Und er hat eine Anekdote, die exemplarisch zeigt, warum das alles so gekommen ist. Ort: Das *Heute-Journal* im ZDF 2014. Anwesende: Claus Kleber und Joe Kaeser, seinerzeit Siemens-Chef und gerade zufrieden zurück aus Russland, wo er Putin getroffen hatte und den Gazprom-Chef. Der Leser ahnt, was kommt. Ein Verhör. Was haben Sie sich dabei gedacht, Herr Kaeser? Hannes Hofbauer sagt, dass dem Wirtschaftsboss erst in diesem Moment klar geworden sei, worauf die deutsche Politik hinauslief, und er zu Kreuze gekrochen sei (S. 235). Der Rest ist Geschichte – für alle Zeiten festgehalten in diesem Buch. \ [Freie Akademie für Medien & Journalismus](https://www.freie-medienakademie.de/)

@ 89ccea93:df4e00b7

I've opened a ~monero territory. I kept wanting to post things about or tangential to monero and didn't know where to shove them. Obviously ~bitcoin isn't the right place. And ~cryptocurrency didn't feel right, since for me, as a bitcoiner, monero is in a unique position. It doesn't seem to fit under the larger basket of cryptocurrencies. Many of which are scams/self-enrichment schemes. Ahem, XRP. Or just poorly implemented and pre-mined. Ahem, ETH. I don't know a lot about monero actually, but I use it and like it and think it has a place in a bitcoiners arsenal in resisting government infringements and resisting pervasive privacy shit-holes like the chain anal companies. Even Coinbase has their own proprietary chain anal. It's disgusting. They don't want us to have privacy. And many people play right into their hands by handing over their ID card and picture of their face to get bitcoins when you can get it anonymously. But I digress. Use the territory, or don't. But if you do, then welcome. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/877547

@ e373ca41:b82abcc5

*This article by Milosz Matuschek first appeared in German in* ***["Freischwebende Intelligenz".](https://www.freischwebende-intelligenz.org/p/usaid-and-co-die-ersten-kopfe-der)*** *In my first multi-part Corona series,* *[The Corona Complex](https://www.freischwebende-intelligenz.org/p/coronakomplex?utm_source=publication-search), I focused on the early inconsistencies of the "pandemic." In The Corona Connection, I will explore the key players involved in this event over multiple installments.* *It’s not yet spring, but the bud of truth is already breaking through the icy layer of lies. You can cover the truth with as much PR, manipulation, and propaganda as you want—it will only turn into compost. Because truth is rooted in something; it’s a living organism, while lies are rotting waste. The coming weeks and months will be enlightening.* ### The USAID Front Organization The grand cleanup led by Musk & Trump is in full swing. In the U.S., the agency USAID is currently being dismantled amid protests from employees. [As of Friday, February 7, nearly all staff members have lost their jobs.](https://www.usaid.gov) What does this mean? *Der Spiegel* referred to USAID as a "development agency" and reported that a nervous Bill Gates now wants to [call Trump](https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/unternehmen/bill-gates-zu-stopp-der-us-auslandshilfen-donald-trump-hat-mir-seine-telefonnummer-gegeben-a-fafae10c-3163-43ea-96a4-f218050d658a) "to save lives." The *NZZ* euphemistically describes USAID as an "independent development aid agency." Seeing "AID" in the name, people think of humanitarian efforts—Bob Geldof, compassionate nuns, and "Bread for the World." In reality, USAID ("United States Agency for International Development" – claim: "From the American People") is far from just a food distribution service (although it does that too). Primarily, it serves as a [covert, rapid-response intelligence force for operations such as regime change, astroturfing, and targeted executions](https://foundationforfreedomonline.com/usaid-internal-documents-reveal-government-plot-to-promote-censorship-initiatives/)—expanding new business models for the U.S. empire. They are the enforcers who move in before "peace, democracy, and reconstruction" are declared. USAID was heavily involved in Ukraine, providing $5 billion in funding, as Robert Kennedy Jr. recently stated in an interview. The agency throws money around freely, financing both the GAVI vaccine alliance and the World Economic Forum—because, of course, these are the world's most "needy" causes. <https://x.com/ShadowofEzra/status/1886153128757629157> ### The PREDICT Program It gets even stranger. Under the so-called PREDICT program, significant funding was allocated to research coronaviruses in bats. This research was conducted in collaboration with the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) and included gain-of-function experiments. In 2017, the NIH lifted a previously imposed moratorium on funding such research, paving the way for its resumption and expansion, including international partnerships like the one with WIV. USAID spent about $200 million in taxpayer money on bat virus research, with approximately $50 million going directly to WIV. Despite being a publicly funded science program, PREDICT's administrators have largely refused to release sensitive details about its research. Peter Daszak, who received substantial funding ([now cut off](https://oversight.house.gov/release/breaking-hhs-formally-debars-ecohealth-alliance-dr-peter-daszak-after-covid-select-reveals-pandemic-era-wrongdoing/)), even ignored some subpoenas. Officials shared information with taxpayers only reluctantly and in minimal amounts. <https://x.com/KanekoaTheGreat/status/1886098345938284813> A 2023 investigation by the *[White Coat Waste Project](https://blog.whitecoatwaste.org/2023/06/15/covid-origin-wcw-investigation-proves-u-s-govt-funded-patient-zero/)*, following a public records request, revealed that U.S. taxpayer dollars—through the NIH and USAID—flowed to the Wuhan Institute of Virology. These funds supported gain-of-function experiments in which viruses were genetically modified to increase their transmissibility or virulence. The program ended in 2019. ### The Mystery of Ben Hu One of the most explosive revelations was the identification of Ben Hu, a lead researcher at WIV, as a potential "Patient Zero." Reports indicate that he developed COVID-like symptoms as early as November 2019—before the first officially recognized cases. Hu was deeply involved in the gain-of-function experiments funded by U.S. taxpayer money. Looking further back, the picture becomes clearer. As early as 2012, USAID funds were used to capture bats in caves, including those in Mojiang, where [several miners died from a deadly respiratory illness](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33194988/). The infection was reportedly caused by bat droppings. <https://x.com/TheSeeker268/status/1886469590701760960> Too many coincidences are piling up: The virus strain from back then, RaTG13, has striking similarities to SARS-CoV-2. Fauci’s pardon dates back to as early as 2014. A significant portion of funding from both Fauci and USAID went to Peter Daszak’s EcoHealth Alliance. Daszak in 2016 gave surprisingly candid responses regarding gain-of-function research. <https://x.com/mazemoore/status/1883378918687719725> The director of the CDC, Robert Redfield, had already pointed out in previous hearings that [U.S. public funds were used for research in Wuhan.](https://x.com/KanekoaTheGreat/status/1886126884108554352) So, to summarize here quickly, adding a question: * A CIA front organization was catching sick bats in a previous outbreak zone of deadly respiratory diseases in China (e.g., Mojiang caves) in 2012. * It funded tens of millions of dollars' worth of research to enhance the pathogenicity of coronaviruses in Wuhan. * It transferred money to Chinese military-medical institutions. * Wuhan researcher Ben Hu fell mysteriously ill and became Patient Zero. So here’s the question: Isn't a natural origin of the virus the most obvious explanation in the world? *** ADVERTISEMENT: *Looking for the easiest way to buy Bitcoin and store it yourself? 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The **[Trezor wallets](https://trezor.io/trezor-safe-5-bitcoin-only?transaction_id=102e192a206d1585e56a2fddef6d83\&offer_id=238\&affiliate_id=35234)** are recommended and easy to use, others are available in the **[store](https://trezor.io/?transaction_id=102bc85bdca2733287749c7f879ebd\&offer_id=133\&affiliate_id=35234)**. Need more advice? Book an **[introductory meeting](https://trezor.io/trezor-expert-session?transaction_id=1020e18dad0aa4b1186289fd22e90f\&offer_id=241\&affiliate_id=35234)** with a wallet expert.* *** #### Who still believes in a natural origin of COVID-19? The official narrative worldwide is that the virus originated naturally—perhaps from someone consuming or handling a bat at a wet market near WIV. Yet, neither the sick animal nor the first human case of "natural transmission" has ever been identified. At the same time, intelligence-backed "nudging" units worked preemptively to discredit vaccine skeptics and bolster "Trusted News Initiatives" and fact-checking programs. [Even the CIA director has now suggested that COVID may have originated in a lab.](https://apnews.com/article/covid-cia-trump-china-pandemic-lab-leak-9ab7e84c626fed68ca13c8d2e453dde1) And he likely knows exactly why. One thing is certain: The theory of natural zoonotic transmission in COVID-19 has been obliterated. It was the PR stunt of the century. A joint effort by the CIA and China—who else could pull off such a grand deception? These revelations are making the players behind the "Corona Connection" increasingly visible: a network of CIA-China partnerships, NGOs, the media apparatus, corrupt politicians, and willing, unscrupulous, or even outright sociopathic scientists.  As these connections come to light over the next months and years, the consequences for those involved—and for society at large—will be immense. We are approaching a moment of societal reckoning. A house of cards can only stand for so long before it collapses. In Germany, Christian Drosten was one of the most aggressive proponents of the "conspiracy theory" label, frequently using it to discredit critics. As one of the main gatekeepers of the COVID narrative, he played a key role in shaping the scientific community’s response. His most steadfast domestic opponent was Hamburg physicist Roland Wiesendanger. [Drosten was one of the most outspoken propagandists of the zoonosis theory—while simultaneously working as its chief cover-up artist and deflector. He often portrayed himself as the misunderstood victim.](https://www.freischwebende-intelligenz.org/p/wanted-drosten-luege?utm_source=publication-search) This is what happens when the desire for recognition and power overshadows any sense of medical ethics. Now, serious questions arise about his role: What did he know about the research in Wuhan? Was he aware of USAID’s funding? Given that Charité (his institution) received grants from Bill Gates and that his PCR test was immediately declared the global gold standard, it seems unlikely that he knew nothing. This demands an investigative committee and legal proceedings. In the coming weeks and months, many more connections will be uncovered, fully exposing the "Corona Connection." The era of silence is over. And so is the era of immunity. *** This article was written with the **[Pareto-client](https://pareto.space/read?category=global)** on Nostr. Check it out! ***Join the marketplace of ideas!** We are building a publishing ecosystem on Nostr for citizen-journalism, starting with a client for blogging and newsletter distribution. Sound money and sound information should finally be in the hands of the people, right? Want to learn more about the [Pareto Project](https://pareto.space/en)? Zap me, if you want to contribute (all Zaps go to the project).*  *Are you a publication or journalist and want to be part of it, test us, migrate your content to Nostr? Write to **<team@pareto.space>*** **Not yet on** **[Nostr](https://nostr.com/)** **and want the full experience?** Easy onboarding via **[Nosta.me.](https://nosta.me/create/welcome)** 

@ 89ccea93:df4e00b7

 <https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shill> I question the intellectual honesty of someone using the word "shill" to describe a Monero user. I used to hang out in DeFi circles and we had a robust understanding of the word shill. Basically it was someone financially motivated to get you do do a certain behavior. `Use platform X, buy token Y etc and get some benefit.` When in reality, they wanted you to pump the liquidity so they could dump on you. I don't see the same thing being true for Monero users. A Monero user is someone who wants one thing. Privacy. That's literally it. A Monero user doesn't want to get rich. Using Monero usually means they're taking a financial hit as Bitcoin is a better SoV. There is literally no financial gain to the Monero user if someone else uses it. It shouldn't really be debatable then that for the purpose above, privacy, Monero surpasses Bitcoin. But! Lightning!! To which I reply, so what? Lightning is okay, but it's not a panacea. It's UX is clunky at best. And perfect privacy is not a default. Many Lightning users are trusting their privacy and IP to a third party when they use it custodially. But a one-to-one comparision of Monero privacy to Lightning privacy is effectively impossible because of how many different ways there are to interact with and use Lightning. Monero privacy is extremely quantifiable. Lightning privacy is a bit more ethereal. And this post isn't the place to go into that. I just made a sister post in the ~privacy territory. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/877476

@ 75869cfa:76819987

**GM, Nostriches!** The Nostr Review is a biweekly newsletter focused on Nostr statistics, protocol updates, exciting programs, the long-form content ecosystem, and key events happening in the Nostr-verse. If you’re interested, join me in covering updates from the Nostr ecosystem! **Quick review:** In the past two weeks, Nostr statistics indicate over 245,000 daily trusted pubkey events.The number of new users has seen a significant increase. Profiles with contact list amount is reflecting a nearly 40% growth. Pubkeys writing events and profiles with a bio have both increased by over 20%.More than 10 million events have been published, posts and reposts are representing a significant decrease. Total Zap activity stands at approximately 20 million, marking a 200% increase. Additionally, 26 pull requests were submitted to the Nostr protocol, with 6 merged. A total of 45 Nostr projects were tracked, with 10 releasing product updates, and over 400 long-form articles were published, 32% focusing on Bitcoin and Nostr. During this period, 6 notable events took place, and 1 significant event is upcoming. **Nostr Statistics** --- Based on user activity, the total daily trusted pubkeys writing events is about 245,000, representing a slight 4.7% increase compared to the previous period. Daily activity peaked at 20932 events, with a low of approximately 16682. The number of new users has seen a significant increase. Profiles with a contact list amount to approximately 16,000, reflecting a nearly 40% growth compared to the previous period. Pubkeys writing events and profiles with a bio have both increased by over 20%. Regarding event publishing, the total number of note events published is about 10 million. Posts remain the most dominant in terms of volume, totaling approximately 1.3 million, reflecting a notable decrease of 34%. Reposts are showing an decrease of approximately 43%, while reactions have experienced a slight 25% decline. For zap activity, the total zap amount is about 20 million, showing a significant increase of over 200% compared to the previous period. In terms of relay usage, the top five relays by user count are: wss://bostr.bitcointxoko.com/, wss://n.posto.us.kg/, wss://relay.nostr.band/, wss://bostr.lightningspore.com/, wss://freespeech.casa/ Data source: https://stats.nostr.band/ **NIPs** --- **[New NIP: Nostr BLE Signing Device Protocol](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/pull/1706)** nostr:npub1794vv7hl7y6q2qw0y7m7h60rpphmvt5h7pzt5sr78z6assj6w0eqagwjhd is proposing that This PR is to introduce support for signing and encryption/decryption on hardware based Nostr Signing Devices over BLE. **[A4 Citations and references to internal and external sources](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/pull/1708)** nostr:npub1l5sga6xg72phsz5422ykujprejwud075ggrr3z2hwyrfgr7eylqstegx9z defines how Nostr references should work and events for documenting sources material, within and without of Nostr.For clarification, the “quote” mentioned in the NIP are not Nostr-style quotes or highlights, but rather in-line insertions of material, within a research paper or other academic work.The most obvious implementation of ex-event citations is in NIP-62 Curated Publications, such as research papers.Then you could create one citation and link it inline or as a footnote, in shortened form, and have it appear in full-format in at the end of the publication and have it displayed in full-format on hover, and clicking on it, in the main text, would take you to the endnote-style entry at the end. And from there, you could search Nostr (and/or the Internet) for other papers with a similar or related citation. **[NIP-A2: Account delegation via kind-0](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/pull/1709)** [reis](https://github.com/1l0) defines how to use kind-0 for account delegation. The clients responsible for account management create and post the delegator kind-0 event. A user can utilize the delegatee account listed in their own delegator event. If a user creates a delegatee kind-0 event and it is valid, it is considered to represent the same identity with a different key pair. **[NIP-B1](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/pull/1710)** nostr:npub1gcxzte5zlkncx26j68ez60fzkvtkm9e0vrwdcvsjakxf9mu9qewqlfnj5z defines defines kind:25 as a simple plaintext note that is limited to 210 visible characters.The .content property contains some human-readable text. Clients MUST force outgoing .content to be less or equal to 210 characters and crop all incoming events to the same amount. Relays MUST also not accept content with over 210 chars, considering the rules below.Markup languages such as markdown MUST NOT be used. Replies to kind:25 MUST use NIP-22 comments while applying the same content rules as defined here. Reactions MUST use NIP-25 with a k tag to 25. Clients MUST only download and display reactions that include the k tag in notifications. Zap Events MUST also include the k tag of the source event. Clients MUST only render zaps that include the k tag in notifications. **[Add NIP-4A Event Onion Routing](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/pull/1713)** nostr:npub1jy2pa43vcr3jkwny2f9edsx0cdavzkcwqcla4qqyf03y66nxlgrq3m9p6d is proposing that onion routing is a key missing piece to client privacy and would be extremely valuable in high value, low bandwidth use cases like bitcoin transaction collaboration.he restarts onion routing discussion here with a bare bones proposal which attempts to grab the best parts from the ones above, plus use the most modern practices (e.g. NIP-44).Added a regular event kind since it allows a sender to disrupt time-based deanonymization.NIP-89 could maybe still be used as a way for peers to recommend a router, it feels like an abuse to finagle onion routing specifics into NIP-89 events. Added a replaceable announcement event. **[Propose NIP for bounties backed by zap-native, trusted escrow agents](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/pull/1714)** nostr:npub19ma2w9dmk3kat0nt0k5dwuqzvmg3va9ezwup0zkakhpwv0vcwvcsg8axkl is proposing that a new set of Kinds for supporting bounties backed by trusted escrow agents over Nostr and Lightning. He has referred to it as NIP-3400 because I'm not sure how to propose new NIPs.This NIP defines event kinds and structure for facilitating Lightning Network escrow services and bounties on Nostr. It enables escrow agents to register their services and users to create, accept, and resolve bounty tasks using Lightning Network payments through Nostr zaps. **[NIP-29 unleashed](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/pull/1716)** nostr:npub177sl65jrhf5v4gyku64t40scgnul5c4hjc2mfhfun7gpu5nm32rsn6rnds is proposing that removes all the RPC stuff from NIP-29, instead admins publish group state and, fi the relay accepts it, ti resigns the same payload with it. This also opens the door for arbitrary group states which will make NIP-29 more usable. **[NIP-800: Define BDD Payload Execution Protocol (because 800 and BDD are a match made in alphanumeric heaven)](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/pull/1717)** [asyncmind0](https://github.com/asyncmind0) is proposing that while breaking convention by jumping to NIP-800, the alphanumeric and visual similarity between "800" and "BDD" is too perfect to ignore. This synchronicity aligns with the purpose of the protocol, making it instantly memorable and symbolically representative of the structured nature of BDD itself. Some conventions are worth bending for elegance. **[NIP-101 - Decentralized Trust System for Nostr](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/pull/1718)** [papiche](https://github.com/papiche) is proposing that designed to improve content filtering and moderation on the Nostr network through a decentralized and user-driven trust model.The key highlights of this proposal include: New Event Kind (Kind 33): Allows users to rate others with trust scores ranging from -100 to 100, enabling dynamic trust-based filtering. Client-Side Trust Calculations: Uses direct and indirect trust ratings to calculate trust scores, mimicking real-world relationships. Configurable Feed Filtering: Users can set trust thresholds to hide or display content based on their preferences. Transparency and Decentralization: Ratings are public, verifiable, and entirely user-controlled, avoiding reliance on central authorities. **[Re-write NIP 89 to accommodate relays/dvms](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/pull/1728)** [Staab](https://github.com/staab) added a new kind for DVMs for a few reasons. The first reason is DVMs aren't really clients in the same way as software with a UI is. It would be valid for a client to specialize in generating kind 5300 requests and displaying kind 6300 events. If such a listing existed, there would be ambiguity about what was a DVM and what was a client, since "handling" here is overloaded. The second reason is Implicit in the current (31990) spec is that DVMs need to publish a kind 10002 list of relays. But since multiple app handlers may be published by the same pubkey (which might belong to a normal user), we've now overloaded the kind 10002 relays to be both for personal use and service fulfillment.and he added a new kind for relays because there has been some talk recently about addressing relays by pubkey rather than by url, since there may be multiple ways of addressing a single relay (clear net, onion, etc). A "relay handler" listing would be a first step toward enabling this. **Notable Projects** --- **[Flotilla](https://yakihonne.com/notes/nevent1qqsfcp84wjwske0x22vh0qu6mkteparl4dt43d6tsktnudwz2euy9kczyztuwzjyxe4x2dwpgken87tna2rdlhpd02va5cvvgrrywpddnr3jyqcyqqqqqqgh4yn5g)** nostr:npub1jlrs53pkdfjnts29kveljul2sm0actt6n8dxrrzqcersttvcuv3qdjynqn new Flotilla released to web, zapstore, and Google Play * Improve room and data loading * Use @welshman/editor * Drop support for legacy event kinds * Add support for back button navigation on android * Remove note to self page (still available via chat) * Improve chat conversation search * Change how reply UI works **[Damus 1.12](https://yakihonne.com/article/naddr1qqjrjvtxvc6nwcee95unvv3e956rsef495unxep495ekzv3exa3kycnpx56nvq3q8m76awca3y37hkvuneavuw6pjj4525fw90necxmadrvjg0sdy6qsxpqqqp65w2r5vyn)** nostr:npub18m76awca3y37hkvuneavuw6pjj4525fw90necxmadrvjg0sdy6qsngq955 * Render Gif and video files while composing posts * Add profile info text in stretchable banner with follow button * Paste Gif image similar to jpeg and png files * Improved UX around the label for searching words * Improved accessibility support on some elements * Fixed issue where the "next" button would appear hidden and hard to click on the create account view * Fix non scrollable wallet screen * Fixed suggested users category titles to be localizable * Fixed more issues **[Yakihonne](https://yakihonne.com/notes/nevent1qqs2nrvrhypwvqdmjd9aq7z3y2mcg2yjp8ztvzvflchdl969pxsqacszyqsfsmac8em4m9k33r99e803pnndvylqadl9w69q7zcjkd7d4ssmxqcyqqqqqqgg6vglk)** nostr:npub1yzvxlwp7wawed5vgefwfmugvumtp8c8t0etk3g8sky4n0ndvyxesnxrf8q **Web v4.3.0:** * Yakihonne wallet name customization for newly created wallets. * Option to toggle between collapsed or expanded notes in the feed for a personalized experience. * Notification preferences can now be managed directly from the settings page. * Quick access to your profile with the newly added profile button. * Native poll rendering and voting functionality within notes. * Bug fixes and performance optimizations for improved reliability. **Mobile v1.6.4:** * Yakihonne wallet name customization for newly created wallets. * Option to toggle between collapsed or expanded notes in the feed for a personalized experience. * Notification can now be customized and managed. * Notification content is now rendered. * Zap polls are now rendered inside notes. * Private messages are optimized and enhanced. * Urls are now previewed in a clean way inside notes. * Variety of bugs have been fixed. **[Olas](https://yakihonne.com/notes/nevent1qqspwvafemvmthp2f6qh67h3zt0xftvwzfsrx626rn3fmx8lph83stczyrafsj7hmweg9ur7zmn6apajdg48hxuskujx53rhrux0ttjcqx84yqcyqqqqqqg4smsd0)** nostr:npub1l2vyh47mk2p0qlsku7hg0vn29faehy9hy34ygaclpn66ukqp3afqutajft New release of Olas, the instagram-like client, is now out! Both on iOS and Android. * Multiple images per post 📸 * Pause videos when switching away from the video feed * Instagram-like filters! 🎨 * Nostr-native wallet improvements * NWC reliability improvements * Notification fixes * Fix loading reactions and comments * Small onboarding improvements * Tons of under-the-hood optimizations * Setting to toggle between displaying posts squared or full-length. **[Fountain 1.1.14](https://yakihonne.com/notes/nevent1qqsd9q6rc6wtql3l0rzpvg95sqxnyav99u65l3an676sxfq7amdgrjqzypjn3yj7h7mxraqcmrraqa97ut52l4mcwqwa3yrsctdfxm2hre2uxqcyqqqqqqgpj28fp)** nostr:npub1v5ufyh4lkeslgxxcclg8f0hzazhaw7rsrhvfquxzm2fk64c72hps45n0v5 * Nostr connect improvements * Fixed bug where playback position was not being saved correctly * Fixed bug where downloads were being automatically deleted * Fixed bug where OPML import was failing on iOS 18 * Fixed bug where playlist items did not display the correct state * Fixed bug where items disappeared from the user library when editing a playlist * Fixed bug where player was being minimised when scrolling show notes * Fixed deposit flow when entering via menu * Fixed transcript page navigation and transcript errors on player * Fixed crash when logging out * Added ability to switch between NIP55 and nsec * Added the ability to seek while paused **[DEG mods](https://yakihonne.com/notes/nevent1qqs0zr98qkvqjm5sx3q9ec0staskachvfcw7r3eaewvxxxuaszd87hgzyr6t78a4h297sw0hp3enzue7xz0hszpzkvglv0spl8wg4wa59rud2qcyqqqqqqgp6qw7r)** nostr:npub17jl3ldd6305rnacvwvchx03snauqsg4nz8mruq0emj9thdpglr2sst825x * Advanced commenting system * Tipping popup design change for better clarity of the tip-split process * User WoT and its filter now behave correctly * Zap/Tipping now works again * The "Above 18?" popup now triggers on the direct link of an NSFW post * Games that weren't there before, for mods in '(Unlisted Game)', are now available. * Games DB list clean-up and additions **[Amber 3.2.1](https://yakihonne.com/article/naddr1qqgxzv3exuurxwf4vgunvvnyxpjrwq3qam3ermkr250dywukzqnaug64cred3x5jht6f3kdhfp3h0rgtjlpqxpqqqp65w3yctdt)** nostr:npub1am3ermkr250dywukzqnaug64cred3x5jht6f3kdhfp3h0rgtjlpqecxrv7 * Add some details when signing a contact list * Refactor check for logged in account * After granting notification permissions show the notification **[Futr v0.2.1](https://yakihonne.com/notes/nevent1qqs878c8cfc028qtnmxtmxq8hx7kkx4gedvdagghrs85x7llenxquxszyqace9awj2r0qyjncnug6sk3d6zcclyj2yat7tecy5d07uf4zj7wvqcyqqqqqqghxapdy)** nostr:npub18wxf0t5jsmcpy57ylzx595twskx8eyj382lj7wp9rtlhzdg5hnnqvt4xra - Enhanced contact filtering with support for all name fields (petname, display name, username) - Improved contact list layout and fixed visual glitches when filtering - Optimized memory usage by implementing Loader components - Adjusted follow list item height for better screen space utilization - Fixed overlapping contacts when filtering the list - Resolved undefined data access issues in the UI - Improved profile updates to properly refresh the follows list - Reduced debug logging noise across the application - Removed unnecessary ListView caching for better performance **[ZEUS v0.9.5](https://yakihonne.com/notes/nevent1qqswapu62mseqnjrgar8h4w3c4mwsxwgmgxpktun7m0m4mnh0r4gdwgzyq6d9af8fuv43lxjevjx8k474h0c5g0cft8yysw63zqz80c9ejqf2qcyqqqqqqgvz03vn)** nostr:npub10r8xl2njyepcw2zwv3a6dyufj4e4ajx86hz6v4ehu4gnpupxxp7stjt2p8 * Embedded LND: Seed: allow export of HD seed (export to external wallets like Sparrow) * CLNRest: add ability to use all funds for channel open * Activity list: performance improvements * Improve display of memos + keysend messages * Automatically include routing hints if node has only unannounced channels * Wallets list: better highlighting of active mode * Enhanced on-chain receive workflow and address type selection **[Citrine 0.7.1](https://yakihonne.com/article/naddr1qqgrjcfcxvekxcmrx9jnwvpcxyenqq3qhqlxlq57nvlq70ugmsmu9y5lmyc5k2lh5w7y85j7dgsr5u7zwavqxpqqqp65wz5p589)** nostr:npub1hqlxlq57nvlq70ugmsmu9y5lmyc5k2lh5w7y85j7dgsr5u7zwavq5agspw * Add the restore follows button back * Show notification when backing up database * Listen for pokey broadcasts **Long-Form Content Eco** --- In the past two weeks, more than 400 long-form articles have been published, including over 84 articles on Bitcoin and more than 42 related to Nostr, accounting for 32% of the total content. These articles about Nostr mainly explore the concept and development of the decentralized social media protocol, its potential to disrupt traditional platforms, and how it empowers users with more control over their data and online identities. Topics like key recovery, wallet integration, and customization underscore Nostr's focus on user autonomy and digital freedom. The articles also highlight the platform's growth, its adaptability to various use cases (such as for Bitcoin integration), and the importance of open-source contributions. Nostr's ability to address issues like deplatforming, privacy, and censorship resistance is discussed alongside practical guides for users, developers, and businesses looking to leverage the protocol. Through tutorials, reviews, and discussions on philosophical aspects, these writings present Nostr as an evolving ecosystem with the potential to reshape social media and digital communication for the better. The Bitcoin articles discuss various aspects of Bitcoin’s impact on both the financial and technological landscapes, exploring its role in decentralization, economic freedom, and global systems. They delve into the philosophical underpinnings of Bitcoin, including the challenges and opportunities posed by institutional custody, Bitcoin maximalism, and the clash with fiat systems. Topics such as the rise of Bitcoin mining, its implications for national security, and the transformative potential of the Lightning Network are explored. Several articles also highlight Bitcoin’s ability to empower individuals, offering financial sovereignty and addressing issues like mental health, economic growth, and cross-border transactions. The articles emphasize the importance of patience, understanding, and innovation in Bitcoin’s growth, underscoring its potential to reshape traditional systems, overcome centralized power, and provide alternatives in the face of global economic instability. Furthermore, the discussions extend to Bitcoin’s integration in various sectors, including education, business, and the technical community, while also evaluating its long-term viability and role in the future of finance. Thankyou, nostr:npub18ams6ewn5aj2n3wt2qawzglx9mr4nzksxhvrdc4gzrecw7n5tvjqctp424 nostr:npub1da7m2ksdj24995hm8afv88pjpvzt6t9vh70mg8t52yjwtxza3vjszyar58 nostr:npub12zqf55l7l9vsg5f6ssx5pq4f9dzu6hcmnepkm8ftj25fecy379jqkq99h8 nostr:npub1g8ag22auywa5c5de6w9ujenpyhrrp9qq8sjzram02xldttmmwurqfd0hqk nostr:npub1elchyrnhhvrg7r4m6wyae4ggytw34jxj4s9s7hcgqzhfu9w8u2eq9s58z4 nostr:npub12zqf55l7l9vsg5f6ssx5pq4f9dzu6hcmnepkm8ftj25fecy379jqkq99h8 nostr:npub1mgvwnpsqgrem7jfcwm7pdvdfz2h95mm04r23t8pau2uzxwsdnpgs0gpdjc nostr:npub17xvf49kht23cddxgw92rvfktkd3vqvjgkgsdexh9847wl0927tqsrhc9as nostr:npub1a3pvwe2p3v7mnjz6hle63r628wl9w567aw7u23fzqs062v5vqcqqu3sgh3 nostr:npub1jlrs53pkdfjnts29kveljul2sm0actt6n8dxrrzqcersttvcuv3qdjynqn and others, for your work. Enriching Nostr’s long-form content ecosystem is crucial. **Nostriches Global Meet Ups** --- Recently, several Nostr events have been hosted in different countries. * **[The YakiHonne Meetup](https://yakihonne.com/article/naddr1qq2kse6ydpgxwu6424kkkntwg4ez6umvtax4qq3ql4uvxlcncw5at08gphpj0r2jnw5s3eg3n6g0jyceqhz6tg8vpqesxpqqqp65wm9gwzd)** took place on January 31 in Barnawa, bringing together an enthusiastic audience to explore the future of decentralized social media. The event featured an introduction to Nostr and YakiHonne’s core principles, sparking engaging discussions about decentralization. The meetup concluded with networking, refreshments, and a photo session, with many staying behind to continue the conversation. * **[The YakiHonne Community Weekly Call](https://yakihonne.com/notes/nevent1qqsp6twvtnc80uhvss50n9fkj4a2f2hedwy5hrfy7djersqpneclltgzyqsfsmac8em4m9k33r99e803pnndvylqadl9w69q7zcjkd7d4ssmxqcyqqqqqqg0lcj2g)** took place on Sunday, January 26th, 2025. The session featured engaging discussions, an interactive Q&A segment, and a lucky draw with a top prize of 2,100 sats. **[The Austin Bitcoin Design Club event](https://)** was held on January 30, 2025, at Bitcoin Commons. The event aimed to enhance Bitcoin design through education, participation, and a positive atmosphere, encouraging attendees to bring laptops for design critiques. The event was hosted by nostr:npub1p4kg8zxukpym3h20erfa3samj00rm2gt4q5wfuyu3tg0x3jg3gesvncxf8 * **[The Bitcoin City Team Hackathon](https://x.com/bitcoinindo21/status/1867339698282140063)** took place online via Discord from January 10 to January 31, 2025. Participants collaborated to build a fun, interactive visualization of live Bitcoin and Lightning transactions, helping people worldwide learn about Bitcoin. The event featured a 10,000,000 IDR prize, sponsored by Blink and Bitcoin Indonesia. * **[The Bitcoin Circular Economy Summit](https://x.com/BitcoinEkasi/status/1869794679497338916)** took place from January 27-29, 2025, in El Zonte, El Salvador. This exclusive, invitation-only event brought together 15+ global Bitcoin circular economy communities, focusing on leadership training, Bitcoin education, and community networking. The summit aimed to foster global Bitcoin adoption and economic development. Additionally, it happened right before the PlanB Forum on January 30-31, offering attendees more opportunities for engagement and collaboration. * **[The Adopting Bitcoin Cape Town 2025 conference](https://x.com/AdoptingBTCcpt/status/1800605346576425407)** took place on January 24-25, 2025, at Workshop17 in Cape Town's Waterfront. The event focused on how Bitcoin can reshape the financial system and revitalize communities against the backdrop of South Africa's ongoing decline in governance and infrastructure. It featured dozens of prominent figures from the Bitcoin ecosystem, including nostr:npub1dnzzyhmewrzkh862z7z2shwmhh5htx0rvkagepj2fkgst9ptwg3qj4x52h nostr:npub1k5f85zx0xdskyayqpfpc0zq6n7vwqjuuxugkayk72fgynp34cs3qfcvqg2 nostr:npub1empusn0uefqn5ymjj8f9xleaajufpxyjhu0d97yedjppdf2xw4uq6nr7fl nostr:npub16v6zr28ae067lmjf9vfnk2ckawjdclnna4frqfzy2yavz6htg6nqyq8jef nostr:npub1cn670f663n3ks02jnnlsvd5y88zjnefy8343ykaxs7y3nzzketrsrjwt8a nostr:npub1ykgzky9fffy5hgl76jfay9ywy5y9j3hmzljxau9sq2z2unmsxn2qpgxf8j nostr:npub1tand04svfdhrt7lhg6687fh0y2xvxfpr9nkkj27rqfrxfpeklldsp48sax nostr:npub1upalcp82slrj4yv9kzy37p2nv8nyjte9n7qjga5r6myuev4k28ks8zx054 nostr:npub1nd30hjn52q6p8mkjme5309wgpy5jm2pfrza54wh8h03nxw0kh7mqg8kjj7 and others, who discussed Bitcoin's practical applications and its impact on financial infrastructure. Here are the upcoming Nostr events that you might want to check out. **[The Asia Bitcoin Tech Unconference](http://satsnfacts.btc.pub)** is set to take place from February 8 to 10, 2025, in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Organized as a workshop-style event, it will feature a diverse lineup of speakers, including nostr:npub1zk6u7mxlflguqteghn8q7xtu47hyerruv6379c36l8lxzzr4x90q0gl6ef nostr:npub1htnhsay5dmq3r72tukdw72pduzfdcja0yylcajuvnc2uklkhxp8qnz3qac nostr:npub1ejxswthae3nkljavznmv66p9ahp4wmj4adux525htmsrff4qym9sz2t3tv nostr:npub147whqsr5vsj86x0ays70r0hgreklre3ey97uvcmxhum65skst56s30selt ，and others. The conference will focus on key topics such as scalability, mining, payments, and infrastructure, while also encouraging participants to share unfinished projects or technical challenges. Through hackathons and hands-on discussions, the event aims to foster collaboration and innovation. Highlights include technical talks, pitch competitions, Bitcoin product showcases, and creative and wellness activities such as Thai massages, ice baths, and arts and crafts workshops. Additionally, We warmly invite event organizers who have held recent activities to reach out to us so we can work together to promote the prosperity and development of the Nostr ecosystem. Thanks for reading! If there’s anything I missed, feel free to reach out and help improve the completeness and accuracy of my coverage.

@ 57d1a264:69f1fee1

# How does bitcoin's lack of central brand authority influence its visual identity, and what implications does this have for designers? originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/877437

@ 57d1a264:69f1fee1

# Looking at bitcoin's layered architecture (base layer and Lightning Network), can you explain why this approach was necessary? What are the trade-offs between transacting on each layer? originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/877429