@ 7d33ba57:1b82db35

<video src="https://yakihonne.s3.ap-east-1.amazonaws.com/7d33ba57d8a6e8869a1f1d5215254597594ac0dbfeb01b690def8c461b82db35/files/1740572534106-YAKIHONNES3.MOV" controls></video> Shooting a great time-lapse on your phone takes some planning and the right settings. Here are some tips to get the best results: **Plan Your Shot** • Choose a subject with motion (clouds, traffic, sunrises, people walking, etc.). • Keep your phone stable use a tripod or secure it on a steady surface. • Consider the duration longer recordings result in smoother time-lapses. **Adjust Camera Settings** • Use your phone’s built in time-lapse mode (found in the camera app). • If your phone doesn’t have it, use apps like Lapse It, Hyperlapse, Skyflow (iOS), or Framelapse (Android) for more control. • Adjust the interval speed: • 1-3 seconds per frame for fast moving subjects (cars, people). • 5-10 seconds per frame for slower motion (sunsets, clouds). <video src="https://yakihonne.s3.ap-east-1.amazonaws.com/7d33ba57d8a6e8869a1f1d5215254597594ac0dbfeb01b690def8c461b82db35/files/1740572680790-YAKIHONNES3.mov" controls></video> **Lighting & Exposure** • Shoot in consistent lighting (avoid flickering artificial lights). • Use manual exposure & focus lock to prevent brightness shifts. • Golden hour (sunrise/sunset) often gives the best visual effect. **Battery & Storage** • Charge your phone fully (time-lapses take a lot of power). • Free up storage space before shooting. • If shooting for hours, use a power bank. <video src="https://yakihonne.s3.ap-east-1.amazonaws.com/7d33ba57d8a6e8869a1f1d5215254597594ac0dbfeb01b690def8c461b82db35/files/1740572739169-YAKIHONNES3.mov" controls></video> **Post-Production** • Edit in apps like Adobe Premiere Rush, iMovie, or CapCut to adjust speed, colors, and stability. • Add music or motion effects for a more dynamic result.

@ 1f3ce62e:6e6b5d83

**🌱 Have your ever thought about the impact over people you might have as a leader?\ 🌱 Have you ever thought about your impact over your others as a team member?** \ Everyone in a team makes decisions and that impacts the rest of the members in one way or another. If you are not in a leadership position, I would like to invite you to identify those decisions you make that impact your team. If you are a leader, it might be easier for you. \ Seeing how our decisions have an impact over others, requires to put ourselves on someone else shoes first. Empathy is a human quality underrated these days. That is why I don'92t think it is a matter of being a leader or not. Any role at the workplace requires empathy, not because of the role, but because we are humans. \ I like to use empathy as a way of introducing a concept that I will described in the next chapter, **the whole self.** \ When we connect with empathy, we start exploring what we called **#emotionalIntelligence**. This type of intelligence is something unique, that only humans can develop over any machine. Our emotions and the intelligence emerging from them are a human super power, and we haven't explored as its full potential yet. \ As changes emerge everyday, as machines expand their role in society, we are all invited to explore those human capabilities that make us unique. Capabilities that we haven't explored deeply yet. Emotional intelligence is one of them. \ Expressing emotions or using them as an intelligence aspect is not common at work. Most of our roles are purely rational, logic and sequential. Facts and numbers don't give a room for emotional intelligence. While in my view, they can work together. \ **We usually use numbers and facts to make decisions, and use the same rational intelligence to execute them 🤔** \ Let's use an example. Your client is arguing with you about how the cost of the project got over the planned numbers. He is very anger and eventually that emotion triggers in you the same emotion, because you have been working so many hours on this project, just to get the client focused only on what is not working instead of what it is. \ **Emotions without emotional intelligence are contagious**. You can imagine how an argue like this can end. Everyone gets more frustrated than when started. Nothing got really solved in a conversation like this. **\ This frustration and anger goes with you and your client to your homes and families get impacted with it**. Kids slept badly and had a bad day at school. They might misbehaved at school and another kid might be impacted from it. The other kid's mom gets worried about your kid and her kid interaction that day and she brings that worry into another home and family. And so on. \ Let's start again. You client is arguing with you about how the cost of the project got over the planned numbers. **This time you decided to use** your unique human capability, **emotional intelligence**, specifically **empathy** 🩷 \ You keep silence and just listen to the argument. By **paying attention at the words being used and the gestures** you realized this person is under a lot of stress. By going deeper in your listening, your intuition can tell, there is something else going on. \ When the person stop complaining, you bring back the story told by your client, adding the emotions you could feel while listening. **You put yourself in your client shoes**. \ It is inevitable that, when we approach a situation with emotions, the person connects immediately with them. **The client feels listened and emotionally connected with you**. From there, you start exploring what else is going on, from a genuine point of view. The conversation goes in deep and you both find you are going under a lot of stress for things at work and at your personal level. \ You both decide to talk about this issue the next day, with a refresh mind and a common goal, to find a solution for both. \ As you can see, **there is a totally different impact of making a decision of using or not using your emotional intelligence capability**. **🌱 And this example could apply to a leader or a team member. 🌱** **🌱Everyone in a team makes decisions that impact others. And emotional intelligence is not only for leaders. 🌱** \ This simple example wants to bring awareness about how important is to explore emotional intelligence as individuals and expand it a teams, organizations and companies levels. \ **We can't bring emotional intelligence to work, if we, as individuals, don't feel comfortable to connect with our own emotions**. **Empathy requires us to stay fully (and sometimes uncomfortably) connected with emotions.** That requires another important aspect of emotional intelligence **which is our capability of staying present, self aware of our body and what is triggering frustration, anger or sadness as a result of an external stimulus**. \ **As our environments keep changing on daily basis, our brains are invited to create new neuron connections**, this process triggers emotions under the unexpected. Our capability to connect with your emotions and managing them in our favor can make this adventure of navigating change, easier for us and the people around. \ \ **And it is bringing a new self at work, your personal one**. Who comes with all your professional expertise as well as your unique capabilities as a human. \ **Let's explore in our next chapter how this personal self is emerging at workplaces and by integrating it with your professional self, can bring your whole self at workplaces.** **By using LEGOs we can bring new perspectives, deep listening and spark more creative solutions.** 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.** Stay colorful, \ Laus #nostr #Consciousness #grownostr #emocionalintelligence #leadership #consciousleadership #emotions #decisionmaking #DeepListening #Teambuilding #clientservice #PlayingLegos #Legos

@ 0b118e40:4edc09cb

I was talking to a friend the other day about AI, and we hopped onto the open vs. closed-source debate. That’s when it hit me, we are at a turning point. A year ago, AI conversations were about awareness. Then came corporate adoption, innovation, and regulation. Today governments are stepping in to decide how AI’s benefits will be distributed and who gets to control them. We are no longer trying to figure out if AI will transform society. That is a given. The big worry is control. Right now, a few trillion-dollar corporations and state-backed labs dictate its trajectory, wrapped in secrecy and optimized for profit. Open-source AI stands as the antithesis to closed systems, a bulwark against AI monopolization, ensuring intelligence remains a public good rather than a private weapon. It's time to look beyond the technical debate of open vs closed source AI. This is a humanitarian issue at stake. ### Why Open-Source AI is Non-Negotiable A couple of years ago, I was consulting an airline on their black box. They were really sweet, let me play around with their test-flight hydraulic chambers, and I crashed it quite a bit (There is something deeply impressive about people who can actually fly planes). But when it comes to the black box, that is the most secretive part. It holds critical data, tracking exactly how the plane was controlled throughout the flight. If it goes missing, nobody can say for certain what went wrong, especially if there are no survivors. For years, there has been debate over real-time data transmission vs. privacy in aviation. It is the same debate we are having now about open-source vs. closed-source AI. Closed-source AI is a black box. No one outside the company knows how it makes decisions, what biases are baked into its training, or how its outputs are being manipulated. AI models are only as good as the data they are trained on. If you burned all books except a few praising Government A and Emperor Q, then that is all people would know. AI takes it a step further. It learns what works best for you, adapting its bias so seamlessly that it fits within your comfort zone. Open-source AI breaks this cycle. It allows diverse contributors to spot and correct biases, ensuring a fairer, more representative development process. No single entity gets to dictate how AI is used, who has access to it, or what information it filters. Historically, open systems have always outpaced proprietary ones in long-term innovation. The internet itself (TCP/IP, HTTP, Linux) was built on open principles. AI should be no different. If intelligence is widely accessible, breakthroughs happen faster. And society as a whole benefits. ### The Companies Leading the Shift Some companies see open-source AI as a risk. Others recognize it as an ethical necessity and an advantage. Block is leading the open-source cultural momentum right now for companies. Jack’s recent [letter](https://s29.q4cdn.com/628966176/files/doc_financials/2024/q4/Shareholder-Letter_Block-4Q24pdf.pdf), written in his usual Hemingway-esque style and highly substantial, explained this well. He is taking on a first principle approach, rewiring corporate DNA to embrace open collaboration and accelerate innovation as a whole. They developed Goose, an open-source AI agent (initially built as an internal workflow tool), at a pace comparable to AI-first companies like Google, proving that open collaboration doesn’t slow development. If anything, it accelerates it. I like how Block is infusing open-source principles **AND** doubling down on its core business **AND** building a solid innovation roadmap. They capture the essence of open source in terms of curiosity, creativity, and a passion for problem-solving beautifully. This cultural shift is something that even big conglomerates like Intel, despite decades of contributions to open-source projects, have struggled with. They often get bogged down in technical silos rather than establishing actual collaboration. As [Arun Gupta, vice president and GM of open ecosystems at Intel](https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/developer/articles/community/how-to-build-open-source-culture-in-your-company.html), put it, “*The best way to solve the world's toughest problems is through open collaboration*,” but he also acknowledges the challenge of incentivizing contributions in large organizations. Compare this to OpenAI. Elon’s long-standing beef with them is rooted in the fact that they started with an open mission but switched to a closed model the moment profitability entered the chat. But in recent days, with [Satya Nadella](https://x.com/8teAPi/status/1892383248661274699) doubling down on quantum computing, I wonder if Microsoft is prioritizing quantum over AI? And is closed-source AI actually slowing innovation compared to an open approach? Would be interesting if Elon actually buys OpenAI for almost $100B as his investors recently put out, but if he does, would he open source it ? Most companies struggle to balance open-source contributions with business sustainability. But many others aren’t. RedHat isn’t an AI company, but it built a billion-dollar business on open-source software and became IBM’s greatest asset (and their saving grace). Let’s look at more open source AI companies. Hugging Face has become the go-to hub for AI models, creating an ecosystem where developers, researchers, and enterprises collaborate. Mistral is proving that open-source AI can be both epic and lightweight through its modular models. Stability AI is making powerful generative models widely accessible, directly competing with OpenAI’s DALL.E. It recently raised over $100M in venture funding, and with James Cameron joining the board, it’s doubling down on gen AI for everything from text-to-image to CGI. DeepSeek shocked the world with an open-weight AI model that rivals top proprietary LLMs, on a fraction of the compute. [Andrej Karpathy ](https://x.com/karpathy/status/1872362712958906460)pointed out that DeepSeek-V3 achieved stronger performance than LLaMA 3 405B, using 11 times less compute. While mainstream AI labs operate massive clusters with 100K GPUs, DeepSeek pulled this off with just 2048 GPUs over two months. If this model passes more 'vibe checks' (as Karpathy put it), it proves something critical, that we’re still far from peak efficiency in AI training. Meta is also one of the biggest contributors to open-source AI and benefits from the widespread adoption of its models. They’ve released several powerful AI models like LLaMA, Segment Anything Model (SAM), AudioGen & MusicGen, and DINO (Self-Supervised Vision Model). Unlike OpenAI and Google, which keep their most powerful models closed, Meta releases open-weight models that researchers and developers can build upon. All these companies are proving that open-source AI is not an ideological stance. It’s a cultural movement and a commercially viable force. Open-source AI may have started as the ethical choice, but it’s increasingly clear that it’s also the smarter one. ### Open-Source AI as a Humanitarian Mission The stakes for open-source AI go far beyond business models and market competition. It’s about ensuring that AI serves people rather than controls them. Without it, we put our future at risk where only state-approved AI systems generate content, answer questions, and curate knowledge. Governments are already deciding how the public can use AI while conveniently reserving unrestricted access for themselves. In China, generative AI models must align with *Core Socialist Values*. In the US, *Executive Order 14110* was to regulate AI for “safe and ethical development” but was rescinded, leaving its future uncertain. In the EU, the *Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act)* dictates what is considered "safe," with no real public say. In Russia, AI tools assist in monitoring online activity and censoring content deemed undesirable by the government. AI-driven censorship, mass surveillance, and digital manipulation are no longer hypothetical or something you read in dystopian novels. They are happening now. Open-source AI is the anchor. This is where the people stand up for the people. Where true democracy reigns. Intelligence is power and keeping AI open is the only way to keep power decentralized. Our conversations must go beyond AI as a “digital solution". Freedom and autonomy of our mind is ours to keep. Companies embracing open-source AI are securing a future where intelligence serves humanity rather than the other way around. But pitchforks are rising. Will the people win?

@ a5caac8b:172ed717

 ### **Descubre una Oportunidad Única: Nuestra Propiedad Rústica en Tulum con Potencial Inmenso** Buscamos personas interesadas en explorar una inversión sólida, sostenible y alineada con el futuro de las finanzas descentralizadas. Queremos compartir con ustedes nuestra propiedad excepcional ubicada en **La Veleta**, Tulum, un lugar donde la naturaleza se fusiona con el estilo de vida moderno y el ecosistema Bitcoin. ### **Características destacadas de esta joya rústica:** - **Construcción robusta:** Diseñamos esta propiedad con materiales locales como piedra y Chucum, reflejando autenticidad y resistencia. - **Fuente propia de agua:** Garantiza independencia hídrica, un valor inigualable en la región. - **Vegetación abundante:** Un oasis verde que conecta directamente con la esencia de Tulum. - **Ubicación estratégica:** Está súper céntrica, rodeada de los sitios más hermosos de la región, perfecta tanto para residencia como para negocio. - **Documentación al día:** Todo está en regla y listo para transacciones seguras. ### **Nuestra propuesta para la administración y finanzas** Estamos buscando colaboradores para gestionar y/o comprar esta propiedad. Ya sea mediante plataformas como **Nostr**, **Telegram** o **Element (en Matrix)**, podemos coordinarnos de manera eficiente para cualquier aspecto relacionado con la propiedad. Además, si están interesados en adquirirla, queremos destacar que recientemente ajustamos el precio en **200,000 USD menos** tras cuatro años en el mercado. Este cambio refleja nuestro compromiso con encontrar a los socios ideales que valoren no solo la belleza del lugar, sino también su potencial financiero dentro del ecosistema Bitcoin. ### **Por qué invertir aquí?** 1. **Negocio rentable:** Ideal para emprendedores que deseen desarrollar proyectos turísticos, ecológicos o incluso tecnológicos en una de las regiones más codiciadas del mundo. 2. **Valorización asegurada:** La tendencia inmobiliaria en Tulum sigue creciendo año con año. 3. **Sostenibilidad y tecnología:** Combina la magia natural de México con herramientas innovadoras. ### **Comunicación Multilingüe** Ofrecemos la posibilidad de comunicarnos en **español, alemán e inglés**, lo que facilitará la interacción con inversores de diferentes partes del mundo. No duden en contactarnos si son visionarios dispuestos a explorar nuevas formas de inversión en bienes raíces utilizando Bitcoin. Estamos emocionados por conectar con ustedes y construir juntos un futuro próspero. **Contacto:** No duden en escribirnos. Respondemos todas sus preguntas con detalle y entusiasmo. ¡Juntos podemos transformar esta propiedad en un proyecto extraordinario! --- #TulumRealEstate #BitcoinFriendly #SustainableLiving #InvestInTulum #RusticCharm #PropertyForSale #DecentralizedFinance #TulumDreams --- ### **Discover a Unique Opportunity: Our Rustic Property in Tulum with Incredible Potential** We are looking for individuals interested in exploring a solid, sustainable investment aligned with the future of decentralized finance. We want to share with you our exceptional property located in **La Veleta**, Tulum—a place where nature blends seamlessly with modern living and the Bitcoin ecosystem. ### **Key Features of this Rustic Gem:** - **Sturdy construction:** We designed this property using local materials like stone and Chucum, reflecting authenticity and durability. - **Own water source:** Ensures hydrological independence, an invaluable asset in the region. - **Abundant vegetation:** A lush green haven that connects directly with the essence of Tulum. - **Strategic location:** Centrally located, surrounded by the most beautiful spots in the region, perfect for both residential and business use. - **Up-to-date documentation:** Everything is in order and ready for secure transactions. ### **Our Proposal for Management and Finances** We are seeking collaborators to manage and/or purchase this property. Whether through platforms like **Nostr**, **Telegram** or **Element (on Matrix)**, we can efficiently coordinate any aspect related to the property. Additionally, if you're interested in acquiring it, we’d like to highlight that we recently reduced the price by **$200,000 USD** after four years on the market. This adjustment reflects our commitment to finding the ideal partners who appreciate not only the beauty of the place but also its financial potential within the Bitcoin ecosystem. ### **Why Invest Here?** 1. **Profitable business opportunity:** Perfect for entrepreneurs looking to develop tourism, ecological, or even tech projects in one of the world's most sought-after regions. 2. **Guaranteed appreciation:** The real estate trend in Tulum continues to grow year after year. 3. **Sustainability and technology:** Combines the natural magic of Mexico with innovative tools. ### **Multilingual Communication** We offer the possibility of communicating in **Spanish, German, and English**, making interaction easier for investors from around the world. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re visionaries eager to explore new ways to invest in real estate using Bitcoin. We’re excited to connect with you and build a prosperous future together. **Contact:** Feel free to write to us. We’ll be happy to answer all your questions in detail and with enthusiasm. Together, we can turn this property into an extraordinary project! --- #TulumRealEstate #BitcoinFriendly #SustainableLiving #InvestInTulum #RusticCharm #PropertyForSale #DecentralizedFinance #TulumDreams --- ### **Entdeckt eine einzigartige Gelegenheit: Unsere rustikale Immobilie in Tulum mit enormem Potenzial** Wir suchen Personen, die daran interessiert sind, eine feste, nachhaltige Investition zu tätigen, die sich auf die Zukunft der dezentralisierten Finanzen ausrichtet. Wir möchten euch unsere außergewöhnliche Immobilie in **La Veleta**, Tulum vorstellen – ein Ort, an dem Natur nahtlos mit dem modernen Leben und dem Bitcoin-Ekosystem verschmilzt. ### **Herausragende Merkmale dieser rustikalen Perle:** - **Robuste Bauweise:** Wir haben diese Immobilie mit lokalen Materialien wie Stein und Chucum gebaut, um Authentizität und Beständigkeit widerzuspiegeln. - **Eigen Quelle:** Sicherstellt wertvolle Wasserunabhängigkeit, ein unschätzbarer Vorteil in der Region. - **Reiche Vegetation:** Ein grünes Paradies, das euch direkt mit der Essenz von Tulum verbindet. - **Strategisch günstige Lage:** Zentral gelegen, umgeben von den schönsten Plätzen der Region, ideal sowohl für Wohnzwecke als auch für Geschäfte. - **Aktuelle Dokumentation:** Alles ist aktuell und bereit für sichere Transaktionen. ### **Unser Angebot zur Verwaltung und Finanzen** Wir suchen Mitstreiter, um diese Immobilie gemeinsam zu verwalten und/oder zu kaufen. Ob über Plattformen wie **Nostr**, **Telegram** oder **Element (auf Matrix)**, können wir alle Aspekte der Immobilie effizient koordinieren. Außerdem, wenn ihr Interesse habt, sie zu erwerben, möchten wir betonen, dass wir den Preis kürzlich um **200.000 USD** gesenkt haben, nachdem sie vier Jahre lang auf dem Markt war. Diese Anpassung spiegelt unser Engagement wider, die idealen Partner zu finden, die nicht nur die Schönheit des Ortes schätzen, sondern auch sein finanzielles Potenzial im Bitcoin-Ekosystem. ### **Warum hier investieren?** 1. **Rentables Geschäft:** Ideal für Unternehmer, die Tourismus-, ökologische oder sogar technologische Projekte in einer der weltweit begehrtesten Regionen entwickeln möchten. 2. **Gewährleistung von Wertsteigerung:** Die Immobilientrends in Tulum steigen Jahr für Jahr weiter. 3. **Nachhaltigkeit und Technologie:** Kombiniert die natürliche Magie Mexikos mit innovativen Tools. ### **Mehrsprachige Kommunikation** Wir bieten die Möglichkeit an, uns in **Spanisch, Deutsch und Englisch** zu kommunizieren, was die Interaktion mit Investoren aus aller Welt erleichtert. Zögert nicht, euch zu melden, wenn ihr Visionäre seid, die neue Wege zur Immobilieninvestition mit Bitcoin erforschen möchten. Wir freuen uns darauf, mit euch zusammenzuarbeiten und gemeinsam eine erfolgreiche Zukunft aufzubauen. **Kontakt:** Schreibt uns einfach. Wir werden alle eure Fragen detailliert und enthusiastisch beantworten. Zusammen können wir diese Immobilie in ein außergewöhnliches Projekt verwandeln! --- #TulumImmobilien #BitcoinFreundlich #NachhaltigesLeben #InvestiereInTulum #RustikalerCharme #ImmobilieZuVerkaufen #DezentralisierteFinanzen #TulumTräume

@ 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/897528

@ 7d33ba57:1b82db35

**Can photography help relax the mind and relieve daily stress?** I believe it can—and it certainly works for me. Here’s why. **Slow it down. Capture the moment. Truly be in it.** Photography encourages us to stand still and truly appreciate what we see. To capture beauty and moments of joy, you must be fully aware of your surroundings. The biggest lesson photography teaches is how to observe to truly see the place you're in. Those who rush and simply press a button? I wouldn’t call them photographers they’re snapshot makers. 
First, you focus—lining up the perfect shot, adjusting for light, angle, and composition. Then comes the excitement, that feeling of capturing something special. And with it, gratitude for being in that moment, in that place. As you develop your eye for what’s interesting, you train yourself to notice details that might otherwise go unnoticed. It’s all about being present. Because your focus is on your surroundings, everyday worries fade into the background. It’s similar to sports—when you're fully engaged, there’s no room for distraction. 
In a world full of constant online and offline noise, focus can be a powerful way to relax. **Religious Places** Religious sites are often the quietest spots in a bustling city. Take the temples in Bangkok, for example—they always bring me peace of mind. Surrounded by stunning architecture and a calm atmosphere, stepping into these spaces offers a break from the chaos. Simply being there creates a more peaceful environment to photograph, allowing me to slow down and truly appreciate the moment. **Nature** Nature is one of the best places to find peace of mind. You don’t need a camera to relax—just being there is enough. But if you love photography as much as I do, nature is the perfect setting to capture beautiful moments.
 For me, photographing wildlife is one of the most relaxing things I can do. There’s something special about observing animals in their natural habitat, waiting for the perfect shot. I still remember filming my first elephant in South Africa—the experience left me smiling for the entire day. **Avoid the Tourist Zones** The real gems in any city are often found away from the tourist hot spots. While these places may be popular for a reason, I’ve filmed my fair share of them, and now I prefer to avoid them whenever possible. Tourists often miss out on truly experiencing a place—they’re on a tight schedule, checking off landmarks instead of being present. There's no time to stop and enjoy the moment. The best spots? They’re often tucked away in quieter areas, far from the crowds. These are the places where locals are still friendly because they’re not constantly dealing with tourists. Where people aren’t trying to sell you something or rush you along. *Be a Travel story Teller!*

@ 7d33ba57:1b82db35

 **The Reclining Buddha** The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho in Bangkok is one of Thailand’s most iconic landmarks. This massive statue is 46 meters long and 15 meters high, covered in gold leaf, and depicts Buddha in a resting, nirvana-achieving position. **Key Features:** 

 Feet Details: The soles of the Buddha’s feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl, showcasing 108 auspicious symbols.

Surrounding Temple: Wat Pho is also famous for being the birthplace of Thai massage, and you can experience a traditional massage on-site. Offerings: Visitors can drop coins into 108 bronze bowls along the hall for good fortune. It’s located near the Grand Palace and is a must-visit when in Bangkok. 📍🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/dzJrKnXTG3qUCRgNA?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy  **Wat Kanlayanamit Woramahawihan** Wat Kanlayanamit Woramahawihan is a historic temple on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, known for its massive seated Buddha statue and deep connections to Thai-Chinese culture. **Highlights:** Phra Buddha Trai Rattananayok: A giant golden Buddha (over 15 meters high), sitting in the subduing Mara posture. Giant Bell: It houses one of Thailand’s largest bells, which people ring for blessings and good fortune. Chinese-Thai Fusion: The temple’s architecture blends Thai Buddhist and Chinese influences, as it was built by a wealthy Chinese-Thai trader in the early 19th century. Scenic Location: Located near the Memorial Bridge, with stunning riverside views. It’s less crowded than Wat Pho but still holds strong cultural and historical significance. 📍🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/VwbhrMqRfm7jyPnM7?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy  **Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen** Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen is a stunning Buddhist temple in Bangkok, famous for its huge golden Buddha statue, its intricate stupa, and its connection to meditation practices. **Highlights:** Phra Buddha Dhammakaya Thepmongkol: A 69-meter-tall golden Buddha statue, one of the largest in Bangkok, completed in 2021.
 Crystal Stupa: Inside the temple is a breathtaking green glass stupa under a dome with cosmic murals, symbolizing enlightenment and the universe.
 Meditation Center: Wat Paknam is well-known for its focus on Vipassana meditation, and many monks train here.
 Historical Significance: It was founded in the 17th century but gained prominence in the 20th century thanks to the meditation master Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro. 📍🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/N3iYkkZ5QdxV9KWG6?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy  **Wat Sutthiwararam**
 My favorite because it has Buddhism art in the temple.
 Wat Sutthiwararam is a lesser-known but historically significant temple in Bangkok, located near the Chao Phraya River. It dates back to the Rattanakosin era and is known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful Thai architecture. Highlights:
Buddhism Art: Visitors to the temple can explore an extensive collection of Buddhist-themed art, including statues, paintings, textiles, and architectural features. Notably, the temple houses a beautifully rendered set of 38 auspicious Buddhist symbols, accompanied by a chart with English translations explaining their meanings.
 Elegant Architecture: Traditional Thai-style buildings with intricate carvings and gold embellishments.
 Peaceful Atmosphere: Unlike the more tourist-heavy temples, it offers a quiet space formeditation and reflection. It may not be as famous as Wat Pho or Wat Paknam, but its tranquility and cultural value make it a unique stop. 📍🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/sWtzG3zeGQGAo4cq6?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy  **Wat Bukkhalo** Wat Bukkhalo is a riverside temple in Bangkok’s Thonburi district, known for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic views of the Chao Phraya River. **Highlights:** Scenic Sunset Views: The temple’s riverside location makes it a great spot to watch the sun set over Bangkok. 

 Local Community Focus: Unlike the more tourist-heavy temples, it is mainly visited by locals for prayer and merit-making.
 Buddha Statues & Shrines: Features several Buddha images, including a standing Buddha and a shrine dedicated to King Taksin.
 Relaxed Vibes: A great place for quiet meditation or just to experience local Buddhist culture away from the crowds. 📍🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/8Q3umr3KkSwWhQkFA?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

@ ef1744f8:96fbc3fe

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@ 5579d5c0:db104ded

For most of human history, when the sun went down, our bodies knew it was time to rest. Today? We flood our environment with artificial light. **Think bright LED lights, screens, street lights, and car headlights** late into the night. Satellite detectable light increased globally by nearly 50%, from 1992 to 2017. Its even worse indoors with phones, TVs and down lights. The result? → Chronic fatigue → Poor sleep quality → Late-night cravings → Sluggish metabolism → A potential higher risk of [metabolic syndrome](https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article-abstract/98/1/337/2823288?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false), [type 2 diabetes](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39070751/), [depression](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969722022781), [obesity](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935120305302), [cancer ](https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cncr.33392)and [Alzheimer's](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11357-023-00932-0). The earth at night, Source: <https://www.ranken-energy.com/index.php/2017/11/30/the-earth-at-night/> --- ### Why is ALAN detrimental to human health? Your body runs on light signals. Natural sunlight during the day tells your body to produce hormones, be alert and burn energy. Darkness signals rest and recovery. Artificial light tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daytime. It does this because it contains a high proportion of **isolated blue light wavelengths.** This throws off your body’s natural rhythm, leading to: → **Melatonin suppression** Blue light (and green light to a lesser extent) blocks the production of melatonin, our 'sleep hormone'. *Melatonin is so much more than a sleep hormone.* It is one of the body's most powerful antioxidants, offering **anti-inflammatory** and **anti-cancer properties**, supporting immune function, regulating cholesterol, and playing a vital role in the thyroid, pancreas, ovaries, testes, and adrenal glands. → **Increased cortisol at night** High cortisol (stress hormone) at night leads to poor blood sugar control, fat gain, and cravings. → **Insulin resistance** Artificial light exposure at night reduces insulin sensitivity, increasing fasting blood sugar and making it harder to lose fat. → **Disrupted circadian rhythm** Your metabolic processes become out of sync, leading to low energy, brain fog, and sluggish metabolism. I must mention that blue light exposure from the sun during daylight hours is good for you. --- ### The difference between blue light & firelight Before artificial lighting, our ancestors only had firelight and candlelight, and more recently, light from incandescent bulbs after sunset. These **warm, red/orange light sources** allowed melatonin to rise more naturally, signalling rest and repair. Limited blue light → Increased Melatonin production → Deep sleep, metabolic repair and a lower risk of chronic disease. Unlike modern LEDs, these light sources also emitted **infrared light**, which supports **cellular repair, circulation, and counters some of blue light’s harmful effects.** **Modern artificial lighting?** LEDs & Screens → high blue light exposure → Melatonin suppression → Poor sleep, metabolism and increased risk of chronic disease. Reduced melatonin production means **delayed sleep onset, less REM sleep, impaired immune function, disrupted hormone regulation, and taking longer to wake up properly.** Source: <http://spie.org/newsroom/5070-candlelight-style-organic-leds-a-safe-lighting-source-after-dusk#B1> --- ### How to fix your light exposure after sunset The good news? You can control your light environment easily after sunset. I'm not going to tell you sit in darkness or don't watch TV ever again. Do this instead: **1. Dim the Lights** Bright overhead LEDs confuse your body clock, while warm, low-intensity lights support melatonin. Use warm, red/amber, low-intensity bulbs, which are rated 3000k (Kelvin) or lower. (*See image below*), instead of bright LEDs. Incandescent bulbs are useful and they will bring infrared back into the picture, if you can source them. My personal favourite are these ***blue light free bulbs lower than 3000k*** [here](https://www.blockbluelight.com.au/collections/sleep-enhancing-lighting?sort_by=manual). Candles are another option but more hassle and less safe. Aim for below 3000K Source:<https://mr-led.co.uk/blogs/resources/an-illustrated-guide-to-led-colour-temperatures> **2. Position lighting closer to the floor** Overhead lighting mimics the sun and signals wakefulness. Instead, position lamps lower, on tables or the floor to mimic firelight and signal relaxation. **3. Wear blue light blocking glasses** If you use screens at night, blue light-blocking glasses are simply non-negotiable. They block blue light reaching your brain which prevents melatonin suppression and helps to protect your sleep & recovery. Look for lenses that block 100% of blue and green light for maximum effect. Beware of cheap ‘blue light blocking’ glasses with clear lenses, these don’t block blue light. Red lens 100% blue light blocking glasses **4. Use a red filter on your screen** Use apps like [f.lux](https://justgetflux.com/), [One Tap Zap](https://www.1tapzap.com/#), or red filters on your phone/tablet/computer to minimise blue light exposure. Also reduce the brightness after sunset. **5. Limit screen use** I know I know, not always possible. Just make sure you are wearing blue light blocking glasses and have your light filter on. For what it’s worth, **TV is much less detrimental than late-night phone use, which keeps your brain wired when it should be winding down.** Reading is a good swap before bed. --- The easiest way to improve sleep, metabolism, and long-term health? **Start by controlling your evening light exposure, and your body will naturally work better.** \-Chris --- Want a s**tructured plan that fits your schedule**? I have **5 free** consultation calls available for those serious about **achieving effortless health, without the guesswork.** Fill out the form <https://forms.gle/g425CDfoUvijgo2U8> before the end of February, and let’s create a plan that works for you. Follow me → <span data-type="mention" data-id="5579d5c01a0b3d558c4e62e3525606509fc4fef0cf9761b1e1fe8b93db104ded" data-label="nostr:undefined">@nostr:undefined</span> DMs → always open for those who need help

@ ef1744f8:96fbc3fe

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@ a012dc82:6458a70d

In an unprecedented move within the blockchain industry, Bitfinity has embarked on a daring project to integrate the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) with the Bitcoin blockchain. This initiative is not just a technical enhancement but a strategic endeavor to redefine the capabilities of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) services. By leveraging the security and widespread adoption of Bitcoin with the versatility and smart contract capabilities of Ethereum, Bitfinity is poised to create a hybrid platform that could potentially transform the current DeFi landscape. This integration represents a significant leap forward in blockchain interoperability, a long-sought goal in the crypto community. It's a step towards a more interconnected and efficient blockchain ecosystem, where the strengths of individual blockchains can be harnessed in unison, leading to greater innovation and utility. **Table of Contents** - The Fusion of Bitcoin and Ethereum Technologies - Bridging Two Blockchain Giants - Technical Aspects and Innovations - Funding and Support for the Project - Investment and Backing - Potential Impacts and Benefits - Enhancing Bitcoin's Utility - Lower Costs and Faster Transactions - Challenges and Community Response - Overcoming Skepticism - Embracing a Unified Vision - Future Prospects and Developments - Beyond DeFi: Expanding Bitcoin's Horizons - The Evolving Blockchain Landscape - Conclusion - FAQs **The Fusion of Bitcoin and Ethereum Technologies** **Bridging Two Blockchain Giants** The integration of Ethereum's EVM with Bitcoin by Bitfinity is a pioneering effort, symbolizing a major step towards the unification of two of the most prominent blockchain networks. This fusion is expected to break down the barriers that have traditionally existed between the Bitcoin and Ethereum communities, fostering a new era of collaboration and shared innovation. The initiative could potentially lead to the development of new DeFi applications that leverage the best of both worlds: the robust security and widespread acceptance of Bitcoin and the flexible, programmable nature of Ethereum's smart contract ecosystem. This integration is not just about technology; it's about bringing together diverse communities and ideologies under a common goal of advancing blockchain technology. **Technical Aspects and Innovations** On the technical front, Bitfinity's integration involves leveraging the Internet Computer (ICP), an advanced blockchain-based computing system created by the Dfinity Foundation. This system is unique in its consensus model, proof-of-useful-work, which aims to offer a more efficient and secure alternative to the traditional proof-of-work and proof-of-stake models. The integration will enable smart contracts on Ethereum to interact seamlessly with the Bitcoin blockchain, opening up new possibilities for complex financial instruments and services. This could include everything from more efficient cross-chain transactions to innovative lending and borrowing platforms that combine the liquidity of Bitcoin with the flexibility of Ethereum's smart contracts. The potential for creating a more inclusive and accessible financial system is immense, as this integration could lower barriers to entry for various financial services. **Funding and Support for the Project** **Investment and Backing** The ambitious vision of Bitfinity has garnered significant financial support, with a $7 million funding round led by influential players in the blockchain investment space, such as Polychain Capital and ParaFi Capital. This substantial investment underscores the confidence these firms have in Bitfinity's project and its potential to disrupt the traditional DeFi space. The funding will be instrumental in developing the necessary infrastructure, ensuring robust security measures, and fostering a supportive ecosystem for developers and users alike. It also signals a growing interest and belief in the viability of blockchain interoperability as a key driver for the next wave of innovation in the crypto space. This financial backing is not just a monetary investment but also a strategic endorsement of the potential of combining the strengths of different blockchain technologies to create more versatile and powerful solutions. **Potential Impacts and Benefits** **Enhancing Bitcoin's Utility** Bitfinity's initiative aims to significantly enhance the utility of Bitcoin in the burgeoning DeFi sector. By enabling the execution of smart contracts that can hold and transfer Bitcoin and Ordinal assets on-chain, Bitfinity is set to unlock a plethora of new applications and use cases for Bitcoin. This could lead to a paradigm shift in how Bitcoin is perceived and used, transitioning from its traditional role as a store of value to a more dynamic asset involved in a variety of financial operations. The integration could also catalyze the development of new financial products and services that leverage Bitcoin's security and liquidity, potentially attracting a new wave of users and investors to the DeFi space. This enhancement of Bitcoin's utility is particularly significant in the context of the growing demand for more sophisticated financial services within the crypto ecosystem. **Lower Costs and Faster Transactions** The integration promises significant improvements in terms of transaction costs and processing speeds. By leveraging the efficiencies of the Ethereum Virtual Machine and the robustness of the Bitcoin blockchain, Bitfinity aims to address some of the key challenges that have hindered broader adoption of blockchain technology, such as high transaction fees and slow confirmation times. This could be particularly beneficial for smaller transactions, where high fees can be a significant barrier. Faster transaction speeds would also improve the user experience, making blockchain technology more practical for everyday use. This enhancement in efficiency is not just about improving existing processes; it's about opening up new possibilities for blockchain applications that were previously impractical due to cost or speed limitations. **Challenges and Community Response** **Overcoming Skepticism** Despite the potential advantages, Bitfinity's initiative faces skepticism from certain quarters of the crypto community. Bitcoin purists, in particular, may view the integration of Ethereum's technology with the Bitcoin network as a departure from the original vision of Bitcoin as a decentralized, unchangeable ledger. Overcoming this skepticism will require careful communication and demonstration of the benefits that such integration can bring, without compromising the core principles that have made Bitcoin a trusted and valuable asset. Bitfinity will need to navigate these community dynamics skillfully, ensuring that the integration is seen as an enhancement rather than a dilution of Bitcoin's fundamental attributes. **Embracing a Unified Vision** The project represents an opportunity to foster a more unified and collaborative blockchain community. Bitfinity's founder, Max Chamberlin, emphasizes that their initiative is about highlighting the complementary nature of the Ethereum and Bitcoin ecosystems, rather than positioning one as superior to the other. This approach could help in bridging the historical divide between these two communities, promoting a vision of a more interconnected and cooperative blockchain ecosystem. The success of this project could serve as a model for future collaborations in the blockchain space, demonstrating the benefits of combining different technologies and perspectives to create more comprehensive and effective solutions. **Future Prospects and Developments** **Beyond DeFi: Expanding Bitcoin's Horizons** The implications of Bitfinity's integration extend far beyond the DeFi sector. This initiative could pave the way for a wide range of innovative applications and services that leverage the combined strengths of Bitcoin and Ethereum. For instance, it could enable the development of decentralized identity systems that utilize Bitcoin's security and Ethereum's smart contract capabilities, or new forms of decentralized governance models that harness the best aspects of both blockchains. The integration could also spur the creation of new types of digital assets and tokens that can operate across both networks, potentially leading to a more fluid and interconnected digital asset ecosystem. **The Evolving Blockchain Landscape** Bitfinity's initiative is a clear indication of the ongoing evolution and maturation of the blockchain industry. As technologies converge and new ideas emerge, the future of blockchain looks increasingly diverse, inclusive, and efficient. This integration could serve as a catalyst for further innovations in blockchain interoperability, leading to more complex and sophisticated blockchain architectures. It also highlights the growing recognition within the blockchain community of the need for collaboration and integration to address the complex challenges and opportunities of the digital age. As the project progresses, it will be fascinating to watch how this integration reshapes the landscape of blockchain technology and digital finance, potentially setting the stage for the next major leap forward in the industry. **Conclusion** Bitfinity's bold move to integrate the Ethereum Virtual Machine with Bitcoin on the Internet Computer marks a significant milestone in the blockchain world. It represents not just a technological advancement but also a step towards a more unified and collaborative future in the crypto space. As the project progresses, it will be fascinating to watch how this integration reshapes the landscape of blockchain technology and digital finance, potentially ushering in a new era of innovation and collaboration. The success of this initiative could have far-reaching implications, not just for Bitcoin and Ethereum, but for the entire blockchain ecosystem, paving the way for a more interconnected, efficient, and versatile blockchain future. **FAQs** **What is Bitfinity's latest blockchain project?** Bitfinity is integrating the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) with the Bitcoin blockchain, aiming to enhance DeFi services using a sidechain on the Internet Computer (ICP). **How will this integration benefit Bitcoin and Ethereum users?** This integration will allow for the execution of smart contracts on Bitcoin, combining Ethereum's flexibility with Bitcoin's robust security, potentially leading to innovative DeFi applications and lower transaction costs. **Who is funding Bitfinity's project?** Bitfinity's project has raised $7 million, with significant backing from Polychain Capital and ParaFi Capital. **What challenges does Bitfinity face with this integration?** Bitfinity needs to address skepticism from Bitcoin purists and demonstrate the benefits of integrating Ethereum's technology without compromising Bitcoin's core principles. **That's all for today** **If you want more, be sure to follow us on:** **NOSTR: croxroad@getalby.com** **X: [@croxroadnews.co](https://x.com/croxroadnewsco)** **Instagram: [@croxroadnews.co](https://www.instagram.com/croxroadnews.co/)** **Youtube: [@croxroadnews](https://www.youtube.com/@croxroadnews)** **Store: https://croxroad.store** **Subscribe to CROX ROAD Bitcoin Only Daily Newsletter** **https://www.croxroad.co/subscribe** ***DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.***

@ c230edd3:8ad4a712

## Chef's notes Simple, common ingredients make this an easy go-to, if time allows. Best after letting the meat marinade for 4-8 hours. I prefer to grill and serve it with eggplant, onion, and zucchini. It works well in a more traditional souvlaki style sandwich, too. ## Details - ⏲️ Prep time: 1 hour, plus 4-8 for marinating - 🍳 Cook time: 30 minutes - 🍽️ Servings: 4 ## Ingredients - 1.5 lb cubed chicken - 1/2 c. plain greek yogurt - 1/4 c. lemon juice - 2 Tbsp oregano - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2tsp salt ## Directions 1. Mix all ingredients, add chicken to coat 2. Cover & refrigerate for 4-8 hours 3. Start coals to high heat, prep grill with light oil if needed 4. Skewer chicken cubes, as many as will fit on kebab sticks 5. Grill until chicken is done 6. Serve with tzatziki sauce, grilled vegetable and pitas, if desired

@ 67403b2c:27b48c7a

Do you ever wonder why religious teachings emphasize obedience so heavily? Or why some parents demand absolute control over their children? In this post, we'll explore the fascinating connection between religious authority and parenting styles, and how understanding one can help us improve the other. ## The Paradox of Divine Needs Traditional religious teachings often emphasize our duty to obey and serve the divine. Many believe that God requires specific actions from humanity. But here's the paradox: if God is perfect and complete, how can they have needs or desires that we must fulfill? This realization leads to a powerful insight: what we perceive as divine expectations likely exist for our spiritual development rather than meeting any divine requirement. ## How Religious Hierarchies Impact Family Dynamics The way we think about religious authority often mirrors how we approach parenting. Consider these parallel patterns: - Religious leaders ranking sins by severity - Parents creating arbitrary hierarchies of misbehavior - Using fear and control instead of understanding - Demanding blind obedience without explanation ### The Problem with "Because I Said So" Just as religious authorities sometimes use divine mandate to control believers, parents might fall into the trap of using their authority without justification. This approach: - Damages trust and communication - Stunts critical thinking - Creates resentment - Prevents genuine relationship growth ## Building Healthier Family Relationships Understanding that children are independent beings—not property—can revolutionize our approach to parenting. Here's how: 1. Recognize your limitations as a parent 2. Encourage open dialogue 3. Support independent thinking 4. Build mutual understanding 5. Share guidance rather than enforce control ### The Power of Mutual Respect When we move away from control-based relationships, whether in religion or parenting, we create space for authentic connections. Real respect develops through: - Open communication - Acknowledging individual perspectives - Supporting personal growth - Understanding shared humanity ## Moving Forward: From Control to Connection The journey from authoritarian to supportive relationships isn't easy, but it's worth the effort. By recognizing that neither God nor parents need absolute control, we can build healthier, more meaningful connections with both our faith and our families. ### Key Takeaways: - Perfect beings don't need our obedience - Children are individuals, not property - Real respect grows through dialogue - Supporting independence strengthens relationships ## Your Turn to Reflect How has your understanding of authority—whether religious or parental—evolved over time? Share your thoughts in the comments below. *About the Author: This post reflects personal perspectives shaped by childhood experiences, family relationships, and Christian upbringing. These insights are offered as discussion points rather than absolute truths.* ## Supporting This Work Writing about faith, family, and personal growth while facing housing insecurity isn't easy, but I believe these conversations matter. If these insights resonate with you and you'd like to support both my writing journey and my current battle with housing insecurity, you can buy me a coffee at: ☕ [buymeacoffee.com/adontai](https://buymeacoffee.com/adontai) Your support helps keep this blog going and directly assists with basic needs as I work to secure stable housing. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference. --- *About the Author: This post reflects personal perspectives shaped by childhood experiences, family relationships, and Christian upbringing. These insights are offered as discussion points rather than absolute truths.* ---

@ 3c7dc2c5:805642a8

## 🧠Quote(s) of the week: 'When you self custody bitcoin, you strengthen the network. When trusted third parties hold your bitcoin, you weaken it.' - Jameson Lopp ## 🧡Bitcoin news🧡 Unfortunately last week, the platform I am writing my Weekly Recaps on wasn't working. I apologize that you missed last week's recap. This week an extra long edition! On the 11th of February: ➡️The Swiss creator of ProtonMail launches a Bitcoin wallet that's open-source and self-custody to its 100 million customers. ➡️Polish Central Bank President Adam Glapiński rules out holding Bitcoin reserves "under any circumstances". "There is a lot to be said about Bitcoin. You can buy a lot and gain a lot, as well as lose a lot. However, we prefer something certain.” HFSP ➡️Email service provider Proton Mail just released an open-source Bitcoin wallet to their 100 million users. ➡️Publicly traded KULR buys an additional $10 million worth of Bitcoin. They now hold over 610 Bitcoin. ➡️Hong Kong confirms Bitcoin can be used as proof of capital for the new investment visa. ➡️'Bitcoin exchange reserves have hit a 3-year low of 2.5 million as demand continues to grow, per CryptoQuant. People are demanding physical gold and more Bitcoin. Interesting times.' -TKL ➡️Binance sold 3.600 Bitcoin ($350 million) from its reserves in January. ➡️Senator Lummis tells Fed Chair Jerome Powell: The Fed made a mess of Silicon Valley bank and there's a deliberate lack of understanding of Digital Asset policy by the Fed. During the hearing, Powell admitted there is a problem with crypto debanking, and also said never creating a central bank digital currency. ➡️Goldman Sachs just disclosed owning $1.58 BILLION Bitcoin through BlackRock and Fidelity ETFs. — MacroScope ➡️BlackRock has labeled Bitcoin as a “risk-off” asset. BlackRock says Bitcoin is “Risk Off” as a global monetary alternative, while ETH is “Risk On” as a blockchain play. Bitcoin is money, the rest of “crypto” is just a gamble. On the 12th of February: ➡️Metaplanet finished the day as Japan's 19th most liquid stock, with ¥42.6b (~$277 million) of trading volume. ➡️So far this year, Strategy's treasury operations have yielded a gain of 18,527 BTC, equivalent to approximately $ 1.8B in value. ➡️$114 billion VanEck's Matthew Sigel says the demand from 20 US Bitcoin Reserve bills could see states buy over 242,787 Bitcoin. ➡️Texas Senate Member Charles Schwertner filed legislation for a "Strategic Bitcoin Reserve" Two weeks ago, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick announced he would make this a "priority bill for the 2025 legislative session." The new legislative text for the Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, SB 21, is very bullish! It removes the annual buying limit of $500 million, the legislature can appropriate as much as it wants to save BTC. ➡️Metaplanet Secures 4.0 Billion JPY Through 0% Unsecured, Unguaranteed Bonds for Additional Bitcoin Acquisition. ➡️The National Bank of Canada has purchased Bitcoin ETF worth $2 million. ➡️GameStop can service a loan of up to $100 BILLION for 4.6 years with its existing $4.6b cash balance at 1% interest. That's twice the amount of Bitcoin Michael Saylor's currently holds. On that news, GameStop surges +20% considering buying Bitcoin with its $4.6 BILLION cash balance. On the 14th of February: ➡️JPMorgan Chase, which previously labeled Bitcoin as a Ponzi scheme and a tool for money laundering, has disclosed Bitcoin exposure through ETFs in its latest SEC filing. “If you can’t beat them, join them.” ➡️Barclays discloses holding $131M worth of Bitcoin through IBIT shares in its latest 13F filing. ➡️Hong Kong-based Avenir reported owning ~$600m Bitcoin through BlackRock’s ETF. ➡️Japanese energy consultant Remixpoint spent nearly its $65M target to acquire Bitcoin in 2024, according to the latest earnings presentation.  Holdings rose over 8,000% in nine months, from 68M yen in March to ¥5.8B ($38M) by year-end. ➡️SBC Medical Group Holdings, a Delaware corporation headquartered in Tokyo, announces it will purchase 1B yen worth of Bitcoin. ➡️Trump had better hurry up—the global Bitcoin arms race has begun. One of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds is now actively accumulating bitcoin. Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund (with $1.75 Trillion AUM) invested $437 MILLION in Blackrock's Bitcoin ETF. Although buying a Bitcoin ETF and not the spot Bitcoin is kinda weak.  <https://i.ibb.co/b5jjf74V/Gjw3q3-VWAAABWag.jpg> ➡️More notable holdings from BlackRock's bitcoin ETF as of their latest filings (Dec 31): - Goldman Sachs: 24,077,861 shares worth $1.35B (+89% increase) - Millennium Mgmt: 23,498,001 shares worth $1.32B (+116% increase) - State of Wisconsin Investment Board: 6,060,351 shares worth $339M (+110% increase) - Tudor Investment Corp: 4,428,230 shares worth $248M (+409% increase) On the 15th of February: ➡️Milei, President Argentina, and his shitcoinery (LIBRA): - was not announced by decree (so Milei acted on his own) - posted on his official presidential accounts on X and IG - ultra rug pull. Kirchnerists are planning their political trials, and shedding tears of joy. Saifedean Ammous: 'Astonishing shitcoinery by Milei, shocking even to shitcoiners. He marketed a shitcoin to support the growth of Argentina, received millions of dollars from fans worldwide, dumped his coins, tanked the coin 95%, deleted the tweet, and now expects everyone to just move on.' <https://i.ibb.co/0jGL4zJH/Gj4cn-VPa-EAAE1hp.jpg> 'Government-shilled meme coin rug-pulls last month, country by country — scammers in suits running the same old fiat scam playbook.' - CarlBMenger Okay, one more quote on this topic: 'You think Presidents of countries will rug pull you with meme-coins but they won't seize your bitcoin held at custodians?'- Jameson Lopp 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. ➡️Global proprietary trading firm Jane Street Group has disclosed holdings of nearly 30K BTC ($2.8B), making it the largest Bitcoin ETF holder, surpassing Goldman Sachs at 25K BTC ($2.3B). ➡️Millennium Management owns $2.6B worth of Bitcoin. They’re the third largest hedge fund in the world. On the 16th of February: ➡️The National Bank of Canada and the Bank of Montreal are loading up on Strategy shares. ➡️In just one year, institutions have accumulated over 300,000 BTC in ETFs, nearly doubling their holdings since Q3 2024. Data from the latest 13F filings ➡️ The State of California has bought 41 million Dollars worth of Strategy MSTR with their pension funds. ➡️The California State Teachers Retirement System doubles its MSTR holdings, now worth $83 million. ➡️Cantor Fitzgerald, formerly led by Howard Lutnick, bought over $1 billion worth of MSTR shares in Q4, making it their largest position. With an average buy price of $229, they’re already up 47%. Lutnick now runs Trump’s new Sovereign Wealth Fund as Commerce Secretary. CalSTRS has $352 billion AUM and is the second largest pension fund in the USA. ➡️U.S. TREASURY SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: Bitcoin is "about freedom... I think everything is on the table with Bitcoin."  On the 17th of February: ➡️'Bitcoin’s correlation with the S&P 500 has dropped to zero, marking a significant shift in market behavior. Historically tied to stocks, BTC is now moving independently, signaling a break from traditional macroeconomic influences.' - Bitcoin News [](https://i.ibb.co/x8B4n8cf/Gk-A-NXn-WQAA9-T9c.jpg) ➡️'Imagine using money whose supply you can’t personally audit. Bitcoin's the only widely accepted form of money whose supply anyone with a $200 computer can fully verify. This is one of the key things that sets Bitcoin apart from everything else.' - Wicked ➡️Metaplanet buys another ¥4 billion worth of Bitcoin. 'After ten months on the Bitcoin Standard, Metaplanet owns approximately 1/10,340th of the world’s first & only absolutely scarce monetary asset.' - Dylan DeClair ➡️2017 VCs dumping on ICOs 2020 DeFi rug pulls 2024 Meme coin pump and dumps That’s the last 3 cycles in crypto. It normally takes 3 mistakes for people to learn. This is why BTC dominance is climbing back to its proper equilibrium.' - Willy Woo ➡️GameStop is considering investing in Bitcoin. The company is sitting on over $4.5 billion in cash. On the 18th of February: ➡️Bitcoin ownership changed massively in 2024. [](https://i.ibb.co/HD0ndgPw/Gk-Fhucd-WQAAB2k-X.png) ➡️Daniel Batten: 'Tether is buying a 51% stake in Adecoagro, a renewable energy and Agriculture company for $1.24 billion. Here's why this matters to Bitcoin mining, and Bitcoin.': https://x.com/DSBatten/status/1891903192939577687 ➡️Union Bank of Switzerland UBS has bought 1.2 Billion Dollars worth of Strategy MSTR at an average price of $289.62 per stock. ➡️4-Year CAGR: BTC: 14%/year Gold: 13%/year S&P500: 12%/year This is the first time BTC is in the same range as other major assets over 4 years. ➡️South African Publicly traded Altvest Capital adopts Bitcoin Treasury Strategy and plans to buy $10 million of BTC. On the 20th of February: ➡️'Michael Saylor's STRATEGY announced pricing for up to $2.3 BILLION of convertible notes to buy more Bitcoin This is a $300m increase since the initial announcement.' -Bitcoin Archive On the 21sst of February: ➡️The Bybit hack is officially the largest crypto heist in HISTORY. $1.46B+ stolen (especially ETH) and still counting. That's 16% of ALL previous crypto hacks COMBINED. The Bybit hacker, North Korea's Lazarus Group behind Bybit's $1.4 billion hack, is now the 14th largest ETH holder in the world. They hold roughly 0.42% of total supply, more than Fidelity, Vitalik, and 2x +what the Ethereum Foundation holds Ethereum is toast. They can roll back the chain and destroy what is left of the decentralization claim or allow North Korean baad actors to keep $1.4B of ETH and unleash an eternal internal battle. Either way, it is terrible. https://x.com/Leishman/status/1892970132000866335 Now are ask yourself: If Coinbase got hacked and their Bitcoin was stolen, would Bitcoin's CEO consider rolling back the chain? ➡️New report finds Bitcoin mining: https://x.com/MARAHoldings/status/1893015821535879475 * brings $4.1 billion in annual U.S. gross product * creates 31,000 jobs * helps stabilize the grid On the 22nd of February: ➡️Montana's #Bitcoin Reserve Bill has died in the House. I fully agree with the following statement made by BitBuyer313 on X: "Unpopular fact. This bill is going to get shot down in every single state that it was proposed, and a Bitcoin strategic reserve is going to get shot down as well. In the case of an emergency, the US government is one EO 6102 away from a strategic reserve honeypot called Coinbase.' Not only Coinbase but also the ETFs and maybe even MSTR. On the 24th of February: ➡️Whales are buying Bitcoin in quantities never seen before. ➡️Strategy completes a $2 billion offering of convertible notes at 0% coupon and 35% premium so they can buy more Bitcoin. Meanwhile, Strategy has acquired 20,356 BTC for ~$1.99B at ~$97,514 per bitcoin and has achieved a Bitcoin Yield of 6.9% YTD 2025. As of 2/23/2025, we hodl 499,096 Bitcoin acquired for ~$33.1 billion at ~$66,357 per Bitcoin Strategy has now acquired 284,696 Bitcoin since the halving. That works out to 918 BTC per day since the halving. That is 2.04 times the daily issuance. Sjeezzzz ➡️Rezolve AI launches a $1B Bitcoin treasury program, starting with a $100M investment. ➡️'Citadel Securities to become Bitcoin and crypto liquidity provider for major exchanges like Coinbase, Binance, Crypto com, and others.' -Bitcoin Archive ➡️Germany's €370 BILLION Deka bank to launch Bitcoin and crypto trading+custody for institutions. ➡️Over $110,000,000,000 was wiped out from the crypto market in the past 24 hours. ➡️Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming all rejected bills for state Strategic Bitcoin Reserves over volatility concerns. There are still 19 US states with live Strategic Bitcoin Reserves! A total of 5 states; WY, PA, ND, MT & MS have dead bills. Joe Burnett: 'Unpopular opinion: Bitcoin’s volatility DOES make holding bitcoin risky in the short term, but the volatility is a function of its active monetization and 60% CAGR. Short-term swings don’t affect its long-term fundamentals or long-term performance.' ➡️Despite $38.6B flowing into Bitcoin ETFs since January 2024, only $17.5B (44%) appears to be from direct long-term investment, according to 10x Research. The remaining 56% likely involves arbitrage, where short Bitcoin futures are used to balance ETF inflows. ## 💸Traditional Finance / Macro: On the 13th of February: 👉🏽The S&P 500 surges toward 6100 despite rising inflation and trade war concerns, now 0.5% away from a new all-time high. ## 🏦Banks:  👉🏽Jamie Dimon just sold 33% of his J.P. Morgan stock on February 20th Co-CEO Troy Rohrbaugh also sold 20% yesterday. The 1% always knows when to bail. ## 🌎Macro/Geopolitics: On the 11th of February: 👉🏽CarlBMenger: 'The wait to withdraw Gold had increased from a few days to several weeks, Bank of England. Imagine securing your wealth in a bearer asset to avoid counterparty risk, only to stash it in another country and pray they let you withdraw it. Bitcoin fixes this stupidity.' (foto) If a 2% drawdown in Bank of England's gold reserves has caused a 6-week delay, it's safe to say 99% of the vault is empty. 👉🏽CPI 0.5% MoM, Exp. 0.3% CPI Core 0.4% MoM, Exp. 0.3% CPI 3.0% YoY, Exp. 2.9% CPI Core 3.3% YoY, Exp. 3.1% The Fed's worst nightmare just got worse. US CPI ran very hot in January. The headline inflation rate accelerated to 3% YoY from 2.9% in Dec, CPI increased 0.5% MoM, the biggest since Aug 2023. Core CPI rose to 3.3% YoY from 3.2%, higher than the consensus of +3.1%. Zerohedge: 'The bad news: CPI is just catching up to the reality which was being masked by the Biden admin. The good news: shelter CPI was the big driver, accounting for 30% of the headline increase, and lags by 12 months which means real inflation is far more modest.' On the 13th of February: 👉🏽The US budget deficit hit 6.4% in 2024, the biggest in history outside of major economic crises and wars. Over the next decade, the interest contribution is set to widen and there is nothing that will stop this train. Opt-out, study Bitcoin. 👉🏽In the past 12 months, America paid a record $1.167 trillion in interest on the federal debt; this is more than all US spending on Defense, Health, and Income Security, and only Social Security spending is bigger (for 3 years at which interest will surpass it) 👉🏽Reuters was paid millions of dollars by the US government for “large scale social deception”. That is literally what it says on the purchase order! Now we know why the left is in total panic mode. The walls are literally closing in on massive scams. 👉🏽ZeroHedge: 'Another day, another 346K oz of gold delivered to comex vaults, pushing the total to 36.5 million oz, of which the big 3 are now at a record 30 million oz.' On the 14th of February: 👉🏽 Ever since D.O.G.E. (Department of Governmental Examination) started sniffing around government agencies, something HILARIOUS has happened: WikiLeaks: Washington DC searches soar for "Swiss bank" (yellow), "offshore bank" (green), "wire money" (red) and "IBAN" (blue). (foto) Pretty damning, panic in DC, the cover-up is in full swing! Washington DC searches for "lawyer' have increased 400% (data from Google trends) 👉🏽The Chinese Property Market has seen a total loss of $18 Trillion over the past 3 years, surpassing the losses suffered by the U.S. during the Global Financial Crisis. 👉🏽'The US government spent a near-record $642 BILLION in January, $142 billion higher than last year. Over the last 12 months, government expenditures hit a whopping $7.1 TRILLION. By comparison, public expenses in 2019 were 32% lower, at $4.8 trillion. In just 10 years, federal government spending has DOUBLED. Government outlays have never been so large excluding the 2020 pandemic and 2021 recovery. Government spending is out of control.' -TKL 👉🏽In the last 72 hours JD Vance has told Europe - if it doesn't repeal the AI Act and Digital Services Act the US will outflank them - if it doesn't repeal the GDPR, the US will tariff them - if it keeps censoring its people, America will platform them Europe thought they could regulate the internet (AI), censor speech, and impose trade barriers without consequences. 'As a European, I’m outraged by Vance’s speech. Outraged that it took an American to say what no European bureaucrat dared to.' - Learn Latin (Twitter) Europe’s biggest problem isn’t just self-imposed tariffs or bureaucracy, it’s the illusion that regulation equals strength. While the U.S. plays to win, Europe debates rules that often handicap its own businesses. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate Europe whatsoever, but I do think that it is shooting itself in her foot. Deregulation, lower taxes, Defense spending up, incentives for foreign direct investments and downsize red tape is more necessary than ever. Europe has a historical change of being in the game or becoming a pariah in the new global order. European leaders emphasize the superiority of the ‘European way and therefore I lean more to the 'becoming a pariah in the new global order' side. Unfortunately. 👉🏽Since DOGE began discussing mass layoffs, the median home price in Washington DC has FALLEN by -$139,000. In 30 days, nearly 4,000 homes have been listed for sale in and around Washington DC. Although I hate the shitcoinery by Milei, he has clearly shown that a free market is the only way out of poverty. That’s the exact opposite of socialism which is the best proven way into poverty for all. [](https://i.ibb.co/nMRXystB/Gj5-Kyg-HWw-AAA7td.jpg) Poverty in Argentina fell to 33.5% in January 2025, according to UTDT. As inflation falls and wages rise, poverty rates in the country are falling sharply again. 👉🏽Meloni announces that Italy supports yesterday’s proposal by Ursula von der Leyen to remove military spending from the 3% deficit limit EU countries have. It will allow Italy to quickly rearm and use its large defense industry to the fullest. EU plans a €700 billion weapons package to arm Europe. More debt… more eurozone inflation. On the 16th of February: 👉🏽DOGE next target - Fort Knox Gold Reserve! The US gold reserves - last "audited" in 1974 - remain shrouded in secrecy. Elon Musk's recent query sheds light on decades of opacity! It’s time for a full accounting of OUR Gold at Fort Knox. 'Theoretically, there's over 8k metric tons or roughly 250 million Troy Ounces. At today's spot price of over $2,800/oz is  $700 billion. The DC Swamp creatures have likely dipped deeply into that cookie jar.' - Diver Dan On the 17th of February: 👉🏽The Reserve Bank of Australia confirmed the existence of fake Gold bars being held at the Bank of England. Don’t trust, verify. Bitcoin is audited every 10 minutes. 👉🏽41% of all the full-time jobs created during the Biden administration were government employees. 👉🏽Gold prices are now officially up +50% over the last 14 months and made ANOTHER all-time high. Gold's market cap just hit $20 TRILLION for the first time in history. 'After 45 years, Gold has finally reached a new all-time high in inflation-adjusted terms. Patience is key and most HODLers are dead by now.' - CarlBMenger On the 18th of February: 👉🏽The Treasury Access Symbol, an identification code for payments in the US Treasury system, was an "optional" field. As a result, DOGE is unable to trace $4.7 TRILLION worth of US Treasury payments. That's ~2.6 TIMES the 2024 US deficit.. https://www.zerohedge.com/political/doge-finds-47-trillion-virtually-untraceable-treasury-payments 👉🏽'US inflation materially accelerated in January: Supercore inflation jumped 4.0% year-over-year in January. However, the 3-month annualized rate and the 6-month annualized rate jumped to 4.7% and 5.3%, respectively. The 1-month rate annualized would put inflation at 9.5%, the second-highest since 2022. Overall, Supercore inflation has been now above the Fed’s 2% target for 4.5 years. The fight against inflation has entered a new era.' - TKL On the 21st of February: 👉🏽China just cranked up the money printer to max speed (M1 Money Supply). Other CBs will follow suit. (foto) [](https://i.ibb.co/q3t58CqS/Gk-Rh-Bn-ZWk-AA4-IAV.jpg) 'China's M1 money supply jumped from $67T in Dec 2024 to $112T in Jan 2025 because they changed how M1 is calculated. Notice the rapid decline in M1 in 2024. The only reason you'd do this is to mask liquidity injections you're using to fend off a deflationary debt spiral.' 👉🏽The ECB has recorded the biggest loss in its 25-year history. (foto) The European Central Bank (ECB) has reported a record loss of €7.9 billion for the year 2024, surpassing the previous year's loss of €1.3 billion. https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/pr/date/2025/html/ecb.pr250220~eca25e4e21.en.html 👉🏽Japan’s inflation rate rises to 4.0%, its highest since January 2023. - the US (3.0%) - the UK (3.7%) - the Eurozone (2.5%) - China (0.5%) Yet, the policy rate of the Bank of Japan stands at 0.5%. On the 24th of February: 👉🏽'US CPI inflation is on track to hit 4.6% over the next 6 months, according to Bank of America. CPI inflation has averaged +0.4% on a month-over-month basis over the last 3 months. If this trend continues, this puts year-over-year inflation on pace to hit 4.6% by July, the highest since April 2023. That would be more than DOUBLE the Fed’s 2% inflation target. Even if monthly inflation prints ease to 0.3%, year-over-year inflation would still rise to 3.8%. Inflation is accelerating.' - TKL ## 🎁If you have made it this far I would like to give you a little gift: What Bitcoin Did: THE MONEY PRINTER IS COMING with James Lavish. They discuss: - Global liquidity - The Fed caught lying - QE is coming - DOGE - Bitcoin in 2025 https://youtu.be/uhQnDNWMNew 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! ▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

@ c1e9ab3a:9cb56b43

# Election Authority (EA) Platform ## 1.1 EA Administration Interface (Web-Based) - **Purpose**: Gives authorized personnel (e.g., election officials) a user-friendly way to administer the election. - **Key Tasks**: 1. **Voter Registration Oversight**: Mark which voters have proven their identity (via in-person KYC or some legal process). 2. **Blind Signature Issuance**: Approve or deny blind signature requests from registered voters (each corresponding to one ephemeral key). 3. **Tracking Voter Slots**: Keep a minimal registry of who is allowed one ephemeral key signature, and mark it “used” once a signature is issued. 4. **Election Configuration**: Set start/end times, provide encryption parameters (public keys), manage threshold cryptography setup. 5. **Monitor Tallying**: After the election, collaborate with trustees to decrypt final results and release them. ## 1.2 EA Backend Services - **Blind Signature Service**: - An API endpoint or internal module that receives a *blinded ephemeral key* from a voter, checks if they are authorized (one signature per voter), and returns the blind-signed result. - Typically requires secure storage of the EA’s **blind signing private key**. - **Voter Roll Database**: - Stores minimal info: “Voter #12345 is authorized to request one ephemeral key signature,” plus status flags. - Does **not** store ephemeral keys themselves (to preserve anonymity). - **(Optional) Mix-Net or Homomorphic Tally Service**: - Coordinates with trustees for threshold decryption or re-encryption. - Alternatively, a separate “Tally Authority” service can handle this. --- # 2. Auditor Interface ## 2.1 Auditor Web-Based Portal - **Purpose**: Allows independent auditors (or the public) to: 1. **Fetch All Ballots** from the relays (or from an aggregator). 2. **Verify Proofs**: Check each ballot’s signature, blind signature from the EA, OTS proof, zero-knowledge proofs, etc. 3. **Check Double-Usage**: Confirm that each ephemeral key is used only once (or final re-vote is the only valid instance). 4. **Observe Tally Process**: Possibly see partial decryptions or shuffle steps, verify the final result matches the posted ballots. - **Key Tasks**: - Provide a **dashboard** showing the election’s real-time status or final results, after cryptographic verification. - Offer **open data** downloads so third parties can run independent checks. ## 2.2 (Optional) Trustee Dashboard - If the election uses threshold cryptography (multiple parties must decrypt), each **trustee** (candidate rep, official, etc.) might have an interface for: - Uploading partial decryption shares or re-encryption proofs. - Checking that other trustees did their steps correctly (zero-knowledge proofs for correct shuffling, etc.). --- # 3. Voter Application ## 3.1 Voter Client (Mobile App or Web Interface) - **Purpose**: The main tool voters use to participate—**before**, **during**, and **after** the election. - **Functionalities**: 1. **Registration Linking**: - Voter goes in-person to an election office or uses an online KYC process. - Voter obtains or confirms their **long-term (“KYC-bound”) key**. The client can store it securely (or the voter just logs in to a “voter account”). 2. **Ephemeral Key Generation**: - Create an ephemeral key pair (\(nsec_e, npub_e\)) locally. - Blind \(\npub_e\) and send it to the EA for signing. - Unblind the returned signature. - Store \(\npub_e\) + EA’s signature for use during voting. 3. **Ballot Composition**: - Display candidates/offices to the voter. - Let them select choices. - Possibly generate zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) behind the scenes to confirm “exactly one choice per race.” 4. **Encryption & OTS Timestamp**: - Encrypt the ballot under the election’s **public** (threshold) key or produce a format suitable for a mix-net. - Obtain an **OpenTimestamps** proof for the ballot’s hash. 5. **Publish Ballot**: - Sign the entire “timestamped ballot” with the ephemeral key. - Include the EA’s blind signature on \(\npub_e\). - Post to the Nostr relays (or any chosen decentralized channel). 6. **Re-Voting**: - If the user needs to change their vote, the client repeats the encryption + OTS step, publishes a new ballot with a strictly later OTS anchor. 7. **Verification**: - After the election, the voter can check that their final ballot is present in the tally set. ## 3.2 Local Storage / Security - The app must securely store: - **Ephemeral private key** (\(nsec_e\)) until voting is complete. - Potential backup/recovery mechanism if the phone is lost. - Blind signature from the EA on \(\npub_e\). - Potentially uses hardware security modules (HSM) or secure enclaves on the device. --- # 4. Nostr Relays (or Equivalent Decentralized Layer) - **Purpose**: Store and replicate voter-submitted ballots (events). - **Key Properties**: 1. **Redundancy**: Voters can post to multiple relays to mitigate censorship or downtime. 2. **Public Accessibility**: Auditors, the EA, and the public can fetch all events to verify or tally. 3. **Event Filtering**: By design, watchers can filter events with certain tags, e.g. “election: 2025 County Race,” ensuring they gather all ballots. --- # 5. Threshold Cryptography Setup ## 5.1 Multi-Seg (Multi-Party) Key Generation - **Participants**: Possibly the EA + major candidates + accredited observers. - **Process**: A **Distributed Key Generation (DKG)** protocol that yields a single **public** encryption key. - **Private Key Shares**: Each trustee holds a piece of the decryption key; no single party can decrypt alone. ## 5.2 Decryption / Tally Mechanism - **Homomorphic Approach**: 1. Ballots are *additively* encrypted. 2. Summation of ciphertexts is done publicly. 3. Trustees provide partial decryptions for the final sum. - **Mix-Net Approach**: 1. Ballots are collected. 2. Multiple servers shuffle and re-encrypt them (each trustee verifies correctness). 3. Final set is decrypted, but the link to each ephemeral key is lost. ## 5.3 Trustee Interfaces - **Separate or integrated into the auditor interface**—each trustee logs in and provides their partial key share for decrypting the final result. - Possibly combined with ZK proofs to confirm correct partial decryption or shuffling. --- # 6. OpenTimestamps (OTS) or External Time Anchor ## 6.1 Aggregator Service - **Purpose**: Receives a hash from the voter’s app, anchors it into a blockchain or alternative time-stamping system. - **Result**: Returns a proof object that can later be used by any auditor to confirm the time/block height at which the hash was included. ## 6.2 Verifier Interface - Could be part of the **auditor tool** or the **voter client**. - Checks that each ballot’s OTS proof is valid and references a block/time prior to the election’s closing. --- # 7. Registration Process (In-Person or Hybrid) 1. **Voter presents ID** physically at a polling station or a designated office (or an online KYC approach, if legally allowed). 2. **EA official**: - Confirms identity. - Links the voter to a “voter record” (Voter #12345). - Authorizes them for “1 ephemeral key blind-sign.” 3. **Voter obtains or logs into the voter client**: - The app or website might show “You are now cleared to request a blind signature from the EA.” - Voter later (or immediately) generates the ephemeral key and requests the blind signature. --- # 8. Putting It All Together (High-Level Flow) 1. **Key Setup** - The EA + trustees run a DKG to produce the **election public key**. 2. **Voter Registration** - Voter is validated (ID check). - Marked as eligible in the EA database. 3. **Blind-Signed Ephemeral Key** - Voter’s client generates a key, blinds \(\npub_e\), obtains EA’s signature, unblinds. 4. **Voting** 1. Voter composes ballot, encrypts with the election public key. 2. Gets OTS proof for the ballot hash. 3. Voter’s ephemeral key signs the entire package (including EA’s signature on \(\npub_e\)). 4. Publishes to Nostr. 5. **Re-Voting** (Optional) - Same ephemeral key, new OTS timestamp. - Final ballot is whichever has the latest valid timestamp before closing. 6. **Close of Election & Tally** 1. EA announces closing. 2. Tally software (admin + auditors) collects ballots from Nostr, discards invalid duplicates. 3. Threshold decryption or mix-net to reveal final counts. 4. Publish final results and let auditors verify everything. --- # 9. Summary of Major Components Below is a succinct list: 1. **EA Admin Platform** - Web UI for officials (registration, blind signature issuing, final tally management). - Backend DB for voter records & authorized ephemeral keys. 2. **Auditor/Trustee Platforms** - Web interface for verifying ballots, partial decryption, and final results. 3. **Voter Application (Mobile / Web)** - Generating ephemeral keys, getting blind-signed, casting encrypted ballots, re-voting, verifying included ballots. 4. **Nostr Relays (Decentralized Storage)** - Where ballots (events) are published, replicated, and fetched for final tally. 5. **Threshold Cryptography System** - Multi-party DKG for the election key. - Protocols or services for partial decryption, mix-net, or homomorphic summation. 6. **OpenTimestamps Aggregator** - Service that returns a blockchain-anchored timestamp proof for each ballot’s hash. ## Additional Implementation Considerations - **Security Hardening**: - Using hardware security modules (HSM) for the EA’s blind-signing key, for trustee shares, etc. - **Scalability**: - Handling large numbers of concurrent voters, large data flows to relays. - **User Experience**: - Minimizing cryptographic complexity for non-technical voters. - **Legal and Procedural**: - Compliance with local laws for in-person ID checks, mandatory paper backups (if any), etc. --- ## Final Note While each **functional block** can be designed and deployed independently (e.g., multiple aggregator services, multiple relays, separate tally servers), the **key** to a successful system is **interoperability** and **careful orchestration** of these components—ensuring strong security, a straightforward voter experience, and transparent auditing. nostr:naddr1qqxnzde5xq6nzv348yunvv35qy28wue69uhnzv3h9cczuvpwxyargwpk8yhsygxpax4n544z4dk2f04lgn4xfvha5s9vvvg73p46s66x2gtfedttgvpsgqqqw4rs0rcnsu

@ 67403b2c:27b48c7a

Sexual identity—how one thinks of oneself in terms of romantic and sexual attraction—is among the most profound aspects of human experience. Understanding and accepting one's orientation often involves a complex journey of self-discovery that deserves compassion and patience. Sexual orientation exists on a spectrum rather than in rigid categories, encompassing heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, asexual, and other identities that reflect human diversity. For many, this identity may be fluid and evolve over time. While some people report knowing their orientation from a young age, others may not fully realize it until later in life, often experiencing periods of questioning and uncertainty—especially if their identity differs from familial or societal expectations. The path to self-acceptance frequently requires overcoming internalized negative messages from family, religious backgrounds, or cultural sources. Support systems are crucial in this process, whether through accepting family members, supportive friends, LGBTQ+ communities, or professional counseling. These connections provide safe spaces for exploration and validation. Education about human sexuality's diversity, including biological and psychological research, helps combat harmful myths and normalize varying orientations. Coming out—sharing one's identity with others—should happen on one's own timeline, with safety and readiness as primary considerations. Some choose to come out widely, others selectively, and both approaches are valid. True self-acceptance doesn't mean eliminating all doubt, but rather developing a fundamentally positive attitude toward one's identity while acknowledging that challenges may arise. This acceptance often leads to more authentic relationships and stronger self-awareness. While society's understanding of diverse sexual identities has grown significantly, discrimination persists, making internal acceptance and resilience crucial. The intersection of sexual identity with race, culture, religion, and gender adds complexity, as individuals navigate multiple cultural contexts and varying community attitudes. Research consistently shows that LGBTQ+ individuals who achieve greater self-acceptance experience better mental health outcomes, highlighting the importance of supportive environments and accessible resources. ## Conclusion The journey of understanding and accepting one's sexual identity, while sometimes challenging, leads to more authentic relationships and fuller self-expression. Everyone deserves support, respect, and the freedom to be exactly who they are, wherever they are in their journey.

@ 67403b2c:27b48c7a

**Key Takeaways:** - Understanding the difference between revolutionaries and rebels - Exploring mindful rebellion through acceptance and flow - Practical approaches to authentic living and personal freedom - Natural resistance versus ideological revolution - Mindfulness and present-moment awareness in rebellion ## Introduction: The Nature of True Rebellion > *"Don't become a revolutionary; become a rebel. A rebel is one who has no ideology, no ideals, who has nothing to impose upon himself, who takes life as it comes and takes it easily, who enjoys it, dances it and sings it."* > **― Osho** ### What Makes a Rebel Different from a Revolutionary? I am not a revolutionary. The weight of ideology holds no power over me, nor do I carry grand visions to force upon an unwilling world. I am, simply and profoundly, a rebel – one who embraces life's raw essence, unburdened by the shackles of ideals or the compulsion to remake what is. Where revolutionaries march with fury toward tomorrow, I dance in the eternal now. Their hearts burn with the need to demolish and rebuild, to reshape reality according to their dreams. But I have learned the art of being, the wisdom of acceptance, the freedom found in surrender to life's endless flow. ## Understanding the Art of Being Present ### Embracing Life's Natural Flow I take life as it appears before me – a vast tapestry of moments, each thread essential to the whole. In joy, I soar; in sorrow, I dive deep. Beauty fills my senses, while pain teaches its ancient lessons. I stand witness to it all, neither fighting against perceived injustices nor struggling to craft utopia from chaos. For in the pursuit of perfection, we lose the profound beauty of the imperfect present. ### Mindful Experience and Emotional Intelligence Each experience washes over me like waves on the shore, leaving its mark before receding into memory. I taste life's flavors fully – bitter and sweet, subtle and overwhelming. When laughter bubbles up, I let it ring; when tears fall, I let them flow. When love fills my heart, I become love itself; when hurt finds me, I embrace it as another face of living. This is the wholeness I seek – not a carefully curated existence, but life in all its messy, glorious entirety. ## The Path of Natural Resistance ### Finding Freedom Through Acceptance Free from the burden of ideals, I need not contort myself to match another's vision of righteousness. Like water finding its path downhill, I flow naturally through the landscape of existence, adapting to what lies before me rather than demanding the mountain step aside. ### Living the Rebel's Way This, then, is the rebel's way – not to lead armies of change or craft manifestos of revolution, but to move in harmony with life's own rhythm. My rebellion lies not in resistance but in acceptance, not in fighting but in flowing, not in changing the world but in fully inhabiting it. I dance to the music of my own heart's truth, and in this simple act lies all the rebellion I will ever need. ## Conclusion: A Personal Declaration of Freedom *This is my manifesto. Not carved in stone or written in fire, but flowing like water, changing like clouds, free like the wind. This is my rebellion – to simply, radically be.* --- **Related Topics:** - Mindfulness and presence - Personal freedom - Authentic living - Natural resistance - Flow state - Emotional wisdom - Self-acceptance *[* *[Author's Note: This manifesto explores the distinction between revolutionary ideology and authentic rebellion, offering insights into mindful living and personal freedom. It draws from philosophical traditions of mindfulness, Taoism, and contemporary personal development practices.]* --- ### Support the Rebellion In the spirit of authentic rebellion, this manifesto flows freely like water – available to all who seek it. If these words have touched your spirit or shifted your perspective, consider supporting this ongoing exploration of freedom and consciousness. Your support helps maintain this space of authentic expression and enables more rebels to find their path to freedom. 🌊 [Fuel the Rebellion](https://buymeacoffee.com/adontai) *"Every drop joins the ocean of change."*

@ 67403b2c:27b48c7a

Have you ever wondered why Jewish people often say "Hashem" instead of "God"? This thoughtful practice goes far beyond simple word choice—it reveals profound insights about respect, spirituality, and the sacred nature of language in Judaism. ## What Does "Hashem" Mean? Hashem—literally meaning "the Name" in Hebrew—represents a tradition built on reverence and deep spiritual understanding. This practice stems from a fundamental Jewish belief: God's true name is too sacred for everyday use. When practitioners say Hashem, they acknowledge something profound about divinity—that it transcends human comprehension. ## The Spiritual Impact of Sacred Language Think about how you speak about someone you deeply respect. You likely choose your words carefully, right? The use of Hashem works similarly. Each time this substitute name is spoken, it creates a powerful reminder: we stand before something far greater than ourselves. This mindful approach to sacred language creates a unique space for spiritual connection—intimate yet respectful, close yet maintaining appropriate distance. ## Understanding Hashem in a Global Context Different religions worldwide have their own special names and titles for the divine. Each reveals unique perspectives on humanity's relationship with the sacred. Hashem offers a fascinating example of how language shapes spiritual experience and opens doors for meaningful interfaith dialogue. ## Why This Matters for Everyone Even if you're not Jewish, this practice offers valuable insights into spirituality and language. It demonstrates how our word choices can profoundly impact our spiritual awareness and relationship with the sacred. Whether you're speaking about God, contemplating the divine, or discussing matters of faith, the language you choose shapes your experience. ## The Universal Message of Hashem The practice of saying Hashem transcends religious boundaries. It touches on universal human experiences we all share: - Our sense of awe before the infinite - Our struggle to express the inexpressible - Our quest to find appropriate ways to speak about what we hold most sacred ## Learn More About Jewish Traditions Understanding practices like using Hashem helps build bridges between different faiths and cultures. It reminds us that despite our different traditions, we share common human experiences in our spiritual journeys. --- *Did you find this guide helpful? Support more articles like this:* [☕ ](https://buymeacoffee.com/adontai)[Buy Me a Coffee](https://buymeacoffee.com/adontai) *Share this article with others interested in spiritual practices and interfaith understanding!*

@ 67403b2c:27b48c7a

## Quick Summary - Location: Tampa Bay, Florida - Urgent Need: $500 for extended stay housing - Deadline: 48 hours (move-in by Wednesday/Thursday) - Recent Victory: Job secured at ARS Rescue Rooter - Current Status: Third night on streets - Housing Solution: West Wing extended stay apartments near USF ## The Journey So Far My first experience with homelessness began on January 11, 2022. Now, facing my fourth bout of homelessness in Tampa Bay, each return to the streets becomes increasingly dangerous. I've survived three separate attacks while homeless, and the constant vigilance required to stay safe takes a devastating toll. ## Breaking News: Job Secured After countless applications and interviews, I've secured a position as HD Store Sales Associate at ARS Rescue Rooter! The background check is in progress, with work beginning February 13th. This isn't just employment – it's a chance to break the cycle of homelessness. ## The Housing Crisis: By the Numbers - 500,000+ Americans experience homelessness nightly - 27% caught in chronic homelessness - Average 1-bedroom apartment requires $40,000/year income - Only 25% of eligible households receive housing assistance - Current hotel rates: $88-100/day, $120+ weekends ## The Immediate Challenge I've found an affordable solution at West Wing extended stay apartments: - Weekly rate: $500 (all utilities included) - Monthly option: $1,400 - Location: Near USF campus - Move-in ready: Yes - Management: Willing to work with my situation - Need: $500 for immediate move-in ## Why This Is Critical 1. Physical Safety: Nearly collapsed from exhaustion yesterday 2. Job Security: Need stable base before starting work 3. Financial Stability: Weekly pay will maintain housing once started 4. Breaking the Cycle: Opportunity to end homelessness permanently ## Financial Strategy for Stability The path to sustainable housing requires careful planning. Here's the strategic approach: ### Initial Housing Buffer - Need: $1,000 for two weeks' extended stay - Purpose: Create financial cushion through first paycheck - Timing: Move in before job starts February 13th - Goal: Avoid costly temporary hotel stays ($88-100/night) ### Payment Timeline Strategy 1. Week One: Community-supported housing payment ($500) 2. Week Two: Job begins, first week worked ($500 buffer active) 3. Week Three: First paycheck received, begins regular payment cycle 4. Week Four: Establish stable weekly payment pattern ### Cost Comparison Traditional Hotels vs. Extended Stay: - Hotels: $88-100/night ($616-700/week) - Weekend rates: $120+/night - Extended Stay: $500/week all-inclusive - Monthly option: $1,400 (additional savings) ### Why Two Weeks Matter - First week: Secure immediate housing - Second week: Buffer during pay period transition - Prevents falling back to expensive hotels - Ensures stable foundation for job success - Avoids gaps in housing security - Transition from weekly to monthly payments - Save $200+ per month vs. weekly rates - Establish rental history for future housing - Create non-profit organization focused on: - Ending homelessness worldwide - Providing immediate housing solutions - Developing sustainable support systems - Sharing lived experience expertise - Building community-based intervention programs - Breaking cycles of homelessness globally - Creating replicable housing solutions - Advocating for systemic change This strategic approach ensures: 1. No gaps in housing during job transition 2. Maximum cost efficiency 3. Path to long-term stability 4. Foundation for future independence 5. Platform to help others escape homelessness 6. Opportunity to transform personal struggle into global impact ## How You Can Help Immediate Actions: 1. Contribute through [Buy Me a Coffee](https://buymeacoffee.com/adontai) 2. Share this story on social media 3. Follow updates on Twitter [@adontaim](https://twitter.com/adontaim) 4. Connect with resources or housing solutions ## Related Resources Learn more about homelessness in Tampa Bay: - [The Hidden Dimensions of Homelessness](https://posts.type.ai/the-torah-of-traie/the-hidden-dimensions-of-homelessness) - An exploration of the often-overlooked aspects of homeless life and the daily realities faced by those experiencing it. - [Surviving Florida's Anti-Homeless Laws](https://posts.type.ai/the-torah-of-traie/surviving-floridas-anti-homeless-laws) - A detailed look at the legal challenges and systemic barriers that make escaping homelessness increasingly difficult in Florida. - [Surviving the In-Between](https://posts.type.ai/the-torah-of-traie/surviving-the-in-between) - A personal account of navigating the challenging transition periods between housing and homelessness. - [Surviving Homelessness Alone](https://posts.type.ai/the-torah-of-traie/surviving-homelessness-alone) - An intimate look at the unique challenges and strategies for surviving homelessness without a support system. - [Invisible Battles: The Silent Struggle](https://posts.type.ai/the-torah-of-traie/invisible-battles-the-silent-struggle) - A deep dive into the unseen mental and emotional challenges faced while experiencing homelessness. These pieces provide additional context to my ongoing journey and highlight the complex intersections of personal struggle, public policy, and societal attitudes toward homelessness. Your engagement with these stories helps raise awareness about the real challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness in our community. Thank you for taking the time to understand and share these experiences. ## Updates and Progress Follow real-time updates across platforms: - Twitter/X: [@adontaim](https://twitter.com/adontaim) - Facebook: [facebook.com/adontai](https://facebook.com/adontai) - Support Page: [buymeacoffee.com/adontai](https://buymeacoffee.com/adontai) ## Take Action Now Every hour counts in this 48-hour window. Your support could be the difference between: - Starting a new job from stable housing - Continuing to sleep on the streets - Breaking the cycle of homelessness - Building a sustainable future Share this story with anyone who might be able to help. Together, we can transform this opportunity into lasting stability. \#TampaBay #Homelessness #CommunitySupport #EmergencyHousing #MutualAid

@ 67403b2c:27b48c7a

## The inconvenient truth about success that productivity gurus don't want you to know "Just work harder." If you're like me, you've heard this advice hundreds of times. It's plastered across LinkedIn posts, echoed in graduation speeches, and whispered in performance reviews. But here's what nobody tells you: it might be the most damaging piece of career advice ever given. ## The Religion of Hard Work From an early age, we're indoctrinated into what I call "the religion of hard work." Its commandments are simple: - Thou shalt hustle 24/7 - Thou shalt glorify the grind - Thou shalt feel guilty about rest We worship at the altar of productivity porn, sharing stories of self-made millionaires and pioneering entrepreneurs who "made it" through sheer force of will. The gospel is clear: work harder than everyone else, and success will follow. But here's the inconvenient truth: it's mostly fiction. ## The Data Tells a Different Story Let's look at what research actually shows: - A 2022 study found that socioeconomic background was *twice* as predictive of career advancement as work ethic - 77% of professionals report burnout at their current jobs - Productivity *plummets* after 50 hours of work per week - Working longer hours directly correlates with increased rates of depression and anxiety Think about that for a second. We're killing ourselves for a promise that data shows isn't even true. ## The Real Success Stories Nobody Talks About The tech industry—my world for the past decade—provides the perfect case study. For every "overnight success" story about a founder who worked 100-hour weeks, there are dozens of equally hard-working teams that failed. The difference? Usually not effort, but timing, connections, or plain old luck. Remember Friendster? They worked just as hard as Facebook. MySpace? They grinded just like Twitter. The difference wasn't effort—it was everything else. ## The Nordic Model: Working Less, Achieving More Here's what really bakes my noodle: the countries with the shortest working hours often have the highest productivity and happiness levels. Take Denmark and Norway: - Shorter workweeks - More vacation time - Higher productivity per hour - Consistently ranked among the world's happiest nations They've cracked the code that we're still trying to figure out: working smarter beats working harder. ## A Better Way Forward Instead of measuring success in hours worked or sacrifices made, what if we measured it in: - Mental health preserved - Relationships strengthened - Creative projects completed - Life experiences gained Companies like Buffer and Basecamp aren't just experimenting with this approach—they're proving it works. Their four-day workweeks and "calm company" philosophies haven't hurt their bottom lines; they've helped them. ## The Real Revolution The next time someone tells you to "just work harder," remember this: hard work has its place, but it's just one ingredient in a complex recipe. The real revolution isn't in grinding ourselves down—it's in building a life where success doesn't require sacrifice. Because maybe, just maybe, the smartest thing we can do is stop working so hard at working hard. --- *If this resonated with you, hit the subscribe button below. I write weekly about rethinking traditional career advice and finding better ways to define and achieve success.*

@ 67403b2c:27b48c7a

The heat was relentless—a suffocating force that offered no refuge. Our world shrank to the confines of portable toilets and the fleeting mercy of a mobile shower truck. Even the simple dignity of clean clothes hung precariously on the whims of a laundry service that weaponized access as a form of control. We lived under the weight of an institutional facade, where arbitrary rules served not order but power. Minutes late to retrieve laundry? The facility would shut down for the day. Showers became bargaining chips, withdrawn for imagined infractions. The computer room, our sole sanctuary of climate control, stood as a cruel mirage—perpetually promised, perpetually denied. Only the Wi-Fi remained steadfast, a digital umbilical cord to the world beyond our suspended reality. In this liminal space between citizen and prisoner, I discovered an unexpected salvation in vulnerability. The act of opening up to my family about my circumstances didn't just halve the burden—it restored a piece of my humanity. Yet even now, with those days behind me, the memories trigger visceral responses that ripple through my body like aftershocks of trauma. The path to homelessness is a gradual unraveling. One moment, you're maintaining a precarious balance of employment and housing; the next, you're watching that fragile stability dissolve. The stress manifests physically—a constant companion that transforms into waves of terror and overwhelming dread. Even now, recounting these experiences summons that familiar tide of panic, threatening to pull me under. Survival mode rewires your priorities with brutal efficiency. When shelter becomes uncertain, the body's response is primal and absolute: - Communications fade to white noise - Basic needs become luxury items - The world contracts to a single imperative: find safety In these moments of acute crisis, even fundamental human needs—food, connection, dignity—become secondary concerns. Shelter becomes an obsession, sought in any form: a public restroom, a quiet corner, any space that offers temporary reprieve from exposure. The myth of multitasking crumbles when basic survival consumes every ounce of mental energy. Each day balances precariously on the edge of catastrophe, where the slightest disruption can trigger a cascade of survival responses. These aren't conscious choices but reflexive adaptations—often destructive, always necessary. Walking through society wearing the invisible marks of homelessness teaches you about humiliation, but also about resilience. There's something profoundly dehumanizing about having your existence reduced to pure survival, yet within that stripped-down reality, hope persists—stubborn and essential as a heartbeat. Every step forward becomes an act of reclaiming identity, even as worn clothes and weathered dignity remind you of the distance still to travel. This narrative transcends personal testimony—it illuminates how survival consciousness reshapes human experience. My coping mechanisms, however imperfect, represent more than individual strategies; they reflect the universal human drive to preserve dignity in the face of systematic degradation. Through this lens, physical deprivation and emotional trauma reveal a deeper truth: resilience isn't about thriving, but about maintaining our essential humanity when circumstances conspire to strip it away. # Garden of Modern Eden Every Sunday, Adon watched Elder Clark stand at the pulpit, his voice carrying across the congregation like thunder. The elder preached about strength, about what made a "real man"—always with those air quotes that made Adon's stomach turn. After service one morning, Adon overheard Clark counseling another young man. "Stand alone. That's what men do. We don't need help, we don't ask for it." The words felt like stones dropping into Adon's chest, each one heavier than the last. Adon thought about Steve waiting in their apartment, about the strength it took to be themselves in a world that seemed determined to deny their existence. He thought about Clark's daughter, who had transitioned years ago and now lived states away, sending only Christmas cards that were never acknowledged. "Funny," Adon whispered to himself as he walked home that day, "how some people trust G_d with everything except the beautiful diversity of His creation." He smiled, finally understanding that true strength wasn't in standing alone—it was in standing proudly as the person you were meant to be, even when others refused to see you. his voice carrying across the congregation like thunder. The elder preached about strength, about what made a "real man"—always with those air quotes that made Adon's stomach turn. After service one morning, Adon overheard Clark counseling another young man. "Stand alone. That's what men do. We don't need help, we don't ask for it." The words felt like stones dropping into Adon's chest, each one heavier than the last. Adon thought about Steve waiting in their apartment, about the strength it took to be themselves in a world that seemed determined to deny their existence. He thought about Clark's daughter, who had transitioned years ago and now lived states away, sending only Christmas cards that were never acknowledged. "Funny," Adon whispered to himself as he walked home that day, "how some people trust G_d with everything except the beautiful diversity of His creation." He smiled, finally understanding that true strength wasn't in standing alone—it was in standing proudly as the person you were meant to be, even when others refused to see you.  --- Love what you see? Support my work! ☕ Your coffee donations help fuel new content and keep this project going. I'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback too! 👉 [Buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/adontai](https://buymeacoffee.com/adontai)

@ 4c96d763:80c3ee30

# Changes ## Daniel D’Aquino (8): - Add release process issue template - Reduce swipe sensitivity on thread chat view - Fix issue where a NWC connection would not work unless restarting the app - Implement developer feature to avoid distractions - Fix issue where a NWC connection would not work unless restarting the app - Fix issue where note persisted after note publication - Add development and testing tips - Improve open action handling for notifications ## Terry Yiu (6): - Export strings for translation - Remove preview strings from translation and add missing period to duplicate string to avoid double translation - Trim whitespaces from Lightning addresses - Fix reposts banner to be localizable - Add Conversations tab to profiles - Remove mystery tabs meant to fix tab switching bug that no longer exists ## Transifex (23): - Translate Localizable.strings in pt_PT - Translate Localizable.strings in pt_PT - Translate Localizable.strings in pt_PT - Translate Localizable.strings in pt_PT - Translate Localizable.strings in pt_PT - Translate Localizable.stringsdict in th - Translate Localizable.strings in th - Translate Localizable.strings in th - Translate Localizable.strings in th - Translate Localizable.strings in th - Translate Localizable.strings in th - Translate InfoPlist.strings in nl - Translate InfoPlist.strings in nl - Translate Localizable.strings in nl - Translate Localizable.strings in de - Translate InfoPlist.strings in de - Translate Localizable.strings in de - Translate InfoPlist.strings in ja - Translate InfoPlist.strings in th - Translate Localizable.strings in th - Translate Localizable.strings in pl_PL - Translate InfoPlist.strings in pl_PL - Translate InfoPlist.strings in pl_PL ## William Casarin (2): - Revert "Update EventMenu.swift" - prs: ensure PR always have a linked issue ## alltheseas (1): - Update EventMenu.swift pushed to [damus:refs/heads/master](http://git.jb55.com/damus/commit/935a6cae7a199871f06e42190919844c87266a1b.html)

@ 3ad01248:962d8a07

It has almost been a month since the Bitcoin friendly Trump administration has been in power. The Bitcoin price was riding high days before and after the election with Bitcoin reaching a new all time high of 109k. It sure seem like surely once Trump got into office the price would skyrocket and everyone finally would have lambos and girlfriends. Sadly for the number go up crowd this didn't happen. There are no lambos to be found and no girlfriends. All we get is some sideways price action and a promise to look at creating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (BSR) or some kind of sovereign wealth fund. If you are in Bitcoin for the right reasons and understand what you hold, this is the perfect time to stack sats before the price goes parabolic. I say this because Bitcoin sure seems to be poised to make a massive run. If you look past the current price of Bitcoin you can see a storm of dollars flowing into Bitcoin from the traditional fiat economy. The signs are there if you start looking for them. ## US States Creating Bitcoin Strategic Reserves Guess how many states are considering creating a state level Bitcoin reserve of their own? Lots. Here is a list of states that are thinking about creating a reserve for their state: - [Alabama](https://crypto.news/the-list-us-states-embracing-bitcoin-reserves-growing/#alabama) - [Arizona](https://crypto.news/the-list-us-states-embracing-bitcoin-reserves-growing/#arizona) - [Florida](https://crypto.news/the-list-us-states-embracing-bitcoin-reserves-growing/#florida) - [Kansas](https://crypto.news/the-list-us-states-embracing-bitcoin-reserves-growing/#kansas) - [Illinois](https://crypto.news/the-list-us-states-embracing-bitcoin-reserves-growing/#illinois) - [Iowa](https://crypto.news/the-list-us-states-embracing-bitcoin-reserves-growing/#iowa) - [Massachusetts](https://crypto.news/the-list-us-states-embracing-bitcoin-reserves-growing/#massachusetts) - [Michigan](https://crypto.news/the-list-us-states-embracing-bitcoin-reserves-growing/#michigan) - [Missouri](https://crypto.news/the-list-us-states-embracing-bitcoin-reserves-growing/#missouri) - [Montana](https://crypto.news/the-list-us-states-embracing-bitcoin-reserves-growing/#montana) - [New Hampshire](https://crypto.news/the-list-us-states-embracing-bitcoin-reserves-growing/#new-hampshire) - [New Jersey](https://crypto.news/the-list-us-states-embracing-bitcoin-reserves-growing/#new-jersey) - [New Mexico](https://crypto.news/the-list-us-states-embracing-bitcoin-reserves-growing/#new-mexico) - [North Carolina](https://crypto.news/the-list-us-states-embracing-bitcoin-reserves-growing/#north-carolina) - [North Dakota](https://crypto.news/the-list-us-states-embracing-bitcoin-reserves-growing/#north-dakota) - [Ohio](https://crypto.news/the-list-us-states-embracing-bitcoin-reserves-growing/#ohio) - [Pennsylvania](https://crypto.news/the-list-us-states-embracing-bitcoin-reserves-growing/#pennsylvania) - [South Dakota](https://crypto.news/the-list-us-states-embracing-bitcoin-reserves-growing/#south-dakota) - [Texas](https://crypto.news/the-list-us-states-embracing-bitcoin-reserves-growing/#texas) - [Utah](https://crypto.news/the-list-us-states-embracing-bitcoin-reserves-growing/#utah) - [Wisconsin](https://crypto.news/the-list-us-states-embracing-bitcoin-reserves-growing/#wisconsin) - [Wyoming](https://crypto.news/the-list-us-states-embracing-bitcoin-reserves-growing/#wyoming) Each state is at some varying degree of interest in creating a reserve. Texas and Arizona are by far have made the most progress on making a Bitcoin reserve a reality. [Texas is currently holding a public hearing on this at the time of this writing](https://bitcoinworld.co.in/texas-senate-bitcoin-reserve-hearing/). There is strong political will to create a reserve so I definitely can see them being first movers on this and once Texas makes it a reality the other state will move in short order. [Arizona's strategic reserve bill passed the senate finance committee ](https://www.coinspeaker.com/arizona-senate-approves-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-bill/)on a 5-2 which is a big deal in itself but still has a long way to go before it becomes policy. If it passes the Senate it still has to pass the Arizona House of Representatives and signed by Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs, so the odds of this becoming law is slim. Arizona Democrats seem to be anti-Bitcoin in general and any bills coming from Republicans will likely be shoot down or watered down. [Analysts believe that $23 billion could flow into Bitcoin](https://cryptopotato.com/us-state-strategic-bitcoin-reserves-could-buy-23b-in-btc-vaneck/) from government reserves which equates to 247k Bitcoin going into government cold storage. I have reservations about governments creating BSR's but if we are going to have them I much rather them be at the state level where it can benefit citizens the most. Especially state pension funds that so many of our firefighters, police and first responders depend on for retirement. We will probably see a state level BSR created by the end of the year if not sooner. Time will tell. ### SAB 121 Repeal What is SAB 121? SAB 121 or Staff Accounting Bulletin 121 made it problematic for financial institutions to custody digital assets such as Bitcoin for their customers. SAB 121 required institutions to record their holdings as a liability and not an asset. Naturally banks and other financial institutions didn't see an upside to custody digital assets if it meant taking on liability and having an administration that was hostile to crypto in general. Why take the chance to piss off the government and give them a reason to go after you is probably the reasoning of most bank executives. SAB 121 achieved the goal the Biden administration set out to accomplish, namely stymie Bitcoin adoption by banks and individuals as long as possible. [President Trump swiftly issued a executive order rescinding SAB 121](https://www.fireblocks.com/blog/the-repeal-of-sab-121-a-new-chapter-for-u-s-leadership-in-crypto/) and with that ushering a new era in the realm of Bitcoin and digital assets in general. Financial institutions now have the ability to explore Bitcoin custody solutions that fit their customer's need without fear of having to record a liability on their books. As more and more people and business learn about Bitcoin third party custody options are going to be popular. Think about it from a small business owner perspective for a second. They are in the business of selling their widgets for Bitcoin but they don't want to manage the complexity that comes with accounting, taxes etc.. In steps in their local bank that they have been with for years if not decades and starts providing Bitcoin management services. Small business owners would be all over that idea. In the long run I think the repeal of SAB 121 is going to be a bigger deal than states creating Bitcoin strategic reserves. ### FASB Financial Accounting Standards Board or FASB for short has applied fair value accounting rules on Bitcoin and other digital assets. This is a huge deal because it will allow business to realize profit and losses of Bitcoin based on market prices. It also makes it easier for investors who evaluate businesses that hold Bitcoin on their balance sheet. Overall it treats Bitcoin like any other asset that a business would hold. This accounting rule change will pave the way for more businesses to put Bitcoin on their balance sheet further driving demand for Bitcoin. #### Lightning Companies Leading The Way We all know that L1 Bitcoin can not scale to the entire world and that in order to bring more people into Bitcoin that layer two solutions would have to be built. This has largely been done with the creation of the lightning network which enables seamless peer to peer micropayments in the blink of an eye. Base layer Bitcoin will certain not be used to buy your daily coffees or gym memberships but lightning will be used for that purpose. Businesses small and large will demand one click on demand solutions to help them accept Bitcoin payments for their businesses. There are plenty of Bitcoin business ready to help business adopt a Bitcoin standard. Businesses such as [Opennode,](https://opennode.com/) [Zaprite](https://zaprite.com/), [Voltage](https://www.voltage.cloud/), [Breez](https://breez.technology/) make switching over to a Bitcoin standard easy for businesses to do. So when you take a step back and really look at the Bitcoin ecosystem it is a lot more mature than most give it credit for and will slowly eat away at fiat currency dominance around the world. The best thing that you can do is be patient, stack as many sats as you can and educate others about Bitcoin. We all know how fiat currencies end. Our time will come.

@ c1e9ab3a:9cb56b43

# 1. Introduction Modern election systems must balance **privacy** (no one sees how individuals vote) with **public verifiability** (everyone can confirm the correctness of the tally). Achieving this in a decentralized, tamper-resistant manner remains a challenge. Nostr (a lightweight protocol for censorship-resistant communication) offers a promising platform for distributing and archiving election data (ballots) without relying on a single central server. This paper presents a design where: 1. Each *voter* generates a **new ephemeral Nostr keypair** for an election. 2. The election authority (EA) **blind-signs** this ephemeral public key (npub) to prove the voter is authorized, without revealing which voter owns which ephemeral key. 3. Voters cast *encrypted ballots* to Nostr relays, each carrying an **OpenTimestamps** proof to confirm the ballot’s time anchor. 4. **Re-voting** is allowed: a voter can replace a previously cast ballot by publishing a *new* ballot with a *newer* timestamp. 5. Only the *latest valid ballot* (per ephemeral key) is counted. We combine well-known cryptographic primitives—**blind signatures**, **homomorphic or mix-net encryption**, **threshold key management**, and **time anchoring**—into an end-to-end system that preserves anonymity, assures correctness, and prevents double-voting. --- # 2. Roles and Components ## 2.1 Voters - **Long-Term (“KYC-bound”) Key**: Each voter has some identity-verified Nostr public key used only for official communication with the EA (not for voting). - **Ephemeral Voting Key**: For each election, the voter **locally generates** a new Nostr keypair \((nsec_e, npub_e)\). - This is the “one-time” identity used to sign ballots. - The EA never learns the real identity behind \(\npub_e\) because of **blinding**. ## 2.2 Election Authority (EA) - Maintains the **official voter registry**: who is entitled to vote. - **Blind-Signs** each valid voter’s ephemeral public key to authorize exactly one ephemeral key per voter. - Publishes a **minimal voter roll**: e.g., “Voter #12345 has been issued a valid ephemeral key,” without revealing which ephemeral key. ## 2.3 Nostr Relays - Decentralized servers that store and forward events. - Voters post their ballots to relays, which replicate them. - No single relay is critical; the same ballot can be posted to multiple relays for redundancy. ## 2.4 Cryptographic Framework 1. **Blind Signatures**: The EA signs a blinded version of \(\npub_e\). 2. **Homomorphic or Mix-Net Encryption**: Ensures the content of each ballot remains private; only aggregate results or a shuffled set are ever decrypted. 3. **Threshold / General Access Structure**: Multiple trustees (EA plus candidate representatives, for example) must collaborate to produce a final decryption. 4. **OpenTimestamps (OTS)**: Attaches a verifiable timestamp proof to each ballot, anchoring it to a blockchain or other tamper-resistant time reference. --- # 3. Protocol Lifecycle This section walks through **voter registration**, **ephemeral key authorization**, **casting (and re-casting) ballots**, and finally the **tally**. ## 3.1 Registration & Minimal Voter Roll 1. **Legal/KYC Verification** - Each real-world voter proves their identity to the EA (per legal procedures). - The EA records that the voter is eligible to cast one ballot, referencing their long-term identity key (\(\npub_{\mathrm{KYC}}\)). 2. **Issue Authorization “Slot”** - The EA’s voter roll notes “this person can receive exactly one blind signature for an ephemeral key.” - The roll does *not* store an ephemeral key—just notes that it can be requested. ## 3.2 Generating and Blinding the Ephemeral Key 1. **Voter Creates Ephemeral Key** - Locally, the voter’s client generates a fresh \((nsec_e, npub_e)\). 2. **Blinding** - The client blinds \(\npub_e\) to produce \(\npub_{e,\mathrm{blinded}}\). This ensures the EA cannot learn the real \(\npub_e\). 3. **Blind Signature Request** - The voter, using their **KYC-bound key** (\(\npub_{\mathrm{KYC}}\)), sends \(\npub_{e,\mathrm{blinded}}\) to the EA (perhaps via a secure direct message or a “giftwrapped DM”). - The EA checks that this voter has not already been issued a blind signature. - If authorized, the EA signs \(\npub_{e,\mathrm{blinded}}\) with its private key and returns the blinded signature. 4. **Unblinding** - The voter’s client unblinds the signature, obtaining a **valid signature** on \(\npub_e\). - Now \(\npub_e\) is a **blinded ephemeral public key** that the EA has effectively “authorized,” without knowing which voter it belongs to. 5. **Roll Update** - The EA updates its minimal roll to note that “Voter #12345 received a signature,” but does *not* publish \(\npub_e\). ## 3.3 Casting an Encrypted Ballot with OpenTimestamps When the voter is ready to vote: 1. **Compose Encrypted Ballot** - The ballot can be **homomorphically** encrypted (e.g., with Paillier or ElGamal) or structured for a **mix-net**. - Optionally include Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) showing the ballot is valid (one candidate per race, etc.). 2. **Obtain OTS Timestamp** - The voter’s client computes a **hash** \(H\) of the ballot data (ciphertext + ZKPs). - The client sends \(H\) to an **OpenTimestamps** aggregator. - The aggregator returns a **timestamp proof** verifying that “this hash was seen at or before block/time \(T\).” 3. **Create a “Timestamped Ballot” Payload** - Combine: 1. **Encrypted ballot** data. 2. **OTS proof** for the hash of the ballot. 3. **EA’s signature** on \(\npub_e\) (the blind-signed ephemeral key). 4. A final **signature** by the voter’s ephemeral key \((nsec_e)\) over the entire package. 4. **Publish to Nostr** - The voter posts the complete “timestamped ballot” event to one or more relays. - Observers see “an event from ephemeral key \(\npub_e\), with an OTS proof and the EA’s blind signature,” but cannot identify the real voter or see the vote’s contents. ### 3.4 Re-Voting (Updating the Ballot) If the voter wishes to revise their vote (due to coercion, a mistake, or simply a change of mind): 1. **Generate a New Encrypted Ballot** - Possibly with different candidate choices. 2. **Obtain a New OTS Proof** - The new ballot has a fresh hash \(H'\). - The OTS aggregator provides a new proof anchored at a *later* block/time than the old one. 3. **Publish the Updated Ballot** - Again, sign with \(\npub_e\). - Relays store both ballots, but the *newer* OTS timestamp shows which ballot is “final.” **Rule**: The final vote for ephemeral key \(\npub_e\) is determined by the ballot with the **highest valid OTS proof** prior to the election’s closing. ## 3.5 Election Closing & Tally 1. **Close Signal** - At a specified time or block height, the EA publishes a “closing token.” - Any ballot with an OTS anchor referencing a time/block *after* the closing is invalid. 2. **Collect Final Ballots** - Observers (or official tally software) gather the *latest valid* ballot from each ephemeral key. - They confirm the OTS proofs are valid and that no ephemeral key posted two different ballots with the **same** timestamp. 3. **Decryption / Summation** - If homomorphic, the system sums the encrypted votes and uses a **threshold** of trustees to decrypt the aggregate. - If a mix-net, the ballots are shuffled and partially decrypted, also requiring multiple trustees. - In either case, individual votes remain hidden, but the final counts are revealed. 4. **Public Audit** - Anyone can fetch all ballots from the Nostr relays, verify OTS proofs, check the EA’s blind signature, and confirm no ephemeral key was used twice. - The final totals can be recomputed from the publicly available data. --- # 4. Ensuring One Vote Per Voter & No Invalid Voters 1. **One Blind Signature per Registered Voter** - The EA’s internal list ensures each real voter only obtains one ephemeral key signature. 2. **Blind Signature** - Ensures an *unauthorized* ephemeral key cannot pass validation (forging the EA’s signature is cryptographically infeasible). 3. **Public Ledger of Ballots** - Because each ballot references an EA-signed key, any ballot with a fake or duplicate signature is easily spotted. --- # 5. Security and Privacy Analysis 1. **Voter Anonymity** - The EA never sees the unblinded ephemeral key. It cannot link \(\npub_e\) to a specific person. - Observers only see “some ephemeral key posted a ballot,” not the real identity of the voter. 2. **Ballot Secrecy** - **Homomorphic Encryption** or **Mix-Net**: no one can decrypt an individual ballot; only aggregated or shuffled results are revealed. - The ephemeral key used for signing does not decrypt the ballot—the election’s threshold key does, after the election. 3. **Verifiable Timestamping** - **OpenTimestamps** ensures each ballot’s time anchor cannot be forged or backdated. - Re-voting is transparent: a later OTS proof overrides earlier ones from the same ephemeral key. 4. **Preventing Double Voting** - Each ephemeral key is unique and authorized once. - Re-voting by the same key overwrites the old ballot but does not *increase* the total count. 5. **Protection Against Coercion** - Because the voter can re-cast until the deadline, a coerced vote can be replaced privately. - No receipts (individual decryption) are possible—only the final aggregated tally is revealed. 6. **Threshold / Multi-Party Control** - Multiple trustees must collaborate to decrypt final results, preventing a single entity from tampering or prematurely viewing partial tallies. --- # 6. Implementation Considerations 1. **Blind Signature Techniques** - Commonly implemented with RSA-based Chaumian blind signatures or BLS-based schemes. - Must ensure no link between \(\npub_{e,\mathrm{blinded}}\) and \(\npub_e\). 2. **OpenTimestamps Scalability** - If millions of voters are posting ballots simultaneously, multiple timestamp aggregators or batch anchoring might be needed. - Verification logic on the client side or by public auditors must confirm each OTS proof’s integrity. 3. **Relay Coordination** - The system must ensure no single relay can censor ballots. Voters may publish to multiple relays. - Tally fetchers cross-verify events from different relays. 4. **Ease of Use** - The user interface must hide the complexity of ephemeral key generation, blind signing, and OTS proof retrieval—making it as simple as possible for non-technical voters. 5. **Legal Framework** - If law requires publicly listing which voters have cast a ballot, you might track “Voter #12345 used their ephemeral key” without revealing the ephemeral key. Or you omit that if secrecy about *who voted* is desired. 6. **Closing Time Edge Cases** - The system uses a *block/time anchor* from OTS. Slight unpredictability in block generation might require a small buffer around the official close. This is a policy choice. --- # 7. Conclusion We propose an **election system** that leverages **Nostr** for decentralizing ballot publication, **blinded ephemeral keys** for robust voter anonymity, **homomorphic/mix-net encryption** for ballot secrecy, **threshold cryptography** for collaborative final decryption, **OpenTimestamps** for tamper-proof time anchoring, and **re-voting** to combat coercion. **Key Advantages**: 1. **Anonymity**: The EA cannot link ballots to specific voters. 2. **One Voter, One Credential**: Strict enforcement through blind signatures. 3. **Verifiable Ordering**: OTS ensures each ballot has a unique, provable time anchor. 4. **Updatability**: Voters can correct or override coerced ballots by posting a newer one before closing. 5. **Decentralized Audit**: Anyone can fetch ballots from Nostr, verify the EA’s signatures and OTS proofs, and confirm the threshold-decrypted results match the posted ballots. Such a design shows promise for secure, privacy-preserving **digital elections**, though real-world deployment will require careful **policy, legal, and usability** considerations. By combining cryptography with decentralized relays and an external timestamp anchor, the system can uphold both **individual privacy** and **publicly auditable correctness**.

@ 6e0ea5d6:0327f353

People naturally gravitate toward what they are already good at, often neglecting the development of complementary essential skills—creating an asymmetric growth. However, this common imbalance is a mistake we don’t have to repeat. To stand out, one must seek completeness. If you possess natural intelligence, don’t rely solely on it—strengthen your body through physical training or martial arts. If you are naturally athletic, nourish your mind with great books and intellectual content. Aspiring to excellence demands this balance: When your ambition is to be a king, you must first become a warrior-scholar. Staying on the throne depends precisely on this deliberate fusion of seemingly opposite strengths. "The society that separates its scholars from its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools." — Thucydides "If your son is quiet and intelligent, emphasize boldness, leadership, and physicality. If your son is tall and impulsive, emphasize learning, mindfulness, and critical thinking. You cannot be a complete man when you only have 50% of the equation." 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!

@ 8da249fe:ecc00e09

É um sistema eletrônico de dinheiro P2P, ou seja, é uma forma de dinheiro essencialmente digital, onde as pessoas podem transacionar sem precisar de um intermediário ou estar sujeito a autoridades centralizadas (Sistema Financeiro Governamental). Ou seja, não há nenhuma existe de "Casa da Moedas" que façam o controle de dinheiro circulante e factíveis a movimentos artificiais de manejo de crises econômicas que pioram o processo de estabilização financeira. Para que o Bitcoin não seja alvo de fraudes e golpes o controle é feito por um sistema colaborativo de todos os usuários que validam suas transferências em um sistema de audição que chamamos de blockchain. Como o Bitcoin funciona? A moeda Bitcoin é um item eletrônico colecionável criando de forma de ser induplicável e não copiável. Este tipo de "arquivo" eletrônico tem propriedades de dinheiro, quando há o envio deste arquivo é retirado do seu local de armazenamento e transferido para outro sem gerar cópia. Todas as transferências deste tipo de "arquivo" são registradas em um livro contábel que tem o nome de blockchain. Por isso que o Bitcoin é de fato uma moeda e não algo que possa ser um método de estelionato. Pois há uma auditoria voluntária de todos os usuários na Blockchain garantindo que não haja fraude e injeção de Bitcoin de forma artificial no sistema.

@ dbb19ae0:c3f22d5a

Using Nostr_sdk 0.39 (Latest) module to send dm ```python # test with 0.39 # working import asyncio from nostr_sdk import Client, NostrSigner, Keys, PublicKey, init_logger, LogLevel async def send_direct_message(nsec, recipient_npub, message): init_logger(LogLevel.INFO) sender_keys = Keys.parse(nsec) sender_client = NostrSigner.keys(sender_keys) client = Client(sender_client) public_key = sender_keys.public_key() print(f"From Public key (npub): {public_key.to_bech32()}") await client.add_relay("wss://relay.damus.io") await client.connect() print(f"to Public key (npub): {recipient_npub}") await client.send_private_msg(PublicKey.parse(recipient_npub), message, []) await asyncio.sleep(10) print(f"Message sent") if __name__ == '__main__': nsec = "nsec1 ... replace with your nsec" recipient_npub = "npub ... replace with npub to send dm" message = "Hello there, this is a message!" asyncio.run(send_direct_message(nsec, recipient_npub, message)) ```

@ fe02e8ec:f07fbe0b

Viele Menschen (und es werden beständig mehr) stellen sich inzwischen die Frage, ob die massiven Eingriffe in unser Leben mit dem Argument der «Klimarettung» noch in einem gesunden Verhältnis stehen. Ob De-Industrialisierung, Stromausfälle, Autos mit 500 kg schweren Batterien oder riesige Windparks wirklich das Klima «retten» werden. Doch die Frage ist falsch gestellt. Denn erstens kann das Klima nicht «gerettet» werden. Vor wem oder was denn soll eine statistische Größe, die über 30 Jahre hinweg gemittelt wird, gerettet werden? Das ist natürlich Unfug. Es geht eigentlich darum, die *Lebensbedingungen für uns Menschen* auf der Erde in einem gut verträglichen Zustand zu halten. Das sagt aber keiner, denn es könnte auch ein wenig egoistisch klingen, deshalb ist es viel ehrenvoller, das Klima oder gleich «Gaia» zu retten. Dies ist tatsächlich ein wesentlicher *moralischer* Unterschied. Denn wenn ich für «das Klima» oder «Mutter Erde» kämpfe, dann kämpfe ich selbstlos für etwas absolut Gutes. Kein Mensch würde auf die Idee kommen, diesen Einsatz negativ zu bewerten. Nun zum Kampf um den *Erhalt von für uns Menschen günstigen Lebensbedingungen*. Was zweifellos äußerst wichtig und geboten ist. Um diese Anstrengung uneingeschränkt gut zu finden, ist es *notwendig, den Menschen selbst*, die Menschheit, *gut zu finden*. Denn nur dann ›verdient‹ sie es, für immer in einer lebenswerten Welt zu leben. Was aber, wenn man die Menschen für gar nicht so gut, vielleicht sogar für böse und zerstörerisch hält? Ist dann die *Rettung einer für den Menschen lebenswerten Erde* noch immer ein vollkommen gutes Ziel? Oder schwingt nicht auch ein Gedanke mit wie «wenn es den Menschen nicht mehr gäbe, würde es dem Klima endlich besser gehen?» oder «Die Erde hat einen Virus. Er heißt Mensch»? Hier wird eine *moralische* Schuld aufgebaut, die dem entgegenkommt, was Menschen seit Jahrhunderten kennen: das Gefühl, schuldig zu sein. «*Jeder hat Schuld, da er von Natur aus böse und sündig ist.»* Weshalb alle, die Zweifel an den CO2-Theorien äußern, nicht etwa zu Diskussionen aufgefordert werden, sondern als *Leugner* bezeichnet werden. Ganz so, wie wir es aus den Methoden der Schulderzeugung gewisser Institutionen kennen. Doch damit nicht genug. Denn auf dieser Basis könnte man noch immer die Diskussion suchen, um herauszufinden, was denn nun die besten Bedingungen für unser Leben sind. Doch wir alle wissen, dass das nicht geschieht. Es gibt keinerlei Diskussion über *die Auswirkungen der Klimapolitik auf gute Lebensbedingungen* (Nicht einmal angesichts der Tatsache, dass die allermeisten der Klimamaßnahmen massiv der Natur schaden) oder die *Verhältnismäßigkeit dieser Maßnahmen*. Und zwar aus einem ganz entscheidenden Grund: *Wenn die totale Vernichtung droht, so kann es keine Verhältnismäßigkeit geben*! Es ist dasselbe Vorgehen wie bei der «Pandemie»: wenn der Tod von zig Millionen Menschen unmittelbar bevor steht, dann gibt es kein Abwägen, keine Verhältnismäßigkeit, keine Vernunftargumente mehr. Denn das ist das Prinzip dahinter: *Mache die Gefahr absolut und ermögliche damit jede noch so extreme Maßnahme*. In beiden Fällen dienten und dienen einzig Modellrechnungen für die Ausrufung der Katastrophe. Beim Virus war es das Imperial College in London (das für Schweden eine 75-fach zu hohe Todeszahl «errechnet» hatte), beim Klima ist es das IPCC, dessen Zweck ausschließlich darin besteht, die menschengemachten Effekte auf das Klima zu prognostizieren (andere Effekte spielen praktisch keine Rolle). Beim Virus war es die Inzidenz, beim Klima sind es die Kipppunkte, die drohend in die Modellrechnungen eingebaut wurden. Denn diese Punkte haben alle eines gemeinsam: wenn sie erreicht werden, so gibt es kein Zurück mehr, dann ist die Katastrophe in voller Wucht über uns hereingebrochen. Dann droht die Vernichtung der gesamten Menschheit, allen Lebens und wir sind nur noch eine kleine Episode der planetaren Geschichte. *Wann* ein Kipppunkt erreicht sein wird lässt sich prinzipiell nicht vorhersagen, da alles ein mehrfach gekoppeltes nichtlineares System darstellt. Der Schmetterlingseffekt in Potenz gewissermaßen. Obwohl diese Klima-Gleichungen prinzipiell unlösbar sind muss dennoch alles dafür getan werden, damit wir nicht in die Nähe jener katastrophalen Punkte kommen. *Natürlich weiß niemand, ob es diese Punkte wirklich gibt*, denn dazu müssten sie ja schon einmal beobachtet worden sein. Aber allein die Möglichkeit, dass es sie geben könnte und dass dann die totale Vernichtung über uns hereinbricht, genügt, um das Prinzip Vorsicht zu 100% walten zu lassen. *Denn wenn die Gefahr maximal ist – alles Leben wird zerstört – dann darf es kein Zaudern geben.*  **Schuld und Sünde** Der Mensch ist böse und schuldig. Das Thema Schuld ist absolut grundlegend für den Erfolg des Narrrativs. Denn nur mit dieser Erzählung sind die Menschen bereit, extreme Maßnahmen und Härten in Kauf zu nehmen und sogar selbst dafür zu sorgen, dass sie eingehalten oder gar vorangetrieben werden (Klimakleber & Co.). Im Gegensatz zur Angsterzeugung, die permanent mit neuen schrecklichen Bildern und Geschichten angefacht werden muss, hat Schulderzeugung einen unschätzbaren Vorteil: sind die neuen Vorgaben erst einmal im Gewissen der Menschen verankert, so sorgt der eigene *Wunsch nach sozialem Passen* dafür, dass alles befolgt wird – ganz ohne weiteren äußeren Zwang! Bereits heute können Millionen Menschen CO2 und die erzeugende Industrie sowie Verbrennerfahrzeuge nur noch als böse und gefährlich denken. Wenn man ihnen sagen würde, CO2 ist der Nährstoff aller Pflanzen und mehr wäre besser, so würde das ihren Denkrahmen vollkommen überfordern. Sie wären tatsächlich nicht in der Lage, diesen Gedanken zu denken. Es ginge nicht, Punkt. Das ist die Langfristwirkung von Indoktrination, von mächtigen Narrativen: *Dinge werden vollkommen undenkbar gemacht, sie werden zu gedanklichen Sperrgebieten.* Ein entscheidender Faktor ist auch hier - wie so oft – unsere Sprache. Allein beim Aussprechen oder Schreiben des Wortes «Klimawandel» denkt unser Gehirn das Wort «menschengemacht» mit. Es wurde eine fast unlösbare Verbindung geschaffen. Fassen wir zusammen: wenn die Gefahr maximal ist, so kann es keine Verhältnismäßigkeit geben. Jede Maßnahme – *absolut jede* – ist gerechtfertigt. Außerdem müssen die Schuldigen für ihr Fehlverhalten büßen, denn jeder Einzelne trägt persönlich Verantwortung für diese existenzielle Bedrohung. Nur Experten, Regierungen und vor allem globale Institutionen (WEF, UN etc.) können die Menschheit aus diesem Desaster erretten. Globale Probleme benötigen globale Player, weshalb Landesgesetze weitgehend abgeschafft werden sollen. **Der wahre Feind des Menschen ist der Mensch** Und damit kommen wir zum entscheidenden Aspekt der Sache. Denn man kann sich bis hierhin noch immer fragen: weshalb das alles? Die Antwort wurde längst gegeben, genauer gesagt im Jahr 1991: *Auf der Suche nach einem gemeinsamen Feind, gegen den wir uns vereinen können, sind wir auf die Idee gekommen, dass Umweltverschmutzung, die drohende globale Erwärmung, Wasserknappheit, Hungersnöte und Ähnliches dafür infrage kommen … Alle diese Gefahren sind durch menschliche Eingriffe in natürliche Prozesse verursacht und können nur durch veränderte Einstellungen und Verhaltensweisen überwunden werden. Der wahre Feind ist also der Mensch selbst.\ (*zum Beispiel [hier](https://historyheist.com/club-of-romes-report-the-first-global-revolution-in-searching-for-the-new-enemy-to-unite-us-we-came-up-with-the-threat-of-global-warming/), im englischen Original [The common enemy of humanity is Man](https://historyheist.com/club-of-romes-report-the-first-global-revolution-in-searching-for-the-new-enemy-to-unite-us-we-came-up-with-the-threat-of-global-warming/)). Dieses Statement stammt von einem der bekanntesten und einflussreichsten Think Tanks der Welt, dem Club of Rome. Mit seinem Report «Die Grenzen des Wachstums» schufen sie 1972 erstmals eine dystopische Vision unserer Zukunft, nicht als Roman sondern als konkrete Prognose. Seither sind mehr als 50 Jahre vergangen und man kann feststellen, dass so gut wie *alle Vorhersagen falsch waren*. Komplett daneben liegend: weder sind Öl oder Gas zu Ende gegangen (im Gegenteil, es werden laufend neue Vorkommen entdeckt) noch sind Milliarden Menschen auf Grund des Bevölkerungswachstums verhungert. Das hat dem Renommee dieses Clubs jedoch keinen Abbruch getan. Im Gegenteil. Das obige Zitat zeigt vielmehr, dass sie die Agenda für unser Zeitalter gesetzt haben. *Der Feind des Menschen ist der Mensch*. Er ist böse, sündig und schuldig. Er ist der Virus des Planeten. ***«Wir selbst sind nun gefordert, diese Schuld zu sühnen. Der Planet hat unsere Generation als das Lamm auserwählt, wir sind das Agnus Dei der Jetztzeit, das diese monströse Sünde auf sich nimmt.»*** *(*die Antagonistin in [„Hinter der Zukunft“](https://www.thomas-eisinger.de/roman-hinter-der-zukunft/), 2021*,* Thomas Eisinger*).*  **Die Frage nach dem Motiv** Dennoch bleibt die Frage: wozu das Ganze? CO2 ist an jedem Produktions- und Lebensprozess beteiligt. Egal ob Nahrung, Transport, Energie, Heizung etc.: CO2 ist der gemeinsame Nenner. Was wäre also besser geeignet, eine Gesellschaft und jeden Einzelnen zu steuern und zu kontrollieren als dieses kleine unschuldige Molekül? Genau hier kommen wir der Antwort näher. *Wer die Macht hat, CO2-Budgets zu erstellen und zu verteilen,* *der hat die Macht, alles zu kontrollieren*! Das ist längst keine Fiktion, schon gar keine Spekulation: die CO2-Zertifikate existieren seit 2005 und verteuern inzwischen Jahr für Jahr unser Leben. Sie sorgen dafür, dass Kraftwerke erst gar nicht gebaut werden, sie verteuern Diesel und Benzin, Flüge, Düngemittel und damit Nahrungsmittel und vieles mehr. Doch es geht noch weiter: Die Idee des *persönlichen CO2-Budgets* wurde längst in die Diskussion eingebracht! Damit ließe sich dann Kontrolle bis zu jedem Einkauf durchführen, jeder Bahn- oder Autofahrt, jeder Urlaubsreise, jeder Wohnfläche, jedem Grad Zimmertemperatur. Das ist kein Witz und keine Übertreibung. Es fehlen nur noch die digitale ID sowie das digitale Geld, dann ist der Kreis geschlossen. Was derzeit zur Realisierung der totalen Kontrolle noch fehlt ist die Zuschreibung eines «CO2-Fußabdrucks» zu jedem Produkt, jeder Fahrt, jedem Grad Wohntemperatur, jeder KW-Stunde Strom. Das wäre das Ende jeder persönlichen Freiheit! **Langsam keimt Hoffnung** Doch inzwischen besteht Hoffnung! Der Regierungswechsel in den USA zeigt bereits Wirkung. Die Trump-Administration ist nicht gewillt, die wirtschaftliche Vormachtstellung der USA ideologischen CO2-Zielen zu opfern. Der sofortige Austritt aus dem Pariser Klimaabkommen ist ein erster Schritt, das Verbot von Windkraftanlagen ein weiterer. Reihenweise treten Großunternehmen aus der «Net-Zero Alliance» aus, zuletzt Blackrock. Noch in diesem Jahr wird sich zeigen, ob die USA den «Wertewesten» mitziehen können oder ob die Kräfte, die den Net Zero-Plan weiter verfolgen, sich auf die EU und besonders Deutschland verlegen werden, um ihre bevölkerungsfeindlichen Programme umzusetzen, so lange sie in den USA machtlos sind. Doch auch hier zu Lande gibt es inzwischen Millionen von Menschen, die die Nudging-, Schuldzuweisungs- und Propagandastrategien durchschauen. Was noch fehlt ist: mehr MUT! Das CO2-Klima-Narrativ mutig bei vielen Gelegenheiten in Frage zu stellen ist etwas, bei dem jeder mitwirken kann! **Nachbemerkung** Der Autor hat sich mit der Thematik intensiv auseinandergesetzt beim Schreiben des Near Fiction Romanes «Hinter der Zukunft», der all diese Entwicklungen um fünf bis zehn Jahre weiterdreht (ganz neu als Hörbuch bei [audible](http://hinter-der-zukunft.de/9ui)). Bis zum CO2-Lebensbudget. Und dem Großen Geschenk – das jeden CO2-Ausstoß für immer beendet. Freiwillig. Denn im Unterschied zur Generation X und den Boomern, die noch eine Zeit ohne CO2-Diktat kennenlernen durften, sind die Menschen in naher Zukunft nichts anderes mehr gewohnt. Und: sie finden es gut und richtig! Denn ansonsten droht der totale Untergang. Und jeder einzelne ist daran Schuld... scheinbar.

@ 7a7d16c9:1a700636

Watched an awesome [video](https://youtu.be/QEJpZjg8GuA?si=ceYEbMeFO-Ind6KO) from one who I subscribe on YT. I've been trying to put my finger on what it is that I don't like about the major social media platforms. Alec Watson gave me the answer in one of his latest videos: "Algorithmic Complacency". TLDR: Rather than read, watch, and collaborate with those I follow online, modern social media platforms like to tell me what content I should consume. Nostr, Bluesky, and Mastodon don't do this - I can see what I want and what I don't, without relying on a computer algorithm to tell me. This got me thinking about my own use of social media platforms and my recent adoption of the Fedi-verse to circumvent the machine telling me how I should consume online content. I don't subscribe to any one platform. I've not found one that addresses all my online social needs, nor one that feature the diverse audiences I follow. Here's a rundown of what I use: YouTube - the easiest of the bunch. YT has become my new binge TV. Initially a frequented site for learning how to replace a garbage disposal or to learn some of the tricks with Davinci Resolve, YT quickly became my platform of choice for learning and entertainment content. Yes, YT has an algorithm and provides recommendations - it's how I found Technology Connections - but I like that I can use the subscriptions feed to just see content that I follow in addition to that which YT recommends. Facebook - the favorite with the old guard. TBH, I've never liked big tech owning my voice on the Internet. I'd have deleted my FB account along with X and Instagram, long ago, except that it's the one platform that my family uses. My mother uses Facebook, so do my distant cousins, but only a subset use the other platforms, and none use the Fedi-verse. FB remains as the one platform for me to post the occasional vacation photo and to find out that my cousin got married last week - and no I didn't get an invite. Vero - I'm a photographer and love to post some of my more interesting art pieces online for feedback, so I can improve my craft. I used to use Instagram, until it went over to the algorithm dark side and filled my feed with short-form video. Vero maintains to be what Instagram used to be. I've not checked out Pixelfed (yet). Mastodon - After Musk took over Twitter and rebranded it to X, I swiftly left and moved to Mastodon. I hate the idea of a single business entity owning my content and right to free speech online. Like many, I have my own issues with Musk and his business practices and shouldn't have to deal with them as part of my online presence. Mastodon was and still is, the place where I get to collaborate with people I've never met in person on likeminded topics of interests. Mastodon relies on federated servers, which people own; so, there's that to consider. I've managed to find a server that caters to my interests and fulfills my desire to collaborate online. Then comes Nostr... My friend \_@briangreen.net introduced me to Nostr. As a long-term orange-pill advocate, I was thrilled to join Nostr to collaborate on the latest Bitcoin and Crypto news. I will say that Nostr appears less diverse in topics but that's rapidly changing as I am now seeing a lot of posts on photography, meshtastic, and other personal interests of mine. I love that Nostr is not so much a platform, but a federated protocol. I don't have to subscribe to any one app and web site to post and read content. For now, I use both Mastodon and Nostr to scratch my online collab itch. A nice thing about the Fedi-verse is that there's plenty of cross-posting apps. I use [OpenVibe](https://openvibe.social/) to post and consume content in one place. Their app is slick and works as advertised. How do you use social media? Is Nostr your only platform, or do you still use the traditional ones?

@ 2e8970de:63345c7a

> A Detailed Look at the Economic Impacts of Trump's Wide Ranging New Tariffs on China, Mexico, Canada, Steel, Aluminum, and Much More     https://www.apricitas.io/p/trumps-2nd-trade-war-begins If you're interested in global trade I recommend looking at the article. It's a real deep dive into many perspectives of US trade esp. with China. What gets imported from China, many individual product categories, what happened in round 1 in 2018 and so so much more. And lots of charts! originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/896850

@ 67403b2c:27b48c7a

Michael Laitman, a world-renowned Kabbalist and spiritual teacher, recently introduced a groundbreaking concept on Facebook called "No Death." This transformative Kabbalistic teaching explains how death is not an ending but a spiritual transformation of consciousness. For those seeking answers about life after death, Laitman's perspective offers both ancient wisdom and modern understanding. ## Understanding Kabbalah's View on Death and Consciousness The Kabbalistic concept of "No Death" builds on centuries of mystical Jewish wisdom. While traditional views see death as final, Kabbalah teaches that reality extends far beyond our physical world. Similar to Einstein's theory that energy cannot be destroyed but only transformed, Kabbalistic wisdom suggests consciousness continues after physical death. ## How Kabbalistic Teachings View Consciousness and Physical Reality According to Laitman's Kabbalistic teachings, consciousness exists independently of our physical brain. This fundamental principle of Kabbalah suggests that our true essence—our spiritual consciousness—transcends the temporary nature of our physical bodies. This understanding aligns with both ancient spiritual wisdom and emerging scientific theories about consciousness. ## Practical Applications of Kabbalistic Wisdom in Daily Life This spiritual perspective transforms how we approach: - Personal relationships and their eternal nature - Daily challenges and spiritual growth - Anxiety about death and mortality - Life's deeper meaning and purpose ## Modern Relevance of Kabbalistic Teaching In today's fast-paced digital world, Laitman's spiritual insights offer valuable guidance for: - Managing death anxiety - Finding life purpose - Building meaningful relationships - Understanding consciousness - Exploring spiritual growth ## Impact on Personal Growth and Spiritual Development Laitman's teaching extends beyond theoretical knowledge into practical spiritual development. By viewing death as transformation rather than termination, practitioners of Kabbalah develop: - Enhanced spiritual awareness - Deeper compassion for others - Stronger personal relationships - Greater life purpose - Reduced fear of death ## Connecting Ancient Wisdom with Modern Understanding While many spiritual teachers discuss life after death, Laitman's approach uniquely bridges: - Traditional Kabbalistic wisdom - Contemporary scientific understanding - Practical daily application - Personal spiritual growth - Universal life questions ## Conclusion: Embracing Spiritual Transformation Michael Laitman's exploration of "No Death" provides essential insights for anyone interested in: - Kabbalistic teachings - Spiritual development - Life after death - Consciousness studies - Personal transformation *About* *About the Author: This comprehensive guide explores Dr. Michael Laitman's Kabbalistic teachings on life, death, and spiritual transformation. Drawing from his recent social media insights and decades of Kabbalistic study, this article connects ancient wisdom with modern understanding.* --- 💝 **Support This Work** If you found this article valuable, consider supporting more content like this with a small contribution: [Buy Me a Coffee](https://Buymeacoffee.com/adontai) --- \#Kabbalah #MichaelLaitman #SpiritualTeachings #LifeAfterDeath #KabbalisticWisdom #SpiritualGrowth #Consciousness #SpiritualTransformation *About the Author: This piece explores the profound teachings of Michael Laitman, drawing from his recent social media insights and long-standing work in Kabbalistic wisdom. The article aims to bridge ancient spiritual knowledge with contemporary understanding, offering readers a new perspective on life, death, and continuity.* #Philosophy #Kabbalah #MichaelLaitman #LifeBeyondDeath #SpiritualAwakening

@ 460c25e6:ef85065c

If you don't know where your posts are, you might as well just stay in the centralized Twitter. You either take control of your relay lists, or they will control you. Amethyst offers several lists of relays for our users. We are going to go one by one to help clarify what they are and which options are best for each one. ## Public Home/Outbox Relays Home relays store all YOUR content: all your posts, likes, replies, lists, etc. It's your home. Amethyst will send your posts here first. Your followers will use these relays to get new posts from you. So, if you don't have anything there, **they will not receive your updates**. Home relays must allow queries from anyone, ideally without the need to authenticate. They can limit writes to paid users without affecting anyone's experience. This list should have a maximum of 3 relays. More than that will only make your followers waste their mobile data getting your posts. Keep it simple. Out of the 3 relays, I recommend: - 1 large public, international relay: nos.lol, nostr.mom, relay.damus.io, etc. - 1 personal relay to store a copy of all your content in a place no one can delete. Go to [relay.tools](https://relay.tools/) and never be censored again. - 1 really fast relay located in your country: paid options like http://nostr.wine are great Do not include relays that block users from seeing posts in this list. If you do, no one will see your posts. ## Public Inbox Relays This relay type receives all replies, comments, likes, and zaps to your posts. If you are not getting notifications or you don't see replies from your friends, it is likely because you don't have the right setup here. If you are getting too much spam in your replies, it's probably because your inbox relays are not protecting you enough. Paid relays can filter inbox spam out. Inbox relays must allow anyone to write into them. It's the opposite of the outbox relay. They can limit who can download the posts to their paid subscribers without affecting anyone's experience. This list should have a maximum of 3 relays as well. Again, keep it small. More than that will just make you spend more of your data plan downloading the same notifications from all these different servers. Out of the 3 relays, I recommend: - 1 large public, international relay: nos.lol, nostr.mom, relay.damus.io, etc. - 1 personal relay to store a copy of your notifications, invites, cashu tokens and zaps. - 1 really fast relay located in your country: go to [nostr.watch](https://nostr.watch/relays/find) and find relays in your country Terrible options include: - nostr.wine should not be here. - filter.nostr.wine should not be here. - inbox.nostr.wine should not be here. ## DM Inbox Relays These are the relays used to receive DMs and private content. Others will use these relays to send DMs to you. **If you don't have it setup, you will miss DMs**. DM Inbox relays should accept any message from anyone, but only allow you to download them. Generally speaking, you only need 3 for reliability. One of them should be a personal relay to make sure you have a copy of all your messages. The others can be open if you want push notifications or closed if you want full privacy. Good options are: - inbox.nostr.wine and auth.nostr1.com: anyone can send messages and only you can download. Not even our push notification server has access to them to notify you. - a personal relay to make sure no one can censor you. Advanced settings on personal relays can also store your DMs privately. Talk to your relay operator for more details. - a public relay if you want DM notifications from our servers. Make sure to add at least one public relay if you want to see DM notifications. ## Private Home Relays Private Relays are for things no one should see, like your drafts, lists, app settings, bookmarks etc. Ideally, these relays are either local or require authentication before posting AND downloading each user\'s content. There are no dedicated relays for this category yet, so I would use a local relay like Citrine on Android and a personal relay on relay.tools. Keep in mind that if you choose a local relay only, a client on the desktop might not be able to see the drafts from clients on mobile and vice versa. ## Search relays: This is the list of relays to use on Amethyst's search and user tagging with @. **Tagging and searching will not work if there is nothing here.**. This option requires NIP-50 compliance from each relay. Hit the Default button to use all available options on existence today: - nostr.wine - relay.nostr.band - relay.noswhere.com ## Local Relays: This is your local storage. Everything will load faster if it comes from this relay. You should install Citrine on Android and write ws://localhost:4869 in this option. ## General Relays: This section contains the default relays used to download content from your follows. Notice how you can activate and deactivate the Home, Messages (old-style DMs), Chat (public chats), and Global options in each. Keep 5-6 large relays on this list and activate them for as many categories (Home, Messages (old-style DMs), Chat, and Global) as possible. Amethyst will provide additional recommendations to this list from your follows with information on which of your follows might need the additional relay in your list. Add them if you feel like you are missing their posts or if it is just taking too long to load them. ## My setup Here's what I use: 1. Go to [relay.tools](https://relay.tools/) and create a relay for yourself. 2. Go to [nostr.wine](https://nostr.wine/) and pay for their subscription. 3. Go to [inbox.nostr.wine](https://inbox.nostr.wine/) and pay for their subscription. 4. Go to [nostr.watch](https://nostr.watch/relays/find) and find a good relay in your country. 5. Download Citrine to your phone. Then, on your relay lists, put: Public Home/Outbox Relays: - nostr.wine - nos.lol or an in-country relay. - <your.relay>.nostr1.com Public Inbox Relays - nos.lol or an in-country relay - <your.relay>.nostr1.com DM Inbox Relays - inbox.nostr.wine - <your.relay>.nostr1.com Private Home Relays - ws://localhost:4869 (Citrine) - <your.relay>.nostr1.com (if you want) Search Relays - nostr.wine - relay.nostr.band - relay.noswhere.com Local Relays - ws://localhost:4869 (Citrine) General Relays - nos.lol - relay.damus.io - relay.primal.net - nostr.mom And a few of the recommended relays from Amethyst. ## Final Considerations Remember, relays can see what your Nostr client is requesting and downloading at all times. They can track what you see and see what you like. They can sell that information to the highest bidder, they can delete your content or content that a sponsor asked them to delete (like a negative review for instance) and they can censor you in any way they see fit. Before using any random free relay out there, make sure you trust its operator and you know its terms of service and privacy policies.

@ e31e84c4:77bbabc0

*The Fine Line: Bitcoin Companies Navigating Regulation and Freedom was [written by Bri](https://x.com/cyberBri). If you enjoyed this article then support her writing, by donating to her lightning wallet: bri_1@walletofsatoshi.com* We all know the value proposition of Bitcoin: Bitcoin cannot be controlled by the state. Bitcoin is permissionless, it doesn't need a KYC and we can send money to anyone in the world, without middlemen, without censorship, without limits. However, when companies use Bitcoin, and more so when they offer Bitcoin services, their activities are indeed controlled by the state. In order to fulfil the regulatory requirements, companies usually have to employ entire compliance teams. Bitcoin-only exchanges are probably not better off than crypto service providers, even if one can sometimes hopefully recognise an increasing pro-Bitcoin attitude in the world. The Bitcoin scene recently looked expectantly to Nashville when Trump appeared at the Bitcoin 2024 conference as part of his election campaign. He doesn't really seem to be able to distinguish between Bitcoin and crypto though – in his keynote speech he promised to make the U.S. the ‘crypto capital of the planet’. Nevertheless, the news that the United States plans to accumulate Bitcoin as a strategic reserve currency made headlines around the world and many Bitcoin supporters are delighted. Bitcoin's negative image could be somewhat corrected and it would certainly also be beneficial for Bitcoin adoption, so the hope goes. And indeed, the price of Bitcoin climbed to new record highs during the US election campaign, reaching its ATH of USD 109,000 when Trump took office on 20 January 2025. The US announcement of a bitcoin strategic reserve can certainly be described as a historic moment. At the moment, it doesn't seem to be entirely clear whether Bitcoin or crypto, but a number of US states are working on advancing Bitcoin reserves. Whether it is a good thing when nation states start hoarding Bitcoin is another question. After all, from the very beginning and to this day, Bitcoin has been about taking power over money away from the state and giving it to the people. Back to the Bitcoin companies. Let's assume that someone understands Bitcoin and has even discovered that there are Bitcoin-only exchanges. These companies recognise Bitcoin as sound money, support the Bitcoin community and want to integrate the Bitcoin ethos into their business model in the best possible way. Ouch – that already sounds like a compromise. **The Dilemma – Bitcoin at Heart, Regulation at the Back of the Neck** Bitcoin companies are caught between maximum independence and regulatory requirements. Companies such as Strike, Relai and River aim to make it as easy as possible for their customers to access Bitcoin while at the same time enabling them to maximise their independence from third parties. An important aspect of this is self-custody. Customers have full control over their Bitcoin and can avoid counterparty risks such as exchange failures or government seizures. In contrast, most providers on the market, such as the major players Coinbase or Binance, rely on classic, centralised structures with full custody - and a large range of digital assets. They are basically fiat companies that offer crypto products. And then, at the other end of the spectrum, there are projects such as Samourai, Wasabi Wallet or Tornado Cash, which are radically opposed to any form of control. They are developing powerful tools for more financial privacy – in line with Bitcoin's original idea as a decentralised cash system. But this commitment comes at a price: the founders of Samourai Wallet were arrested and the developers of Tornado Cash were prosecuted. These Bitcoin rebels are putting the limits of state regulation to the test. And they raise the fundamental question: Is privacy an inalienable right or should it be subordinated to the public security interest? **The Middle Ground Builders** Bitcoin-only companies that choose the middle ground play an important role in the bitcoin ecosystem. This is because they appeal to the masses by keeping onboarding simple and often offering a range of interesting services. At the same time, they want to give their customers the greatest possible independence. But are their business models sustainable? Or do these companies run the risk of being worn down by the balancing act between Bitcoin ethos and state control? How can these pioneers survive in a constantly changing regulatory environment? It's a balancing act between regulation and Bitcoin values, and it's often a fight for the fundamental rights of not just Bitcoiners but people in general. For example, these companies need to have KYC processes in place to be compliant with the law and allow customers the greatest possible flexibility in their Bitcoin activities. *Some popular Bitcoin-companies and their strategies:* - [Strike](https://strike.me/): Custodial, fast lightning transactions, DCA, bill payments - [Relai](https://relai.app/de/): Simple onramp, self-custody, private and business services - [River](https://river.com/): Multisig and cold storage, proof of reserves, inheritance - [Unchained](https://unchained.com/): Multisig vaults, DCA, inheritance, loans, retirement, advisory - [Bull Bitcoin](https://www.bullbitcoin.com/): Non-custodial exchange, DCA, bill payments, OTC desk Typical features of these accounts usually include a KYC check, which allows users to be granted higher buy and sell limits. Many Bitcoin companies offer self-custody wallets and often some also multi-sig solutions that increase security for users. Partnerships with banks or payment service providers facilitate buying and selling and enable services such as the creation of savings plans. Bitcoin companies face several challenges. Regulatory pressure remains a key concern, as authorities may tighten KYC obligations or introduce new restrictions. Trust is another issue since die-hard Bitcoiners often see these companies as not being consistent enough with Bitcoin's core principles. **Regulatory Framework and Political Influences** ***USA: Trump's Bitcoin course and the ‘Crypto Czar’*** There are currently contradictory signals in the USA: on the one hand, Donald Trump has hinted at using Bitcoin as a strategic reserve (Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, SBR), while on the other hand, regulation is being tightened further. The newly created position of ‘White House AI and Crypto Czar’, presumably conceived in collaboration with Elon Musk, is intended to implement clear rules for blockchain, AI and the crypto market. This is also likely to affect companies that are committed to the Bitcoin ethos. - Positive signals: Bitcoin is increasingly recognised as a legitimate asset class. - Regulatory pressure: Stricter regulations could threaten the existence of smaller companies. - Possible future: If the US promotes Bitcoin as a strategic asset, this could fundamentally change the regulatory landscape. ***Europe and Global Developments*** - MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation): New EU regulation for crypto companies, requiring strict KYC and AML rules, among other things. - Restrictive countries: China and India continue to rely on tough regulation or bans. - Friendly jurisdictions: Countries such as El Salvador or Switzerland offer attractive conditions for Bitcoin companies. **Self-custody of Bitcoin** The so-called ‘Travel Rule’ (Transfer of Funds Regulation, TFR) requires detailed information about the sender and recipient. This makes it more difficult for Europeans to interact with self-custody Bitcoin wallets. For transactions over 1,000 euros, users must prove that they are the owners of these wallets (proof of ownership). Yet self-custody is a very important aspect of Bitcoin. It is the only way to avoid the risks associated with relying on centralised custodians. Self-custody ensures that you alone have control over your money. The new regulations represent a gradual financial disenfranchisement, which is not only criticised by Bitcoiners. And that is only part of the problem. The disadvantages of centralised storage of customer assets are well known. Just think of the scandalous examples from the recent past: The fall of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange and the knock-on effects on the cryptocurrency industry or the fraudulent business practices of Celsius, which lost billions of customers' money. > *“Not your keys, not your coins.”– Andreas Antonopoulos* However, it is often the users themselves who, consciously or unconsciously, jeopardise their funds. The obstacles to self-custody lie in both technical and practical aspects. Not everyone is willing or able to navigate hardware wallets and multisig solutions. Furthermore, without an adequate backup, there is a risk of losing coins irretrievably. By keeping their coins in self-custody, Bitcoiners eliminate third-party risk. However, self-custody can be a challenge, especially for beginners. ‘Study Bitcoin’ is more than just a phrase here. Only those who know their way around can protect themselves against errors, misuse and loss. **CONCLUSION** The uncertainties caused by ever-changing regulation in different jurisdictions is a constant challenge for businesses. However, as Bitcoin is increasingly being categorised as harmless by the authorities, pure Bitcoin platforms might face fewer regulatory risks compared to crypto exchanges. The growing acceptance of Bitcoin and the plans of the United States and other countries to create a strategic Bitcoin reserve may have a positive impact on how Bitcoin companies continue to be treated by regulators. I would, though, like to quote Maya Parbhoe, the Surinamese presidential candidate for 2025, at this point, even if it seems a little off-topic: > *“A Bitcoin Strategic Reserve is not the answer.* *> *The moment a government holds Bitcoin as a reserve, it centralizes control over an asset designed to be decentralized. It strengthens the very system Bitcoin was created to replace.* *> *Governments holding Bitcoin do not give power to the people, they give themselves a hedge while continuing to debase their fiat currency. They still print, they still tax, they still control. The people remain trapped in the same system, only now with a government-backed Bitcoin price floor that serves the state, not the individual.* *> *Bitcoin was not made to be stockpiled by central banks. It was made to be used. As currency, as a tool of self-sovereignty, as a weapon against state overreach.”* So let's summarise what we have covered in this article in the spirit of these liberal ideas. The following rules, which have just been created, should be mandatory reading for Bitcoin aficionados until further notice: <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/914ac66c228ea1a398ec1f008234e4cd213da85f268de73fb36dc9e344dcfb45.jpg"> *The Fine Line: Bitcoin Companies Navigating Regulation and Freedom was [written by Bri](https://x.com/cyberBri). If you enjoyed this article then support her writing, by donating to her lightning wallet: bri_1@walletofsatoshi.com*

@ 71df2119:9542d9d7

Das Pareto-Team [(](https://njump.me/nprofile1qyvhwumn8ghj7un9d3shjtnndehhyapwwdhkx6tpdshsz9mhwden5te0wfjkccte9ec8y6tdv9kzumn9wshsqg9grf5ej25t0llsj2annf4rx5vpc9htx72g74depu796z0nc5pvssldhkxp)<https://tinylink.net/mIyvf>[)](https://njump.me/nprofile1qyvhwumn8ghj7un9d3shjtnndehhyapwwdhkx6tpdshsz9mhwden5te0wfjkccte9ec8y6tdv9kzumn9wshsqg9grf5ej25t0llsj2annf4rx5vpc9htx72g74depu796z0nc5pvssldhkxp) hat in den letzten Tagen die Unterstützung für *Zaps* veröffentlicht. *Zaps* sind *Lightning-Transfers* über *Nostr*, die im Pareto an Artikel oder Autoren gesendet werden können. Die aktuelle Umsetzung in der Pareto-App ist als erster Schritt zu verstehen, und es werden weitere Ausbau-Stufen folgen. In diesem Artikel wird die Nutzung des neuen Pareto-Features erklärt. ##### Artikel Zappen Auf der Artikel-Seite des Pareto-Readers ist jetzt das Blitz-Symbol unter dem Artikelbild aktiviert. Durch einen Klick erscheint ein Dialog wie dieser:  Im Dialog können verschiedene vorgegebene Beträge ausgewählt oder ein eigener Betrag manuell eingegeben werden. Ein optionales Kommentarfeld steht, wie üblich, ebenfalls zur Verfügung. Nach dem Betätigen der *Zap-Schaltfläche* verhält sich die App unterschiedlich, abhängig davon, ob der Nutzer eine *Wallet-Erweiterung* im Browser installiert hat oder nicht. Falls ja, folgt die Interaktion mit der *Wallet-Erweiterung*, in diesem Beispiel Alby:  Hier kann die Zahlung freigegeben werden, und der Vorgang wird dann von der Software abgeschlossen. Wenn der Nutzer keine *Wallet-Erweiterung* verwendet, erfordert der Vorgang weitere Schritte. Statt dem oben gezeigten Dialog erscheint eine *Lighting-Rechnung*:  An dieser Stelle gibt es mehrere Möglichkeiten: Man kann mit einer *Lightning-Wallet* den *QR-Code* einscannen oder die Rechnung in Textform kopieren. Alternativ kann man auch eine *Wallet* auf demselben Gerät öffnen und die Zahlung dort bestätigen. ##### Zaps an Autoren Wie am Anfang erwähnt, können auch Autoren direkt, ohne Artikelbezug, *Zaps* erhalten. Auf der Profilseite des Autors gibt es neben der neu hinzugekommenen *Lightning-Adresse* einen *Blitz-Button,* ähnlich wie auf der Artikelseite:  Durch einen Klick können, ähnlich wie beim Artikel, *Zaps* an den Autor gesendet werden. *** *Das Zap-Feature in der Pareto-App basiert auf der Community-Bibliothek nostr-zap (*<https://github.com/SamSamskies/nostr-zap>*). Wir bedanken uns für den Code und haben mit einer Erweiterung der Funktionalität beigetragen - ganz im Sinne von Open-Source!* *** ##### Ausblick Wie eingangs erwähnt, sind weitere Ausbaustufen des *Zap-Features* geplant, darunter: * Unterstützung für *Nostr Wallet Connect* für eine nahtlosere Integration und ein besseres Nutzungserlebnis. * Unterstützung für *eCash*, *Cashu-Nutzaps*. Bleib auf dem Laufenden und folge uns auf unseren verschiedenen Kanälen: * *Nostr*: <https://tinylink.net/mIyvf>, * *Web*: [https://pareto.space,](https://tinylink.net/mIyvf)&#x20; * *Geyser*: [https://geyser.fund/project/pareto.](https://geyser.fund/project/pareto) **Wir bei Pareto stehen erst am Anfang - nicht ausschließlich bezüglich Zaps!**

@ 9171b08a:8395fd65

Rein sat with her back against the cold steel of the jail cell, wrists and ankles bound. She hadn’t seen light or another human face in almost two weeks. The grinding and whirling of the Guardian’s mechanical gears was the only thing to break the silence, its daily arrival at noon serving as her only reminder of time. It brought her food, but nothing else; not a word, not a gesture of humanity. In her waking moments, she sat and replayed the events that landed her in jail, and in her slumber, those thoughts morphed into haunting nightmares with specters stalking her in hell. Hell was no longer a distant fear; it had found her. Her fate now rested in the hands of the man she once considered her best friend. Whatever evidence he was putting together would serve to either absolve her or condemn her. A sharp beam of light pierced the darkness of the jail cell from the cell block entrance. The overhead lights came on, and she stood as David, Rein’s partner and closest friend, appeared before the cell bars. He stared at his feet and said, “Today's your trial.” Rein struggled to keep her eyes open from the intense brightness over the overhead lights and said, “That wasn’t nearly enough time to gather evidence.” David pressed his lips together, eyes fixed on the floor. “I had your back on this, Rein.” Then he shook his head, and as Rein finally overcame the harsh brightness, she noticed he was staring into her eyes. “The evidence is damning. And, well, something pretty terrible has happened that has the government cracking down harder than ever.” “Something terrible? What happened?” asked Rein. “I would’ve never thought you were in so deep with this.” He seemed personally outraged when he said, “After everything we’ve been through together, after everything *you’ve* sacrificed for this city. You’ve been pretending this entire time. I’ve never known the real you.” He scoffed. “Yet there you are.” “C’mon, David, you don’t actually think—” David raised a hand and said, “Stop. Don’t try that shit with me. You’re lucky to even be getting a trial.” Two Guardians entered the cell block and came to parade rest behind David. He opened the cell, and the Guardians stepped in. “What did you find? What happened?” asked Rein. The Guardians seized Rein’s shoulders and pushed her forward, past David. “What did you find, David?” Urged Rein. David remained silent. He simply watched as the Guardians took her. A hush fell over the precinct as officers gathered around the flickering television in the corner of the reception room. Flashing across the screen were the haunting images taken from an aircraft of a city on fire, thousands of black silhouettes infiltrating the city walls. The words ***Shadow Crawlers Strike, Orion Dome In Ruins*** were emblazoned the bottom of the newscast. Rein strained against the Guardian’s grasp to try and get a closer look at the screen and gasped, “Chronos have mercy.” Those standing before the television turned and stared at her. Those seated at their desks stood at the sight of the Guardians ushering Rein through the offices, and within seconds, the precinct was heavy with tension. Everyone she had cared about now gaped at her with a fierce look of betrayal. Though Rein wished she could explain herself with a compelling defense, she could tell she was as good as dead to them. --- The vehicle transporting her to the courthouse was as dark as the cell she had been locked up in. Rein ground her teeth and stared at the ray of light that shone through the slit in between the vehicle doors, contemplating what she had just seen on the precinct television. After several minutes of toiling in the darkness with her own thoughts, the vehicle halted, and its doors opened at the hands of the two Guardians who towered over the roof of the hovercraft. Many of the city people’s eyes, imbued in different shades of red, turned to stare as Rein stepped out. Their gazes were not so much filled with judgment as they were with fear. She stepped onto the walkway with her head sagged, ashamed to look at the very people she had sworn to protect. > Join the furnace of the Empire! Invest in Elius today and be a part of the Industrial heart of Aurial. Rein clenched her fist as she contemplated the words on the crumpled flyer laying on the sidewalk beside her foot. She couldn’t help but think of what her father had been up to in that city. She had never paid much attention to the image of the man on the flyer, his arms crossed and his head held high before a massive furnace that sparked embers into the four corners of the paper. The silhouette of a building was portrayed on one corner, a soldier held a weapon on another, the image of a child holding a toy on the bottom right, and a family held up a shirt on the remaining corner. Those flyers were hung up throughout the precinct offices, inside coffee shops, and gathering places, attempting to attract the wealth that easily found itself in the pockets of the kind of people that lived in Roxis. It seemed to have worked on her father. ***But what had he been up to?*** Rein never understood why her father had abandoned Roxis for Elius, nor had he ever offered an explanation. As a financial hub, Roxis attracted wealth and intellect, leaving cities like Elius with a rougher class of laborers— many of whom turned to crime to escape extreme poverty and hard work in the very factories exhibited on the promotional flyer. The city of Roxis had been good to Rein. Though many a passerby would think differently seeing her now with her wrists and ankles shackled as she walked up the steps of the Judgment House. She’d grown to be a God-loving woman and spent most of her adult life protecting the city from criminals the likes of which the people walking by, now, would think she was. One of the Guardians towering at her side nudged her shoulder, and with the artificial voice generated from within its chest said, “You must move along, Miss Lancer.” The robot’s hand ushered her forward, and a ray of sunlight nearly blinded her as she gazed upon the Judgment House made almost entirely of glass and marble. The crest of Aurialian Empire above the entrance of the building made her pause. Her eyes lingered on the star that lay at the center of the red and blue shield of Ariel, the archangel. A character that looked like an angular and unfinished number eight with a line drawn through the middle sat like a crown above the words "***Out of God, An Empire***", inscribed around the crest of the Aurilian Empire. The symbol of peace felt like a cruel joke now. She had once sworn to uphold the empire’s sanctity, yet here she was, condemned by it. ***Episode 2 coming soon...*** --- Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this episode, let me know with a zap and share it with friends who might like it too! Your feedback sends a strong signal to keep making content like this! Interested in blog posts? Follow @Beneath The Ink for great short stories and serialized fiction. More short stories you might like from Fervid Fables: nostr:naddr1qvzqqqr4gupzpyt3kz9079njd5g0fs5rxhtg8g9wdwkdar65kuhaujfyajpetlt9qq2kx6zzdap9s3nnde5hy7f5wej57d2twp54y82h07y nostr:naddr1qvzqqqr4gupzpyt3kz9079njd5g0fs5rxhtg8g9wdwkdar65kuhaujfyajpetlt9qq2h5etx2fghgumyg3mhjanewgeysa6wdfmrs85l27m

@ 85bdb587:7339d672

## Marty's Bent  Since mid-2022 the Fed has been reigning in its balance sheet via a process called quantitative tightening (QT), in which they allow some of the debt assets they hold to come to maturity without reinvesting in them. This leads to a reduction in the Fed's balance sheet and is done to remove the excess liquidity introduced to the markets during the COVID crisis so that inflation can be reeled in. On top of this, the Fed is hoping that the extraordinary measures it took to step in during a time of crisis allowed the banking system to get their houses in order in preparation for a period of relatively tighter liquidity. Ideally, everyone took the time and effort to clean up their balance sheets, properly manage their duration risk, and get themselves on solid footing to move forward without the Fed stepping in to prop up the market. At its peak, the overnight reverse repo facility had around $2.36T of liquidity in the form of debt instruments like treasuries and mortgage backed securities available to banks, money market funds and certain government enterprises. These entities lend the Fed cash for these instruments and get interest back in return. This acts as a mechanism the Fed can leverage to keep short-term rates in line with wherever their targets are at any given point in time. Over the last ~13 quarters the Fed has been slowly but surely letting these markets drain and, as of last Friday, they currently sit at $70.8B. At its current pace the reverse repo facility should be completely drained by the end of next month or beginning of April. The question on everybody's mind is, what happens once the reverse repo markets are empty? The last time the Fed embarked on QT was in October 2017. It drained the reverse repo over the course of a little less than two years before the market was drained and the overnight rates in the market spiked into the low teens in September of 2019. Many don't remember this, but it was a "holy shit" moment that forced the Fed to create new facilities overnight to band aid over the hemorrhaging. Coincidentally, a few months later COVID would overtake the world and the Fed had a convenient excuse to double the monetary base well above $6T. If September 2019 is an example of exactly what happens when the reverse repo market drains, we may be in for a liquidity crunch. However, the Fed is posturing that it has learned its lessons from the 2019 rate spasm and has adjusted some things accordingly to ensure a smoother transition from a state of excess liquidity to a state of significantly less liquidity. Particularly, more control over SOFR and how it interacts with this market. If we reach the point where the reverse repo markets have been successfully drained without a 2019-like spasm, the Fed will then move on to the excess liquidity sitting on the balance sheets of commercial banks and continue their journey to try to reel in inflation. President Trump certainly isn't making the Fed's job easier with promises of lower domestic taxes and the levying of aggressive tariffs, which could both be inflationary. I'm sure Jerome Powell is praying that DOGE continues their swift work and gets the signal out to markets that the US government is committed to getting its fiscal house in order to make treasuries more appealing to the market so that rates can float down. I have no idea exactly what is going to happen, but I have a feeling that a liquidity crunch is on the horizon. It may not be once the reverse repo market is drained. I would not be the least bit surprised if the work the Fed has done behind the scenes to ensure a spasm like we experienced in 2019 doesn't happen is successful. Though, it likely only buys some time and delays the inevitable. As my good friend Parker Lewis likes to say, "There's too much debt and not enough dollars." At some point, QT will hit a point where it cannot be sustained because too many dollars have been pulled out of a system with ever increasing amounts of debt that need to be serviced with dollars. Whether it happens when the reverse repo market is drained or at some point after the Fed starts unwinding the excess liquidity on bank balance sheets isn't really that important. We're getting early warning signs that a liquidity crunch may be near with the mad dash for bringing physical gold into the US, the VIX spiking above 20 earlier today and bitcoin "crashing" toward $90,000. Volatility is increasing at a time when the reverse repo market is almost tapped and the world is a bit uncertain as it tries to figure out the ramifications of Trump's blitzkreig his first month in office. For those scratching their heads about the price of bitcoin falling during a time like this, it is pretty typical. Bitcoin is traded 24/7/365, has a ton of liquidity, and is easy to buy and sell. When markets sense volatility, bitcoin is usually one of the first assets to be sold off as investors try to sure up their cash balances and pay off debts. It is usually the first and quickest to move lower, but also the first and quickest to move higher when the dust has settled. I find it hard to believe that the price of bitcoin will stay down long if it falls considerably. The fundamentals have never been stronger and too many people have been waiting for an opportune buying opportunity to pass it up. The question is how many of those looking for a buying opportunity will have dry powder and be liquid if and when it happens. ## Bitcoin's Institutional Moment: Big Players Are Entering the Game Bitcoin's journey into mainstream financial markets is accelerating. During our conversation last week, Peruvian Bull highlighted several key milestones, including Abu Dhabi's $430 million position in Bitcoin ETFs and regulatory progress with the SEC's SAB 122, which now allows banks to custody Bitcoin. This fundamental shift isn't just about price – it represents a structural change in how traditional financial institutions view Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class. "*This is a massive opportunity for bitcoin companies - go start a custody service and get a bunch of bitcoiners together and teach institutions how to safely custody their bitcoin.*" - [Peruvian Bull](https://x.com/peruvian_bull) As I've observed through our work at Ten31, there's a growing recognition that a Bitcoin treasury strategy makes sense for both public and private companies. We're seeing this with MicroStrategy, Tesla, Bitcoin miners, and potentially GameStop. More importantly, the infrastructure is being built by major institutions like State Street and Citibank to support this adoption. While gold has the established financial plumbing, Bitcoin's institutional rails are being constructed rapidly, setting the stage for the next wave of adoption. TLDR: Major institutions building Bitcoin infrastructure signals mainstream adoption Check out the [full podcast here](https://youtu.be/aHzPTDDPXfU) for more on gold market disruptions, GameStop's potential Bitcoin strategy, and the looming debt crisis that's creating perfect conditions for Bitcoin adoption. ## Headlines of the Day El Salvador Boosts Bitcoin Reserve - via [X](https://x.com/i/trending/1894181975528763539) Jamie Dimon Sold $233.7M in JPM Stock - via [X](https://x.com/MartyBent/status/1894175451209220205) Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming Rejected Bills for SBR - via [X](https://x.com/SimplyBitcoinTV/status/1894071294653604257) ## Bitcoin Lesson of the Day Bitcoin uses cryptographic **keys** to secure **transactions**. A private key, a secret random number, allows you to spend bitcoin, while a public key, derived from the private key, is used to receive bitcoin. The public key is hashed and encoded into a Bitcoin address (e.g., 1A1zP1eP5QGefi2DMPTfTL5SLmv7DivfNa), a shorter, user-friendly string shared to receive funds. Private keys must be kept secure—losing them means losing access to your bitcoin, and anyone with your private key can spend it. Addresses are generated from public keys via hashing (SHA-256 and RIPEMD-160) and include a checksum for error detection. Bitcoin wallets manage these keys, often using seed phrases to recover them. Understanding keys and addresses is fundamental to securely using Bitcoin. [Full Learnmeabitcoin.com post here](https://learnmeabitcoin.com/beginners/guide/keys-addresses/) ICYMI [Fold](https://foldapp.com/credit-card?r=BgwRS) opened the waiting list for the new Bitcoin Rewards Credit Card. Fold cardholders will get unlimited 2% cash back in sats. **[Get on the waiting list](https://foldapp.com/credit-card?r=BgwRS) now before it fills up!** $200k worth of prizes are up for grabs. Ten31, the largest bitcoin-focused investor, has deployed $150M across 30+ companies through three funds. I am a Managing Partner at Ten31 and am very proud of the work we are doing. Learn more at [ten31.vc/funds](https://ten31.vc/funds).

@ 6a6be47b:3e74e3e1

Hi frens, While drawing this fly 🪰 👇🏻 nostr:nevent1qgsx56ly0wcj7gwasrc7707l9px39g5nzn82p35akhkdqj448e6w8cgqyrrnhgtqqfvcvf007gtxmffrhd8zw5j0t93cuxc3yrykl2dzyp3tvj4hcjx I started thinking about how to make my art stand out. Maybe I should focus on making it more appealing—or at least improving its presentation. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against making my work more consumable, but the marketing side of things takes so much time away from actually creating art. It’s sad that sometimes it feels less about delivering high-quality work and more about turning it into “content.” Honestly, that can be exhausting. Like Fall Out Boy said, “all this effort to make it look effortless.”It’s not really my style to turn my art—or the process of creating it—into content. That’s why I sometimes struggle with crafting or presenting it in a way that fits today’s trends. Sometimes, the pressure to make my art presentable is so overwhelming that it makes me feel like not creating at all. And when it doesn’t yield the kind of recognition or financial support I hope for after all that effort, it can be really disappointing. It’s like watching all that hard work slowly erode my soul. It’s tough to keep going when it feels like my art isn’t being valued in the way I wish it could be. I want to be clear: this isn’t me dissing anyone. You do you, and I’ll do me. As Crowley would say, “Do what thou wilt.” What I’m really trying to figure out is how to find that sweet spot—where I can keep up with the times and make my art more appealing without losing my soul in the process. I’m trying my best, and I know I’ll make mistakes along the way, but I’ll keep going. I just wanted to share these thoughts with you because I’m usually pretty upbeat here—maybe even a little superficial at times—but this is me being _more_ real with you. Art is such a huge part of my life, and through my work, I’m already sharing something raw and personal with you. But now you also know why my presentation might sometimes feel simple or plain. I’m working on finding that balance, and I’ll get there eventually. Godspeed, my frens

@ eaef5965:511d6b79

Another quarter, another update on the global money supply. I remember three years ago yesterday, texting my Ukrainian friends for updates as they fled with their families for safety from Putin's full-scale, unprovoked attack on their country. Three years on, they continue to fight incredibly bravely, for if they do not, there will be no Ukraine. Europe has drip-fed them enough support to not lose, but not enough to win. America now demands repayment for its aid to the victim in the form of mineral rights, and will not recognize the aggressor as the aggressor. The era of Reagan-style, speak softly while carrying a big stick approach to dictators seems no more, for now, from the new US admin. The world order is changing rapidly, and Europe is quickly finding out what the Baltics and Poland have known for 200 years: the threat from the East does not share its values; it is simply uncompromising. As this next round of political theater plays out, and one can only hope for just, lasting peace and security with clear eyes from all democratic allies, the printing presses will do as instructed. But as we look through this update, you will see that we are actually at very low, relative-levels of money printing historically, even slight negative money growth. Bitcoin continues on, and as of 31 December 2024, its **$1.8 trillion market cap was 7.2% of the global monetary base**. That means that the global monetary base, for this update, is $25.5 trillion. ## **Why the global monetary base?** It is the only money supply that is economically analogous to bitcoins, digital store of value today, and to gold and silver ounces, store of values from the past. The monetary base is **central bank money**, comprised of two supplies: 1. **Physical currency**: Notes and coins, or “cash;” 2. **Bank reserves**: The “Master account” that each commercial bank holds with its central bank. Now, why do I refer to this as *Central bank money*? This is because, unlike all other money supplies in the fiduciary banking world (like M1/M2/M3), the Monetary base is the sole and ultimate money supply controlled by the central bank. It is, literally, the printing press. What follows won't be a lesson in reserve ratios or monetary economics. The point is that you simply understand that there is a money supply that central banks solely control, and of course (of course!) this is what Bitcoin's 21 million are up against. The monetary base is to the core of the entire fiat financial system, as 21 million bitcoins are to the core of the Bitcoin protocol. One is open and permissionless, and one is not. By the way, the monetary base is essentially (though not entirely) analogous to the total liabilities of a central bank, so we can (basically) say that the monetary base is the "balance sheet" of each central bank. **On cash**. Quick notes on the above. Certainly you understand what "cash" is, and it is indeed an instrument that has been fully monopolized by each central bank in each nation around the world--only they can print it. Even though it is true that banks in more free banking societies in the past could freely print and strike notes and coins, the central bank (or state) monopoly has been around for a long time. Kublai Khan was the first to do it 750 years ago. **On bank reserves**. Don't stress your brain on this too much, but this is the main "settlement money" that banks use between each other, when they want to settle their debts. It is digital now (Fedwire in US, CHAPS in UK), but it doesn't technically have to be, and of course before modern technology took over even a few decades ago, it was not. These two stacks of retail and wholesale cash, stacks of central bank money, are what make up the **Monetary base**. *This is the printing press*. Only this compares to 21 million bitcoins. And gold, and silver by the way. Final note, central bank digital currencies, or CBDCs, which are simply LARPing on Bitcoin's success, are indeed created by central banks, and they are indeed classified as Base money. They are going to be a "third rail." They are thankfully incredibly small, pilot projects today. We will see how far democracies will be tested, as autocracies no doubt will mainstream them; but for now, consider them, at least economically, to be inconsequential to the update below. It appears that central banks are actually cooling to them, as of this writing. With that review out of the way, onward to Q4 update for 2024. ## **Bitcoin is the 6th largest money in the world** This is unchanged from last quarter. In February 2024, it surpassed the monetary base of the United Kingdom; that is, its value was larger than the Bank of England's balance sheet, and it remains so to this day. As of 31 December 2024, it is only the balance sheets of the big four central banks that are larger than Bitcoin. These currencies are: 1. **Federal Reserve (dollar)**: $5.60 trillion 2. **People's Bank of China (yuan)**: $5.04 trillion equivalent 3. **European Central Bank (euro)**: $4.87 trillion equivalent 4. **Bank of Japan (yen)**: $4.20 trillion equivalent If we remove gold from the equation (and we shouldn't), then Bitcoin could be considered the fifth largest money in the world. Including gold, Bitcoin is the sixth. However, the all-important monetary metal throughout history that even a child knows about--gold--is still king at around **$17 trillion in value**, or 6 billion ounces worldwide. Note, this does not include gold lost/recycled through industry; in that case, it is estimated that about 7 billion ounces of gold have been mined throughout humanity. Silver, for what it's worth, is still a big "monetary" metal; though it is true, much more silver is gobbled up in industry compared to gold. There are about 31 billion ounces of non-industrial silver floating around the world (most of it in jewelry and silverware form) that is valued in today's prices at nearly $1 trillion. Bitcoin bigger. ## **State of the print: $25.5 trillion** This is down $1.5 trillion from last quarter! However, we must also remember that as currencies lose value against the best-looking horse in the glue factory; that is, the dollar, then this dollar value actually "dampens" the effect of the print. More on this below. If we consider **$25.5 trillion as the Big Boss** of central bank money, then Bitcoin at $1.8 trillion network value (December, quarter-end figure) indeed has some way to go. But as anyone who follows Bitcoin for a sustained about of time knows, this can change rapidly. We can also imagine how the Pareto distribution occurs even in money, if Bitcoin after only 15 years is already larger than every central bank money in the world except for four of them. Wild to ponder. ## **All-time supply (monetary) inflation: 12.7% per year compounded** This is a long-term, "smoothed" monetary inflation, or money growth figure. It is looking across all the 50 currencies in my sample, going back to 31 December 1969 for almost 40% of them, and for those that don't, simply adding them into the weighted basket as data becomes available. Roughly stated, it means that central banks on balance double their money supply every 5.8 years. This is a fact. However, this overall rate of increase is indeed declining, and has been since 2022. For example, if we looked at this headline figure from last year ending 2023, it blended to **12.9% all-time, or 0.2% higher than now**. Still, even though central banks have been trying to tighten from their overheated 2020-22 money print, the overall, net effects of money growth **in native fiat units** have not changed significantly. For more detail, we can look at the latest year. ## **Trailing 12-month money growth: -3.0%** What is very interesting, however, and alluded to above, is how all global currencies continue to decline in *relative value against the dollar*. According to the simple, USD-based trendline analysis for all global currencies in the dataset (see below), we should have a $34 trillion monetary base right now, based on past performance. We have a $25.5 trillion monetary base right now. We are actually *lower than the 2.5th percentile* on this trendline. But take note: What you are really seeing is actually *not that much less of money printing* (they have been letting up the gas, to be sure), but rather, a tremendous loss in purchasing power of all currencies versus the dollar! In other words, from 2023 to 2024: 1. The weighted average, native change in money base growth of all currencies was **-3.0% over the prior 12 months**; 2. The overall dollar value change was **-8.5% over the prior 12 months ($25.5 trillion vs. $27.8 trillion)**. This means that, in the last year, government money lost an **additional 5.5% per year in dollar purchasing power**, beyond its reduction of 3.0% in money print. Wild. ## **Since 2021 peak** I don't publicize this information as much, and I probably should. In dollar terms, in December 2021, global central bank money printing **peaked at $30.5 trillion**. Big number. Now, it is $25.5 trillion. So one would assume that the printing presses have cooled by 16.4% in the last three years. But again, as I have just described above, we are trying to see beyond Wittgenstein's Ruler here. This can be difficult, because we have 50 different currencies to contend with. It is true, in the last three years, the **dollar value** of the top 50 currencies in the world has fallen by 16.4%. *But does that mean that central banks are printing 16.4% less than before 2021?* No. In fact, when you look at the weighted average of each central bank's performance over the last three years, in their *native currency units*, you will find **that the weighted average decline in printing is only 2.4%**. Notice anything? This decrease over three years is actually *less* than the decline over the last 12 months, which was 3.0% (section above). And most obviously, **it is far less than 16.4%**. There are dollar values. These grow differently from all the **native currency units**, because of foreign exchange rates. **There are native currency units**. These grow differently from all the dollar values of these currencies, because of foreign exchange rates. Central banks are printing less over the last three years: **2.4% less overall**. But this is much less than the decline in the dollar value of 50 currency stocks over the last three years: **16.4% decline**. One must tear through the numbers to understand both ideas. I have provided you with both. ## **New data: China** Firstly, what I am about to say has nothing to do with what I've described above, except for a very small impact on the overall, headline figure of 12.7% money growth. This is a historical addition. I have added some important new monetary data this quarter, and that is from the quasi-transparent yet enormous economy of China. On the PBoC website, they publish balance sheet data back to only 31 December 1999. I have used this timespan for seven years now in my quarterly updates. However, I have now gone through some new figures from the book *China Financial Statistics (1949-2005)* and added additional data points all the way back to 1969 for China. It is published from PBoC sources. I am using M0 figures from 1969 until 1993 (only available, very compatible, as a subset of base money), and from 1993, they begin publishing full monetary base data. The break in growth metrics when switching from M0 to MB in 1993 is ignored. The changes from this new data--from a huge, growing economy such as China will, as expected, boost the overall inflation numbers in my dataset. These are the net effects of the new data, as of 31 December 2024: **China Monetary base average monthly growth for entire series:** 1. Old data from 1999: 0.85% 2. New data from 1969: 1.04% **China Monetary base compound annual growth for entire series:** 1. Old data from 1999: 10.73% 2. New data from 1969: 14.24% **Overall Monetary base compound annual growth for entire series:** 1. Before this additional China data: 12.56% 2. After this additional China data: 12.73% So the net effect on "global monetary inflation" with this additional data is 17 basis points, or 0.17%. I thought the overall effect could be higher, but one must remember these growth rates are weighted by the *relative USD value of each respective base money*, on a continuous basis, updating each month. In the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, China was a much smaller proportion of the global economic pie than it is today. One final point with this new data, and with my monetary inflation data overall. I am fairly confident my headline number of **12.6-12.7% per year compounded** for global money growth is *conservative*. These are the top 50 currencies in the world. We just saw what new data did to the entire dataset, and from a huge country no less. If I were to add more currencies, such as those from Kenya or Morocco (and I will), these currencies will only marginally affect this headline money growth figure. What's more, this new data will by definition come from ***smaller, more volatile, higher inflation-producing*** currencies, so I would only expect my headline figure to creep higher, the further it is refined. ***Huge thanks to Eryn @reltbracco (npub1e2rd2k45ym2jmctnysfadxumrvrr57vqj69ck6trt2y62c40r0kqs9lx8t) for sifting through tons of Chinese historical content here, and for eventually finding a great book with Chinese historical monetary data that was in English!*** ## **The trends** The remainder of the report is an update on global trends in demographics, money, and economics. All of these trends are **exponential curves**. The sole exception, is Bitcoin. It's price and market cap action, across time, are **power curves**. One further change. I have allowed the 2.5 and 97.5 red percentile bands to evolve over time. I think this presentation allows the reader to see that trends indeed can change, across time. However, **the all-time trendline**, as of today, is the solid, black trendline. We are where we are. Plan accordingly, never financial advice. ## **Population** The world has grown exponentially at **1.7% per year** over the last 75 years. However, despite all the overpopulation myths you've probably heard, this rate of growth is actually falling, well below trend, and we only grow at **0.9% per year** at the moment, pulling the overall trend down every year. ## **US GDP** The United States has grown its economy at 5.2% compounded per year since the founding of the republic. We are at the higher end of this trend right now, $29 trillion output per year, growing at **5.3% per year**. As this is exponential growth, if I put it on log scale, it will become a straight line. ## **Stock market** Stocks grow exponentially as well, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. The growth rate is **7.3% per year** for the S&P 500, the main US index that tracks more than 80% of total market caps. Currently, the market is well above trend. ## **Stock market: Dividends reinvested** *If you reinvest those dividends* into the same stock market, you'll earn more. The all-time compound annual growth increases by 2% to **9.3% per year** for the S&P. ## **Bonds** Bonds are supposedly safer than stocks (bondholders get paid back first), and more regular cash flowing. If you look at the longest running bond index in the US, it grows at **7.0% per year**, compounded. Notice how, in a rising interest rate environment (which we are in at the moment), bond prices will suffer. In this case, it's the Bloomberg Aggregate Bond Index. This has kept the bond market returns at the lower end of the range, since the global financial crisis in 2008. Not even 1% TTM return. ## **Base Money** As we've discussed, base money grows across the world at a weighted average of **12.7% compounded per year**. However, this trendline analysis looks at it differently than my headline figure. It simply looks at the USD value of the global monetary base (again, currently **$25.5 trillion**), and draws an exponential trendline on that USD equivalent growth for 50+ years. In other words, this is going to be *after all currency fluctuations* have played themselves out. **Slope of the trend is 10.2% compounded for this one.** This is further confirmation that, even though central banks around the world like to print at 12.7% compounded all-time in native unit terms, they will always lose value against the world's reserve currency, as that shakes out to around 10.2% compounded in USD-terms. And we really are scraping the bottom of this range. 0.7x the trendline, which ## **Silver supply** This is total ounces ever mined. They trend upward at **1.4% per year**. ## **Gold supply** This is total ounces ever mined. Gold trends upward at **1.7% per year**. Faster than silver. Surprised? Notice the R-squared (goodness of fit) for both silver and gold production increase. ## **Bitcoin supply** Bitcoins grow according to a basic logarithmic curve. Trying to draw percentiles is pointless here, and even measuring a trendline is relatively pointless, as everyone knows the bitcoins prescribed into the future, per the protocol. Better to just quote the trailing 12-month growth figure, and it is **1.2% per year** and falling, as of quarter end Dec-2024. Less than gold or silver. ## **Silver price** Since 1971 it's trended at 3.5% per year. Silver bug? ## **Gold price** Since 1971 it's trended at 5.1% per year. Gold bug? ## **Bitcoin price** Bitcoin's price (and market cap) grows according to a power trend. Did you notice that the prior exponential trends displayed themselves as straight lines on log scale? Well, with Bitcoin, the power trendline gradually falls across time, but the growth is still well larger than anything we've covered thus far. Now, we have finally arrived at something that grows differently than exponential. [As I've observed since 2018](https://x.com/1basemoney/status/1079740420438011905) . Why? Because you are viewing an *adoption curve*. This is how networks scale. Bitcoin's power trendline has grown **164% per year** since Bitcoin Pizza Day in 2010. Note that this is something akin to a "Lifetime Achievement" figure, and it will continue to fall every day. Over the prior 12 months ending 31-Dec-2024, Bitcoin grew **121.1%.** The compound growth of the power trend today is just under **44% per year**. By 2030 it will fall to "only" **31% per year**. You can find more dissection of the [power curve on my website here](https://www.porkopolis.io/thechart/) . Oh yes, and it is free (as in speech), open, and permissionless money. ## **To summarize** That was a lot of data across a lot of charts. I've compiled all these trendlines and data in a helpful table here for you to review at any time. These are the growth trends of the monetary and major asset world, as of year-end 2024: Again, a quick breakdown on why Bitcoin is so interesting, and confounding. Where most things in the financial and economic world grow *exponentially*, Bitcoin is actually a compilation of *three* different trend patterns: ## **Conclusion** Below is a detailed summary of all the input assets: 1. 50 fiat currencies: $25.5 trillion 2. Gold: $17.1 trillion 3. Silver: $1 trillion 4. Bitcoin: $1.8 trillion Print it out if you like! Thank you for reading. This takes a lot of time to put together each quarter. If you enjoyed, please consider zapping, and you can also donate to my [BTCPay](https://donations.cryptovoices.com/) on [my website](https://www.porkopolis.io/) if you'd like to help keep this research going. Take care.

@ 4d41a7cb:7d3633cc

Money is more abstract than most people think, as I will show in this article. Debt slavery stems from financial illiteracy, which occurs intentionally. The biggest secret is how bankers actually create **currency claims out of thin air and transfer the wealth of their clients (including nation states) to themselves for free without risking a cent, real money, or currency.** ## **MONEY** Money, one of the most important things in our lives, is so important that we exchange wealth to obtain it. Not because we want it but because we need it in order to buy food, shelter, clothes, etc. Money is not inherently bad, although some may argue that the love for money is the root of all evil, and I'll agree. If you are willing to sacrifice your soul, honor, reputation, family, or friends for money, it indicates a lack of morality and a willingness to engage in harmful actions to satisfy your greed and materialistic desires. **Money is a technology, a tool, and like any tool or technology, it is impartial**; it cannot be inherently good or bad. It can be used to help others or to destroy them. At the end of the day, it’s all about the intention behind human behavior. Money is not just a useful tool; it’s **the most important tool** to have for global commerce, division of labor, specialists, and the level of sophistication and comfort we achieve as humanity. All of this will not be possible without this tool working as a common medium of exchange and standard of value, a common language for all humanity: the language of monetary value. **Money is the cornerstone of civilization.** Money is the bloodstream of commerce, and commerce is the spine of civilization; it’s what made our civilization so prosperous, letting any one of us decide how we want to provide value to society. Money is half of every transaction, and since we will always need to intermediate between every exchange, money is the perfect intermediary to help achieve millions of different combinations of exchanges. It will be practically impossible to barter on a global scale; even in a small community with a few different products, it will be a mess. For example, if there were 10 products, there would be 45 combinations; if there were 100, there would be 4950 combinations. Imagine a scenario on a large scale, requiring the exchange of hundreds of thousands of products every second.. This issue **necessitated the development of a new technology: money, which in turn led to the emergence of moneychangers (v4v). Money is a tool to exchange, measure, and store wealth.** Wealth is anything we can sell: our labor (time and energy), our house, a car, a product, a service, etc. **Gold and silver were money for thousands of years** because of their unique characteristics of scarcity, durability, divisibility, and transportability. The most important characteristic of these metals is that they are scarce, and they can’t be created out of thin air or reproduced with no effort. **Only God can control the supply of gold and silver found in nature.** Men can only extract it, and it requires investment, work, time, and effort to find and mine it. So the common knowledge and the common sense of the people over thousands of years consensually chose gold and silver as money. And **this money is the only lawful money under common law.** > “Gold is money, everything else is credit” > > J.P. Morgan 1912 As an interesting fact, the word "money" is used 140 times in the King James Bible, the word "gold" is mentioned 417 times, and the word "silver" over 320 times. But the word “currency” is not mentioned a single time. The most important function of money is to **exchange and store your time and energy**. You work to acquire money and then use that money to acquire other goods and services. **Our time and energy is our real wealth** because it’s limited. We all have a limited time on earth, and we can do certain things in the 24 hours we have every day, so we have to be conscious about how we administrate and store the fruits of our labor. Money is a means to an end; we don't want money; we want what money can buy, and guess what, money cannot buy more time. ## **CURRENCY = FAKE MONEY** **Currency exists as a money substitute.** Currencies began as the opposite of money, the **promise to deliver money in the future: debt**. Currencies can be used to exchange wealth, but they are not a fair unit of account and are never a good way to store it because men are tempted to create more and dilute its value (a process known as inflation) Currencies have almost all the same characteristics of money, but there’s a big difference: **currency is not scarce and durable**. Missing the store of value characteristic of money, since **its supply can be manipulated by men.** For wealth preservation and measuring, modern currencies make no sense. Men control the supply of currency; **banks and governments can inflate or deflate it in any amount they please, giving them supreme power and control over wealth distribution.** This creates two classes of citizens: those who work to acquire currency and those who create it instantly and for free. International banks have stolen money (gold and silver) over the past century, replacing its supply with currency or fake money (paper receipts). \[1913, 1933, 1944, 1971\] Under this monetary game, those with "fixed income," savers, and creditors are the biggest losers, while debtors and asset owners are the winners.. The **most important distinction to keep in mind is that nature controls the money supply, making artificial inflation impossible.** On the other hand, men can inflate currency in unlimited amounts. It is **a manifestation of God's power on earth, as the mediums of exchange serve as the lifeblood of commerce, the backbone of our economic system, and facilitate the division of labor.** If someone can **inflate the currency supply, this has the same economic effect as counterfeiting,** and he’s effectively stealing from everyone contracting, trading, and saving in that currency. Manipulating the mediums of exchange in an economy enables manipulation of every security, industry, and business. This is the reason the founding fathers of the United States made gold and silver only lawful money for the payment of debts. To give everyone equal protection under the law and to get rid of the nobility and two types of citizens: bankers and workers or nobles and plebeians. > Bank-notes are not money. It 's currency. It’s unfair to take banks' currency as a standard for comparison. > > Bank-note currency is not “lawful money”. It never could be counted as part of banks cash reserves. ***It would be too much like a man writing and signing his own promissory note for a million and then claiming that this made him a millionaire.*** > > The very grave evils any currency depreciation always impose upon businesses and the people. > > Alfred Owen Crozier, US Money vs Corporate currency, 1912 So money has three very important functions that work as the pillars on which the wellness of our economic system and civilizations relies. Currency is not a store of value because its supply can be easily manipulated, men in power can create more of it, and so using this always-changing currency as a standard of value or a unit of account is like using an always-changing ruler to measure distance. A dollar today does not buy the same as a dollar one year ago. So yesterday prices are not equal to today's prices; this is an unfair business calculation. So money has three very important functions that work as the pillars on which the wellness of our economic system and civilizations rel**ies. Currency is not a store of value because its supply can be easily manipulated**, men in power can create more of it, and so using this always-changing currency as a standard of value or a unit of account is like using an always-changing ruler to measure distance. **A dollar today does not buy the same as a dollar one year ago**. So yesterday prices are not equal to today's prices; this is an unfair business calculation. There are several Bible verses that discuss the manipulation of weights and measures, emphasizing the importance of honesty and fairness in commercial dealings. 1. Leviticus 19:35-36 New International Version (NIV): "**Do not use dishonest standards when measuring length, weight, or quantity.** Use honest scales and honest weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin. 2. Deuteronomy 25:13-15: Do not have two differing weights in your bag—one heavy, one light. Do not have two differing measures in your house—one large, one small. **You must have accurate and honest weights and measures**. 3. Proverbs 11:1—"A "**dishonest scale is an abomination to the Lord**, but a just weight is his delight." **Fake money (currency) is always and everywhere a dishonest scale.** So if you want a real measure of value or wealth use something with real value instead, like gold, commodities, products, times, etc. Bankers have redefined the word money to mean fake money, currency, or debt. And this is not the worst part. Let’s introduce another concept: credit. ## **CREDIT = FAKE CURRENCY** **Real credit is the promise to pay money in the future.** It involves delaying the payment of money. **Currency was born as credit**, as a money certificate or receipt. During the last century, banks gradually replaced 100% of the money with currency and bank credit to further boost their profits and control. \[1913, 1933, 1944, 1971\] But in order to achieve this goal, **bankers redefined the word money to mean the opposite of money: credit/debt. This is like calling a night a day or evil a good.** When you take out a loan from a friend, you receive credit from him, but you also incur a debt with him. You promise your friends that you will pay them (asset/right), and you owe them (liability/obligation). The asset and the liability are one and part of the same deal; they cannot exist without the other. There’s no credit with no debt, no debt with no credit, and no liability with no asset. Federal Reserve notes, commonly known as **“dollars,”** are a private corporate currency; they are **not money** because they are not gold or silver, nor receipts for these metals as many people still believe. They were not redeemable in money from the start, despite being created under the assumption. The “peso” (Spanish word for weight) used to be a standardized amount of gold or silver, but it’s not any more; it's just a debt denomination. And what's owing? Currency. **How can someone lend the opposite of money and charge interest? O**nly deceiving you into believing that he is lending you money. So they redefined the word money to mean the opposite of it. But redefining words does not change the economic effect of the transaction. When currencies first appeared, I can imagine people asking themselves, "How can people trust these paper certificates in exchange for their money?" Who will be that stupid?” And **nowadays, people don’t understand the difference between money and currency, to the point that bankers redefined the word "money" to mean the opposite of "money."** Lesson: Money is not just a medium of exchange; it is also a store of value and a unit of account. Currency, the opposite of money, is debt. Since it can be created in unlimited amounts, it can't work as a store of value because its value depreciates as more units are created; for this same reason, it is not fair to denominate values in currency units since one currency unit today does not buy the same as a year ago because of inflation, the loss of purchasing power. Summarize: While money, currency, and credit all serve as effective mediums of exchange, only money serves as a reliable store of value for saving. Currency and credit are not stores of value (not good to save), and there are not fair units of account (not good for price). In simple terms, money is not currency, because currency is just credit and debt. We can conceptualize it as a ledger, a record of who owes what to whom. Currency is fake money since it’s the opposite of a store of value; it's always depreciating in value while its supply is inflated. This is the definition of inflation. **Modern credit is not currency; it’s the opposite. It’s the promise to deliver currency in the future, the promise of a promise of money (in theory). But there’s no money behind. It’s an air loan.** But how did we get here? Is everyone stupid? No, we have been tricked, manipulated, and dictated to use these currencies, and this banking system was forced on us. They stole our money and replaced it with fake substitutes to boost their profits. ## **MODERN MEDIUMS OF EXCHANGE = MONOPOLY MONEY** **So nowadays we have fake money acting as cash/currency and fake currency acting as bank deposits or credit.** One is worse than the other, but both of them serve only as mediums of exchange. Those who store wealth with them will be robbed, and those who calculate business will be lied to. Today we use currencies (government notes), coins, bank deposits (currency claims), checks (bank deposit claims), credit cards, and debit cards. All of them are ‘monopoly money’ fake claims based on a big and global fraud. - *Government notes (government debt)* Since governments are under the control of central banks, they can only create currency by borrowing. Governments must issue bonds, or debt, and the central bank can generate credit, or currency, to purchase these bonds. The bond (government liability) is the counterpart of the ‘asset’ (the currency, a central bank asset). Bonds are debt, and currencies are credit. When the central bank creates currency to lend it to the government at interest, it has literally the economic effect of **transferring the wealth of the nation to the banks for free**. The banks are not lending anything that they had to labor to produce; instead, they are creating it by printing paper notes or digital currency. On the other side, governments have to collect money from citizens (producers, merchants, and workers) to pay the interest on the debt. Despite their best efforts, governments are unable to repay the debt due to interest, which makes it bigger than the amount of currency. Let’s say the debt is 100 at 1% interest. So there’s only 100 in currency. But at the end of the year, there’s going to be a debt of 101. In order for the system to keep working, someone else has to go into debt to create more currency units, and governments have to keep borrowing and at least only paying the interest and rolling the debt. The important thing is that if you have government currency debt free, you own it. This is the new ‘money.’. **Government currency is the ‘real’ cash, liquidity, or water.** - *Bank deposits (bank debt)* When you deposit your government currency in the bank, you are legally lending your currency to the bank, and the bank owes you the amount you deposit. This currency is not stored by banks until you request it. Banks use this currency as if it were theirs, and they do business with it. That’s why I said, **‘Your money in the bank’ is not yours; it’s not money; it’s not in the bank.** Its currency, its owe to you, is only registered on the bank ledger as a debt, not in a safe box. The numbers you get in the bank account, or your balance, are government currency substitutes; they are bank deposits. Your currency deposit is the asset, and the number on your bank account balance is the liability. But this is not the worst part. Banks lend around 10 times more currency than they have in deposits. So banks have more liabilities than assets (they are literally broke). People often treat bank deposits, also known as government currency substitutes or bank tokens, as legal tender, allowing banks to create them arbitrarily and 'lend' them to unsuspecting clients who mistakenly believe they are receiving currency. This is possible only because the bank's deposit has equal cash value. ***Government bonds, government currency, and bank deposits have equal value. But they are not the same.*** All of them have counterparty risk, but **cash, or government currency, is better** or safer than bonds or bank deposits. If interest rates rise, the value of bonds can decrease, and default on bank deposits can result in total loss, a scenario that has frequently occurred. Keep in mind that bank deposits represent the bank's debts, also known as liabilities. Business activities and risk-taking make your currency unsecured, and they don't compensate you enough for the loan and risk. - *Debit cards (bank deposit transfer)* Your bank deposit is your right to get your currency back. When you use a credit card to buy something, you are transferring that right to the seller so he can redeem that bank token for currency if he wishes. But you have to have had a deposit before you can spend it or transfer it. - *Checks (bank deposit transfer)* The same applies to checks. Your bank deposit is your right to get your currency back. When you use a check to buy something, you are transferring that right to the seller so he can redeem that bank token for currency if he wishes. - *Credit card (bank deposit creator)* Credit cards are different. When you use a credit card, you are creating a bank deposit backed by your promise of paying it back. By allowing the bank to create a currency substitute out of nothing and charge you high interest, you are essentially working for them for free. Not only this, but you are also letting them collect fees from the payments processing that cost them nothing and support their fake money as a medium of exchange. **Using credit cards is literally voting for financial slavery.** This is why companies make credit cards so convenient and offer benefits, with the intention of incentivizing and pushing people into the debt slavery system. ## **BANKS = MONEYCHANGERS** ‘Loans’ = exchanges **The history of money is the history of moneychangers**, money dealers, or bankers. Money is an inanimate object. Bankers are alive; they are the ones in charge of making the money, currency, and credit flow or stop. **They have been in existence for thousands of years**, from Egypt to Rome, where Jesus Christ himself threw them out of the temple and called them thieves, and he was not wrong. Moneychangers played a crucial role in facilitating trade by exchanging different forms of currency and commodities. The profession of moneychangers evolved over time, particularly during the Roman Empire and the Middle Ages when various currencies were in circulation. In these times, moneychangers would set up shop at markets or public spaces to provide their services and **help merchants convert their money into a form that could be used for transactions with other traders.** As banking systems developed over time, the role of moneychangers expanded to include more complex financial services. Today, moneychangers are still an essential part of the global economy, helping people exchange currencies and facilitating international trade. **The Knights Templars** were a Christian military order established in 1119 who played a crucial role in the establishment of the financial system in medieval Europe. They established **a gold-backed credit system** that laid the foundation for the modern banking system. Their financial services included deposit accounts, loans, and even a form of early traveler's checks. **The history of the goldsmiths** starts around 700 years ago in the year 1327. The company became responsible for hallmarking precious metals and played a significant role in regulating the quality and authenticity of gold and silver items. **In exchange for written acknowledgments or "receipts,"** they also provided gold deposit services. Both groups played significant roles in the development of these early financial instruments, with goldsmiths issuing written acknowledgments for deposited gold and the Knights Templar establishing banking institutions that facilitated the use of such receipts as a form of payment. This is a brief summary of the beginning of the moneychangers and how they discovered how to multiply money with paper receipts, better understood as counterfeiting. We now refer to it as fractional reserve banking, and let me tell you something: it's based on fraud. Not only do they create bank deposits when you deposit currency, but they also create them when you "take a loan." Banks do not lend money, and they do not lend currency; they lend bank deposits (bank tokens/IOUs/currency substitutes/ paper receipts). Banks had to redefine the word money to mean the opposite of money (debt) to trick the people. How can you lend the oposite of money and expect to be paid back plus interest? This took them thousands of years to achieve. **The fact is that this is not a loan but an exchange.** When you take a loan, you sign a contract that creates a promissory note, which is your promise to pay. The bank then takes this promissory note, without your permission (steals), and sells it for cash (if you requiere it) or government bonds (to earn interest). Your promissory note has equal value to cash and government bonds. And banks always need an asset to create a bank deposit (liability). So the banks literally steal your asset (promissory note) and sell them to create IOUs that they will ‘lend’ to you. They ‘lend’ the oposite of money and call it a loan. The truth is that they are acting as moneychangers, and they are exchanging your IOU (promissory note) for a bank IOU (bank deposit) without your permission and pretending that you pay it back, but they never pay back theirs… How is this possible? This is only possible because most people treat bank deposits (bank tokens, IOUs, and debts) as a medium of exchange because they trust the banks. This is the root of inequality under the law. While one group can create IOUs from nothing and steal others, the other must work for them or exchange wealth. If this bank defaults, its IOUs quickly vanish. This is a mathematical certainty; that’s why banks that are 'too big to fail' demand bailouts. **Every bank is bankrupt** since they have 7–10 times more liabilities than assets, and the assets they have are not theirs but their clients' assets. The only thing that keeps them alive is the trust of the public and the bailouts of the government. **This is legalized slavery and theft.** There’s no other name. Banks own every industry, government, public figure, actor, etc. They have the power of God on earth, and it's time to stop them. If we let the bank take our wealth for free, we will end up bankrupt, and they will end up owning everything. Every medium of exchange nowadays is an IOU or an IOU of an IOU. Ultimately, it is mathematically impossible to repay all of those IOUs, and banks pretend to keep all the assets. *Check: IOU = deposit; IOU = cash; IOU = bond; IOU + interest* The only way this system can continue is to keep creating new IOUs to pay the old ones, but even then (as it has been for over a century), the value of those IOUs keeps falling, causing hyperinflation. If banks and governments want to ‘avoid’ (imposible) or relent to hyperinflation, they need to incur a great confiscation. So heads you lose, tails they win, playing this game doesn't make any fucking sense. Buy Bitcoin, self custody, and fuck the government and the banking system. Live free or die trying.

@ f3873798:24b3f2f3

Estamos próximos a uma das principais premiações da indústria. Vemos não só a perversão de pautas woke e destruição de valores ocidentes, mas também um grande confronto entre o que mais forte o ativismo Lgbt ou o ativismo político entre as atrizes Fernanda Torres e Karla Gascon. Só evidência o caos que é os conflitos de interesse de diversas vertentes que a esquerda abraça e diz que é sua. Mas, o que mais impressiona é o fato do Oscar ter um filme no indicado que até o momento não ganhou nada, porém é notório a superioridade aos outros, este filme é Sing Sing. Porque o filme Sing sing foi ignorado pelos avaliadores? O filme tem uma narrativa de superação e como a arte pode mudar as pessoas e as realidades mais pertubadoras. Ele retrata o Sistema carcerário americano, onde realidade de vários presos é mudada atraves de um projeto de um teatro na prisão. Observando friamente a sintese do filme é uma história que se encaixa perfeitamente aos vies de bandidolatria, se não tivesse um questão, a ação transformadora da arte e deixando de serem vítimas e serem artistas. Porém apesar de ser uma obra de arte que estimula as pessoas pensarem sobre a vida e ter uma pegada inovadora e completamente diferente dos demais filmes que retratam o sistema carcerário, ele é totalmente ignorado por não ser suficientemente lacrativo.

@ 9171b08a:8395fd65

For the price tag on this room, I would've thought my death bed would be more comfortable. Since I've been admitted I've been in a perpetual state of discomfort despite the medicine that is supposed to keep me numb. The room is dark and I'm alone with the sounds of industry that keep this planet churning through the expanse of space. The unease goes deeper than the surface, beyond the 1000 thread count Earth cotton grating against my skin, deeper than the cracking sinews of my muscles, it lurks in the wake of the vibrations of my heart as it throbs its final throbs. The holoscreen comes to life at a thoughts command and quickly my unease turns to irritation as my name crawls across the screen. A woman points to the very hospital where I lay and expresses her sorrow as "One of the greatest men of this era awaits his death." I suppose it couldn't come quicker. I shut off the holoscreen. Plunge myself back into the darkness and simply watch the shadows of the freighter transports cast through the opaque vinyl shutter as they pass by. The light comes on. It blinds me and all I can hear are the footsteps that approach. The heels clatter loudly, soles of well made shoes. Expensive, probably Earth made like my sheets. "You don't have to go through with this old man." I know the voice well. My mentee, the man I've groomed to take over my empire speaks again, "It's not too late to take the regenerons. You'd be looking younger than me within the week." I don't care to explain myself. I turn away from him and he mutters something else then reaches over and rests a vase on the table in front of me.  Inside the vase float two scarlet tulips within a bouquet of gypsophila. The flowers smell freshly cut, a scent that instantly freshens my soul and harkens to a time before anyone could imagine I'd be known as "one of the greatest men of the era." My mentee speaks, but his voice is nothing more than the ruffling of my sheets as I sit up and draw closer to you. Precious tulips. Tulips like these, I picked in the endless fields of Verduia. I, like the others who'd been bred to work on that planet, toiled away endless days to pick flowers just like these for affluent people just like me at this very moment. I was never supposed to have the life I've lived. My biology was built to pick and die. To work, stay poor, and keep my head buried in the fields, that was my purpose. I worked hard. My hands pruned and nurtured roots in the dark soil. But I loved harder. The memory of your marble skin against the thick layer of dirt beneath my nails will never fade. I've amassed a wealth that is the envy of entire solar systems, but the memory of you is richer. My tulip, my eternal blossom. I'd run away from the task masters with you and hide in the tall sunflower fields where we'd make love. People like us weren't meant to be in love. When you passed, I felt no greater discomfort. I thought wealth could fill that void. It hasn't. Not even a millennia since could wash away the memory of you. Only the closure of time, the death of me can remove this ever long dread. Here the need to revive the feeling only you could inspire ends. -Art By Surenja Rajawat- Find him on instagram @suren.rajawat

@ 57d1a264:69f1fee1

 Galoy released a new product called Lana, a platform for bitcoin loans. The team will provide an introduction and then we'll dive into the design. To get you up to speed, check out the website, slide deck and podcast interview: - https://www.galoy.io/lana-bitcoin-loans-platform - https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1IQocefpCN5_wKX91EWtLa19IpMS_Ye8goNLAgGQbfdU/edit#slide=id.g31d536107ae_0_0 - https://stephanlivera.com/episode/634/ If you get a chance, please take a peek before the call. That makes the design reviews more useful because we need to spend less time going over the basics. On `Thu Feb 27th · 15:00 – 16:00 CET` Join from https://meet.jit.si/bitcoindesign Check your timezone https://everytimezone.com/s/998e22fc Track https://github.com/BitcoinDesign/Meta/issues/758 originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/896570

@ e5de992e:4a95ef85

The future of decentralized identity promises a digital landscape where users have full control over their personal data, privacy, and interactions. When users own their digital presence, several transformative changes could reshape the internet: --- ## Empowerment and Control ### Self-Sovereignty Users will manage their identities through cryptographic keys rather than relying on third-party platforms. This means you decide what data to share, how to share it, and with whom, eliminating reliance on centralized authorities. ### Data Portability Decentralized identity frameworks enable seamless movement of personal data across various services. Without vendor lock-in, you can maintain a consistent digital persona, regardless of the platform or application you choose to use. --- ## Privacy and Security ### Enhanced Privacy With decentralized identity, you control the amount and type of information you reveal. This minimizes exposure to data breaches, unauthorized surveillance, and privacy violations that are common in centralized systems. ### Stronger Security Cryptography plays a central role in decentralized identity, reducing the risk of identity theft and fraud. Since your identity is not stored in a single, vulnerable location, it's much harder for attackers to compromise your personal information. --- ## Interoperability and Innovation ### Interoperable Ecosystems Decentralized identity standards can pave the way for interoperable systems where different services and platforms recognize and trust your digital credentials. This can lead to smoother user experiences and increased innovation in digital services. ### New Economic Models Ownership of your digital identity might also enable new ways to monetize personal data. Instead of platforms harvesting data for profit, users could potentially control and even earn from the use of their own information. --- ## Social and Cultural Impact ### Democratizing the Digital Space A user-owned digital identity reduces the power imbalance between large tech corporations and individuals. It fosters a more democratic online environment where freedom of expression and personal autonomy are respected. ### Resilience Against Censorship Decentralized systems distribute data across multiple nodes, making it far more resistant to censorship. This ensures that your voice can be heard even in environments where centralized platforms might suppress it. --- ## Challenges Ahead ### Usability and Adoption While the potential benefits are significant, mainstream adoption will require overcoming technical and usability challenges. Managing cryptographic keys, for instance, may be daunting for non-technical users unless user-friendly solutions are developed. ### Regulatory and Standardization Issues As decentralized identity becomes more prevalent, there will be a need for clear standards and regulations to ensure interoperability, security, and consumer protection without stifling innovation. --- ## In Summary When users own their digital presence, the future of decentralized identity is marked by increased privacy, enhanced control, and a more open, interoperable digital ecosystem. This shift not only empowers individuals but also encourages the development of innovative technologies and business models that prioritize user rights and freedoms in the online world.

@ 57d1a264:69f1fee1

I've been pondering how LSPs (lightning service providers) might pan out over time and how that might affect fees, and I am wondering what everyone else is thinking. Some people will always prefer to manage their own channels, and for some specific use cases, that might be preferable. But I am thinking about the broad userbase that does not want to do that. We will need a massive LSP infrastructure to onboard people and to enable insane amounts of payments. LSPs will need to efficiently open and adjust channels for users, using their own liquidity or sourcing liquidity from other providers, using just-in-time channels, batching and/or splicing to reduce costs and wait times. Across all this, along with facilitating payments, they need to make their business model work and offer different options for users to pay for their services. Users might be able to: 1. Pay-as-you-go (pay X for Y more liquidity for Z amount of time) 2. Pay X per month for Y inbound liquidity 3. Pay X per month for unlimited liquidity 4. Nothing for liquidity, but higher transaction fees A wallet might also automatically choose an appropriate LSP based on what is the best and most appropriate deal at the time. Let's look at user scenarios: - If someone sends and receives the same amount every month, they will never need more liquidity. They just draw down the same channel and fill it up again. So they would only pay the LSP for them assigning that fixed amount of liquidity to them. Maybe options 1 and 2 are good for them. - If someone receives more than they send (they save a certain amount every month), they will need more and more inbound liquidity over time. They might choose option 2. - An online store that receives a ton and can't really estimate how much, might go for option 3. - For option 4, it depends if the higher transaction fees are fixed or percentage-based. It's a bit like choosing a data plan for your phone (or for internet at home). You can get a prepaid card, a regular plan with certain limits, or go unlimited. And there are separate plans for small and large businesses, etc. And there are massive amounts of complex infrastructure behind these service providers to make it all work. So when someone starts using a lightning wallet, maybe they have to first pick an LSP and a plan before being able to receive. Or maybe they get a first channel for free and pay higher fees, and are then prompted to choose a plan. Maybe they need to wait an hour until the LSP has enough channel opens for a batch/splice, to reduce costs. A complex market at work. Is that how things might pan out? Am I completely off? Is it worth mocking up different scenarios? ``` #bitcoin #LN #BTC #Lightning #LSP #service #zaps #sats #wallet ``` originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/896520

@ f4c59e4c:82f66850

## Introduction Dora Factory actively participated in governance across multiple blockchain ecosystems, including Cosmos Hub, dYdX, Injective, and Osmosis, by casting votes on key proposals. These decisions reflect Dora Factory’s commitment to supporting network upgrades, optimizing infrastructure, and ensuring responsible treasury and market management. Below is a summary of recent governance actions. --- ## Proposals ### Cosmos Hub [2025-02-14 Cosmos Proposal 988 Yes](https://www.mintscan.io/cosmos/proposals/988) Dora Factory voted YES on Cosmos Proposal 987 to approve the Gaia v22 software upgrade. The upgrade includes updates to the Cosmos Hub binary and has been tested by Informal Systems and Hypha Co-op. ### dYdX [2025-02-04 dYdX Proposal 208 Yes](https://www.mintscan.io/dydx/proposals/208) Dora Factory voted YES on dYdX Proposal 208 to add the dYdX Operations subDAO (DOS) signer as a market authority in the market map module and remove the 10% revenue share. This change allows DOS to update the market map while ensuring no fees accrue to Market Mappers, aligning with the community’s interests. [2025-02-08 dYdX Proposal 210 No](https://www.mintscan.io/dydx/proposals/210) Dora Factory voted NO on dYdX Proposal 210, which aimed to revive the dYdX client to Sifchain. The proposal was flagged as suspicious due to false claims of support from Informal Systems, lack of prior discussion, and potential security implications for dYdX Chain. [2025-02-10 dYdX Proposal 211 Yes](https://www.mintscan.io/dydx/proposals/211) Dora Factory voted YES on dYdX Proposal 211, which recalls the Stride Liquid Staking Program. The proposal transfers control of stDYDX from the dYdX Community Treasury to the dYdX Treasury SubDAO, allowing it to redeem and manage the assets directly. ### Injective [2025-01-29 Injective Proposal 490 Yes](https://www.mintscan.io/injective/proposals/490) Dora Factory voted YES on Injective Proposal 490, which aimed to recover the IBC client for Kopi chain. [2025-02-03 Injective Proposal 491 Yes](https://www.mintscan.io/injective/proposals/491) Dora Factory voted YES on Injective Proposal 491, which aimed to increase the maximum gas amount per block to 150,000,000 to optimize on-chain transaction handling [2025-02-06 Injective Proposal 493 Abstain](https://www.mintscan.io/injective/proposals/493) Dora Factory ABSTAINED on Injective Proposal 493, which aimed to launch an on-chain S&P 500 Index market by introducing the SPY/USDT perpetual market across Injective Exchange dApps. [2025-02-12 Injective Proposal 494 Yes](https://www.mintscan.io/injective/proposals/494) Dora Factory voted YES on Injective Proposal 494, which proposed the Nivara mainnet upgrade. The upgrade includes enhancements to the RWA oracle and module architecture, improved delegation controls, and security updates for the exchange module and Injective Bridge. [2025-02-12 Injective Proposal 495 Yes](https://www.mintscan.io/injective/proposals/495) Dora Factory voted YES on Injective Proposal 495, which aimed to recover the IBC client used by the Kopi chain. The proposal passed with significant support. [2025-02-12 Injective Proposal 496 Yes](https://www.mintscan.io/injective/proposals/496) Dora Factory voted YES on Injective Proposal 496, which aimed to modify the ticker for the TRADFI/USDT PERP market to reflect the appropriate ticker. [2025-02-20 Injective Proposal 498 Yes](https://www.mintscan.io/injective/proposals/498) Dora Factory VOTED YES on Injective Proposal 498, which aims to launch the JNI/HDRO Spot Market for trading the JNI token in HDRO-denominated quote. ### Osmosis [2025-01-29 Osmosis Proposal 897 Yes](https://www.mintscan.io/osmosis/proposals/897) Dora Factory voted YES on Osmosis Proposal 897, which aimed to recover the IBC client used by the Kopi chain. [2025-02-04 Osmosis Proposal 898 Yes](https://www.mintscan.io/osmosis/proposals/898) Dora Factory voted YES on Osmosis Proposal 898, which aimed to reduce gas consumption for Mars contracts by pinning binary contracts and reducing resource usage. [2025-02-04 Osmosis Proposal 899 Yes](https://www.mintscan.io/osmosis/proposals/899) Dora Factory voted YES on Osmosis Proposal 899, which aimed to increase the static limits for Alloyed BTC during its rapid growth phase. [2025-02-04 Osmosis Proposal 900 Yes](https://www.mintscan.io/osmosis/proposals/900) Dora Factory voted YES on Osmosis Proposal 900, which requested $150,000 USDC from the Osmosis community pool to bootstrap DOGE liquidity by purchasing DOGE and adding it to a DOGE/USDC liquidity pool on Osmosis. [2025-02-07 Osmosis Proposal 901 Yes](https://www.mintscan.io/osmosis/proposals/901) Dora Factory voted YES on Osmosis Proposal 901, which authorized the purchase of BTC using 25% of Osmosis' non-OSMO taker fees. The January 2025 purchase was expected to be around 1.4 BTC. --- ## Conclusion Dora Factory’s recent votes demonstrate a strong focus on enhancing blockchain infrastructure, optimizing network efficiency, and ensuring responsible asset management. By supporting essential upgrades, market optimizations, and community-driven initiatives, Dora Factory continues to contribute to the long-term sustainability and innovation of these ecosystems.

@ bc575705:dba3ed39

Perfection is often held as the ultimate goal in many creative pursuits. But in music—particularly in the world of lo-fi and experimental genres—imperfections can be a source of magic. As a producer and artist, I’ve come to embrace the raw, unpolished elements in my compositions, finding that they add depth, character, and emotional resonance. In this post, I want to reflect on why imperfections are not just acceptable but essential to my music. ## **The Beauty of Imperfections** Imperfections in music—whether it’s a slightly out-of-tune note, the hiss of tape, or the ambient noise of a recording space—have a way of grounding the sound in reality. They remind us that music is a human endeavor, full of quirks and unpredictability. These imperfections don’t detract from the music; they enhance it by creating a sense of authenticity and intimacy. In my productions, I often incorporate elements like vinyl crackle, tape distortion, and ambient noise to evoke a feeling of nostalgia. These textures bring a warmth and organic quality to the music that can be hard to achieve with overly polished production. ## **Emotional Resonance Through Rawness** There’s something deeply emotional about hearing a piece of music that isn’t perfect. A wavering vocal, an unsteady rhythm, or a faint background hum can make a song feel more alive and relatable. Perfection can sometimes feel distant and unattainable, but imperfections invite listeners in, creating a connection that feels personal and genuine. For example, in one of my tracks, I left in the faint sound of my fingers brushing against piano keys as I played. It wasn’t intentional at first, but when I listened back, I realized it added a layer of intimacy—as if the listener was right there in the room with me. ## **Lo-Fi: A Celebration of Imperfection** Lo-fi music, by its very definition, is an embrace of imperfection. It revels in the hiss of cassette tapes, the crackle of vinyl, and the subtle flaws that traditional production methods might seek to eliminate. This aesthetic aligns perfectly with my philosophy as an artist: that music doesn’t need to be flawless to be impactful. Lo-fi’s imperfections are not limitations; they’re features that shape its character. By allowing these raw elements to shine, lo-fi creates an atmosphere of nostalgia and comfort—a reminder that beauty often lies in the imperfect and the incomplete. ## **Finding Freedom in the Flaws** When I stopped striving for perfection, I found freedom. Embracing imperfections allowed me to focus on the emotional core of my work rather than obsessing over technical precision. It’s in the rawness of a recording, the spontaneity of an improvised melody, or the unpredictable texture of a field recording that I find the most inspiration. This approach also opens the door to experimentation. When perfection is not the goal, creativity can flow freely. I’ve discovered new sounds and techniques simply by letting go of the need for everything to be “just right.” ## **A Reflection of Life Itself** Life is imperfect, and music that reflects this reality often feels the most honest. Just as our lives are filled with unexpected turns, small mistakes, and moments of vulnerability, so too can our music. By embracing these elements, we create art that resonates on a deeper level: music that feels human! ## **Final Thoughts** Imperfections are not flaws to be hidden; they are the soul of the music. They add character, depth, and emotion that can’t be replicated by pristine production alone. As a producer, I’ve found that some of my most meaningful work comes from leaning into the raw, unpolished moments and letting them shape the sound. To anyone creating music, my advice is this: don’t be afraid of imperfections. Embrace them, celebrate them, and let them tell their own story. You might just find that they hold the key to something truly beautiful.

@ d360efec:14907b5f

**ภาพรวม BTCUSDT (OKX):** Bitcoin (BTCUSDT) แนวโน้มระยะยาว TF Day ยังคงเป็นขาลง แนวโน้มระยะกลาง TF 4H Sideway down และแนวโน้มระยะสั้น TF 15M Sideways Down **วิเคราะห์ทีละ Timeframe:** **(1) TF Day (รายวัน):**  * **แนวโน้ม:** ขาลง (Downtrend) * **SMC:** * Lower Highs (LH) และ Lower Lows (LL) * Break of Structure (BOS) ด้านล่าง * **Liquidity:** * มี Sellside Liquidity (SSL) อยู่ใต้ Lows ก่อนหน้า * มี Buyside Liquidity (BSL) อยู่เหนือ Highs ก่อนหน้า * **ICT:** * **Order Block** ราคาไม่สามารถผ่าน Order Block ได้ * **EMA:** * ราคาอยู่ใต้ EMA 50 และ EMA 200 * **Money Flow (LuxAlgo):** * สีแดง * **Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):** * สีแดง แสดงถึงแนวโน้มขาลง * **Chart Patterns:** *ไม่มีรูปแบบที่ชัดเจน* * **Volume Profile:** * Volume ค่อนข้างนิ่ง * **แท่งเทียน:** แท่งเทียนล่าสุดเป็นสีแดง * **แนวรับ:** บริเวณ Low ล่าสุด * **แนวต้าน:** EMA 50, EMA 200 , Order Block * **สรุป:** แนวโน้มขาลง **(2) TF4H (4 ชั่วโมง):**  * **แนวโน้ม:** ขาลง (Downtrend) * **SMC:** * Lower Highs (LH) และ Lower Lows (LL) * Break of Structure (BOS) ด้านล่าง * **Liquidity:** * มี SSL อยู่ใต้ Lows ก่อนหน้า * มี BSL อยู่เหนือ Highs ก่อนหน้า * **ICT:** * **Order Block** ราคาไม่สามารถผ่าน Order Block ได้ * **EMA:** * ราคาอยู่ใต้ EMA 50 และ EMA 200 * **Money Flow (LuxAlgo):** * สีแดง แสดงถึงแรงขาย * **Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):** * สีแดง แสดงถึงแนวโน้มขาลง * **Chart Patterns:** *ไม่มีรูปแบบที่ชัดเจน* * **Volume Profile:** * Volume ค่อนข้างนิ่ง * **แนวรับ:** บริเวณ Low ล่าสุด * **แนวต้าน:** EMA 50, EMA 200, Order Block * **สรุป:** แนวโน้มขาลง, **(3) TF15 (15 นาที):**  * **แนวโน้ม:** Sideway Down * **SMC:** * Lower High (LH) และ Lower Lows (LL) * Break of Structure (BOS) ด้านล่าง * **ICT:** * **Order Block:** ราคา Sideways ใกล้ Order Block * **EMA:** * EMA 50 และ EMA 200 เป็นแนวต้าน * **Money Flow (LuxAlgo):** * แดง * **Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):** * แดง/ ไม่มีสัญญาณ * **Chart Patterns:** *ไม่มีรูปแบบที่ชัดเจน* * **Volume Profile:** Volume ค่อนข้างสูง * **แนวรับ:** บริเวณ Low ล่าสุด * **แนวต้าน:** EMA 50, EMA 200, Order Block * **สรุป:** แนวโน้ม Sideways Down, **สรุปภาพรวมและกลยุทธ์ (BTCUSDT):** * **แนวโน้มหลัก (Day):** ขาลง * **แนวโน้มรอง (4H):** ขาลง * **แนวโน้มระยะสั้น (15m):** Sideways Down * **Liquidity:** มี SSL ทั้งใน Day, 4H, และ 15m * **Money Flow:** เป็นลบในทุก Timeframes * **Trend Strength:** Day/4H/15m เป็นขาลง * **Chart Patterns:** ไม่พบรูปแบบที่ชัดเจน * **กลยุทธ์:** 1. **Wait & See (ดีที่สุด):** รอความชัดเจน 2. **Short (เสี่ยง):** ถ้าไม่สามารถ Breakout EMA/แนวต้านใน TF ใดๆ ได้ หรือเมื่อเกิดสัญญาณ Bearish Continuation 3. **ไม่แนะนำให้ Buy:** จนกว่าจะมีสัญญาณกลับตัวที่ชัดเจนมากๆ **Day Trade & การเทรดรายวัน:** * **Day Trade (TF15):** * **Short Bias:** หาจังหวะ Short เมื่อราคาเด้งขึ้นไปทดสอบแนวต้าน (EMA, Order Block) * **Stop Loss:** เหนือแนวต้านที่เข้า Short * **Take Profit:** แนวรับถัดไป (Low ล่าสุด) * **ไม่แนะนำให้ Long** * **Swing Trade (TF4H):** * **Short Bias:** รอจังหวะ Short เมื่อราคาไม่สามารถผ่านแนวต้าน EMA หรือ Order Block ได้ * **Stop Loss:** เหนือแนวต้านที่เข้า Short * **Take Profit:** แนวรับถัดไป * **ไม่แนะนำให้ Long** **สิ่งที่ต้องระวัง:** * **Sellside Liquidity (SSL):** มีโอกาสสูงที่ราคาจะถูกลากลงไปแตะ SSL * **False Breakouts:** ระวัง * **Volatility:** สูง **Setup Day Trade แบบ SMC (ตัวอย่าง):** 1. **ระบุ Order Block:** หา Order Block ขาลง (Bearish Order Block) ใน TF15 2. **รอ Pullback:** รอให้ราคา Pullback ขึ้นไปทดสอบ Order Block นั้น 3. **หา Bearish Entry:** * **Rejection:** รอ Price Action ปฏิเสธ Order Block * **Break of Structure:** รอให้ราคา Break โครงสร้างย่อยๆ * **Money Flow:** ดู Money Flow ให้เป็นสีแดง 4. **ตั้ง Stop Loss:** เหนือ Order Block 5. **ตั้ง Take Profit:** แนวรับถัดไป **คำแนะนำ:** * **ความขัดแย้งของ Timeframes:** ไม่มีแล้ว ทุก Timeframes สอดคล้องกัน * **Money Flow:** เป็นลบในทุก Timeframes * **Trend Strength:** เป็นลบ * **Order Block TF Day:** หลุด Order Block ขาขึ้นแล้ว * **ถ้าไม่แน่ใจ อย่าเพิ่งเข้าเทรด** **Disclaimer:** การวิเคราะห์นี้เป็นเพียงความคิดเห็นส่วนตัว ไม่ถือเป็นคำแนะนำในการลงทุน ผู้ลงทุนควรศึกษาข้อมูลเพิ่มเติมและตัดสินใจด้วยความรอบคอบ

@ d360efec:14907b5f

$OKX:BTCUSDT.P **Overall Assessment:** Bitcoin (BTCUSDT) on OKX is currently showing a bearish trend across all analyzed timeframes (Daily, 4-Hour, and 15-Minute). While the long-term trend (Daily) was technically an uptrend, it has *significantly weakened* and broken key support levels, including a major bullish Order Block and the 50-period EMA. The 4-hour and 15-minute charts confirm the downtrend. This analysis focuses on identifying potential areas of Smart Money activity (liquidity pools and order blocks), assessing trend strength, and looking for any emerging chart patterns. **Detailed Analysis by Timeframe:** **(1) TF Day (Daily):**  * **Trend:** Downtrend * **SMC (Smart Money Concepts):** * The Higher Highs (HH) and Higher Lows (HL) structure is *broken*. * Prior Breaks of Structure (BOS) to the upside, but now a significant and deep pullback/reversal is underway. * **Liquidity:** * **Sellside Liquidity (SSL):** Significant SSL rests below previous lows in the 85,000 - 90,000 range. * **Buyside Liquidity (BSL):** BSL is present above the all-time high. * **ICT (Inner Circle Trader Concepts):** * **Order Block:** The price has *broken below* the prior bullish Order Block. This is a *major bearish signal*. * **FVG:** No significant Fair Value Gap is apparent at the current price level. * **EMA (Exponential Moving Average):** * Price is *below* the 50-period EMA (yellow). * The 200-period EMA (white) is the next major support level. * **Money Flow (LuxAlgo):** * A *long red bar* indicates strong and sustained selling pressure. * **Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):** * Red cloud, indicating a downtrend. No buy/sell signals are present. * **Chart Patterns:** No readily identifiable chart patterns are dominant. * **Volume Profile:** Relatively low volume. * **Candlesticks:** Recent candlesticks are red, confirming selling pressure. * **Support:** EMA 200, 85,000-90,000 (SSL area). * **Resistance:** EMA 50, Previous All-Time High. * **Summary:** The Daily chart has shifted to a downtrend. The break below the Order Block and 50 EMA, combined with negative Money Flow and Trend Strength, are all strong bearish signals. **(2) TF4H (4-Hour):**  * **Trend:** Downtrend. * **SMC:** * Lower Highs (LH) and Lower Lows (LL). * BOS to the downside. * **Liquidity:** * **SSL:** Below previous lows. * **BSL:** Above previous highs. * **ICT:** * **Order Block:** The price was rejected by a bearish Order Block. * **EMA:** * Price is below both the 50-period and 200-period EMAs (bearish). * **Money Flow (LuxAlgo):** * Predominantly red, confirming selling pressure. * **Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):** * Red cloud, confirming downtrend. * **Chart Patterns:** No readily identifiable chart patterns. * **Volume Profile:** Relatively steady volume. * **Support:** Recent lows. * **Resistance:** EMA 50, EMA 200, Order Block. * **Summary:** The 4-hour chart is in a confirmed downtrend. Money Flow and Trend Strength are bearish. **(3) TF15 (15-Minute):**  * **Trend:** Downtrend / Sideways Down * **SMC:** * Lower Highs (LH) and Lower Lows (LL). * BOS to the downside. * **ICT:** * **Order Block** price is near to a bearish Order Block. * **EMA:** * The 50-period and 200-period EMAs are acting as resistance. * **Money Flow (LuxAlgo):** * Red * **Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):** * Red/No signals * **Chart Patterns:** None * **Volume Profile:** * Relatively High Volume * **Support:** Recent lows. * **Resistance:** EMA 50, EMA 200, Order Block. * **Summary:** The 15-minute chart is clearly bearish, with price action, EMAs, and Money Flow all confirming the downtrend. **Overall Strategy and Recommendations (BTCUSDT):** * **Primary Trend (Day):** Downtrend * **Secondary Trend (4H):** Downtrend. * **Short-Term Trend (15m):** Downtrend/ Sideways Down. * **Liquidity:** Significant SSL zones exist below the current price on all timeframes. * **Money Flow:** Negative on all timeframes. * **Trend Strength:** Bearish on Day,4H and 15m. * **Chart Patterns:** None identified. * **Strategies:** 1. **Wait & See (Best Option):** The strong bearish momentum on all shorter timeframes. 2. **Short (High Risk):** This aligns with the 4H and 15m downtrends. * **Entry:** On rallies towards resistance levels (EMAs on 15m/4H, previous support levels that have turned into resistance, Order Blocks). * **Stop Loss:** Above recent highs on the chosen timeframe, or above a key resistance level. * **Target:** The next support levels (recent lows on 15m, then potentially the SSL zones on the 4H and Daily charts). 3. **Buy (Extremely High Risk - NOT Recommended):** Do *not* attempt to buy until there are *very strong and consistent* bullish reversal signals across *all* timeframes. **Key Recommendations:** * **Conflicting Timeframes:** The conflict is resolved toward the downside. The Daily is weakening significantly. * **Money Flow:** Consistently negative across all timeframes, a major bearish factor. * **Trend Strength:** Bearish on Day,4h and 15m. * **Daily Order Block:** The *break* of the bullish Order Block on the Daily chart is a significant bearish development. * **Sellside Liquidity (SSL):** Be aware that Smart Money may target the SSL zones below. This increases the risk of stop-loss hunting. * **Risk Management:** Due to the high uncertainty and volatility, *strict risk management is absolutely critical.* Use tight stop-losses, do not overtrade, and be prepared for rapid price swings. * **Volume:** Confirm any breakout or breakdown with volume. **Day Trading and Intraday Trading Strategies:** * **Day Trade (TF15 focus):** * **Short Bias:** Given the current 15m downtrend and negative Money Flow, the higher probability is to look for shorting opportunities. * **Entry:** Look for price to rally to resistance levels (EMAs, Order Blocks, previous support levels that have become resistance) and then show signs of rejection (bearish candlestick patterns, increasing volume on the downside). * **Stop Loss:** Place a stop-loss order above the resistance level where you enter the short position. * **Take Profit:** Target the next support level (recent lows). * **Avoid Long positions** until there's a *clear* and *confirmed* bullish reversal on the 15m chart (break above EMAs, positive Money Flow, bullish market structure). * **Swing Trade (TF4H focus):** * **Short Bias:** The 4H chart is in a downtrend. * **Entry:** Wait for price to rally to resistance levels (EMAs, Order Blocks) and show signs of rejection. * **Stop Loss:** Above the resistance level where you enter the short position. * **Take Profit:** Target the next support levels (e.g., the 200 EMA on the Daily chart, SSL zones). * **Avoid Long positions** until there's a *clear* and *confirmed* bullish reversal on the 4H chart. **SMC Day Trade Setup Example (TF15 - Bearish):** 1. **Identify Bearish Order Block:** Locate a bearish Order Block on the TF15 chart (a bullish candle before a strong downward move). 2. **Wait for Pullback:** Wait for the price to pull back up to test the Order Block (this may or may not happen). 3. **Bearish Entry:** * **Rejection:** Look for price action to reject the Order Block (e.g., a pin bar, engulfing pattern, or other bearish candlestick pattern). * **Break of Structure:** Look for a break of a minor support level on a *lower* timeframe (e.g., 1-minute or 5-minute) after the price tests the Order Block. This confirms weakening bullish momentum. * **Money Flow:** Confirm that Money Flow remains negative (red). 4. **Stop Loss:** Place a stop-loss order *above* the Order Block. 5. **Take Profit:** Target the next support level (e.g., recent lows) or a bullish Order Block on a higher timeframe. **In conclusion, BTCUSDT is currently in a high-risk, bearish environment. The "Wait & See" approach is strongly recommended for most traders. Shorting is the higher-probability trade *at this moment*, but only for experienced traders who can manage risk extremely effectively. Buying is not recommended at this time.** **Disclaimer:** This analysis is for informational purposes only and represents a personal opinion. It is not financial advice. Investing in cryptocurrencies involves significant risk. Investors should conduct their own research and exercise due diligence before making any investment decisions.

@ b8af284d:f82c91dd

Liebe Abonnenten, *„The Fourth Turning“ ist ein epochemachendes wie hellseherisches Buch von William Strauss und Neil Howe. Es erschien 1997 mit der These, wonach Geschichte in Zyklen von 80 bis 100 Jahren verlaufe. Jede Gesellschaft durchlaufe vier Phasen („Turnings“): **High, Awakening, Unraveling und Crisis**. Nach der Crisis kommt es zum „Fourth Turning“ - welches die Autoren in den Jahren 2020 bis 2030 prophezeiten. Das klingt nach esoterischer Science-Fiction-Literatur, ist es aber nicht: Der mittlerweile verstorbene Strauss war Historiker, Howl ist Ökonom. In „The Fourth Turning“ argumentieren sie demnach weitgehend wissenschaftlich. Die Argumentation hier wiederzugeben, würden den Rahmen sprengen. Aber nur soviel: Wir sind mittendrin. Abseits des turbulenten Tagesgeschehens beginnt sich, eine neue Finanzordnung abzuzeichnen.*  Musk und sein “[Department of Government Efficiency](https://x.com/DOGE)” drehen gerade jeden Stein um, den sie finden können. Alle Ausgaben der Regierung kommen auf den Prüfstand. Deswegen wurden sämtliche Zahlungen an die vermeintliche Entwicklungshilfe-Organisation USAID gestrichen. In die meisten Leitmedien schafften es nur Meldungen, wonach nun [Projekte zur Förderung von Beschneidungen in Mozambique und Biodiversität in Nepal ](https://x.com/DOGE/status/1890849405932077378)kein Geld mehr erhalten. Weniger war davon zu lesen, dass USAID als Deckorganisation für die CIA funktionierte und zum Beispiel[ die Forschung an pathogenen Corona-Viren in China](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/486983/usaid-wont-give-details-on-4-67-million-grant-to-wuhan-lab-collaborator-ecohealth-alliance/) mit 4,6 Millionen finanzierte. Auch mit dabei: [2,6 Millionen Dollar an ein Zensur-Programm namens “Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH](https://x.com/AllumBokhari/status/1892027594666541412))” und vieles mehr: eine gute Übersicht findet man hier auf der [Website des Weißen Haus](https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/02/at-usaid-waste-and-abuse-runs-deep/)’. Die Einsparungen sind so hoch aktuell rund neun Milliarden US-Dollar, das darüber nachgedacht wird, einen Teil der Steuergelder wieder an die Bürger zurückzuzahlen: [Die “DogeDividend” könnte bei 5000$ pro Kopf liegen](https://x.com/DeItaone/status/1892182305487097877). (Wer sich noch an den Covid-Stimulus in Höhe von 1200$ erinnert, weiß, welche Rally die Zahlungen 2020 auslösten). Der Kassensturz umfasst aber längst nicht nur USAID, sondern betrifft sämtliche Staatsausgaben. Sämtliche Ausgaben und Vermögenswerte der USA werden erfasst und hinsichtlich ihrer Nützlichkeit überprüft. Im Rahmen von DOGE ließ Elon Musk kürzlich fragen, ob es nicht mal Zeit für eine Zählung der Gold-Reserven wäre. In Fort Knox, das die meisten wahrscheinlich aus James-Bond-Filmen oder Donald-Duck-Comics kennen, lagern mindestens 4800 Tonnen Gold - über die Hälfte der amerikanischen Reserven. Das heißt: Niemand weiß genau, wie viel es eigentlich sind. Die letzte Inventur fand 1953 statt. Dasselbe gilt für die Zahlungen in die Ukraine. Mindestens 270 Milliarden US-Dollar haben die USA an Kiew gezahlt. Das Resultat: vermutlich über eine halbe Million Tote, ein völlig zerstörtes Land und ein korruptes System. Nach der Rede von JD Vance bei der Münchener Sicherheitskonferenz ist Europa erst einmal in Schnappatmung gefallen. Am Dienstag darauf folgten zum ersten Mal seit Jahren direkte Gespräche zwischen Moskau und Washington in Saudi-Arabien. Europäer waren nicht eingeladen, die hielten stattdessen ein Krisentreffen in Paris ab.  Innerhalb der EU wird jetzt von einem neuen Militärfonds gefaselt, um die größte Aufrüstung des Kontinents seit 1933 zu finanzieren. [700 Milliarden Euro soll der umfassen, finanziert durch Steuererhöhungen](https://www.berliner-zeitung.de/wirtschaft-verantwortung/baerbock-verplappert-sich-nach-der-wahl-milliarden-fuer-ukraine-li.2295623), da ja der Schutz der USA jetzt wegfalle. Man kann nur hoffen, dass die EU-Bürokratie zusammen mit Selenski nicht auf die Idee kommt, den Krieg allein weiterzuführen oder den Friedensprozess zu sabotieren. Vielen dürfte allerdings klar sein, dass sich demnächst etwas grundsätzlich ändern wird. Die Trump-Administration ordnet die Welt neu, und damit auch die globale Finanzarchitektur. Was hat es damit auf sich? Und worum geht es eigentlich? Zur Erinnerung: Mit dem Beitritt Chinas zur Welthandelsorganisation 2001 wurde die industrielle Basis der USA nach und nach ausgehöhlt. Chinesische Waren waren billiger - und so verlagerten sich immer mehr Industrien nach China. Deutschland profitierte relativ länger von dieser Entwicklung, da die Automobilindustrie wettbewerbsfähiger war und deutsche Maschinenbauer chinesische Fabriken ausstatteten. \ Trump 1 versuchte diese Entwicklung mit Zöllen zu unterbinden. Bei Trump 2 geht es um mehr. Zölle sind nur noch die vorübergehende Waffe, die Ziele durchzusetzen. Ziel ist ein schwächerer Dollar.  Eine starke Währung klingt nett, bedeutet aber nichts anderes, als dass Importe aus anderen Ländern günstiger sind und Exporte in andere Länder vergleichsweise teurer sind. Eine schwächere Währung heißt dagegen, dass Exporte günstiger und damit wettbewerbsfähiger sind. Ein starker Dollar behindert deswegen den (Rück-)Aufbau der amerikanischen Industrie. Allerdings ist das eben auch genau der Preis, den ein Land für eine Leit- oder Reserve-Währung zahlen muss. Weil die Welt mit US-Dollar bezahlt - auch ein mexikanisches Unternehmen, das mit einem chinesischen handelt, wickelt das mit Dollar ab - ist die Nachfrage nach US-Dollar hoch, und die Währung damit stark: > *From a trade perspective, the dollar is persistently overvalued, in large part because dollar assets function as the world’s reserve currency. This overvaluation has weighed heavily on the American manufacturing sector while benefiting financialized sectors of the economy in manners that benefit wealthy Americans.* Die USA zahlten indirekt für dieses Privileg, indem sie es sich zur Aufgabe machten, internationale Handelswege zu schützen. Die US-Marine übernahm nach 1945 und besonders nach 1989 den Job der British Royal Navy, und bewacht seitdem alle wichtigen Schifffahrtswege weltweit, um freien Handel zu ermöglichen. \ *The U.S. dollar is the reserve asset in large part because America provides stability, liquidity, market depth and the rule of law. Those are related to the characteristics that make America powerful enough to project physical force worldwide and allow it to shape and defend the global international order. The history of intertwinement between reserve currency status and national security is long.*  Das System funktionierte auch deswegen, weil die allermeisten, befreundeten Staaten, ihr Überschüsse wieder in US-Dollar-Anleihen anlegten (US-Treasuries). Dieses Recycling aus “Amerikaner konsumieren und zahlen mit US-Dollar, die China, Japan und die EU wiederum in US-Anleihen anlegen” funktionierte lange gut. Das Problem ist seit einigen Jahren: Die Situation hat sich zuungunsten der USA verschoben. Man zahlt viel für das Militär, aber die Gewinne, die sich aus einer Leitwährung ergeben, sind gefallen. Kurz gesagt: Das Verteidigungsbudget wächst, während Arbeitsplätze verloren gegangen sind. Zwar konnten sich die USA in den vergangenen Jahren günstiger als andere verschulden. Trotzdem erdrückt die Schuldenlast mittlerweile den Etat, und immer weniger Staaten haben Lust, ihre Reserven in US-Treasuries anzulegen. Sie kaufen lieber Gold (und vielleicht auch bald Bitcoin).  Eine Neugewichtung des Deals ist notwendig. Daher der Kassensturz. Daher die ständigen Aufforderungen Trumps an Verbündete, künftig mehr zu zahlen. Die Lösung könnte ein „Mar-a-Lago“-Accord sein. Die USA befanden sich in den 1980er Jahren schon einmal in einer ähnlichen Situation: Japanische und deutsche Waren überschwemmten die amerikanischen Märkte. Nach einem verlorenen Krieg in Vietnam und hoher Inflation hatten sich innerhalb Gesellschaft große Spannungen aufgebaut. Ronald Reagan, übrigens ein Präsident, der ähnlich polarisierte wie Trump heute, sprach 1985 Klartext: Japan und in geringerem Maße die BRD, Frankreich und Großbritannien hatten ihre Währungen aufzuwerten. Damit wurde die Flut der Exporte in die USA gestemmt und die Finanzflüsse stabilisiert. Seit einigen Wochen gibt es relativ klare Pläne, wie diese neue Ordnung aussehen soll. Sie gehen zurück auf den Ökonomen Steve Miran, der bereits unter der ersten Trump-Administration eine Berater-Rolle hatte. Seit Dezember 2024 ist der Vorsitzender des Council of Economic Advisers. Miran wiederum steht [Zoltan Pozsar nahe, der 2022/23 zum Shooting Star der Macro-Economy-Nerds wurde](https://www.finews.ch/themen/guruwatch/58206-zoltan-pozsar-ex-uno-plures-resarch-dollar-zinsen-bretton-woods-ungarn). Worum geht es? Weiter geht es auf <https://blingbling.substack.com/p/der-mar-a-lago-accord>

@ 57d1a264:69f1fee1

­  @Voltage team will be building a simple implementation of a Lightning gated API service using a Voltage LND Node and the L402 protocol. 📅 Thursday, February 27th 4:00 PM CDT 📷 Live on Voltage Discord, on X, or on YouTube. - discord.gg/EN93fDfQ - https://x.com/voltage_cloud/status/1892938201980919985 - https://www.youtube.com/@voltage_cloud originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/896373

@ 6389be64:ef439d32

Biochar in the soil attracts microbes who take up permanent residence in the "coral reef" the biochar provides. Those microbes then attract mycorrhizal fungi to the reef. The mycorrhizal fungi are also attached to plant roots connecting diverse populations to each other, allowing transportation of molecular resources (water, cations, anions etc). The char surface area attracts positively charged ions like K+ Ca2+ Mg2+ NH4+ Na+ H+ Al3+ Fe2+ Fe3+ Mn2+ Cu2+ Zn2+ Many of these are transferred to plant roots by mycorrhizal fungi in exchange for photosynthetic products (sugars). Mycorrhizal fungi are connected to both plant roots and biochar. Char adsorbs these cations so, it stands to reason that under periods of minimal need by plants for these cations (stress, low or no sunlight etc.), mycorrhizal fungi could deposit the cations to the char surfaces. The char would be acting as a "bank" for the cations and the deposition would be of low energy cost. Once the plant starts exuding photosynthetic products again, signaling a need for these cations, the fungi can start "stripping" the cations off of the char surface for immediate exchange of the cations for the sugars. This would be a high energy transaction because the fungi would have to expend energy to strip the cations off of the char surface, in effect, an "interest rate". The char might act as a reservoir of cations that were mined by the fungi while the sugar flow from the roots was active. It's a bank. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/896340

@ 04c915da:3dfbecc9

Here’s a revised timeline of macro-level events from *The Mandibles: A Family, 2029–2047* by Lionel Shriver, reimagined in a world where Bitcoin is adopted as a widely accepted form of money, altering the original narrative’s assumptions about currency collapse and economic control. In Shriver’s original story, the failure of Bitcoin is assumed amid the dominance of the bancor and the dollar’s collapse. Here, Bitcoin’s success reshapes the economic and societal trajectory, decentralizing power and challenging state-driven outcomes. ### Part One: 2029–2032 - **2029 (Early Year)**\ The United States faces economic strain as the dollar weakens against global shifts. However, Bitcoin, having gained traction emerges as a viable alternative. Unlike the original timeline, the bancor—a supranational currency backed by a coalition of nations—struggles to gain footing as Bitcoin’s decentralized adoption grows among individuals and businesses worldwide, undermining both the dollar and the bancor. - **2029 (Mid-Year: The Great Renunciation)**\ Treasury bonds lose value, and the government bans Bitcoin, labeling it a threat to sovereignty (mirroring the original bancor ban). However, a Bitcoin ban proves unenforceable—its decentralized nature thwarts confiscation efforts, unlike gold in the original story. Hyperinflation hits the dollar as the U.S. prints money, but Bitcoin’s fixed supply shields adopters from currency devaluation, creating a dual-economy split: dollar users suffer, while Bitcoin users thrive. - **2029 (Late Year)**\ Dollar-based inflation soars, emptying stores of goods priced in fiat currency. Meanwhile, Bitcoin transactions flourish in underground and online markets, stabilizing trade for those plugged into the bitcoin ecosystem. Traditional supply chains falter, but peer-to-peer Bitcoin networks enable local and international exchange, reducing scarcity for early adopters. The government’s gold confiscation fails to bolster the dollar, as Bitcoin’s rise renders gold less relevant. - **2030–2031**\ Crime spikes in dollar-dependent urban areas, but Bitcoin-friendly regions see less chaos, as digital wallets and smart contracts facilitate secure trade. The U.S. government doubles down on surveillance to crack down on bitcoin use. A cultural divide deepens: centralized authority weakens in Bitcoin-adopting communities, while dollar zones descend into lawlessness. - **2032**\ By this point, Bitcoin is de facto legal tender in parts of the U.S. and globally, especially in tech-savvy or libertarian-leaning regions. The federal government’s grip slips as tax collection in dollars plummets—Bitcoin’s traceability is low, and citizens evade fiat-based levies. Rural and urban Bitcoin hubs emerge, while the dollar economy remains fractured. ### Time Jump: 2032–2047 - Over 15 years, Bitcoin solidifies as a global reserve currency, eroding centralized control. The U.S. government adapts, grudgingly integrating bitcoin into policy, though regional autonomy grows as Bitcoin empowers local economies. ### Part Two: 2047 - **2047 (Early Year)**\ The U.S. is a hybrid state: Bitcoin is legal tender alongside a diminished dollar. Taxes are lower, collected in BTC, reducing federal overreach. Bitcoin’s adoption has decentralized power nationwide. The bancor has faded, unable to compete with Bitcoin’s grassroots momentum. - **2047 (Mid-Year)**\ Travel and trade flow freely in Bitcoin zones, with no restrictive checkpoints. The dollar economy lingers in poorer areas, marked by decay, but Bitcoin’s dominance lifts overall prosperity, as its deflationary nature incentivizes saving and investment over consumption. Global supply chains rebound, powered by bitcoin enabled efficiency. - **2047 (Late Year)**\ The U.S. is a patchwork of semi-autonomous zones, united by Bitcoin’s universal acceptance rather than federal control. Resource scarcity persists due to past disruptions, but economic stability is higher than in Shriver’s original dystopia—Bitcoin’s success prevents the authoritarian slide, fostering a freer, if imperfect, society. ### Key Differences - **Currency Dynamics**: Bitcoin’s triumph prevents the bancor’s dominance and mitigates hyperinflation’s worst effects, offering a lifeline outside state control. - **Government Power**: Centralized authority weakens as Bitcoin evades bans and taxation, shifting power to individuals and communities. - **Societal Outcome**: Instead of a surveillance state, 2047 sees a decentralized, bitcoin driven world—less oppressive, though still stratified between Bitcoin haves and have-nots. This reimagining assumes Bitcoin overcomes Shriver’s implied skepticism to become a robust, adopted currency by 2029, fundamentally altering the novel’s bleak trajectory.

@ f6488c62:c929299d

การที่สหรัฐอเมริกาปรับมูลค่าทองคำในคลัง (re-peg) จะมีผลกระทบที่สำคัญต่อทั้งระบบการเงินโลกและบิทคอยน์ ด้วยเหตุผลต่างๆ ที่อาจเกิดขึ้นดังนี้: ทองคำในฐานะสินทรัพย์เก็บมูลค่า: หากสหรัฐอเมริกาปรับราคาทองคำจาก 42 ดอลลาร์ต่อออนซ์เป็นราคาปัจจุบันที่สูงถึง 2,953.5 ดอลลาร์ต่อออนซ์ การปรับนี้จะทำให้ทองคำได้รับความนิยมและมีมูลค่าเพิ่มขึ้นอย่างมากในมุมมองของนักลงทุนทั่วโลก ส่งผลให้ทองคำมีบทบาทสำคัญขึ้นในระบบการเงิน อีกทั้งยังเป็นทางเลือกการลงทุนที่น่าสนใจมากขึ้นในฐานะ "safe haven" หรือสินทรัพย์ที่ปลอดภัย. ผลกระทบต่อตลาดดอลลาร์สหรัฐ: การประเมินมูลค่าทองคำใหม่จะทำให้ค่าเงินดอลลาร์อ่อนค่าลง เนื่องจากทองคำถูกมองว่าเป็นตัวบ่งชี้ความมั่งคั่งและเสถียรภาพทางการเงิน การอ่อนค่าของดอลลาร์อาจส่งผลให้บิทคอยน์เป็นที่น่าสนใจมากขึ้นในฐานะสินทรัพย์ที่ไม่ขึ้นกับเงินดอลลาร์และธนาคารกลางใด ๆ. การเติบโตของบิทคอยน์: เมื่อระบบการเงินดั้งเดิม (เช่น ดอลลาร์สหรัฐ) เริ่มสั่นคลอนหรือลดความน่าเชื่อถือ บิทคอยน์ซึ่งเป็นสินทรัพย์ดิจิทัลที่ไม่ขึ้นกับรัฐบาลหรือธนาคารกลางก็จะได้รับความสนใจมากขึ้นจากนักลงทุนที่ต้องการหลีกเลี่ยงความเสี่ยงในระบบการเงินแบบดั้งเดิม นอกจากนี้บิทคอยน์ยังถือเป็นสินทรัพย์ที่มีการจำกัดจำนวน (21 ล้าน BTC) ซึ่งถือว่าเป็นการป้องกันภาวะเงินเฟ้อที่มักจะเกิดขึ้นจากการพิมพ์เงินจำนวนมากโดยธนาคารกลาง. การปรับตัวของประเทศอื่นๆ: หากสหรัฐฯ ปรับมูลค่าทองคำใหม่ ประเทศอื่นๆ อาจจำเป็นต้องปรับเปลี่ยนมูลค่าทองคำของตนเองเพื่อตอบสนองต่อการเปลี่ยนแปลงนี้ และอาจเห็นการเคลื่อนไหวในการสนับสนุนสินทรัพย์ดิจิทัลอย่างบิทคอยน์มากขึ้นเพื่อกระจายความเสี่ยงจากการพึ่งพาระบบการเงินดอลลาร์สหรัฐ. สรุปได้ว่า หากการปรับมูลค่าทองคำของสหรัฐเป็นจริง การเคลื่อนไหวนี้อาจเป็นตัวกระตุ้นให้บิทคอยน์เติบโตขึ้น เนื่องจากนักลงทุนมองหาทางเลือกที่ปลอดภัยจากความไม่แน่นอนในระบบการเงินดั้งเดิม และเพิ่มการยอมรับในสินทรัพย์ดิจิทัลมากขึ้น.

@ 8da249fe:ecc00e09

Existem diversas corretoras onde você pode comprar e vender bitcoins e outras moedas. O ideal é sempre escolher empresas idoneas e com boa fama, para isso, antes de ir comprando bitcoin conheça pessoas que usam estas corretoras, veja os depoimentos destas pessoas sobre esta plataforma, isso é bem básico e serve para qualquer coisa. Geralmente estas exchanges (corretoras) exigem alguns dados pessoais, ou seja, são fontes de bitcoin por KYC. Para pessoas que querem ter bitcoin sem seus dados registrados é necessário a compra peer-to-peer, que é a compra direta por pessoas sem a uma "instituição financeira" mediando a transação. Dica número 1 : Nunca deixe seus bitcoins armazenados em corretoras.  Apesar do bitcoin ainda não ter nenhum tipo de regulamentação, as corretoras por serem consideradas "instituições financeiras" são reguladas pelo Sistema Financeiro Nacional, sendo vulneráveis as decisões governamentais. Além disso, as corretoras por movimentarem grandes quantidades de dinheiro, estão vulneráveis ataques hackears que são frequentementes. Dica número 2: Sempre deposite seus bitcoins em carteiras  As carteiras são locais de armazenamento seguros e alguns tipos com as cold Wallet não há gestão dos seus fundos por intermediários, logo a responsabilidade pelo seu dinheiro é totalmente sua. Sempre importante guardar e ter uma boa organização quanto as senhas de acesso, pois uma vez que perde não há nenhuma forma de recuperá-la. Algo que o economista Fernando Roxo fala no YT que concordo plenamente ,é , que não se deve deixar todos os ovos numa cesta só. O que aplico no universo bitcoin que não se deve colocar todos os seus bitcoin em apenas uma carteira. É muito importante dificultar o máximo para os criminosos roubarem, por isso devem ter várias carteiras. Dica número 3: Entenda que Bitcoin não é investimento, e sim uma solução econômica.  Não desista do bitcoin , só porque ele ocila de valor. O bitcoin não é um investimento a onde se aplica e você tem um lucro. O bitcoin é uma solução em decorrência da desonestidade dos governos que imprimem moedas sem valor agregado. Este conhecimento é extremamente importante para que não se iluda com promessa de ficar milionário ou algo do tipo. O bitcoin é uma moeda segura que tem o intuito de proteger o mercado financeiro em decorrência da má fé de estados, e também uma arma contra governos. Dica número 4 : Ajude a comunidade, comercialize em bitcoin. Quer você seja consumidor ou produtor, faça com que seus fundos estejam em bitcoin. Apesar de estamos engatinhando no mercado há muitas iniciativas como o Bitrefill, maquininhas e software para movimentações em bitcoin que tem facilitado as transações. Dica número 5: Conheça os termos técnico sobre este universo. Fique sempre atualizados com os termos da comunidade com KYC, cold wallet, hot wallet, fiat ... Assim você poderá seu um "agente" pró bitcoin e ajudar pessoas simples a entrarem neste universo e ter sua auto custódia e estarem imunes aos desgovernos.

@ d57360cb:4fe7d935

The moments and events that leave you lost. Shook. In Disbelief. Those are the moments you need most. They unlock something dormant in you. Feelings you didn't think imaginable. Journeys you thought unlikely to happen. Paths and roads filled with ups and downs. Uncertainties, roadblocks, long distances of absolutely nothing in sight. Periods of turmoil and absolute stillness. Don't mistake where you are for the finale. Embrace life, it gives you character.

@ 378562cd:a6fc6773

As someone deeply interested in decentralized technology, I’ve been closely following the rapid rise of the Nostr (Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays) protocol. Although I've only just begun investigating it, I have already almost all but canceled my X, Facebook, and Truth Social accounts! Nostr is an exciting alternative to traditional social media and communication platforms. It is built on censorship resistance, user control, and interoperability principles. Given the growing concerns over centralized control, privacy breaches, and biased content moderation, I believe Nostr presents a compelling solution. In this ~~article~~ long note, I want to share my thoughts on how Nostr has evolved, its recent advancements, and its potential impact on the digital landscape. **Understanding Nostr** Nostr is a lightweight, open-source protocol that allows users like me and you to share notes, messages, and other digital interactions via relays rather than centralized servers. It’s designed to be simple, robust, and censorship-resistant. Instead of relying on a single platform or authority, Nostr operates on a peer-to-peer model. Users interact through cryptographic key pairs and publish content to relays that distribute the data across the network. Unlike traditional social networks like Twitter or Facebook, where all data is stored on centralized servers controlled by corporations, Nostr empowers me to truly own and control my digital identity. My data isn’t locked away by a single company or subject to the whims of ever-changing policies, government overreach, or arbitrary bans. Instead, I can run my own relay or connect to multiple independent relays, ensuring that my presence online remains resilient and censorship-resistant. Even if one or more relays shut down, my data is not lost—it remains accessible through the broader network. This decentralized structure not only protects free expression but also guarantees that no single entity has the power to dictate who stays online and who gets silenced. With Nostr, I am in control, and my data belongs to me—just as it should. Since its inception, Nostr has seen impressive development, both technically and in terms of adoption. Some of the advancements that excite me the most include: **Growing Ecosystem of Clients and Relays** Developers have built a diverse ecosystem of client applications, ranging from sleek web-based interfaces to powerful mobile apps, making accessing and interacting with the Nostr network easier than ever. Whether on a desktop, smartphone or even experimental hardware, users have a growing array of options to stay connected seamlessly. At the same time, the relay infrastructure has evolved rapidly, with new nodes optimized for speed, security, and regional accessibility. These relays ensure that messages are delivered efficiently while maintaining the network's decentralized and censorship-resistant nature. With relays distributed worldwide, Nostr continues to grow stronger, providing a resilient and open platform where users are free to communicate without relying on any single point of failure. **Enhanced User Experience** Early implementations of Nostr were simple and barebones, catering mostly to tech-savvy early adopters. However, the user experience has since evolved dramatically. Modern Nostr clients now feature sleek, intuitive UI designs, making navigation smooth and enjoyable. Enhanced media support allows for seamless sharing of images, videos, and other content, while improved interaction mechanisms—such as threaded conversations, reactions, and richer notifications—make engagement more dynamic and user-friendly. To further streamline the experience, user-friendly wallets and browser extensions have been introduced, simplifying secure key management and making onboarding far more accessible. Newcomers no longer need to wrestle with complex cryptographic keys; instead, they can leverage intuitive tools that ensure both security and ease of use. As Nostr continues to grow, the focus on refining UX is making it an increasingly viable and compelling alternative to traditional social networks. **Integration with Lightning Network** Integrating Bitcoin’s Lightning Network into Nostr is a game-changer, revolutionizing how value is exchanged within the network. With seamless microtransactions and tipping systems, I can directly support content creators, developers, and other users without relying on traditional ad-driven revenue models or third-party payment processors. This fosters a more organic, community-driven economy where creators are rewarded instantly and fairly for their contributions. By using Bitcoin for payments and interactions, Nostr enhances financial sovereignty, allowing users like me to transact in a truly decentralized manner—free from corporate gatekeepers, banking restrictions, or censorship. However, it’s important to remember that Nostr is still in its early days. While the potential is enormous, adoption and refinement take time. Content creators and users alike may need to be patient as the ecosystem matures, but those who embrace it early are helping to shape the future of open, censorship-resistant communication and finance. **Privacy and Security Enhancements** One of the most significant advancements in Nostr has been the introduction of end-to-end encrypted messaging, ensuring truly private and secure communication. Unlike traditional platforms that may scan, store, or even monetize user conversations, Nostr guarantees that only the intended recipient can decrypt and read messages. This level of privacy is a game-changer for those who value secure, censorship-resistant interactions. Beyond private messaging, new identity verification methods leveraging cryptographic signatures have also emerged, allowing users to confirm authenticity without sacrificing pseudonymity. This means that while I can prove I am who I say I am, I don’t have to tie my identity to a real-world name, giving me the best of both security and privacy in an increasingly surveilled digital landscape. Mainstream Adoption and High-Profile Endorsements As Nostr continues to gain traction, high-profile figures like Jack Dorsey have publicly supported and contributed to its development, lending credibility and visibility to the project. His endorsement, along with growing enthusiasm from privacy advocates, developers, and free speech supporters, has accelerated Nostr’s momentum. More developers and tech enthusiasts are now embracing Nostr as a viable alternative to corporate-controlled social networks, building innovative applications and expanding its ecosystem. While still in its early days, the rapid pace of development suggests that Nostr is on a trajectory toward becoming a mainstream, decentralized communication platform that challenges the dominance of traditional social media. **Challenges and the Road Ahead** Despite its rapid progress, Nostr still faces some hurdles that need to be overcome for it to achieve mainstream adoption: Scalability Issues: Maintaining a reliable and efficient relay system remains challenging as the number of users grows, which is understandable. User Adoption and Education: While I find the protocol exciting, helping non-technical users (like me in a lot of ways) understand its benefits and navigate its interface is an ongoing challenge. Without centralized control, Nostr relies on decentralized, user-driven solutions for spam and moderation. Relays set their own rules, allowing users to choose environments that match their preferences—some with strict moderation, others more open. Client-side filtering also plays a key role, with modern Nostr clients enabling users to block, mute, or filter unwanted content. Reputation-based systems and algorithmic filtering are emerging to help surface valuable discussions while minimizing spam. As Nostr evolves, these community-driven approaches will continue to refine the balance between free expression and a quality user experience. **Conclusion** The advancement of the Nostr protocol marks a major shift toward decentralized, censorship-resistant communication networks. By giving users like US full control over their data and interactions, Nostr presents a strong alternative to traditional social media platforms. As the protocol continues to evolve, its integration with other decentralized technologies, such as Bitcoin and cryptographic identity solutions, will further solidify its role in shaping the future of the Internet. While challenges remain, I firmly believe Nostr is redefining how we interact online by prioritizing freedom, privacy, and resilience in the digital age. I may be old, but I love Nostr and am glad I can participate at such an early stage. Let's learn together!

@ d34e832d:383f78d0

https://blossom.primal.net/af0bc86b52c7f91c26633ed0cba4f151bb74e5a5702b892f7f1efaa9e4640018.mp4 [npub16d8gxt2z4k9e8sdpc0yyqzf5gp0np09ls4lnn630qzxzvwpl0rgq5h4rzv] ### **What is Reticulum?** Reticulum is a cryptographic networking stack designed for resilient, decentralized, and censorship-resistant communication. Unlike the traditional internet, Reticulum enables fully independent digital communications over various physical mediums, such as radio, LoRa, serial links, and even TCP/IP. The key advantages of Reticulum include: - **Decentralization** – No reliance on centralized infrastructure. - **Encryption & Privacy** – End-to-end encryption built-in. - **Resilience** – Operates over unreliable and low-bandwidth links. - **Interoperability** – Works over WiFi, LoRa, Bluetooth, and more. - **Ease of Use** – Can run on minimal hardware, including Raspberry Pi and embedded devices. Reticulum is ideal for off-grid, censorship-resistant communications, emergency preparedness, and secure messaging. --- ## **1. Getting Started with Reticulum** To quickly get started with Reticulum, follow the official guide: [Reticulum: Getting Started Fast](https://markqvist.github.io/Reticulum/manual/gettingstartedfast.html) ### **Step 1: Install Reticulum** #### **On Linux (Debian/Ubuntu-based systems)** ```sh sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y sudo apt install -y python3-pip pip3 install rns ``` #### **On Raspberry Pi or ARM-based Systems** ```sh pip3 install rns ``` #### **On Windows** Using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) or Python: ```sh pip install rns ``` #### **On macOS** ```sh pip3 install rns ``` --- ## **2. Configuring Reticulum** Once installed, Reticulum needs a configuration file. The default location is: ```sh ~/.config/reticulum/config.toml ``` To generate the default configuration: ```sh rnsd ``` This creates a configuration file with default settings. --- ## **3. Using Reticulum** ### **Starting the Reticulum Daemon** To run the Reticulum daemon (`rnsd`), use: ```sh rnsd ``` This starts the network stack, allowing applications to communicate over Reticulum. ### **Testing Your Reticulum Node** Run the diagnostic tool to ensure your node is functioning: ```sh rnstatus ``` This shows the status of all connected interfaces and peers. --- ## **4. Adding Interfaces** ### **LoRa Interface (for Off-Grid Communications)** Reticulum supports long-range LoRa radios like the **RAK Wireless** and **Meshtastic devices**. To add a LoRa interface, edit `config.toml` and add: ```toml [[interfaces]] type = "LoRa" name = "My_LoRa_Interface" frequency = 868.0 bandwidth = 125 spreading_factor = 9 ``` Restart Reticulum to apply the changes. ### **Serial (For Direct Device-to-Device Links)** For communication over serial links (e.g., between two Raspberry Pis): ```toml [[interfaces]] type = "Serial" port = "/dev/ttyUSB0" baudrate = 115200 ``` ### **TCP/IP (For Internet-Based Nodes)** If you want to bridge your Reticulum node over an existing IP network: ```toml [[interfaces]] type = "TCP" listen = true bind = "0.0.0.0" port = 4242 ``` --- ## **5. Applications Using Reticulum** ### **LXMF (LoRa Mesh Messaging Framework)** LXMF is a delay-tolerant, fully decentralized messaging system that operates over Reticulum. It allows encrypted, store-and-forward messaging without requiring an always-online server. To install: ```sh pip3 install lxmf ``` To start the LXMF node: ```sh lxmfd ``` ### **Nomad Network (Decentralized Chat & File Sharing)** Nomad is a Reticulum-based chat and file-sharing platform, ideal for **off-grid** communication. To install: ```sh pip3 install nomad-network ``` To run: ```sh nomad ``` ### **Mesh Networking with Meshtastic & Reticulum** Reticulum can work alongside **Meshtastic** for true decentralized long-range communication. To set up a Meshtastic bridge: ```toml [[interfaces]] type = "LoRa" port = "/dev/ttyUSB0" baudrate = 115200 ``` --- ## **6. Security & Privacy Features** - **Automatic End-to-End Encryption** – Every message is encrypted by default. - **No Centralized Logging** – Communication leaves no metadata traces. - **Self-Healing Routing** – Designed to work in unstable or hostile environments. --- ## **7. Practical Use Cases** - **Off-Grid Communication** – Works in remote areas without cellular service. - **Censorship Resistance** – Cannot be blocked by ISPs or governments. - **Emergency Networks** – Enables resilient communication during disasters. - **Private P2P Networks** – Create a secure, encrypted communication layer. --- ## **8. Further Exploration & Documentation** - **Reticulum Official Manual**: [https://markqvist.github.io/Reticulum/manual/](https://markqvist.github.io/Reticulum/manual/) - **Reticulum GitHub Repository**: [https://github.com/markqvist/Reticulum](https://github.com/markqvist/Reticulum) - **Nomad Network**: [https://github.com/markqvist/NomadNet](https://github.com/markqvist/NomadNet) - **Meshtastic + Reticulum**: [https://meshtastic.org](https://meshtastic.org) --- ## **Connections (Links to Other Notes)** - **Mesh Networking for Decentralized Communication** - **LoRa and Off-Grid Bitcoin Transactions** - **Censorship-Resistant Communication Using Nostr & Reticulum** ## **Tags** #Reticulum #DecentralizedComms #MeshNetworking #CensorshipResistance #LoRa ## **Donations via** - **Bitcoin Lightning**: lightninglayerhash@getalby.com

@ 2181959b:80f0d27d

تخطط شركة قوقل لاتخاذ خطوة جديدة في تعزيز أمان حسابات Gmail، حيث ستتخلى عن رموز المصادقة عبر الرسائل النصية (SMS) لصالح التحقق باستخدام رموز QR، بهدف تقليل مخاطر الأمان والحد من الاعتماد على شركات الاتصالات. **لماذا تستبدل قوقل رموز SMS في Gmail؟** رغم أن المصادقة الثنائية (2FA) عبر الرسائل النصية تُعد طريقة عملية، إلا أنها تحمل مخاطر كبيرة، إذ يمكن اعتراض الرموز من قبل المخترقين، أو استخدامها في هجمات التصيد الاحتيالي، أو حتى تعرض الحساب للاختراق في حال تم استنساخ رقم الهاتف. كما أن أمان هذه الطريقة يعتمد بشكل أساسي على سياسات الحماية التي تتبعها شركات الاتصالات. https://image.nostr.build/9c8eda01e430425f1e379ffd975aea200d72746e8d8a31000c8bd0e013b8e449.jpg **كيف سيعمل التحقق عبر رموز QR؟** عند محاولة تسجيل الدخول إلى Gmail، سيظهر للمستخدم رمز QR على الشاشة بدلًا من استلام رمز عبر SMS. كل ما عليه فعله هو مسح الرمز باستخدام كاميرا الهاتف، ليتم التحقق من هويته تلقائيًا، دون الحاجة إلى إدخال رمز يدويًا، مما يقلل من مخاطر مشاركة الرموز مع جهات غير موثوقة. **متى سيتم تطبيق هذا التغيير؟** لم تحدد قوقل موعدًا رسميًا لاعتماد النظام الجديد، لكنها أكدت أنها تعمل على إعادة تصميم عملية التحقق من الهوية خلال الأشهر المقبلة.

@ 8bad797a:8461b4bc

This time from a laptop computer via Highlighter, from which the Merry Frankster can post long form content. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

@ a1c19849:daacbb52

## Details - ⏲️ Prep time: 20 min - 🍳 Cook time: 4 hours ## Ingredients - 1kg of chicken thighs - 3 large onions - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1.5 dl Ketjap Medja - 0.5 liter chicken broth - Pepper - Salt - Nutmeg ## Directions 1. Cut the onions and sauté them 2. Add the chicken thighs in pieces and bake for a few minutes 3. Add the garlic powder and the brown sugar and bake for a short time 4. Add the ketjap media and the chicken broth 5. Add some salt and pepper and nutmeg and let it simmer for 3 to 4 hours 6. Make sure all the moist evaporates but make sure it doesn’t get too dry. Otherwise add some extra chicken broth 7. Bon appetit!

@ 6e0ea5d6:0327f353

Of all the people you should fear, fear most the peaceful man in situations where anyone else would be aggressive. The strongest man is the one who masters his emotions in moments of rage and fury—who, even in anger, does not destroy everything around him, including himself. Remember: no man truly knows how evil he can be until he strives to be good in a corrupt world and, for that, is crushed by it. Anxiety makes a man suffer even before there is a concrete reason. The mere act of anticipating pain makes him feel it in its full intensity, even if it never materializes. On the other hand, anxiety leads to rash actions, driven by impulse or anger. And these decisions, in the end, can destroy him. The most harmful choices are usually made under stress, rage, or passion. Anxiety, in turn, is a formidable adversary, difficult to tame. Controlling it requires constant and gradual training. The key is to balance expectations—facing the future with serenity rather than allowing worries to corrode the present. Sometimes, it is necessary to abandon the life we planned to face the life that awaits us. Instead of acting impulsively in moments of deep stress, learn to reflect rationally on all possibilities before taking action. I recognize that, in theory, this advice is easy to give. Sono d’accordo, I know how difficult it is in daily life. But listen well: do not let your actions be driven by impulsiveness. Remember, stubbornness combined with anxiety is a direct path to a pit of regrets. Stubbornness, unlike persistence, makes a man insist on mistakes or ignore wise counsel. It forces him to act against logic, preventing him from learning from failures and reevaluating decisions. It is a silent source of suffering, robbing him of opportunities for change and growth. Just as a river reaches its destination by adapting to the course it encounters, a wise man must seek new approaches rather than persist in the same mistakes. Adapting, learning, and changing course are the keys to reaching one’s true destiny. 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!

@ a1c19849:daacbb52

## Details - ⏲️ Prep time: 20 min - 🍳 Cook time: 4 hours ## Ingredients - 1kg of chicken thighs - 3 large onions - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1.5 dl Ketjap Medja - 0.5 liter chicken broth - Pepper - Salt - Nutmeg ## Directions 1. Cut the onions and sauté them 2. Add the chicken thighs in pieces and bake for a few minutes 3. Add the garlic powder and the brown sugar and bake for a short time 4. Add the ketjap media and the chicken broth 5. Add some salt and pepper and nutmeg and let it simmer for 3 to 4 hours 6. Make sure all the moist evaporates but make sure it doesn’t get too dry. Otherwise add some extra chicken broth 7. Bon appetit!

@ 037ebe13:93af01dc

Se você acompanhou o noticiário, deve ter visto que o ministro Alexandre de Moraes, do Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF), voltou a investir contra as redes sociais. Na sexta-feira (21), Moraes determinou a suspensão da rede social americana Rumble no Brasil. De acordo com o ministro, a rede social cometeu "reiterados, conscientes e voluntários descumprimentos das ordens judiciais, além da tentativa de não se submeter ao ordenamento jurídico e Poder Judiciário brasileiros" e que instituiu um "ambiente de total impunidade e 'terra sem lei' nas redes sociais brasileiras". No entanto, o CEO da Rumble, Chris Pavlovski, afirmou que Moraes exigiu que a Rumble cumprisse decisões que são ilegais segundo a legistação americana e passou um “aviso” ao ministro: “nos vemos no tribunal”. Não é de hoje que o STF e Moraes são acusados de promover um ambiente de “censura” através de uma suposta perseguição enviesada a perfis que criticam as atuações da corte e do ministro, inclusive exigindo a remoção de perfis por parte dessas redes – algo que contraria a legislação brasileira. Em 2024, o X chegou a ficar suspenso no Brasil por quase 40 dias, sendo que Moraes chegou a impor multas para quem tentasse acessar a rede via VPN, uma decisão contestada e vista por muitas pessoas como ilegal. Isso mostra que o poder do estado vai continuar agindo contra as redes sociais com o intuito de estabelecer algum tipo de restrição a essas plataformas. E tal poder tende a funcionar, pois estas plataformas são consideradas empresas e muitas têm representantes legais no Brasil, que são um vetor de ataque para eventuais suspensões. Felizmente, a criação do Bitcoin (BTC) levou a um avanço na forma como podemos manter nossa privacidade protegida da sanha autoritária dos estados. E isso chegou nas redes sociais com a criação do Nostr. Por isso, o protocolo descentralizado com foco em redes sociais é o tema da nossa newsletter de hoje. O que é o Nostr?## A palavra Nostr, que dá nome ao protocolo, é a sigla para Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays (Notas e Outras Coisas Transmitidas por Relés, em tradução livre). Esse protocolo surgiu em 2020 para criar uma “camada social” na rede do Bitcoin. Ou seja, permitir o desenvolvimento de aplicativos similares a redes sociais. No entanto, foi a partir de 2023 que o protocolo ganhou fama, a ponto de ficar conhecido como o “Twitter descentralizado”. Esse nome se deveu ao fato de que um dos aplicativos mais populares do Nostr era o Damus, que funciona como uma espécie de X. A principal diferença do Nostr para outros serviços é que os aplicativos criados pelos protocolos não podem ser censurados. Eles operam baseados em clientes e relés (relays) muito similares aos nós que rodam a rede do Bitcoin. Por isso, não adianta um governo tentar derrubar um nó: se os demais estiverem ativos, a rede seguirá funcionando livre de censura. Sistema de chaves## Da mesma forma que no Bitcoin, no Nostr cada usuário é identificado por uma chave pública. E também há uma chave privada, que ele usa para assinar as transações. Mas ao contrário do BTC, as chaves privadas não são formadas por sequência de palavras, mas sim por uma sequência de letras: chave pública: cada chave pública do Nostr começa com as iniciais “npub”. Ex: npub43tahY4T… chave privada: já as chaves privadas começam com os caracteres “nsec”. Ex: nsec4T6uyA4F… Para acessar os aplicativos do Nostr (como o Damus), você só precisa fazer o download e inserir a sua chave privada no app. Ele vai ler a chave e identificar que você de fato controla aquela conta, mas o aplicativo não armazena as chaves. Por isso elas não ficam sujeitas a roubos, mantendo o seu perfil seguro. Uma vez logado no aplicativo, cada vez que você publica algo (por exemplo, uma mensagem que publica, uma atualização da sua lista de seguidores, etc.), você assina uma transação. Os clientes validam estas assinaturas para garantir que estão corretas. Hoje, existem mais de 70 aplicativos criados para o Nostr, desde outros “Twitter descentralizados” até serviços de mensagem. E todos eles funcionam de forma integrada, o que significa que a sua chave privada funciona como uma identidade única. Isso permite que você acesse a todos os aplicativos com uma única senha, sem precisar fazer cadastros e deixar seus dados expostos em várias redes sociais. Esse protocolo foi criado por um brasileiro conhecido como fiatjaf, que preferiu se manter anônimo. O projeto fez tanto sucesso que recebeu um apoio massivo de Jack Dorsey, criador do Twitter, que chegou a doar 14,6 BTC para ajudar no desenvolvimento do Nostr. Hoje, esse valor corresponde a mais de R$ 8 milhões. Como fazer uma conta no Nostr## Antes de acessar os aplicativos, você deve criar suas chaves pública e privada no site oficial do Nostr. Basta acessar o [Endereço ]( https://nostr.com) e clicar na opção “create your Nostr account”. E pronto, o site gera as duas chaves automaticamente. A chave pública (npub) fica visível, enquanto a chave privada (nsec) aparece coberta. Basta clicar nos quadrados do lado esquerdo da chave privada que ele vai copiar automaticamente. Você também pode clicar em “show private key” para ver a chave privada, ou clicar em “download keys” para baixar ambas as chaves. Cabe frisar que essas chaves, sobretudo a privada, são essenciais para acessar qualquer aplicativo criado no Nostr. Por isso, assim que você salvá-las, guarde essas chaves em um lugar seguro e longe da internet, para evitar roubos. Por isso: jamais anote sua chave privada num bloco de notas; escreva a chave privada à mão num papel e guarde com bastante cuidado; nunca, sob qualquer hipótese, compartilhe sua chave privada em arquivos na nuvem ou por e-mail. Se você quiser ter ainda mais segurança, pode adquirir o NOSTR Signing Device, dispositivo que serve para assinar publicações com o Nostr e mantém sua chave privada segura. Ele é importado, mas custa apenas 20 euros (cerca de R$ 120) no site da [LNBits.]( https://shop.lnbits.com/product/nostr-signing-device) Redes sociais à prova de censura## Bem, agora vamos conferir as duas redes sociais que selecionamos entre os mais de 70 aplicativos do Nostr. Nelas você pode publicar qualquer coisa sem medo de sofrer com censura, bloqueios ou processos indevidos por causa de alguma acusação vaga como “promover discurso de ódio”. O primeiro dessas aplicativos é o [Primal]( https://nostrapps.com/primal), que é praticamente uma cópia do já citado Damus. Ele também se parece muito com o X e lá você pode publicar, mandar mensagens inbox para outro usuário, curtir, salvar, compartilhar e comentar. Ao contrário do X, o Primal não impõe limite de caracteres nas publicações e você não tem selos. O aplicativo também possui uma carteira Lightning onde você pode enviar e receber satoshis. E o melhor de tudo, o Primal possui a função “zap”, que permite que você possa enviar e receber satoshis por causa de suas publicações. Ou seja, se você escrever alguma coisa no Primal e as pessoas gostarem, elas podem te enviar “gorjetas” em satoshis. Isso significa que você consegue monetizar o seu conteúdo sem precisar assinar nenhum plano ou pagar para conseguir um selo. Você também pode enviar satoshis para seus criadores de conteúdo favoritos. Mas se você gosta de publicar artigos mais longos (como esta newsletter), o Nostr conta com o [YakiHonne]( https://nostrapps.com/yakihonne). Este “Substack descentralizado” permite que você publique notas como o Primal, mas também oferece a possibilidade de criar artigos em formato de newsletter. Você pode favoritar ou salvar os seus autores preferidos, facilitando a leitura de artigos. E o aplicativo também possui seções de curadoria específica. Com ela, você consegue acessar artigos por tópicos e ver o que está se destacando no YakiHonne naquele momento. Quer escrever sobre um tema polêmico? Faça seu artigo no YakiHonne sem ter medo de censura ou de ver seu texto desmonetizado. E caso ele faça sucesso, você pode receber satoshis como pagamento e monetizar seu trabalho recebendo em moeda forte. Infelizmente, os tribunais de censura seguem em crescimento no mundo e a liberdade de expressão em plataformas centralizadas seguirá ameaçada. Afinal, estas empresas visam o lucro e estão sujeitas às leis. E elas dificilmente farão frente ao poder do estado apenas para beneficiar seus usuários. Por isso, da mesma forma que você pode tirar o estado do seu dinheiro com o Bitcoin, você pode tirar a censura das suas palavras usando o Nostr. Afinal, como diz o personagem Ensei Tankado de “Fortaleza Digital”: “Todos temos o direito de guardar segredos. Um dia eu farei com que isso volte a ser possível.” Vale uma olhada## Matéria completa sobre o lançamento do Nostr no [CriptoFacil;]( https://www.criptofacil.com/nostr-conheca-protocolo-criado-por-brasileiro-que-utiliza-o-bitcoin-para-descentralizar-redes-sociais/) O canal dos tem um vídeo excelente falando sobre como criar e armazenar suas chaves privadas do Nostr usando o Signing Device. Vale a pena conferir.

@ 6e0ea5d6:0327f353

**Ascolta bene, amico mio.** The type of woman you choose reflects the type of man you truly are—or the one you hide from being. Don't deceive yourself: your choices are a mirror of your essence. If you constantly get involved with women who drag you into chaos, who manipulate or belittle you, that says more about your weaknesses than about theirs. *Chi sceglie male, paga il prezzo.* You cannot blame fate or the woman for your decisions. The responsibility is yours. If you are foolish enough to be swayed by superficial beauty or the need for approval, you are digging your own ruin. A real man, before loving, learns to understand women—not just one, but many. He observes, understands their motivations, and learns to distinguish between those who add value and those who destroy. If you choose wrong, don't blame the world. *Cazzo!* The mistake was yours, and so will be the consequence. Needy men, who let themselves be trapped by the first woman who offers crumbs of attention, end up being shaped by their circumstances. *"La donna non ti fa cane; sei tu che ti fai cane."* By choosing a woman without character, you reveal your own lack of discernment and courage. And, my friend, if you fear being alone, remember: loneliness next to the wrong woman is far more bitter. If you seek respect, start by choosing wisely. Those who cling blindly, out of fear or necessity, are doomed to suffer. Own your choices, learn from your mistakes, and be selective. The world does not forgive the weak, and excuses will not redeem your weakness. 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!

@ 9bcc5462:eb501d90

Every generation loves to learn. However, our public schooling system has gone as far as it can take us. The abundance of easily accessible information on the internet, coupled with emerging tech like AI, decentralized protocols and bitcoin, means this is our time to innovate our learning infrastructure. A complete overhaul is due along with the development of a pilot program to test new and unconventional models. Let’s carve a path towards innovation by sparking discussion around this topic. Hence, this blueprint. It is a gauntlet for any person who genuinely wants to become a stakeholder for our country’s future. Entry points are: - Builders—Startups, developers and investors who will fund and create infrastructure. - Practitioners—Educators and researchers who will test models. - Supporters—Parents, donors and community members who want to contribute. **Where Do We Begin?** Let’s think about crafting the main components of a new pilot model. Below are suggested areas of focus: - DEFINITION - APPROACH - PHILOSOPHY - CULTURE - PHYSICAL DESIGN - OPERATIONAL ORGANIZATION - ACCOUNTABILITY METHODS - RISKS & CHALLENGES - STYLE - STAKEHOLDERS **How It Works** After researching your pedagogical ideas for current and future generations of scholars, it’s time to share your insights. Contribute  your viewpoint by structuring a blueprint—one page per section—in the following sequence: - Definition of your modern learning model with its key principles. - Description of the core learning approach. - Philosophy distilled into central concepts that will orient stakeholders. - Culture your modern learning model aspires to live by. - Potential challenges, risks and drawbacks. - Design of physical spaces and rationale. - Operational framework detailing adult and child learning organization. - Accountability methods to ensure skill growth and competency. - Style development and name of your model. - Skin in the game, sign your model with your first and last name (unite stakeholders). Perhaps if enough stakeholders come together, we can begin to actualize a more effective and updated way of learning. This is a challenge meant to separate those willing to engage in discourse, planning and laying foundations from those content to complain from the sidelines. **Why Now and Where Does the Money Come From?** After being a public educator for fifteen years, I learned you will not change the system, the system will change you. It’s time to design and build above and apart from the current model. 2025 is when courageous people step up to the plate and discuss our learning infrastructure. Whether it’s contributing out of the box thinking, modernizing curriculum, investing in startups or creating your own venture; there is no greater time than now. And no greater place than in the USA! (By extension, we also create the opportunity to influence our global allies including our neighbors to the North and South.) “But how!?” Learning Producers is figuring it out by asking not, “how?” but “who?” Who will unite together to develop our learning infrastructure? If you decide you want to participate and join our efforts, share your blueprint as well. For all stakeholders, this is an investment in an untapped market of a new learning economy. If not, you’re not alone. Some consider this just rhetoric, idealism, or wishful thinking. Additionally, it is unclear how such actions can be profitable or how such infrastructure building will be funded. Money talks. Bullshit walks, right? In that case, let’s talk, and let’s fine tune our BS detectors. Onward, with this call to action: - Share your own blueprint online or reach out to Learning Producers, Inc. ([Learningproducers.com](https://learningproducers.com/)). - Conduct research on an ideal location and team to lay foundations on a pilot program at small scale. - Engage in dialogue with investors interested in developing learning infrastructure for their own children and families. - Secure stakeholders to develop and test a real world pilot model (real location, real agreements, real timeline, real people). - Sponsor or donate resources to counter concerns over funding. Now, we leave you with our blueprint: PEDAGOGICAL WABI-SABI We hope you enjoy it. Sincerely, **Israel Hernandez** **Founder of Learning Producers** **\**[Read or download full blueprint here: <https://www.learningproducers.com/blog/pedagogical-wabi-sabiblueprint-for-developing-learning-infrastructure> \]

@ da0b9bc3:4e30a4a9

Hello Stackers! It's Monday so we're back doing "Meta Music Mondays" 😉. From before the territory existed there was just one post a week in a ~meta take over. Now each month we have a different theme and bring music from that theme. Welcome to Femmes Fatales 3!!! I absolutely loved doing this last year so I'm bringing it back for round 3! It's Femmes Fatales, where we celebrate women in ~Music. So let's have those ladies of the lung, the sirens of sound, our Femmes Fatales! Stackers, here's Avril Lavigne. https://youtu.be/dGR65RWwzg8?si=T5onrZ0T_zREhd-n Talk Music. Share Tracks. Zap Sats. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/895855

@ 2e8970de:63345c7a

> The highest-earning 10% of Americans have increased their spending far beyond inflation. Everyone else hasn’t.  > The top 10% of earners—households making about $250,000 a year or more—are splurging on everything from vacations to designer handbags, buoyed by big gains in stocks, real estate and other assets. Those consumers now account for 49.7% of all spending, a record in data going back to 1989, according to an analysis by Moody’s Analytics. Three decades ago, they accounted for about 36%. All this means that economic growth is unusually reliant on rich Americans continuing to shell out. Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, estimated that spending by the top 10% alone accounted for almost one-third of gross domestic product. https://www.wsj.com/economy/consumers/us-economy-strength-rich-spending-2c34a571?mod=hp_lead_pos7 originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/895834

@ 2e8970de:63345c7a

> Air pollution tends to get worse before it gets better, but how can we accelerate this transition?   > I’m lucky to have grown up with far cleaner air than my parents or grandparents did. In fact, air quality in the United Kingdom is now better than it was for several generations [...] For younger generations in many other countries, this is not the case. Those living in cities like Delhi, Dhaka, or Accra breathe in some of the most polluted air in their country’s history. https://ourworldindata.org/cleanest-air-lessons originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/895817

@ 378562cd:a6fc6773

Bitcoin is an incredible innovation, a financial revolution, and an obsession for many. The idea of decentralization, financial sovereignty, and the potential for life-changing gains make it easy to get sucked into the never-ending cycle of price checks, news updates, and technical analysis. But here’s the reality: dedicating every waking moment to Bitcoin—or anything, really—is not sustainable. It’s not healthy. You need to breathe. You need to live. ### The Trap of Constant Focus It starts innocently enough. You buy your first bit of Bitcoin. You check the price. Then you check it again. Before long, you’re spending hours reading articles, listening to podcasts, watching charts, and diving into the latest market trends. The highs of a bull market fuel your excitement; the lows of a crash send you spiraling into despair. And soon, it consumes you. If you’re not careful, Bitcoin can become an all-encompassing mental trap, a black hole that sucks in every moment of your free time. You think about it when you wake up. You refresh your portfolio at lunch. You browse Twitter threads before bed. It’s an addiction that disguises itself as productivity. But the truth? It’s draining you. ### The Case for Letting Go Let’s be real—Bitcoin should not be your entire life. Your well-being, relationships, and overall happiness depend on balance. Financial freedom is meaningless if you sacrifice your health, your connections, and your experiences along the way. Here’s why you need to step back: 1. **Your Brain Needs a Break**—Constantly thinking about Bitcoin puts you under heightened stress. Markets are volatile, and living in reaction mode is exhausting. Give your brain space to rest, reflect, and reset. 2. **The Sun Exists—go Enjoy It.** Get outside, walk, breathe fresh air, and touch some grass, literally. Sitting in front of a screen tracking prices all day is not fulfilling. 3. **Love and Human Interaction Matter**. Your most valuable asset is not Bitcoin—it’s the relationships you build. Spend time with God, with friends, family, and loved ones. Share experiences. Have deep conversations that don’t involve blockchain technology. 4. **Automation is Your Best Friend** – Here’s a secret: You don’t need to manually buy Bitcoin every day or even every week. Set up an automated buying schedule and forget about it. Whether it’s once a week, biweekly, or monthly, let technology do the work while you focus on living. 5. **There’s More to Life Than Financial Gains** – Wealth is important, but so is joy. Read a book. Pick up a hobby. Travel. Laugh. Life is happening all around you—don’t miss it because you’re staring at a screen. ### Finding a Healthier Approach Bitcoin can be part of your life without becoming your life. Set boundaries. Schedule specific times to check in on the market, but outside of those moments, let it go. Treat it like any other long-term investment—buy, hold, and forget. Trust the process without obsessing over every tick in the chart. Most importantly, remember: You are a human being, not just an investor. You are here to experience, to love, to learn, and to grow. Bitcoin will be there whether you’re watching or not—but life won’t wait. So step away. Breathe. Live. ### Automate Your Bitcoin Strategy with River If you want to make Bitcoin a seamless part of your life without the stress, consider using **River**. It’s a platform I love because it allows me to deposit cash and earn a percentage back in Bitcoin on that cash balance and automatically execute a **daily dollar-cost averaging (DCA) strategy FEE-FREE**. Instead of constantly watching charts, my Bitcoin purchases happen automatically, drawing from my cash balance. It’s fully customizable, meaning you can adjust your buy schedule and even **automatically transfer part of your holdings to your own wallet**, ensuring you hold your own keys. For those concerned about security, River recently introduced **Forcefield**, an added layer of protection for your assets. If you’re interested in making your Bitcoin journey effortless, **sign up using my referral code** [here](https://river.com/signup?r=6DEZAJLR)—this earns us both free Bitcoin! Set it and forget it, and get back to living your life.

@ e5de992e:4a95ef85

One of the most common misconceptions about trading is that it's no different from gambling. This belief often comes from people who misunderstand the discipline, structure, and effort that go into becoming a successful trader. The truth is, trading couldn't be further from gambling when done right. It's about edges, calculated risks, consistency, and discipline. Let's break down the key differences and why trading, when approached correctly, is a professional skill—not a game of chance. --- ## Why People Think Trading Is Gambling 1. **Lack of Understanding:** Many assume trading is about guessing market direction or chasing quick profits, which mirrors gambling behavior. 2. **Emotional Reactions:** Traders who rely on instincts or impulsive decisions often resemble gamblers, reinforcing the stereotype. 3. **Stories of Losses:** Headlines about traders losing their life savings due to overleveraging or poor risk management create the illusion that all trading is reckless. --- ## What Trading Really Is ### 1. Trading is About Edges - **What It Means:** An edge is a systematic advantage that gives you a higher probability of success over time. It could be a proven strategy, a deep understanding of market patterns, or an ability to exploit inefficiencies. - **Why It's Not Gambling:** Gambling relies on pure chance or unfavorable odds (e.g., the house always wins). In trading, a well-researched edge tips the probability in your favor. ### 2. Trading Involves Calculated Risks - **What It Means:** Every trade involves assessing how much you're willing to lose relative to the potential gain. Risk management ensures no single trade can wipe you out. - **Why It's Not Gambling:** In gambling, you often bet more than you can afford to lose. In trading, calculated risks are taken with predefined stop-losses and position sizing to minimize potential damage. ### 3. Trading is an Emotional Fight - **What It Means:** Success in trading depends on mastering your emotions—fear, greed, impatience, and overconfidence can destroy even the best strategies. - **Why It's Not Gambling:** Gambling thrives on emotional highs and lows. Trading requires emotional discipline, where decisions are based on logic and planning, not impulse. ### 4. Trading Demands Consistency - **What It Means:** Successful trading isn't about a single big win—it's about executing your strategy consistently over hundreds or thousands of trades. - **Why It's Not Gambling:** Gambling often relies on luck and one-off results. Trading builds wealth through steady, disciplined application of a proven system. ### 5. Trading Focuses on Long-Term Goals - **What It Means:** Traders work towards sustainable growth over months and years, prioritizing capital preservation and compounding profits. - **Why It's Not Gambling:** Gamblers often aim for immediate gratification, while traders take a marathon approach, understanding that success is built gradually. ### 6. Trading Requires Countless Hours of Practice - **What It Means:** Traders spend countless hours backtesting strategies, studying market behavior, and improving their skills. - **Why It's Not Gambling:** Gambling involves minimal preparation or reliance on skill, whereas trading is a craft honed through continuous learning and refinement. --- ## Key Differences Between Trading and Gambling | **Aspect** | **Trading** | **Gambling** | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------------| | **Control** | Follows a defined plan | Relies on chance | | **Risk Management** | Uses stop-losses and proper sizing | All-in mentality | | **Skill vs. Luck** | Based on skill and strategy | Primarily luck | | **Timeframe** | Focused on long-term growth | Instant gratification | | **Emotional Approach** | Requires discipline | Driven by highs and lows | --- ## Final Thoughts: Trading is a Profession, Not a Bet The idea that trading is gambling stems from a lack of knowledge about what trading truly entails. While both involve risk, trading is a calculated, skill-based profession that rewards preparation, discipline, and consistency. Gambling, on the other hand, is a game of chance with the odds stacked against you. If you want to succeed as a trader, focus on building edges, managing risk, and staying consistent over the long term. These principles separate professionals from gamblers—and turn trading into a sustainable path to financial growth. **Remember:** It's not about luck. It's about skill. ---

@ fd78c37f:a0ec0833

In this episode, we invited Alexandra from the Bitcoin Reach community to share insights on the development, challenges, and adoption strategies of the Bitcoin community in Zimbabwe. **YakiHonne**: Before we begin, let me briefly introduce YakiHonne. YakiHonne is a decentralized media client built on Nostr—a protocol designed to empower freedom of speech through technology. It enables creators to own their voices and assets while offering innovative tools like smart widgets, verified notes, and support for long-form content. Today we'll be exploring more about community building and management with our honorable guest Alexandra. Could you please introduce yourself and your community? **Alexandra**：I'm Alexandra, and I founded a community called Bitcoin Beach, which is a suburban community. One thing that really astonished me was that there were already many Bitcoin communities worldwide before us. Before getting into Bitcoin, I worked for a podcast called Global Bitcoin Fest, where I interviewed community leaders from different countries, innovators driving change, and those advocating for Bitcoin regulations. Through these conversations, I discovered that Bitcoin communities existed all over the world—yet, surprisingly, there wasn’t one in Zimbabwe. **Alexandra**：This was particularly shocking because Zimbabwe has experienced some of the highest inflation rates in history—the second-highest inflation rate of all time. Many people associate Zimbabwe with its 100 trillion-dollar banknotes, which symbolize our extreme hyperinflation. In fact, we have gone through six currency failures, yet many still don’t fully understand inflation or how it affects us. **Alexandra**：Our community was created to educate people about Bitcoin and financial sovereignty, helping them navigate economic instability and regain control over their finances through Bitcoin. **YakiHonne**: It seems like you have a lot of people who genuinely want to learn about Bitcoin. They are not only focused on improving Zimbabwe’s economy but also actively engaging with the Bitcoin ecosystem. **Alexandra**：I think one of the biggest challenges is that people don't truly understand how devastating a failed monetary system can be. If you look at it this way—money is involved in 50% of all transactions, meaning it plays a fundamental role in every economic activity. When money fails, one of the first consequences is the inability to calculate capital effectively, leading to high time preference decision-making. **Alexandra**：Why is this a problem? Well, in a stable monetary system, when people have strong purchasing power, they receive fair value for their economic output. This allows them to buy goods and services, invest in their future, pursue higher education, start businesses, and invest in assets like real estate and stocks. Essentially, good money gives people the time and ability to build a better future. **Alexandra**：However, when money does not store economic value, people only receive a fraction of what they produce. Instead of earning a full dollar for their work, they might get only two to three cents on the dollar. This means their income is barely enough for basic sustenance—just buying food, bread, and milk, and often, that isn’t even sufficient. **Alexandra**：As a result, people shift from long-term financial planning to immediate survival, making economic calculations purely about what they need right now rather than investing in the future. This is why so many places remain impoverished. Without stable money, real estate investments disappear, housing becomes inaccessible, and infrastructure like malls and gyms is nearly nonexistent. The only way to secure housing is outright purchase, which very few people can afford. This highlights the severe economic limitations caused by a broken monetary system.  **YakiHonne**: It seems like you've already answered our first question. I was going to ask what sparked your interest in Bitcoin, but I can see that many factors actually led you toward the Bitcoin ecosystem. So, I think you've already covered that. Now, one more thing—I’d love to know what motivated you to build a community around Bitcoin? **Alexandra**：Absolutely. Like I said, we observed communities all across Zimbabwe, but we noticed that nothing was really happening in terms of Bitcoin adoption. In fact, Zimbabwe's adoption rate is significantly lower than in most countries. While sub-Saharan Africa has the highest Bitcoin adoption rate, Zimbabwe itself has one of the lowest adoption rates. **Alexandra**：I realized that if no one else was willing to pave the way to make Bitcoin adoption more resilient and accessible, then I should step up and do the necessary work to facilitate the process. My goal was to connect the people who needed to be connected—whether it's miners, individuals looking to buy Bitcoin, or those who need help installing and using it. **YakiHonne**: How did Bitcoin Reach begin? How was your community formed, and how did you initially attract new members? **Alexandra**：it all started with just a few people. I was highly motivated and kept asking myself, how can we create an impact in Zimbabwe? Strangely enough, it began with me simply chasing leads. **Alexandra**：The turning point came when Anita Posch visited Zimbabwe. Through her visit, I connected with other like-minded individuals in the Bitcoin space. From there, we decided to create a WhatsApp group, which became the foundation of our community. With this small collective, I started reaching out to more people. Having even a modest level of influence allowed me to leverage connections and secure sponsorships. **Alexandra**：Our first sponsor was Booking for Fairness, followed by Money on Chain, Rootstock, and Global Bitcoin Fest. With this support, we started hosting regular meetups, organizing at least two meetups per month in different cities and countries. So far, we've held meetups in over eight cities across four different countries. At these events, attendance ranged from 25 to over 50 people, and at times, we even filled an entire restaurant with Bitcoin enthusiasts.  **YakiHonne**: That's really impressive! You started with just three people, and now you're hosting events with over 50 attendees—sometimes even filling an entire restaurant. That’s truly amazing. Alexandra, you and your team are doing incredible work in Zimbabwe—it's a massive achievement! What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them? **Alexandra**： I think one of the major challenges that we do face is what we call an implicit ban, and some functions. Firstly, when we have what we call the negative order assumptions, a policy similar to what South Africa recently faced. Essentially, any country with bilateral relations with the United States must enforce the same sanctions imposed by the U.S. As a result, Zimbabwe is restricted from receiving goods and services from many companies. If you’re a Bitcoin business, you cannot provide Bitcoin services to Zimbabwe, cannot send hardware wallets, cannot hire people from Zimbabwe, and cannot offer sponsorships to Zimbabwean projects. This significantly limits the number of Bitcoin companies we could have collaborated with, which would have helped people earn Bitcoin and drive adoption. **Alexandra**：The second major challenge is implicit ban. If a Bitcoin company sets up in Zimbabwe, they cannot access on-ramps and off-ramps for funds. This means converting Bitcoin to physical cash is very expensive—normally, the cost should be around 2%, but due to the lack of formal channels, we have to buy Bitcoin at a 10% margin, making transactions extremely costly. As a result, it becomes difficult to establish a circular Bitcoin economy, and since we don’t have one, we struggle to secure funding. **YakiHonne**: What advice would you give to someone looking to start or expand a Bitcoin-focused community in today’s landscape? **Alexandra**：My advice would be to focus on the core issues, and the two most important ones are structure and education. Often, we get distracted by other elements when building a larger economy—such as organizing meetups, managing day-to-day operations, or maintaining WhatsApp groups for communication. However, for a community to truly grow and thrive, it needs a strong structural system and a functional circular economy. **Alexandra**：First, structure is key. If someone wants to learn about Bitcoin, where can they go? What courses or resources are available? Having clear educational pathways is essential for adoption. **Alexandra**：Second, building a circular economy is crucial. The first step is identifying people who are earning Bitcoin—whether through remittances, jobs, or services. Once there are enough Bitcoin earners, the next step becomes easier: figuring out where they can spend it. This is a far more practical approach than simply convincing businesses to accept Bitcoin without an existing customer base.For example, if you’re a vendor, shop owner, photographer, baker, or farmer, there are many potential Bitcoin customers who don’t want to cash out due to high fees. By accepting Bitcoin, businesses expand their clientele, which is a critical factor in establishing a sustainable Bitcoin economy. **YakiHonne**: Does your community engage in the technical or non-technical aspects of Bitcoin? Or perhaps do you guys do both? **Alexandra**：I think one of the biggest challenges is that we have people conducting thousands of dollars in Bitcoin transactions, yet they don’t understand what Lightning or Layer 2 is. Some even believe that Bitcoin has no real utility, despite using it regularly. There are people who are interested in the technical aspects, and we are gradually finding them. However, our community initially consisted mostly of people who used Bitcoin primarily for remittances. This is a common challenge in Africa—Bitcoin adoption grew rapidly because people saw it as a useful tool, not because they fully understood it. Unfortunately, we are currently more focused on the non-technical aspects, but we are actively working to change that. **YakiHonne**：Alexandra, how do you see the role of Bitcoin communities evolving as technology advances, particularly in areas like scalability, privacy, and adaptability? How do you think these communities will develop as these technologies mature? **Alexandra**：Yeah, I think Bitcoin communities play a crucial role in adoption and education. One of the most common things I hear when teaching people about Bitcoin is, “I wish I had learned about this from you first.” Many people's first encounter with Bitcoin was through scams, which led them to give up on it. Communities are essential because people are more likely to trust and engage with products when they come from a trusted source. **Alexandra**：When you build a community, every new member you bring in has the potential to influence five to ten others. These people are more likely to trust a friend’s recommendation when they say, “Bitcoin is good,” or when they explain how on-chain transactions might be slower or more expensive, but tools exist to enable faster, cheaper, and more private transactions. **Alexandra**：People buy into products they trust—or from people they trust. This is why communities are so important, even in a system built on "Don't trust, verify." Ironically, trust is still the first step for many newcomers. I think this is where Bitcoin might have missed the mark—there are so many incredible Bitcoin advocates, but if no one knows them personally, their messages, no matter how well-articulated, may not resonate. However, when the information comes from a trusted individual, people are much more receptive. **Alexandra**：Bitcoin communities serve as a solid foundation for introducing new solutions, including scalability, privacy, and other innovations. The key is communicating these ideas in a way that people trust and understand. Unlike expensive marketing campaigns, a passionate community can spread Bitcoin education almost for free—all they need are the right tools and resources to drive the movement forward. **YakiHonne**：As long as there is trust, expansion will happen more effectively. Every user, every community member is a stakeholder, as they have the ability to bring others into the community. I’m confident that Bitcoin Reach will continue to grow and make an impact. Now, moving on to my final question, is the government in your region supportive or opposed to Bitcoin? And how has that stance impacted your community so far? **Alexandra**：our government is against Bitcoin. As I mentioned earlier, they were the ones who imposed the implicit ban, making it very expensive for individuals to buy Bitcoin. Zimbabwe used to be one of the fastest adopters in sub-Saharan Africa, but as soon as the government banned Bitcoin, adoption plummeted from 100 to zero. This has made it much more challenging for people like me to build a community around Bitcoin. **Alexandra**：Now, people hold their own keys because they are all using hardware wallets, which is a major benefit. Since they don’t trust institutions, they have taken full control of their Bitcoin, which is a great step toward financial sovereignty. However, this also slows down adoption in some ways. For example, in South Africa, our neighboring country, Pick n Pay has over 1,500 stores where people can pay with Bitcoin. In Zimbabwe, however, there are almost no places to spend Bitcoin, making real-world usage extremely limited. **YakiHonne**：Thank you, Alexander.We've now reached the conclusion of today's interview, and I must say, I've learned so much from you. First, I truly admire how you were motivated by the low Bitcoin adoption rate in your country and took action to change that. I also appreciate your efforts to integrate economic growth with Bitcoin adoption, showing a deep understanding of both financial and technological progress. Your approach to community building is inspiring—you recognize that every community member matters, and the trust they bring is essential to the community’s success. It’s unfortunate that your government does not support Bitcoin, but with time, I believe that as Bitcoin’s influence continues to grow, they will eventually yield to its impact. I’m confident that there will be a stronger Bitcoin movement in Zimbabwe in the future.

@ 2f4550b0:95f20096

The role of a leader extends far beyond managing tasks or hitting targets. Great leaders don’t just steer their ships; they design environments where their teams can grow, adapt, and thrive. By wearing the hat of "learning architects," leaders can craft intentional, impactful learning experiences that empower their teams to take ownership of their development. This isn’t about spoon-feeding knowledge or enforcing rigid training programs. It’s about building a framework where learning feels natural, relevant, and self-directed, unlocking both individual potential and collective success. At the heart of this approach are two guiding principles: self-direction and relevance. Encouraging self-direction for your team will tap into the innate human drive to explore and grow when given autonomy. People don’t want to be told what to learn; they want to pursue learning that matters to them. Relevance, meanwhile, ensures that learning connects directly to real-world challenges, making it immediately applicable. When leaders weave these principles into their team’s growth strategy, they foster a culture of curiosity and resilience. Why does a learning architect mindset matter? Teams that prioritize learning are better equipped to navigate uncertainty. When leaders design growth opportunities, they signal trust in their team’s ability to evolve, boosting morale and performance. More importantly, in a world where skills can become obsolete overnight, fostering continuous learning isn’t optional; it’s a survival tactic. So, how can leaders build this learning ecosystem? Here’s a three-step blueprint to kickstart a team learning initiative that’s both practical and impactful: ## Step 1: Map the Terrain by Identifying Needs and Interests Start by understanding your team’s needs. What skills do they need to excel in their roles today, and what might they need tomorrow? Don’t assume; ask. Conduct one-on-one chats or a quick team survey to uncover your team members’ goals, pain points, and passions. For example, a marketing team might crave data analytics skills, while a product team might lean toward user experience design. Pair these insights with organizational priorities to find the sweet spot where individual interests meet business needs. This step ensures relevance by grounding learning in real-world demands, while inviting self-direction by giving team members a voice. ## Step 2: Build the Framework by Curating Flexible Learning Paths Once you’ve mapped the terrain, design lightweight, adaptable learning paths. Avoid heavy-handed mandates; instead, offer a menu of options. This could mean curating online courses from providers like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning, organizing peer-led workshops, or even setting up a book club tackling industry trends. The key is flexibility; let team members choose what resonates. For instance, if someone’s keen on leadership, point them to a podcast series, while a hands-on learner might shadow a senior colleague. Add structure with loose milestones (e.g., “Try one new resource this month”) to keep momentum without stifling autonomy. This balance of guidance and freedom fuels self-directed growth. ## Step 3: Encourage Reflection and Application Learning doesn’t stick unless it’s used. Create opportunities for your team to reflect on what they’ve learned and apply it. Host casual “share-back” sessions where they present key takeaways or test new skills on a small project. For example, a salesperson who studied negotiation tactics could role-play a contract negotiation scenario, while a developer might prototype a tool they’ve explored. Tie these efforts to real challenges, like improving a process or brainstorming a product tweak, to reinforce relevance and connect their learning to the organization’s strategy. As a leader, your role is to cheerlead, ask questions, and remove roadblocks. Being a learning architect isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about designing a system where growth becomes second nature. By anchoring your approach in self-direction and relevance, and following a simple blueprint (map needs, build paths, open space), you empower your team to take the reins. The result? A group that’s not just keeping up, but pushing forward, ready for whatever comes next. Start small, iterate often, and watch your team transform into a powerhouse of learners and top performers. **Leaders as Learning Architects: Designing Growth for Your Team** The role of a leader extends far beyond managing tasks or hitting targets. Great leaders don’t just steer their ships; they design environments where their teams can grow, adapt, and thrive. By wearing the hat of "learning architects," leaders can craft intentional, impactful learning experiences that empower their teams to take ownership of their development. This isn’t about spoon-feeding knowledge or enforcing rigid training programs. It’s about building a framework where learning feels natural, relevant, and self-directed, unlocking both individual potential and collective success. At the heart of this approach are two guiding principles: self-direction and relevance. Encouraging self-direction for your team will tap into the innate human drive to explore and grow when given autonomy. People don’t want to be told what to learn; they want to pursue learning that matters to them. Relevance, meanwhile, ensures that learning connects directly to real-world challenges, making it immediately applicable. When leaders weave these principles into their team’s growth strategy, they foster a culture of curiosity and resilience.  Why does a learning architect mindset matter? Teams that prioritize learning are better equipped to navigate uncertainty. When leaders design growth opportunities, they signal trust in their team’s ability to evolve, boosting morale and performance. More importantly, in a world where skills can become obsolete overnight, fostering continuous learning isn’t optional; it’s a survival tactic. So, how can leaders build this learning ecosystem? Here’s a three-step blueprint to kickstart a team learning initiative that’s both practical and impactful: **Step 1: Map the Terrain by Identifying Needs and Interests** Start by understanding your team’s needs. What skills do they need to excel in their roles today, and what might they need tomorrow? Don’t assume; ask. Conduct one-on-one chats or a quick team survey to uncover your team members’ goals, pain points, and passions. For example, a marketing team might crave data analytics skills, while a product team might lean toward user experience design. Pair these insights with organizational priorities to find the sweet spot where individual interests meet business needs. This step ensures relevance by grounding learning in real-world demands, while inviting self-direction by giving team members a voice. **Step 2: Build the Framework by Curating Flexible Learning Paths** Once you’ve mapped the terrain, design lightweight, adaptable learning paths. Avoid heavy-handed mandates; instead, offer a menu of options. This could mean curating online courses from providers like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning, organizing peer-led workshops, or even setting up a book club tackling industry trends. The key is flexibility; let team members choose what resonates. For instance, if someone’s keen on leadership, point them to a podcast series, while a hands-on learner might shadow a senior colleague. Add structure with loose milestones (e.g., “Try one new resource this month”) to keep momentum without stifling autonomy. This balance of guidance and freedom fuels self-directed growth. **Step 3: Encourage Reflection and Application** Learning doesn’t stick unless it’s used. Create opportunities for your team to reflect on what they’ve learned and apply it. Host casual “share-back” sessions where they present key takeaways or test new skills on a small project. For example, a salesperson who studied negotiation tactics could role-play a contract negotiation scenario, while a developer might prototype a tool they’ve explored. Tie these efforts to real challenges, like improving a process or brainstorming a product tweak, to reinforce relevance and connect their learning to the organization’s strategy. As a leader, your role is to cheerlead, ask questions, and remove roadblocks. Being a learning architect isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about designing a system where growth becomes second nature. By anchoring your approach in self-direction and relevance, and following a simple blueprint (map needs, build paths, open space), you empower your team to take the reins. The result? A group that’s not just keeping up, but pushing forward, ready for whatever comes next. Start small, iterate often, and watch your team transform into a powerhouse of learners and top performers.

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

The financial landscape has been dramatically reshaped with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) landmark approval of the first-ever batch of spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This pivotal moment not only signifies a major leap forward for the cryptocurrency realm but also marks a significant evolution in traditional investment methodologies. The integration of Bitcoin into the ETF framework heralds a new era of digital asset investment, blending the innovative world of cryptocurrencies with the stability and familiarity of traditional financial markets. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Bitcoin ETFs, their profound implications for the investment community, and the transformative potential they hold for the future of financial diversification and strategy. **Table of Contents** - What is a Bitcoin ETF? - The Significance of SEC’s Approval - Impact on the Cryptocurrency Market - Benefits for Investors - Enhanced Accessibility - Portfolio Diversification - Regulatory Safety Net - Challenges and Considerations - Conclusion - FAQs **What is a Bitcoin ETF?** A Bitcoin ETF represents a seismic shift in investment opportunities, offering a bridge between the cutting-edge realm of cryptocurrencies and the established world of stock market investing. It functions as an investment fund that closely tracks the value of Bitcoin, allowing investors to buy shares that mirror the performance of the digital currency. These shares are traded on conventional stock exchanges, akin to stocks, thereby democratizing access to Bitcoin investment. This innovative approach eliminates the technical barriers and security concerns associated with direct cryptocurrency investments, such as understanding blockchain technology, managing digital wallets, and safeguarding private keys. By simplifying the investment process, Bitcoin ETFs are poised to attract a diverse range of investors, from seasoned stock market enthusiasts to newcomers intrigued by the potential of digital currencies. **The Significance of SEC’s Approval** The SEC's approval of Bitcoin ETFs is a watershed moment, signaling a paradigm shift in the financial sector's approach to digital assets. It's a recognition of Bitcoin's growing relevance and maturity as an investment asset, and a nod to its potential to integrate seamlessly into the broader financial system. This move is not just about regulatory compliance; it's a strong endorsement of the legitimacy and viability of cryptocurrencies. The involvement of heavyweight financial institutions in sponsoring these ETFs is a testament to the growing confidence in Bitcoin's future. This development is expected to catalyze further innovations in the cryptocurrency space, encouraging more rigorous standards, enhanced security protocols, and greater transparency, all of which are essential for mainstream acceptance and long-term growth. **Impact on the Cryptocurrency Market** The launch of Bitcoin ETFs is set to revolutionize the cryptocurrency market. By offering a regulated, familiar, and accessible investment vehicle, these ETFs are likely to attract a new demographic of investors, including those who have been on the sidelines due to the perceived complexities and risks of cryptocurrencies. This broader investor base could lead to increased market capitalization and liquidity for Bitcoin, potentially reducing volatility and fostering a more stable pricing environment. Moreover, the introduction of Bitcoin ETFs could serve as a catalyst for the development of similar products for other cryptocurrencies, paving the way for a more diverse and robust digital asset market. This could also spur innovation in blockchain technology and crypto-related services, further integrating these into the mainstream financial ecosystem. **Benefits for Investors** **Enhanced Accessibility** Bitcoin ETFs represent a democratization of cryptocurrency investment, making it accessible to a wider audience. This inclusivity extends beyond individual investors to institutional ones, who may have been hesitant to invest in cryptocurrencies due to regulatory concerns or logistical complexities. By trading on major stock exchanges, Bitcoin ETFs offer a familiar and regulated environment, lowering the entry barrier for those new to digital currencies. **Portfolio Diversification** The introduction of Bitcoin ETFs offers a novel avenue for portfolio diversification. Historically, investors seeking diversification would turn to a mix of stocks, bonds, and commodities. Bitcoin ETFs add a new dimension to this mix, providing exposure to an asset class that has shown a low correlation with traditional markets. This diversification can be particularly appealing in times of economic uncertainty or inflationary pressures, where Bitcoin has often been touted as a 'digital gold'. **Regulatory Safety Net** Trading within the regulated framework of stock exchanges, Bitcoin ETFs offer a level of oversight and consumer protection not typically available in direct cryptocurrency investments. This regulatory safety net can be particularly reassuring for risk-averse investors and those concerned about the legal implications of cryptocurrency investments. Simplified Investment and Taxation Process: Investing in Bitcoin directly involves a complex maze of tax implications and ownership challenges. Bitcoin ETFs streamline this process, offering a straightforward investment vehicle that fits neatly into existing tax and investment frameworks. This simplification is a boon for both individual investors managing their portfolios and financial advisors seeking to incorporate digital assets into their clients' strategies. **Challenges and Considerations** While Bitcoin ETFs offer numerous advantages, they are not without their challenges and risks. The cryptocurrency market, known for its volatility, presents a unique risk profile that may not be suitable for all investors. The price of Bitcoin can be influenced by a range of factors, from regulatory news to technological developments, and investor sentiment. Therefore, while ETFs provide a more accessible route to Bitcoin investment, they do not shield investors from the inherent price volatility of the underlying asset. Additionally, as with any emerging investment vehicle, there is a learning curve associated with understanding how Bitcoin ETFs fit into a broader investment strategy. Investors should conduct thorough research, consider their long-term investment goals, and possibly consult with financial advisors to understand how Bitcoin ETFs align with their risk tolerance and investment objectives. **Conclusion** The introduction of Bitcoin ETFs is a landmark development in the financial world, bridging the gap between traditional investment mechanisms and the burgeoning world of digital currencies. This innovation not only expands the accessibility of Bitcoin to a broader range of investors but also enhances the overall credibility and stability of the cryptocurrency market. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, Bitcoin ETFs stand as a beacon of the growing synergy between conventional finance and digital asset innovation, offering a glimpse into a future where such collaborations are not just possible but are a cornerstone of investment strategy. As we move forward, Bitcoin ETFs will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the dynamics of investment portfolios, offering a unique combination of innovation, accessibility, and diversification. **FAQs** **What is a Bitcoin ETF?** A Bitcoin ETF is an exchange-traded fund that tracks the price of Bitcoin, allowing investors to buy shares in the ETF on traditional stock exchanges, without directly purchasing and managing Bitcoin. **How does a Bitcoin ETF differ from buying Bitcoin directly?** Unlike direct Bitcoin purchases, which require a cryptocurrency exchange account and a digital wallet, a Bitcoin ETF allows investors to trade shares representing Bitcoin on conventional stock exchanges, simplifying the investment process. **Are Bitcoin ETFs safe investments?** While Bitcoin ETFs offer the safety of regulated stock exchanges and eliminate the need for digital wallet management, they still carry the inherent volatility and risks associated with Bitcoin prices. **Can Bitcoin ETFs be included in retirement portfolios?** Yes, Bitcoin ETFs can be included in various investment portfolios, including retirement plans, offering a way to diversify with a new asset class. **What are the tax implications of investing in a Bitcoin ETF?** Bitcoin ETFs simplify tax reporting compared to direct cryptocurrency investments. However, investors should consult with a tax professional to understand specific implications. **That's all for today** **If you want more, be sure to follow us on:** **NOSTR: croxroad@getalby.com** **X: @croxroadnews.co** **Instagram: @croxroadnews.co** **Youtube: @croxroadnews** **Store: https://croxroad.store** **Subscribe to CROX ROAD Bitcoin Only Daily Newsletter** **https://www.croxroad.co/subscribe** ***DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.***

@ 0463223a:3b14d673

I’m in a weird space of nostalgia. 24 hours without any pharmaceutical help for mood and anxiety problems. As mentioned previously, I’ve been boshing RRSIs and the like for 10 plus years. They’re very addictive to be honest. For context I’ve given up nicotine, amphetamines, crack cocaine and heroin in the past so I think I’m a decent benchmark for a drug’s addictive qualities... Top, without question was nicotine. Not for the side effects but the fact it took many years to kick and a lot of on/off usage. I can’t remember the last time I smoked a cigarette so it’s been quite a few years now. Heroin was fun…. Well if you call fun having a horrible case of flu where you also hallucinate, that sort of fun. But RRSIs have been very tough and it’s only been 24 hours (after slowly reducing the dose over 6 months). I feel pretty shit to be honest but I’ll get through today. I’ve also quit Pregabalin today which, as I understand, is an anti-psychotic so I can’t rule out the possibility of psychopathy today… I tried once before and it came close to ending my relationship with my wife (not for psychopathy I hasten to add, just an absolutely foul, unstable mood). This time I’ve taken the process a lot slower. I’ve been trapped in a weird feeling of nostalgia these last 24 hours, it’s odd as it is being trapped inside the perception of a piece of music. I don’t think I can describe the feeling well but the track is from a cassette I had as a kid. The true origins of the tape I don’t know. I taped it from a friend who told me it was from the club we frequented in 1991, a place called Slammers. Still without doubt the best club I ever went to. It was tiny, like not much bigger than an average house in the UK, in fact probably smaller, depends on your perception of house sizes. I’m going by turn of the century terraced houses common in the UK. The club coincided with a particularly good run of ecstasy tablets in the UK. The downstairs of the club was truly mental. There were no lights at all. Pitch black, the only lighting being from the turntables and mixer. It was nuts. It was a life changing experience. Being broke I only ever went a handful of times but the idea the tape originated from there was good enough for me. The in house DJ crew were the Get Down Crew from Bethnal Green (at least I think this is what I remember). Namely two guys by the names of Wigs and Easy T. The music played was a lot of what paved the way for Jungle in 1993 and the term Jungle Techno was being used by us around this time. Now the tape may not have been Wigs and Easy T, part of me wonders if it was DJ Rap (Or Fabio???). Whist the tunes were great, the mixing wasn’t amazing and reminiscent of Rap’s style (sorry DJ Rap!) but it exists in my memory, a very real artefact. So this tape was another source for me to find records, most that I really liked I identified over the years but some eluded me. One was Virtual by The Black Dog (ironic), that I found on night online, probably a few glasses of wine in… And I now know that there were only 500 copies of that record made, copies go for around £100 these days. Worst is I actually nearly bought it at the time but the dude in the record shop said it probably wasn't my thing!?!?!?!? Even back in 1991 the song sounded like some ancient artefact. Such a warm noise. “World World World, I sit in my room imagine the future”. Damn. The other track I only recently found out, and it was on the B Side from a group I already loved and had some of their records. However, unlike The Black Dog, it’s not rare, just overlooked as the group were more known for their Hip Hop output. It was The Cash Crew all along?! Fuck!!!! Now since finding I play on my streaming show a lot and given I’d listened so much on cassette too, I know that record inside out! Well no I don’t!??! After editing for a mixtape, I noticed layers of vocals I never knew existed and I’m also now trapped in this nostalgic frame and it feels immeasurably sad. The fact is I never actually heard that record in a club, despite it being on a tape that I help as an ultimate reference point for a moment in time that I never actually experienced. That sums up the feeling of coming off RRSIs. Maybe this all sounds frivolous but music has always make up a core of my identity, more so than being a fucking spastic ever did. Now I own the record, I am old as fuck and millions of miles away from a moment that never existed. I can’t explain. Cash Crew – HUMP https://video.mxtthxw.art/w/dQHPt96bXwMP8Ggyjrcq8x

@ e7bc35f8:3ed2a7cf

Contrary to what its multi-million dollar [international PR campaign]( https://youtu.be/D_MZKRG3frQ) would have you believe, the "White Helmets" are not a group of volunteer search-and-rescue workers that sprang spontaneously out of the Syrian soil. In November 2017, journalist Vanessa Beeley gave a [groundbreaking presentation]( https://www.youtube.com/live/lC7ZxdFzdzQ) to the Swiss Press Club in Geneva on the so-called "Syria Civil Defence" (better known as the "White Helmets"), which presents itself as an impartial group of volunteer search and rescue workers working "_to save lives and strengthen communities in Syria._" In her presentation, Beeley demonstrated the connections between this supposedly "neutral" organization, recognized terrorist groups operating in Syria, and the UK government. VANESSA BEELEY > During my time working in East Aleppo, it was clear that the councils were working hand in hand with [Al] Nusra Front. Their centers in each district were always next door to Nusra Front headquarters and White Helmet centres, i.e., they always formed an integrated complex. Less than three weeks later, [The Guardian]( https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/18/syria-white-helmets-conspiracy-theories) released a report painting all skeptics of the White Helmets, including Beeley and other "anti-imperialist activists", as proponents of a Russian propaganda campaign directed by the Kremlin. This is no coincidence. The White Helmets are in fact part of a coordinated propaganda campaign. But that campaign is not being directed by the Kremlin, but the western governments which have been responsible for the founding and funding of the White Helmets. And the ones promoting that propaganda are not independent journalists like Beeley, but establishment mouthpieces like The Guardian. The White Helmets won an Oscar at the 2017 Academy Awards. This is, after all, an organization that thrives on the magic of movie-making to make themselves into heroes. Surely any movie that could turn a group funded by the US and UK governments, associated with western intelligence operatives, and embedded with Al Qaeda terrorists, into a group of crusading heroes is as worthy of an Academy Award as any similarly fictitious movie about superheroes saving the world. It was also fitting that the leader of the group, Raed Saleh, [was not at the ceremony]( https://youtu.be/EJ5uFsEMLGw) to help accept the prize as originally planned. 🔸NPR REPORTER: > Hi, I 'm wondering…um, I thought the White Helmets we’re gonna be here, or the leader and the cinematographer who shot a lot of this film. What happened? 🔸ORLANDO VON EINSIEDEL: > Well, Raed Saleh, who’s the leader of the White Helmets, he couldn’t come in the end because the last couple of days in Syria the violence has really escalated and he does life-saving work[…]. Our cinematographer, I mean, you know we’re confused about this, too. The last two weeks have been very difficult. He had a US visa, he tried to board a plane, and he wasn’t able to come, so we - you know, we’re very sad about that. What Orlando von Einsiedel, the director of the film, neglected to mention is that this was not the first time that Raed Saleh, the leader of the White Helmets, failed to appear in the US. In April of 2016, InterAction, an alliance of NGOs, held a gala dinner in Washington, where it planned to honour Saleh and the work of the White Helmets in Syria. However, Saleh [was refused entry]( https://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/21/world/middleeast/leader-of-syria-rescue-group-arriving-in-us-for-award-is-refused-entry.html?_r=0) into the country when he arrived at Washington’s Dulles Airport.  Declining to talk about the details of the case, a [State Department spokesman]( https://youtu.be/ehdAVgmPODY) merely said, "_The U.S. government’s system of continual vetting means that traveler records are screened against available information in real time_". 🔸MATT LEE: > You commend this group, you’re going to continue to support them, and yet you revoked the visa of their leader? I don’t…that makes zero sense to me. […] 🔸MARK TONER: > ...unfortunately, we can’t speak to individual visa cases. I think broadly speaking, though on any visa case we are constantly looking at new information, so-called 'continually vetting' travel or records and if we do have new information that we believe an individual would pose a security risk we’ll certainly act on that. 🔸LEE: > I’m saying that it just strikes me as a bit odd that you’re saying that this group is wonderful and does such a great job and you’re commending them for their heroism, and yet you’re doing this just 10 days after the leader of this group, who was supposed to be, you know…got his visa revoked or wasn’t allowed to travel here. […] 🔸TONER: > Well, he’s one individual in the group, and any individual—again, I’m broadening my language here for specific reasons—but any individual in any group suspected of ties or relations with extremist groups, or that we have believed to be a security threat to the United States, we would act accordingly. But that does not by extension mean we condemn or would cut off ties to the group for which that individual works for. So how is this possible? How could the leader of such a valiant team of crusading do-gooders himself be denied a visa to enter the United States as a potential security threat with ties to terrorists? The multi-million dollar PR campaign that surrounds the White Helmets, after all, portrayed the group as being pure as the driven snow. A perfect example for this is [the story]( https://youtu.be/L5ULObu2ByM) about the boy named Omran Daqneesh. A story that eventually turned to be totally [fake news]( https://www.mintpressnews.com/mintpress-meets-father-iconic-aleppo-boy-says-media-lied-son/228722/).  But what is always left out of these glowing mainstream media puff pieces is any actual information about the organization. Where did it come from? Who founded it? Where does it get its funding? And why did it operate exclusively in terrorist-held areas of Syria? The first clues about the real nature of the group come from their name itself. Calling themselves the "Syria Civil Defence" is misleading in multiple ways. First, it implies that the group was founded in Syria by Syrians. It was not. The group was in fact founded in March 2013 in Turkey, by James Le Mesurier, a former British military intelligence officer then doing contract work for the US and UK governments. None of this information is even controversial. This is the story as told by [Le Mesurier]( https://youtu.be/sw3NMEyMSTw) himself. The name "Syria Civil Defence" was also a lie because there was a [real Syria Civil Defence]( https://21stcenturywire.com/2016/09/23/exclusive-the-real-syria-civil-defence-expose-natos-white-helmets-as-terrorist-linked-imposters/) that has been operating in the country for 65 years. The actual Syria Civil Defence, a volunteer search and rescue organization, was established in Syria in 1953. Unlike the White Helmets, the [real Syria Civil Defence]( https://icdo.org/) was a member of the International Civil Defence Organisation and (again, in contrast to the White Helmets) had an emergency number (113) that can be called in Syria by those needing assistance. But thar Syria Civil Defence does not enjoy the glitz and glamour of Oscar-winning documentaries, the constant attention of the international press, or the [more than $60 million]( https://web.archive.org/web/20170103120950/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2mWdvgCOqs) in [funding]( https://21stcenturywire.com/2017/12/02/white-helmets-local-councils-uk-fco-financing-terrorism-syria-taxpayer-funds/) by [foreign governments]( https://web.archive.org/web/20170730064327/http://www.adamsmithinternational.com/explore-our-work/middle-east-north-africa/syria/building-the-capacity-for-governance-in-communities-across-opposition-contr/) that have been bestowed on the [White Helmets]( https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/may/08/gazientep-turkey-tamkeen-quest-to-rebuild-syria).  But even more disturbing than the unusual founding of the group is the evidence demonstrating that the White Helmets, far from their official claim to political neutrality, are in fact intimately embedded with known and listed terrorist organizations in Syria. Again, the most damning evidence in this regard is not controversial in the slightest. It comes directly from the White Helmets themselves. Numerous videos and photos have surfaced showing the White Helmets parading on the dead bodies of Syrian government forces and flying the flags of known terrorist organizations. An in-depth report on "The Syrian War Blog" in 2017, examined the social media profiles of 65 different White Helmets-connected figures and found numerous posts in support of ISIS, Jabhat al-Nusra, Ahrar al-Sham and other listed terrorist organizations. Some even [posted pictures]( https://syrianwar1.blogspot.com/2017/11/white-helmets-exposed-as-extremists-65.html?m=1) of themselves with known terrorist leaders or waving the flag of terrorist groups like ISIS, and many proudly displayed images of dead Syrian soldiers. Most of this evidence is explained away as "bad apples" in the organization acting on their own. Some of these "bad apples" are then castigated in public displays, like when one White Helmet was fired when footage surfaced showing him [disposing the mutilated corpses]( https://www.newsweek.com/oscar-win-white-helmets-syria-volunteer-dump-bodies-rebels-628407) of Syrian government fighters. When a graphic video of the White Helmets [overseeing]( https://x.com/BenjaminNorton/status/865033499950145538?t=Ru67QyFS7hgqWRJWLuEb0g&s=19) [the execution]( https://web.archive.org/web/20170627003514/https://twitter.com/Ali_Kourani/status/877287658472472579) of a man in terrorist-occupied Daraa surfaced, the group actually [defended the workers]( https://web.archive.org/web/20170613015828/http://syriacivildefense.org/sites/syriacivildefense.org/files/18%20May%202017%20-%20.pdf) while acknowledging that they "did not fully uphold the strict principle of neutrality and impartiality". But incredibly, Le Mesurier, the former British intel officer who founded the White Helmets in 2013, defended the workers [caught in one bloody video]( https://web.archive.org/web/20190502060841/https://www.liveleak.com/view?i=fd8_1430900709&comments=1) from May 2015. The Middle Ground, a Singaporean website, ran a story [featuring Le Mesurier’s take ]( https://web.archive.org/web/20180212075744/http://203.211.130.27/2017/04/18/white-helmets-terrorists-fake-news-syria-assad-nobel-oscars/)on the incident. In opposition to the deafening mainstream media silence over this incredible mountain of evidence against the White Helmets standed only a handful of independent researchers, universally ignored or marginalized from the mainstream discussion on the issue. These independent researchers include [Vanessa Beeley]( https://youtu.be/NQL3rX6xWRg), a British researcher who has been one of the few journalists to report extensively on the ground in areas like East Aleppo over the last two years, and Eva Bartlett, a Canadian freelancer who has gained notoriety for using her own on-the-ground reporting from Syria to speak out against the mainstream narrative about the White Helmets. Given that there were so few voices speaking up against the White Helmets, it should come as no surprise that when "The Guardian" finally deigned to address what they termed the "conspiracy theories" about the organization, they turned their attention on these very researchers. In "How Syria’s White Helmets became victims of an online propaganda machine", The Guardian turned to Olivia Solon to dismiss all opposition to the White Helmets as the work of "anti-imperialist activists", "conspiracy theorists" and "trolls with the support of the Russian government". The choice of Solon to report on this story is especially odd; a "technology reporter" in San Francisco, Solon has no background of any sort in geopolitics or combat zone reporting and, as far as can be determined, has never set foot in Syria. Instead, she relied exclusively on sources such as the [murky PR lobbying firm]( https://web.archive.org/web/20170110212932/https://www.alternet.org/world/inside-shadowy-pr-firm-thats-driving-western-opinion-towards-regime-change-syria), The Syria Campaign, to praise the White Helmets and [castigate their detractors]( https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/18/syria-white-helmets-conspiracy-theories). Bizarrely, the report devotes a great deal of attention to the White Helmets’ [Mannequin Challenge video]( https://youtu.be/Zgl271A6LgQ), footage of an admittedly fake and staged "rescue" operation released by the group in an attempt to cash in on a viral internet video trend taking place at the time. The inference of the video is obvious: that the group is perfectly capable of staging incredibly realistic and completely fake "rescue" operations at any time. These fake videos, stripped of their context, would be uncritically promoted as authentic by mainstream outlets like The Guardian in the exact same way that the completely fictitious video of a "Syrian" boy rescuing his sister under sniper fire was uncritically accepted by the mainstream media…until it was admitted to be a [fake video produced in Malta]( https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-30057401) by a Norwegian film crew "_to see how the media would respond to such a video_". The Guardian’s headline when the fake Norwegian film production was released? "[Syrian boy 'saves girl from army sniper]( https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2014/nov/12/syrian-boy-saves-girl-from-army-sniper-video)' – video." Strangely, Solon’s report does not mention that incident. The majority of The Guardian's report focuses on why the innocent and virtuous White Helmets would be so viciously attacked by independent journalists and how all opposition to the group is connected to the Kremlin. This is supposedly demonstrated in an utterly meaningless "infographic" of colored dots showing precisely nothing of substance. Unsurprisingly, Solon's contact with the reporters whose work she was set to impugn displayed her biases from the very start. [Bartlett exposed the conversation]( https://www.globalresearch.ca/how-the-mainstream-media-whitewashed-al-qaeda-and-the-white-helmets-in-syria/5624930) she had with Olivia Solon and the emails received from her, where you can see her real [dishonest intentions]( https://ingaza.wordpress.com/2017/01/28/those-who-transmit-syrian-voices-are-russian-propagandists-monitors-of-fake-news-negate-syrian-suffering/). Olivia Solon contacted Beeley as well. Her attempt to put them in a position of having to defend themselves [becomes obvious]( https://youtu.be/NQL3rX6xWRg). Of course what would you have expected from The Guardian? [In 2016 it lobbied]( https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/oct/05/the-guardian-view-on-the-nobel-peace-prize-give-it-to-syrias-white-helmets), effectively, for the White Helmets to win the Nobel Peace Prize, and when it was inundated with negative comments it simply closed comments. Researchers like Beeley, Bartlett and Professor Tim Anderson, also mentioned in Solon’s report, are easy enough targets for The Guardian. Independent journalists taking it upon themselves to counter the Syria narrative, they would never be taken seriously by establishment media circles in the first place. Curiously omitted from The Guardian article, however, are the award-winning, internationally respected journalists who have similarly expressed skepticism about the White Helmets, their backers, and the PR campaign that surrounds them. There is [Gareth Porter]( https://web.archive.org/web/20170104164043/https://www.alternet.org/grayzone-project/how-syrian-white-helmets-played-western-media), the award-winning journalist who has contributed to Foreign Policy, Foreign Affairs, The Nation, Al Jazeera, Salon, The Huffington Post, Alternet and countless other outlets, who wrote "How a Syrian White Helmets Leader Played Western Media" in November 2016. There is [Philip Giraldi]( https://www.unz.com/pgiraldi/the-fraud-of-the-white-helmets/), a former CIA counter-terrorism specialist and military intelligence officer who wrote "The Fraud of the White Helmets" in July of 2017. There is [Stephen Kinzer]( https://www.theguardian.com/profile/stephenkinzer), former New York Times correspondent who tweeted his [congratulations to "al-Qaeda and Syrian jihadists"]( https://x.com/stephenkinzer/status/836216952913809409?t=1hqvhtGMQn1FYbz7OL7y6Q&s=19) when the film about "their PR outfit, the White Helmets", won the Oscar. So the issue here is not merely one of PR and propaganda, as appalling as the uncritical reporting about the White Helmets has been. What is worrying is that the so-called Syrian Civil Defence is, as we have seen, not Syrian at all. Founded, funded and promoted by foreign governments, foreign contractors and foreign lobbyists and PR agencies, the White Helmets are not a spontaneous Syrian search-and-rescue operation, but a template. A template that, if successful, can and will be employed anywhere and everywhere that those same foreign powers want to destabilize targeted governments in the future.

@ d360efec:14907b5f

**ภาพรวม BTCUSDT (OKX):** Bitcoin (BTCUSDT) ยังคงแสดงความผันผวนและแนวโน้มที่ไม่ชัดเจน แม้ว่าแนวโน้มระยะยาว (TF Day) จะยังคงมีลักษณะเป็นขาขึ้น (แต่*อ่อนแรงลงอย่างมาก*) แนวโน้มระยะกลาง (TF4H) และระยะสั้น (TF15) เป็นขาลง/Sideways Down การวิเคราะห์ครั้งนี้จะเน้นไปที่ SMC, ICT, และรูปแบบ Chart Patterns เพื่อเพิ่มความแม่นยำในการระบุแนวโน้มและจุดเข้า/ออก **วิเคราะห์ทีละ Timeframe:** **(1) TF Day (รายวัน):**  * **แนวโน้ม:** ขาขึ้น (Uptrend) *อ่อนแรงลงอย่างมาก, มีความเสี่ยงที่จะเปลี่ยนแนวโน้ม* * **SMC:** * Higher Highs (HH) และ Higher Lows (HL) *เริ่มไม่ชัดเจน, ราคาหลุด Low ก่อนหน้า* * Break of Structure (BOS) ด้านบน *แต่มีการปรับฐานที่รุนแรง* * **Liquidity:** * มี Sellside Liquidity (SSL) อยู่ใต้ Lows ก่อนหน้า (บริเวณ 85,000 - 90,000) * มี Buyside Liquidity (BSL) อยู่เหนือ High เดิม * **ICT:** * **Order Block:** ราคาหลุด Order Block ขาขึ้น * **FVG:** ไม่มี FVG ชัดเจน * **EMA:** * ราคา *หลุด* EMA 50 (สีเหลือง) ลงมาแล้ว * EMA 200 (สีขาว) เป็นแนวรับถัดไป * **Money Flow (LuxAlgo):** * *สีแดงยาว* แสดงถึงแรงขายที่แข็งแกร่ง * **Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):** * สีแดง (เมฆแดง) แสดงถึงแนวโน้มขาลง *และไม่มีสัญญาณซื้อ/ขายปรากฏ* * **Chart Patterns:** *ไม่มีรูปแบบที่ชัดเจน* * **Volume Profile:** Volume ค่อนข้างเบาบาง * **แท่งเทียน:** แท่งเทียนล่าสุดเป็นสีแดง แสดงถึงแรงขาย * **แนวรับ:** EMA 200, บริเวณ 85,000 - 90,000 (SSL) * **แนวต้าน:** EMA 50, High เดิม * **สรุป:** แนวโน้มขาขึ้นอ่อนแรงลงอย่างมาก, *สัญญาณอันตรายหลายอย่าง*, Money Flow และ Trend Strength เป็นลบ, *หลุด Order Block และ EMA 50* **(2) TF4H (4 ชั่วโมง):**  * **แนวโน้ม:** ขาลง (Downtrend) * **SMC:** * Lower Highs (LH) และ Lower Lows (LL) * Break of Structure (BOS) ด้านล่าง * **Liquidity:** * มี SSL อยู่ใต้ Lows ก่อนหน้า * มี BSL อยู่เหนือ Highs ก่อนหน้า * **ICT:** * **Order Block:** ราคาไม่สามารถผ่าน Order Block ขาลงได้ * **EMA:** * ราคาอยู่ใต้ EMA 50 และ EMA 200 * **Money Flow (LuxAlgo):** * สีแดง แสดงถึงแรงขาย * **Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):** * แดง/ไม่มีสัญญาณ * **Chart Patterns:** *ไม่มีรูปแบบที่ชัดเจน* * **Volume Profile:** * Volume ค่อนข้างนิ่ง * **แนวรับ:** บริเวณ Low ล่าสุด * **แนวต้าน:** EMA 50, EMA 200, บริเวณ Order Block * **สรุป:** แนวโน้มขาลงชัดเจน, แรงขายมีอิทธิพล **(3) TF15 (15 นาที):**  * **แนวโน้ม:** Sideways Down (แกว่งตัวลง) * **SMC:** * Lower Highs (LH) และ Lower Lows (LL) * Break of Structure (BOS) ด้านล่าง * **ICT:** * ราคา Sideway * **EMA:** * EMA 50 และ EMA 200 เป็นแนวต้าน * **Money Flow (LuxAlgo):** * แดง/เขียว สลับกัน * **Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):** * สีแดง แสดงถึงแนวโน้มขาลง * **Chart Patterns:** *ไม่มีรูปแบบที่ชัดเจน* * **Volume Profile:** * Volume ค่อนข้างนิ่ง * **แนวรับ:** บริเวณ Low ล่าสุด * **แนวต้าน:** EMA 50, EMA 200 * **สรุป:** แนวโน้ม Sideways Down, **สรุปภาพรวมและกลยุทธ์ (BTCUSDT):** * **แนวโน้มหลัก (Day):** ขาขึ้น (*อ่อนแรงลงอย่างมาก, เสี่ยงที่จะเปลี่ยนแนวโน้ม*) * **แนวโน้มรอง (4H):** ขาลง * **แนวโน้มระยะสั้น (15m):** ขาลง/Sideways Down * **Liquidity:** มี SSL ทั้งใน Day, 4H, และ 15m * **Money Flow:** เป็นลบในทุก Timeframes * **Trend Strength:** Day/15m เป็นขาลง, 4H Sideways * **Chart Patterns:** ไม่พบรูปแบบที่ชัดเจน * **กลยุทธ์:** 1. **Wait & See (ดีที่สุด):** รอความชัดเจน 2. **Short (เสี่ยง):** ถ้าไม่สามารถ Breakout EMA/แนวต้านใน TF ใดๆ ได้ หรือเมื่อเกิดสัญญาณ Bearish Continuation 3. **ไม่แนะนำให้ Buy:** จนกว่าจะมีสัญญาณกลับตัวที่ชัดเจนมากๆ **Day Trade & การเทรดรายวัน:** * **Day Trade (TF15):** * **Short Bias:** หาจังหวะ Short เมื่อราคาเด้งขึ้นไปทดสอบแนวต้าน (EMA, Order Block) * **Stop Loss:** เหนือแนวต้านที่เข้า Short * **Take Profit:** แนวรับถัดไป (Low ล่าสุด) * **ไม่แนะนำให้ Long** * **Swing Trade (TF4H):** * **Short Bias:** รอจังหวะ Short เมื่อราคาไม่สามารถผ่านแนวต้าน EMA หรือ Order Block ได้ * **Stop Loss:** เหนือแนวต้านที่เข้า Short * **Take Profit:** แนวรับถัดไป * **ไม่แนะนำให้ Long** **สิ่งที่ต้องระวัง:** * **Sellside Liquidity (SSL):** มีโอกาสสูงที่ราคาจะถูกลากลงไปแตะ SSL * **False Breakouts:** ระวัง * **Volatility:** สูง **Setup Day Trade แบบ SMC (ตัวอย่าง):** 1. **ระบุ Order Block:** หา Order Block ขาลง (Bearish Order Block) ใน TF15 2. **รอ Pullback:** รอให้ราคา Pullback ขึ้นไปทดสอบ Order Block นั้น 3. **หา Bearish Entry:** * **Rejection:** รอ Price Action ปฏิเสธ Order Block * **Break of Structure:** รอให้ราคา Break โครงสร้างย่อยๆ * **Money Flow:** ดู Money Flow ให้เป็นสีแดง 4. **ตั้ง Stop Loss:** เหนือ Order Block 5. **ตั้ง Take Profit:** แนวรับถัดไป **คำแนะนำ:** * **ความขัดแย้งของ Timeframes:** มีอยู่ แต่แนวโน้มระยะกลาง-สั้น เป็นลบ * **Money Flow:** เป็นลบในทุก Timeframes * **Trend Strength:** เป็นลบ * **Order Block TF Day:** หลุด Order Block ขาขึ้นแล้ว * **ถ้าไม่แน่ใจ อย่าเพิ่งเข้าเทรด** **Disclaimer:** การวิเคราะห์นี้เป็นเพียงความคิดเห็นส่วนตัว ไม่ถือเป็นคำแนะนำในการลงทุน ผู้ลงทุนควรศึกษาข้อมูลเพิ่มเติมและตัดสินใจด้วยความรอบคอบ

@ 86a82cab:b5ef38a0

Not everyone wants a super app though, and that’s okay. As with most things in the Nostr ecosystem, flexibility is key. Notedeck gives users the freedom to choose how they engage with it—whether it’s simply following hashtags or managing straightforward feeds. You'll be able to tailor Notedeck to fit your needs, using it as extensively or minimally as you prefer. \ \ Not everyone wants a super app though, and that’s okay. As with most things in the Nostr ecosystem, flexibility is key. Notedeck gives users the freedom to choose how they engage with it—whether it’s simply following hashtags or managing straightforward feeds. You'll be able to tailor Notedeck to fit your needs, using it as extensively or minimally as you prefer.&lt;/span&gt; [IMage](https://nostrtips.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/nostr-structure-1-1024x576.jpg)

@ d360efec:14907b5f

$OKX:BTCUSDT.P **Overall Assessment:** Bitcoin (BTCUSDT) on OKX continues to exhibit high volatility and an uncertain trend. While the long-term trend (Daily chart) is technically still an uptrend, it has *weakened considerably*. The 4-hour and 15-minute charts are in downtrends, creating conflicting signals. This analysis focuses on identifying potential areas of Smart Money activity (liquidity pools and order blocks), assessing trend strength, and identifying any relevant chart patterns. **Detailed Analysis by Timeframe:** **(1) TF Day (Daily):**  * **Trend:** Uptrend (*Significantly Weakening, High Risk of Reversal*). * **SMC (Smart Money Concepts):** * The Higher Highs (HH) and Higher Lows (HL) structure is *becoming less defined*. The recent price action has broken a previous low. * Prior Breaks of Structure (BOS) to the upside, but the current pullback is very deep. * **Liquidity:** * **Sellside Liquidity (SSL):** Significant SSL rests below previous lows in the 85,000 - 90,000 range. This is a likely target for Smart Money. * **Buyside Liquidity (BSL):** BSL is present above the all-time high. * **ICT (Inner Circle Trader Concepts):** * **Order Block:** The price has *broken below* the prior bullish Order Block (the large green candle before a significant up-move). This is a *major bearish signal*. * **FVG:** No clear, significant Fair Value Gap is apparent at the current price level on the Daily chart. * **EMA (Exponential Moving Average):** * Price has *broken below* the 50-period EMA (yellow), a bearish signal. * The 200-period EMA (white) is the next major support level. * **Money Flow (LuxAlgo):** * A *long red bar* indicates strong and sustained selling pressure. * **Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):** * Red cloud indicates a downtrend. No buy/sell signals are present. * **Chart Patterns:** No readily identifiable, classic chart patterns are apparent on the Daily chart. * **Volume Profile:** Relatively low volume on the decline. * **Candlesticks:** The most recent candlestick is red, confirming selling pressure. * **Support:** EMA 200, 85,000-90,000 (SSL area). * **Resistance:** EMA 50, Previous All-Time High. * **Summary:** The Daily chart's uptrend is significantly weakening. The break below the 50 EMA *and* the bullish Order Block, combined with the negative Money Flow and bearish Trend Strength, are all major red flags. The SSL below is a key area to watch. **(2) TF4H (4-Hour):**  * **Trend:** Downtrend. * **SMC:** * Lower Highs (LH) and Lower Lows (LL). * BOS to the downside. * **Liquidity:** * **SSL:** Below previous lows. * **BSL:** Above previous highs. * **ICT:** * **Order Block:** The price failed to break above a bearish Order Block. * **EMA:** * Price is below both the 50-period and 200-period EMAs (bearish). * **Money Flow (LuxAlgo):** * Predominantly red, confirming selling pressure. * **Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):** * Red, indicating no particular trend or a sideways movement. No buy/sell signals. * **Chart Patterns:** No readily identifiable, classic chart patterns are apparent. * **Volume Profile:** Relatively consistent volume. * **Support:** Recent lows. * **Resistance:** EMA 50, EMA 200, Order Block. * **Summary:** The 4-hour chart is in a confirmed downtrend. The Money Flow is bearish, price below both EMAs. **(3) TF15 (15-Minute):**  * **Trend:** Downtrend / Sideways Down * **SMC:** * Lower Highs (LH) and Lower Lows (LL). * BOS to the downside. * **ICT:** * **Order Block** Price could not break up the bearish Order Block. * **EMA:** * The 50-period and 200-period EMAs are acting as resistance. * **Money Flow (LuxAlgo):** * Red and Green * **Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):** * Red cloud (Bearish) * **Chart Patterns:** No readily identifiable, classic chart patterns are apparent. * **Volume Profile** * Relatively high volume. * **Support:** Recent lows. * **Resistance:** EMA 50, EMA 200, Order Block. * **Summary:** The 15-minute chart is in a downtrend, with price action, EMAs, and Money Flow all confirming. **Overall Strategy and Recommendations (BTCUSDT):** * **Primary Trend (Day):** Uptrend (Significantly Weakening). * **Secondary Trend (4H):** Downtrend. * **Short-Term Trend (15m):** Downtrend/ Sideways Down. * **Liquidity:** Significant SSL zones exist below the current price on all timeframes. * **Money Flow:** Negative on all timeframes. * **Trend Strength:** Bearish on 15m and Day, Sideway on 4H. * **Chart Patterns:** None identified. * **Strategies:** 1. **Wait & See (Best Option):** The conflicting signals and the strong bearish momentum on the shorter timeframes, combined with the weakening Daily chart, make waiting the most prudent approach. Look for: * **Bearish Confirmation:** A decisive break below the recent lows on the 15m and 4H charts, with increasing volume and continued negative Money Flow. This would confirm the continuation of the downtrend. * **Bullish Confirmation:** A strong, sustained break above the 15/4H EMAs and Order Block, a shift in the 15m/4H Money Flow to green. 2. **Short (High Risk):** This aligns with the 4H and 15m downtrends. * **Entry:** On rallies towards resistance levels (EMAs on 15m/4H, previous support levels that have turned into resistance, Order Blocks). * **Stop Loss:** Above recent highs on the chosen timeframe, or above a key resistance level. * **Target:** The next support levels (recent lows on 15m, then potentially the SSL zones on the 4H and Daily charts). 3. **Buy (Extremely High Risk - Not Recommended):** Do *not* attempt to buy until there are *very strong and consistent* bullish reversal signals across *all* timeframes, including a definitive shift in market structure on the 4H and 15m charts, positive Money Flow, and a clear break above resistance levels. **Key Recommendations:** * **Conflicting Timeframes:** The primary conflict is now resolved toward the downside. The Daily is weakening significantly. * **Money Flow:** Consistently negative across all timeframes, a major bearish factor. * **Trend Strength:** Bearish on 15m and Day, Sideways on 4h. * **Daily Order Block:** The *break* of the bullish Order Block on the Daily chart is a significant bearish development. * **Sellside Liquidity (SSL):** Be aware that Smart Money may target the SSL zones below. This increases the risk of stop-loss hunting. * **Risk Management:** Due to the high uncertainty and volatility, *strict risk management is absolutely critical.* Use tight stop-losses, do not overtrade, and be prepared for rapid price swings. * **Volume:** Confirm any breakout or breakdown with volume. **Day Trading and Intraday Trading Strategies:** * **Day Trade (TF15 focus):** * **Short Bias:** Given the current 15m downtrend and negative Money Flow, the higher probability is to look for shorting opportunities. * **Entry:** Look for price to rally to resistance levels (EMAs, Order Blocks, previous support levels that have become resistance) and then show signs of rejection (bearish candlestick patterns, increasing volume on the downside). * **Stop Loss:** Place a stop-loss order above the resistance level where you enter the short position. * **Take Profit:** Target the next support level (recent lows). * **Avoid Long positions** until there's a *clear* and *confirmed* bullish reversal on the 15m chart (break above EMAs, positive Money Flow, bullish market structure). * **Swing Trade (TF4H focus):** * **Short Bias:** The 4H chart is in a downtrend. * **Entry:** Wait for price to rally to resistance levels (EMAs, Order Blocks) and show signs of rejection. * **Stop Loss:** Above the resistance level where you enter the short position. * **Take Profit:** Target the next support levels (e.g., the 200 EMA on the Daily chart, SSL zones). * **Avoid Long positions** until there's a *clear* and *confirmed* bullish reversal on the 4H chart. **SMC Day Trade Setup Example (TF15 - Bearish):** 1. **Identify Bearish Order Block:** Locate a bearish Order Block on the TF15 chart (a bullish candle before a strong downward move). 2. **Wait for Pullback:** Wait for the price to pull back up to test the Order Block (this may or may not happen). 3. **Bearish Entry:** * **Rejection:** Look for price action to reject the Order Block (e.g., a pin bar, engulfing pattern, or other bearish candlestick pattern). * **Break of Structure:** Look for a break of a minor support level on a *lower* timeframe (e.g., 1-minute or 5-minute) after the price tests the Order Block. This confirms weakening bullish momentum. * **Money Flow:** Confirm that Money Flow remains negative (red). 4. **Stop Loss:** Place a stop-loss order *above* the Order Block. 5. **Take Profit:** Target the next support level (e.g., recent lows) or a bullish Order Block on a higher timeframe. **In conclusion, BTCUSDT is currently in a high-risk, bearish environment in the short-to-medium term. The "Wait & See" approach is strongly recommended for most traders. Shorting is the higher-probability trade *at this moment*, but only for experienced traders who can manage risk extremely effectively. Buying is not recommended at this time.** Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and represents a personal opinion. It is not financial advice. Investing in cryptocurrencies involves significant risk. Investors should conduct their own research and exercise due diligence before making any investment decisions.

@ a876a108:419b647e

Getting verified on Kraken requires completing the KYC process, which involves submitting personal information, including a government-issued ID, proof of residence, and in some cases, financial details. The verification process has different levels, including Starter, Express, Intermediate, and Pro, each offering varying limits and access to features. Many users wonder, can I use Kraken without KYC? The answer is that while basic accounts may allow limited access to the platform, KYC is required for fiat deposits, withdrawals, and full trading capabilities. Some users also ask, why is it so hard to withdraw from Kraken? The platform enforces strict compliance measures, and withdrawals may be delayed due to verification, security checks, or bank processing times. Ensuring that your account is fully verified and your banking details are correct can help avoid issues. Despite these security measures, a Kraken account is free to create, though trading fees apply depending on the transaction type and volume. Understanding these requirements can help ensure a smooth experience while using the exchange.

@ 044da344:073a8a0e

# Worüber schreibt man am Tag nach einer Bundestagswahl? Über morgen und übermorgen, worüber sonst. In der Medienwelt heißt die Zukunft KI. Was passiert mit den Redakteuren, mit den Inhalten, mit dem Publikum? Längst vergeht kein Tag mehr ohne entsprechende Umfragen und Wasserstandsmeldungen. Es genügt eigentlich schon, die Stellenanzeigen zu sichten. Am meisten verdient, wer vorgibt, den besten Prompt zu schreiben. Sag der Maschine, was sie machen soll. Wenn du das Optimum herauskitzelst, sparen wir drei Kollegen. Eigentlich ist das nicht mein Thema, auch beim Schreiben nicht. Ich habe das natürlich ausprobiert und ChatGPT gebeten, diesen Text zu übernehmen. Etwas zu „KI und Medien“ im Stil von Michael Meyen. Versuch eins war so lala. Viele Kommas. Begriffe und Konstruktionen, die ich nie verwenden würde. Eine „der größten Herausforderungen der Geschichte“. Gähn. Auch eine freundliche Nachfrage hat nicht geholfen, obwohl mir der Bildschirm versprach, jetzt „kritisch und analytisch“ zu werden und meinen „klaren, prägnanten Schreibstil“ zu berücksichtigen. Nicht ein einziger Satz, den ich so formulieren würde, vom Inhalt ganz zu schweigen. Das übliche Blabla, schon in der Überschrift: „Die Zukunft der Medienwelt: Künstliche Intelligenz als Schlüsselakteur“. Vielleicht hätte ich ein Bezahl-Modell nutzen sollen. Vielleicht wäre aber auch die Billigvariante besser gewesen, wenn Laura Lewandowski schon unser Interview veröffentlicht hätte. Laura hat ein paar Jahre bei der dpa gearbeitet, dann den Kanal [Meet Your Mentor](https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourmentor) zu einer Nummer gemacht und nun eine neue Idee. Sendungen rund um das Thema KI. Mich hat sie eingeladen, weil sie spannend fand, was ich zu Medien und Journalismus zu sagen habe. Um KI ging es dabei bisher so gut wie nie. Wie sagt ChatGPT so schön: eine der größten Herausforderungen in der Geschichte. Laura hat es mir leicht gemacht. Sie kennt das YouTube-Publikum. 50 Tabs offen, mit einem Auge schon woanders, immer auf der Suche nach dem nächsten Kick. Dieses Publikum braucht Struktur. Ich sollte ihr deshalb vorher drei Thesen schicken. Futter für die Haie und für uns zugleich etwas, woran wir uns entlang hangeln konnten. ## These 1: KI ist ein Angriff auf die Zukunft der Menschheit. Größer geht es nicht, ich weiß. Was ist der Mensch? Was unterscheidet uns von anderen Tieren? In so einer Kolumne kann ich das nicht auflösen, schon gar nicht am Tag vor der Bundestagswahl. Deshalb nur zwei Punkte. Wir können Instinkte, Prägungen, Vorurteile hinter uns lassen. Der Hund muss fressen, wenn er Hunger hat. Wir nicht. Vielleicht noch wichtiger ist Transzendenz. Wir können uns etwas vorstellen, was es noch nicht gibt, und das Wirklichkeit werden lassen, wahrscheinlich meist nicht allein, aber mit ein paar Leuten, die an uns und unsere Idee glauben. Die Sprache verschleiert das, wenn sie *er-finden* sagt oder *ent-decken* – ganz so, als ob schon alles da ist und nur auf uns wartet. Ich zitiere hier freihändig Axel Klopprogge und verweise auf unser [Gespräch](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUiUAhb2OXY\&t=). Selbst eine perfekte KI (also eine, die weiß, welches Wort ich nie schreiben würde und was ich bisher über sie gesagt habe) schaut immer nur zurück, verlängert deshalb die Vergangenheit und zerstört so die Zukunft. Anders formuliert: Der KI fehlt sowohl die Transzendenz als auch die Option, heute alles ganz anders zu machen als bis gestern. Wenn dieser Satz nicht mehr stimmt, können wir das „K“ streichen und haben tatsächlich ein Problem. Der Begriff KI ist eine Mogelpackung, die uns etwas verspricht, was nicht zu haben ist (ein Mensch ohne seine Schwächen, ohne seine Natur, ohne die Launen der Tagesform), und uns so das nehmen könnte, was uns als Menschen ausmacht. Das ist so ähnlich wie beim Begriff [Faktencheck](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiMtwqp_lKk). DIE Wahrheit, und das auch noch von Profis geprüft. An den Begriffen werdet ihr sie erkennen.  ## These 2: Gerade die Kreativen und die Medienleute, die KI jetzt feiern, sollten sich eher fürchten. Ich habe gerade Mathias Döpfner gehört, im [Podcast](https://omr.com/de/daily/mathias-doepfner-axel-springer) von OMR. Ein Loblied auf KI. Endlich, endlich könne sich der Journalist auf seinen Job konzentrieren. Recherche, exklusive Nachrichten. Zusammenschreiben, was da ist: Das mache die Maschine jetzt schon besser. Mag sein. Ich halte es wieder mit Axel Klopprogge, diesmal mit seinem Buch „Liebeserklärung an die Arbeit“, herausgegeben vom Goinger Kreis. Dort heißt es: Jede definierte Arbeit kann ersetzt werden. Alles, was von der Wiederholung lebt. In der Bewusstseinsindustrie sind das acht von zehn Jobs. Möglichkeit eins: Harari bekommt Recht. Lauter Nutzlose und Überflüssige, abzulenken mit Drogen und Computerspielen. Möglichkeit zwei: Die acht wollen das nicht, klammern sich an ihre Jobs und ziehen dafür die beiden auf ihr Niveau herunter, die bisher das verkörpern, was Döpfner als den Kern des Journalismus feiert. Überraschend bleiben. Nicht ausrechenbar sein. Ich muss das nicht ausbuchstabieren und auch nicht sagen, was ich für wahrscheinlicher halte. Kein Text von Michael Meyen mehr. Stattdessen überall Vorgestanztes. Die KI schreibt dabei nur weiter, was wir seit Jahr und Tag erleben. Es ist ohnehin fast alles verschwunden, was sich nicht in [Zahlen](https://medienblog.hypotheses.org/521) ausdrücken lässt. Bauchgefühl, Urteilskraft. 10.000 Schritte musst du gehen, auch wenn der Körper sagt: Ich will das heute nicht. KI wird das verstärken. Eins oder null. Und wehe, dir gefällt das Ergebnis nicht. Schon heute schreiben selbst schlaue Menschen Bücher, die KI als Letztbeweis nutzen. Schaut her, liebe Leute: Die KI sagt das auch. Ich muss also Recht haben. Na da. ## These 3: KI ist ein Machtinstrument und könnte so ein neuer Filter für die Meinungs- und Willensbildung werden. Wer schreibt, der bleibt, hieß es früher beim Kartenspiel. Übersetzt: Es gewinnt der, der die Maschinen füttert oder ihnen sagt, wo sie zu essen haben und wo besser nicht. Ich habe den [Überwachungskapitalismus](https://www.freie-medienakademie.de/medien-plus/31) gewürdigt, den [Digital Services Act](https://www.freie-medienakademie.de/medien-plus/brussel-greift-nach-dem-netz) und auch ganz grundsätzlich alles, was es zu [Propaganda und Zensur](https://www.freie-medienakademie.de/medien-plus/139) zu sagen gibt. Um das nicht wiederholen zu müssen, erzähle ich eine Anekdote – eingesammelt bei einem Spaziergang mit jemandem, der in einem der Medienkonzerne ganz weit oben ist. Dieser Manager erzählte mir, dass sein Haus ein paar Jahre herumgebastelt habe an einem Programm, das die dpa ersetzt. Inzwischen sei man so weit. Kein Unterschied mehr zwischen dem, was über den Ticker kommt, und dem, was das Tool aus dem Netz zusammenbaut. Und? Hat man die dpa abbestellt, einen nicht ganz billigen Dienst? Das nun doch nicht. Es fiel das Wort Opportunitätskosten. Die Nachrichtenagentur gehört den Medienkonzernen. Wenn einer aussteigt, wird es für alle anderen teurer. Fast hätte ich geschrieben: Es wäre auch schwerer geworden für Regierung, Behörden, Parteien und überhaupt alle, die die Medienwirklichkeit formen wollen, weil damit Herrschaft steht und fällt. Ein Anruf oder ein Mensch bei der dpa – und der Journalismus ruft im Chor zurück. KI macht sowohl den Anruf obsolet als auch den Brückenkopf im dpa-Raumschiff. In den USA hat dieses Beben längst begonnen, Stichwort USAID. Meine Wahlempfehlung ergab sich daraus fast von selbst: Bleiben wir offline, wo immer es geht.&#x20; [Freie Akademie für Medien & Journalismus](https://www.freie-medienakademie.de/) [Unterstützen](https://www.freie-medienakademie.de/unterstuetzen)

@ 04ea4f83:210e1713

Erschienen im [The Bitstein Brief](https://bitstein.substack.com/p/mises-the-original-toxic-maximalist?ref=europeanbitcoiners.com) | Veröffenlichung 10.12.2022 |\ Author: [Bitstein (Michael Goldstein)](https://twitter.com/bitstein?ref=europeanbitcoiners.com)\ Übersetzt von: [Sinautoshi am 11.12.2022 - 766906](https://twitter.com/Sinautoshi_8_21?ref=europeanbitcoiners.com) *„Die gesellschaftliche Funktion der Wirtschaftswissenschaft besteht gerade darin, solide Wirtschaftstheorien zu entwickeln und die Irrtümer bösartiger Denkweisen zu entlarven. Bei der Verfolgung dieser Aufgabe zieht der Wirtschaftswissenschaftler die tödliche Feindschaft aller Schwindler und Scharlatane auf sich, deren Abkürzungen zum irdischen Paradies er entlarvt. Je weniger diese Quacksalber in der Lage sind, plausible Einwände gegen die Argumente eines Ökonomen vorzubringen, desto wütender beschimpfen sie ihn.“* \- Ludwig von Mises, „Nationalökonomie, Theorie des Handelns und Wirtschaftens” *** Das „toxischste" an einem Bitcoin-Maximalisten ist seine unerschütterliche Bereitschaft, „*Nein” *zu sagen. Nach dem Studium der Geldtheorie und -geschichte und der Erfahrung mit den unerbittlichen Kräften des Marktes, hat der Bitcoiner ein Verständnis für die Realität des monetären Wettbewerbs, ein Bewusstsein für die kritische Natur dezentraler Systeme, einen Fokus auf die Lösung der wichtigsten monetären Probleme und eine strikte Ablehnung der unvermeidlichen Ablenkungen, Opportunitätskosten und ethischen Bedenken bei der Einführung und Förderung von Altcoin-Projekten. Einige Kritiker bemängeln unhöfliche rhetorische Schnörkel, die als Hindernis für die Gewinnung neuer Bitcoin-Nutzer angesehen werden. Wenn das wahr wäre, gäbe es in der Arbeitsteilung eine Chance für eine qualitativ hochwertigere Bitcoin-Ausbildung, die die Bitcoiner meiner Meinung nach gerne wahrnehmen würden, vor allem die Kritiker, die die bestehenden Unzulänglichkeiten besser erkennen. Doch egal, wie höflich die Bitcoiner ihre Ansichten darlegen, bestimmte Möchtegern-Unternehmer und Influencer werden immer im Streit mit einer leidenschaftlichen Bevölkerungsgruppe stehen, die einfach nicht interessiert ist - und ihr Desinteresse lautstark kundtut. Die „toxischsten" Bitcoiner sind oft diejenigen, die die Weisheit der Bitcoiner erst erkannt haben, nachdem sie von Shitcoins verbrannt wurden und ihr neu gefundenes Desinteresse unmissverständlich zum Ausdruck bringen wollen. Was soll man also als Bitcoiner tun? Ich empfehle, sich der Wahrheit und der Förderung der Wahrheit zu verschreiben und die Wirksamkeit von Rhetorik an ihrem langfristigen Einfluss und nicht an ihrer kurzfristigen Popularität zu messen. In dieser Hinsicht sollten sich die Bitcoiner von dem ursprünglichen toxischen Maximalisten inspirieren lassen: Ludwig von Mises. Der bedeutende Wirtschaftswissenschaftler setzte sich unbeirrt für die Wahrheit, freie Märkte und gesundes Geld ein und scheute sich nicht, das zu sagen, was gesagt werden musste, auch wenn er sich damit keine Freunde machte. Langfristig wurde er zu einem der einflussreichsten Ökonomen und Denker des 20. Jahrhunderts, und seine Arbeit hat den Weg für den Bitcoin geebnet. ### Mises, der Geldmaximalist Einer der Hauptkritikpunkte an den Bitcoin-Maximalisten ist die Behauptung, dass die Welt auf Bitcoin (als Geld) konvergieren wird und es generell keine Verwendung für andere Währungen gibt. Dies wird als normative Aussage betrachtet. In Wirklichkeit machen die Bitcoiner eine positive, beschreibende Aussage darüber, wie der monetäre Wettbewerb funktioniert. In der 1912 veröffentlichten *[Theorie des Geldes und der Umlaufmittel](https://mises.org/library/theory-money-and-credit?ref=europeanbitcoiners.com)*[ ](https://mises.org/library/theory-money-and-credit?ref=europeanbitcoiners.com)schrieb Mises: *** *„So haben die Erfordernisse des Marktes allmählich dazu geführt, dass bestimmte Waren als gemeinsame Tauschmittel ausgewählt wurden. Die Gruppe der Waren, aus der diese ausgewählt wurden, war ursprünglich sehr groß und unterschied sich von Land zu Land; sie wurde aber immer mehr eingeschränkt. Wann immer ein direkter Tausch nicht in Frage kam, war jede der an einem Geschäft beteiligten Parteien bestrebt, ihre überflüssigen Waren nicht nur gegen marktgängigere Waren im Allgemeinen, sondern gegen die marktgängigsten Waren einzutauschen, und von diesen wiederum bevorzugte sie natürlich die marktgängigste Ware. Je größer die Marktfähigkeit der zuerst im indirekten Tausch erworbenen Waren ist, desto größer ist die Aussicht, das endgültige Ziel ohne weitere Manöver erreichen zu können. So gäbe es die unvermeidliche Tendenz, dass die weniger marktfähigen Güter aus der Reihe der als Tauschmittel verwendeten Waren nach und nach verworfen würden, bis schließlich nur noch ein einziges Gut übrig bliebe, das allgemein als Tauschmittel verwendet würde: das Geld.“* *** Mises zufolge wählen die Akteure zunehmend das marktgängigste Gut als Tauschmittel aus und der natürliche Verlauf des Marktes geht in Richtung Vereinheitlichung zu einem einzigen Geldgut. Das ist schlicht und einfach monetärer Maximalismus. Mises unterscheidet sich von den Bitcoinern lediglich durch die Stärke der Behauptungen, die er über die tatsächlichen empirischen Entscheidungen der Wirtschaftsakteure zu treffen bereit ist. Mises weist darauf hin, dass sowohl Gold als auch Silber an vielen Orten zu Geld gemacht wurden, wahrscheinlich wegen ihrer ähnlichen Eigenschaften, und dass es den Rahmen der Geldtheorie sprengt, zu sagen, ob Gold oder Silber letztlich besser verkäuflich ist. Trotzdem sagt er: *** *„Denn es ist ziemlich sicher, dass die Vereinheitlichung auch dann ein wünschenswertes geldpolitisches Ziel gewesen wäre, wenn die ungleiche Marktfähigkeit der als Tauschmittel verwendeten Güter kein Motiv geboten hätte. Die gleichzeitige Verwendung mehrerer Geldarten bringt so viele Nachteile mit sich und verkompliziert die Technik des Tauschens so sehr, dass das Bestreben, das Geldsystem zu vereinheitlichen, in jedem Fall unternommen worden wäre.“* *** Die natürliche Tendenz zu einem einzigen Geldgut ist so stark, dass seiner Meinung nach die Vereinheitlichung der Geldsysteme auch dann angestrebt würde, wenn zwei Güter genau gleich marktfähig wären. Zuvor stellt er außerdem fest: *** *„Das endgültige Urteil könnte erst gefällt werden, wenn alle Hauptteile der bewohnten Erde ein einziges Handelsgebiet bilden, denn erst dann wäre es unmöglich, dass andere Nationen mit unterschiedlichen Geldsystemen sich anschließen und die internationale Organisation verändern.“* *** Jede neue Handelsbeziehung eröffnet die Möglichkeit, ein brandneues Geldgut einzuführen, das bisher nicht verwendet wurde. Wenn seine Qualitäten ein höheres Maß an Marktfähigkeit aufrechterhalten könnten, ist es möglich, dass sich die gesamte internationale Währungsordnung aufgrund seiner natürlichen Überlegenheit bei der Bewältigung der Funktionen des Geldes um ihn herum neu organisieren könnte. Im [Bitcoin Standard ](https://aprycot.media/shop/der-bitcoin-standard/?ref=europeanbitcoiners.com)liefert Saifedean Ammous zahlreiche Argumente dafür, warum Gold dem Silber als Geldwert überlegen war, obwohl Mises nicht bereit oder nicht daran interessiert war, diesen Punkt zu diskutieren, und warum Bitcoin ein noch besserer Geldwert ist. Mises hat die Einführung von Bitcoin in die Weltwirtschaft zwar nicht mehr erlebt, aber seine Wirtschaftstheorie erklärt genau, warum Bitcoin an Wert gewinnen würde und warum es plausibel ist, dass die gesamte internationale Währungsordnung auf einen Bitcoin-Standard umgestellt wird. Er gibt auch den theoretischen Rahmen, um zu verstehen, warum Altcoins Bitcoin nicht allein durch ihre Eigenschaften ausstechen können. Sie müssen eine bessere Marktfähigkeit in Bezug auf Raum, Zeit und Größe bieten, um einen ausreichenden Vorteil gegenüber Bitcoin zu haben. Wie bereits an anderer Stelle beschrieben, ist dies einfach nicht gelungen, und nur Bitcoin bietet ein stark dezentralisiertes, überprüfbares und glaubwürdig knappes digitales Geldgut. ### Mises, der Marktmaximalist Die Geldtheorie ist nicht der einzige Ort, an dem der Leser eine Art „Maximalismus" in Mises' Denken spüren kann. Sein gesamtes Werk läuft auf einen unverhohlenen Marktmaximalismus hinaus, der sich weigert, durch rigorose ökonomische Theorie und Analyse sozialistischen oder interventionistischen Argumenten nachzugeben. Ein großartiges Beispiel für seine Verteidigung des freien Marktes findet sich in einem Vortrag aus dem Jahr 1950 mit dem Titel „[Die Mitte des Weges führt zum Sozialismus](https://mises.org/library/middle-road-leads-socialism?ref=europeanbitcoiners.com)". In dieser Vorlesung greift Mises Interventionisten an, die behaupten, eine Politik der „Mitte" zwischen den beiden Extremen Kapitalismus und Sozialismus zu favorisieren. Durch strategische Interventionen kann der Staat die Auswüchse beider Systeme verhindern. Mises betrachtet Kapitalismus und Sozialismus jedoch als diametral entgegengesetzte und unvereinbare Organisationssysteme und nicht als ein Spektrum der Wohlstandsverteilung: *** *„Der Konflikt der beiden Prinzipien ist unüberbrückbar und lässt keinen Kompromiss zu. Kontrolle ist unteilbar. Entweder entscheidet die Nachfrage der Verbraucher, die sich auf dem Markt manifestiert, für welche Zwecke und wie die Produktionsfaktoren eingesetzt werden sollen, oder der Staat kümmert sich um diese Angelegenheiten. Es gibt nichts, was den Gegensatz zwischen diesen beiden widersprüchlichen Prinzipien abmildern könnte. Sie schließen sich gegenseitig aus. Der Interventionismus ist kein goldener Mittelweg zwischen Kapitalismus und Sozialismus. Er ist der Entwurf für ein drittes System der wirtschaftlichen Organisation der Gesellschaft und muss als solches gewürdigt werden.“* *** Dieses dritte System ist jedoch im Grunde nur ein längerer Marsch zum Sozialismus, indem es ein falsches Lippenbekenntnis zu Privateigentum und freier Marktwirtschaft ablegt. Auf jeden Eingriff, der stattfindet, müssen weitere folgen. Die Festsetzung eines Preises hier erfordert die Festsetzung eines anderen Preises dort, und so geht es die ganze Lieferkette entlang. Am Ende hat der Interventionismus die gesamte „Marktwirtschaft" im Würgegriff. *** *Der Interventionismus kann nicht als ein Wirtschaftssystem betrachtet werden, das dazu bestimmt ist, zu bleiben. Er ist eine Methode zur Umwandlung des Kapitalismus in den Sozialismus in mehreren aufeinanderfolgenden Schritten. Damit unterscheidet er sich von den Bemühungen der Kommunisten, den Sozialismus auf einen Schlag zu verwirklichen. Der Unterschied bezieht sich nicht auf das letztendliche Ziel der politischen Bewegung, sondern vor allem auf die Taktik, die zur Erreichung des von beiden Gruppen angestrebten Ziels angewandt wird.* *** Trotzdem sind selbst die meisten vermeintlichen Befürworter einer freien Marktwirtschaft in Wirklichkeit von interventionistischen Ideologien und Denkweisen durchdrungen, und ihre Strategien sind immer zum Scheitern und zu Kompromissen verurteilt. *** *„Dies hat zur Folge, dass praktisch kaum etwas getan wird, um das System der Privatwirtschaft zu erhalten. Es gibt nur Mittelsmänner, die glauben, erfolgreich gewesen zu sein, wenn sie eine besonders ruinöse Maßnahme eine Zeit lang hinausgezögert haben. Sie sind immer auf dem Rückzug. Sie nehmen heute Maßnahmen in Kauf, die sie noch vor zehn oder zwanzig Jahren für undiskutabel gehalten hätten. In ein paar Jahren werden sie sich mit anderen Maßnahmen abfinden, die sie heute noch für undiskutabel halten. Was den totalitären Sozialismus verhindern kann, ist nur ein grundlegender Wandel der Ideologien.*\ \ *Was wir brauchen, ist weder Antisozialismus noch Antikommunismus, sondern eine offene Befürwortung des Systems, dem wir all den Wohlstand verdanken, der unser Zeitalter von den vergleichsweise beengten Verhältnissen vergangener Zeiten unterscheidet.“* *** Mises nimmt kein Blatt vor den Mund, wenn er eine interventionistische Politik fordert, und es gibt viele Lehren, die Bitcoiner daraus ziehen können. Erstens ist das Bitcoin-Netzwerk nicht einfach nur eine andere Art des Werttransfers als eine bestehende zentralisierte Lösung, eine Art PayPal 2.0. Es ist ein strukturell anderer Ansatz für das gesamte Problem der doppelten Ausgaben. „Blockchain, nicht Bitcoin" ist eine Mogelpackung, weil sie den Kern dessen, was Bitcoin einzigartig macht (Dezentralisierung, unabhängige Überprüfbarkeit usw.), wegnimmt, während sie behauptet, „die zugrundeliegende Technologie" zu nutzen, ähnlich wie ein nationalsozialistisches oder faschistisches Regime die staatliche Kontrolle über die Produktion übernehmen könnte, während es behauptet, für Privateigentum zu sein. Wenn du die Vorteile des Marktes nutzen willst, musst du tatsächlich einen Markt haben, und wenn du die Vorteile von Bitcoin nutzen willst, musst du Bitcoin tatsächlich nutzen. Außerdem sollte die Dezentralisierung als binäres System betrachtet werden. Entweder ist ein System dezentralisiert, oder es ist dazu verdammt, zentralisiert zu werden, manchmal mit einem Hard Fork nach dem anderen (*vgl. Ethereum*). Bitcoin-Maximalisten werden regelmäßig als toxisch bezeichnet, weil sie entschlossen an bestimmten Netzwerkparametern festhalten, selbst wenn diese willkürlich oder trivial erscheinen. Ein ganzer[ Krieg über die Blockgröße](https://amzn.to/3OZX84g?ref=europeanbitcoiners.com) wurde um eine Begrenzung von 1 MB geführt. Die Zahl schien willkürlich und die Lösung trivial zu sein, aber die Bitcoiner weigerten sich, davon abzuweichen. Und warum? Eine höhere Blockgröße würde die Kosten für den Betrieb eines vollständigen Knotens (Full Node)  erhöhen, der für eine unabhängige Validierung und Dezentralisierung notwendig ist. Ein Hard Fork würde einen vernichtenden Präzedenzfall schaffen und alle zukünftigen Ansprüche auf Abwärtskompatibilität gefährden, die für die Glaubwürdigkeit der Geldpolitik und die Fähigkeit der Nodes, sich vertrauensvoll mit dem Netzwerk zu synchronisieren, erforderlich sind. Die Blockkapazität stieg zwar an, aber nur, weil SegWit, dessen Vorteile weit über die bloße Verbesserung der Skalierung hinausgingen, über einen Soft Fork aktiviert werden konnte, sodass denjenigen, die dies nicht wollten, keine neuen Kosten auferlegt wurden. Andere Projekte hingegen akzeptieren nicht, dass [die Kompromisse bei Bitcoin nicht wirklich willkürlich sind](https://medium.com/@nic__carter/bitcoin-bites-the-bullet-8005a2a62d29?ref=europeanbitcoiners.com). Sie bieten Turing-complete Smart Contracts, schnellere Blockzeiten, größere Blöcke oder alle möglichen anderen „Features" an. Die Features werden nicht mit demselben extrem konservativen Engagement für Sicherheit produziert wie Bitcoin und bedrohen oft die Fähigkeit, überhaupt einen vollständigen Knoten (*Full-Node*) zu betreiben. Nur bei Bitcoin kümmern sich die Leute darum, dass die Geldmenge tatsächlich überprüft werden kann. Mit der Zeit verlieren die Projekte, wenn sie überhaupt aufrechterhalten werden, jeden Anschein einer glaubwürdigen Dezentralisierung. Ethereum, das einst mit unaufhaltsamen Anwendungen und der Aussage „Code ist Gesetz" warb, erlebte den DAO-Hack und ist nach der Einführung von Proof-of-Stake (das von Natur aus zentralisierend ist) der OFAC-Zensur in unterschiedlichem Maße unterworfen. Bitcoin akzeptiert nichts von alledem. Er beugt seine Regeln für niemanden. Bitcoiner wissen auch, dass das System gar kein Bitcoin mehr wäre, wenn die Regeln gebogen *würden*. Mises hilft uns zu verstehen, dass eine Politik des Mittelweges zu Shitcoinerei führt. Eine Währung ist entweder Bitcoin oder dazu verdammt, ein Shitcoin zu sein. ### Mises, der toxische Maximalist Im Jahr 1947 fand in der Schweiz das erste Treffen der Mont Pèlerin Society statt. Bei diesem Treffen trafen sich viele der einflussreichsten Verfechter der freien Märkte und des klassischen Liberalismus, von Ludwig von Mises über F. A. Hayek bis hin zu Milton Friedman und vielen anderen, um darüber zu diskutieren, wie man die steigende Flut des Totalitarismus und seiner Wirtschaftsideologien durch die Förderung freier Märkte und des Privateigentums bekämpfen kann. Man könnte meinen, dass Mises genau in diese Diskussionen passt. Doch wie [Milton Friedman berichtete](https://reason.com/1995/06/01/best-of-both-worlds/?ref=europeanbitcoiners.com), kam es anders: *** *„Die Geschichte, an die ich mich am besten erinnere, ereignete sich auf dem ersten Treffen in Mont Pèlerin, als \[Mises] aufstand und sagte: „Ihr seid alle ein Haufen Sozialisten." Wir diskutierten über die Einkommensverteilung und darüber, ob man progressive Einkommenssteuern haben sollte. Einige der Anwesenden vertraten die Ansicht, dass es eine Rechtfertigung dafür geben könnte.*\ \ *Eine andere Gelegenheit, die ebenso aufschlussreich ist: Fritz Machlup war ein Schüler von Mises, einer seiner treuesten Jünger. Bei einem der Treffen in Mont Pèlerin hielt Machlup einen Vortrag, in dem er, glaube ich, die Idee eines Goldstandards in Frage stellte; er sprach sich für freie Wechselkurse aus. Mises war so wütend, dass er drei Jahre lang nicht mit Machlup sprechen wollte. Einige Leute mussten die beiden wieder zusammenbringen. Es ist schwer zu verstehen; man kann es einigermaßen nachvollziehen, wenn man sich vor Augen führt, wie Menschen wie Mises in seinem Leben verfolgt wurden.“* *** Wie bereits erwähnt, hielt Mises drei Jahre später einen Vortrag, in dem er eindrucksvoll erklärte, warum sie tatsächlich alle ein Haufen Sozialisten waren. Wer staatliche Eingriffe in die Einkommensverteilung akzeptiert, ist dem Sozialismus bereits verfallen, sobald genug Zeit vergangen ist. Mises war einfach nicht bereit, den sozialistischen Irrtümern, die er im Laufe seiner intellektuellen Karriere so akribisch aufgespießt hatte, Glauben zu schenken. Jörg Guido Hülsmann stellt in [Mises: *The Last Knight of Liberalism*](https://mises.org/library/mises-last-knight-liberalism-0?ref=europeanbitcoiners.com) fest, dass „Mises zwar in der Lage war, Sozialisten hoch zu schätzen, aber der Vorfall zeigte, dass er wenig Geduld mit Sozialisten hatte, die sich als Liberale ausgaben." Doch Mises' giftiges Verhalten blieb nicht ohne Folgen. Laut Hülsmann: *** *„Der Schlagabtausch zwischen Mises und seinen neoliberalen Gegnern prägte den Ton in der Mont Pèlerin Society für die kommenden Jahre.... Obwohl die Libertären um Mises eine kleine Minderheit waren, hatten sie die finanzielle Unterstützung der amerikanischen Hauptsponsoren wie dem Volker Fund, ohne die die Gesellschaft in jenen frühen Jahren schnell ausgestorben wäre. Solange Mises aktiv an den Treffen teilnahm, war es daher unmöglich, die technischen Details eines genehmigten staatlichen Interventionismus zu diskutieren. Das** **Laissez-faire hatte ein Comeback gefeiert. Es war zwar nicht die Mehrheitsmeinung, aber es war eine diskutierbare und diskutierte politische Option - zu viel für einige anfängliche Mitglieder wie Maurice Allais, der die Gesellschaft genau aus diesem Grund bald wieder verließ.“* *** Indem er toxisch war, konnte Mises dazu beitragen, den Ton für eine wirklich *laissez-faire* Mont Pèlerin Society zu setzen, die ihrem erklärten Ziel gerecht werden konnte, und sie wählten F. A. Hayek zu ihrem Präsidenten. Er hatte keine Angst, Klartext zu reden, aber lautstark, sogar gegenüber Leuten, die vermutlich zu seinem „eigenen Team" gehörten. Ludwig von Mises war ein Mann, der seine Ideen ernst nahm und die Wahrheit noch viel ernster. In seinen [Memoiren ](https://mises.org/library/memoirs?ref=europeanbitcoiners.com)schreibt Mises über seine Zeit in der österreichischen Handelskammer in den 1910er und 1920er Jahren: *** *„Ich wurde manchmal beschuldigt, meinen Standpunkt zu schroff und unnachgiebig zu vertreten. Es wurde auch behauptet, dass ich mehr hätte erreichen können, wenn ich eine größere Kompromissbereitschaft gezeigt hätte.... Die Kritik war ungerechtfertigt; ich konnte nur dann effektiv sein, wenn ich die Dinge so darstellen konnte, wie sie mir erschienen. Wenn ich heute auf meine Arbeit bei der Handelskammer zurückblicke, bedauere ich nur meine Kompromissbereitschaft und nicht meine Unnachgiebigkeit.“* *** In dieser Zeit trug sein Rat dazu bei, die Hyperinflation in Österreich aufzuhalten und ihre Auswirkungen im Vergleich zur Weimarer Republik abzuschwächen. Bitcoiner werden von endlosen „Krypto-" und „Shitcoin"-Betrügern geplagt, die auf dem Rücken der innovativen Technologie und des wirtschaftlichen Erfolgs von Bitcoin reiten wollen. Den Bitcoinern wird gesagt, dass sie alle im selben Team sind. In den Augen der Öffentlichkeit sind sie das auch. Das Ergebnis ist eine getäuschte Öffentlichkeit, der zentralisierte Pump-and-Dump-Systeme und Rugpulls, Affen-Jpegs und Rube-Goldberg-Maschinen verkauft werden, die auf Schlagwörtern basieren und die Vorstellung vermitteln, dass sie in der gleichen Liga spielen wie die großartigste Geldtechnologie, die je geschaffen wurde. „Krypto" profitiert vom Erfolg von Bitcoin, und die Bekanntheit von Bitcoin sinkt mit den Misserfolgen von „Krypto". Doch wenn Bitcoiner die Unterschiede ansprechen und diese Projekte ablehnen, die sie uninteressant oder sogar verabscheuungswürdig finden, wird das als schädlich angesehen. Den Bitcoinern schadet das nicht, denn sie können weiter (Satoshis) stapeln und bauen, aber die Menschen, die unter Fiat-Regimen leben müssen, leiden darunter, dass ihnen kein Weg zu Freiheit und Wohlstand gezeigt wird. Abgesehen davon, dass das Geld des Einzelnen in Gefahr ist, kann die Offenheit für Shitcoins auch Veränderungen im Netzwerk fördern, die die Dezentralisierung beeinträchtigen. Wenn es Unterstützung für einen Shitcoin gibt, der auf einem bestimmten Merkmal basiert, warum sollte das Merkmal dann nicht in Bitcoin existieren? Wenn es tatsächlich eine Tendenz zu einer einzigen Währung gibt, ist die Förderung einer alternativen Kryptowährung selbst ein Angriff auf das Potenzial von Bitcoin. Wirtschaft und Technik sind mit gnadenlosen  Konsequenzen konfrontiert. Eine falsche Abfolge von Schritten kann zu absoluter Verwüstung führen. Bitcoiner nehmen das sehr ernst und machen keinen Hehl daraus, dass sie diese Konsequenzen fürchten. Wenn sie das tun, lehnen sie ganze unternehmerische Vorhaben ab und stellen ihre gesamte Einnahmequelle in Frage. Das ist toxisch. Bitcoiners sollten immer den Mut haben, Mises zu zitieren und jedem zu sagen: „Ihr seid alle ein Haufen Shitcoiner." ### Der aufgehende Stern von Mises Obwohl er aus einer adligen Familie stammte und in Österreich hohe Positionen innehatte, hatte Mises, als er auf der Flucht vor den Nazis in die Vereinigten Staaten emigrierte, nur wenige Möglichkeiten. Bis zu seiner Pensionierung war er „Gastprofessor" an der New York University. Er arbeitete im Grunde genommen im stillen Kämmerlein und unterrichtete hauptsächlich in seinen inzwischen berühmten informellen Seminaren, an denen auch Murray Rothbard und andere teilnahmen. Er benötigte die Unterstützung verschiedener philanthropischer Fonds. Hinzu kam, dass die Wirtschaftswissenschaften, wie alle Sozialwissenschaften, dem Szientismus und der Technokratie erlegen waren, so dass Mises' strenge logisch-deduktive Methoden im Vergleich zu mathematischen Formeln und statistischen Modellen als altmodisch galten. Der Goldstandard wurde zugunsten eines Fiat-Systems abgeschafft, und als Mises starb, hatte der US-Dollar keinerlei Verbindung mehr zu Edelmetallen oder realen Ersparnissen, so dass die Geldpolitik allein den Launen der Politik überlassen blieb. Es gab allen Grund, Ludwig von Mises völlig in Vergessenheit geraten zu lassen. Doch seine Schüler, wie Murray Rothbard, hielten die österreichische Schule am Leben. Im Jahr 1982 wurde das Ludwig von Mises Institute von Rothbard und Lew Rockwell gegründet und von Dr. Ron Paul finanziert (beide wurden von ihren Kritikern als „toxisch" bezeichnet). Dr. Paul selbst wurde zu einem legendären Verfechter der Ideen von Mises und anderen, sowohl im Kongress als auch im Präsidentschaftswahlkampf. In letzterem machte Dr. Paul die von der Federal Reserve verursachte wirtschaftliche Zerstörung zu einem zentralen Bestandteil seines Programms und zum ersten Mal seit Jahrzehnten zu einem wichtigen Thema in der politischen Debatte, was den Diskurs danach für immer veränderte. Es ist also kein Wunder, dass viele Menschen, die sich als erste für Bitcoin begeisterten, treue Schüler von Mises waren und dass seine Ideen mit dem Wachstum von Bitcoin noch mehr an Bedeutung gewonnen haben. Seine rigorose Erläuterung der Wahrheiten des Wirtschaftsrechts, die auf Subjektivismus, Marginalismus und methodologischem Individualismus beruht, gab den Menschen den Rahmen, um zu verstehen, wie Bitcoin die Geldpolitik veranschaulicht, die zu Frieden, Wohlstand und Freiheit führt. Anstatt irrelevant zu werden, ist Mises heute wichtiger denn je. Wie Ron Paul bemerkte: „[Wir sind jetzt alle Österreicher](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=467hCNuGvNw\&ref=europeanbitcoiners.com)." ### Fazit Das Toxische liegt im Auge des Betrachters oder des Bagholders. Die Wirtschaftswissenschaft ist, wie jedes Streben nach Wahrheit, kein Beliebtheitswettbewerb, und die Wahrheit wird immer von denen bekämpft werden, deren Geschäft und Status von der Verbreitung von Irrtümern und Unwahrheiten abhängt.\ \ Ludwig von Mises stand fest zu seinen gründlichen Analysen der Wirtschaftswissenschaften und des klassischen Liberalismus und scheute sich nicht, das zu verteidigen, was er für wahr hielt, selbst auf Kosten von Prestige und Popularität. Heute steht er weit über fast jedem anderen Sozialwissenschaftler des 20. Jahrhunderts. Ich habe an anderer Stelle über [Memes und Rhetorik ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBAuHv5cPl8\&ref=europeanbitcoiners.com)gesprochen, und es gibt viel zu diskutieren über bestimmte Strategien und ihre Wirksamkeit. Aber vor allem muss jede Strategie die Wahrheit in den Mittelpunkt stellen. Die Wahrheit ist zeitlos, so dass ihre Relevanz nicht auf kurzfristige Popularität beschränkt ist. Wenn dies der Fall ist, ist der Vorwurf der „Toxizität" entweder eine Aufforderung zur Verbesserung oder ein Ehrenzeichen dafür, dass man trotz aller Widrigkeiten für die Wahrheit einsteht. Wie das Motto von Ludwig von Mises schon sagte: *tu ne cede malis, sed contra audentior ito.* Weiche dem Bösen nicht, trete ihm umso mutiger entgegen.

@ 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/895451

@ 583e5ea1:b44effdd

Today, we remember and pay tribute to Parag Kumar Das, a fearless journalist and human rights activist from Assam, on what would have been his 64th birthday. Though he's no longer with us, his legacy lives on, inspiring generations to continue fighting for justice and human rights. Das's journey as a journalist began in the 1990s, writing for local newspapers in Assam. However, he soon realized that true power lies not in reporting events, but in giving voice to the voiceless and holding those in power accountable. This marked the beginning of his journey as a human rights activist. Throughout his career, Das criticized state-sponsored violence, human rights abuses, and social injustices. His writings shed light on pressing issues in Assam, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and internally displaced persons. He relentlessly campaigned against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), highlighting the need for its repeal. Das faced harassment, intimidation, and physical attacks, but these challenges strengthened his resolve. He received several awards, including the prestigious 'Scoop' Award for Investigative Journalism. However, for Das, the true reward lay in knowing his work made a tangible difference in people's lives. As we reflect on his remarkable journey, we're reminded that the pen is mightier than the sword, and voices of truth and justice will always prevail. We salute Parag Kumar Das, a champion of human rights in Assam, on his 64th birthday. His courage, conviction, and commitment to justice continue to inspire us. Though Das was assassinated by SULFA in 1996, his memory lives on, and his work continues to inspire human rights activists in Assam and beyond. With love and respect on your 64th birthday, sir! May your courage, conviction and commitment to justice continue to inspire generations to come. We salute you, on this special day, and always. 🙏🏼 For reference, here is the Wikipedia article about him: [Parag Kumar Das]( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parag_Kumar_Das)

@ 57d1a264:69f1fee1

As your involvement in open source design increases, you’ll face challenges that go beyond basic UI work. From creating scalable design systems to mentoring new contributors, these advanced areas require strategic thinking, collaboration, and leadership. This chapter dives into these complexities, helping you handle real-world situations while continuing to grow as a designer. - Championing Design Initiatives - Creating and Maintaining Design Systems - Handling Complex Design Challenges - Conducting In-Depth User Research - Balancing Open Source Work with Other Commitments - Navigating Project Dynamics -0 Mentoring New Designers Read more: https://opendesign.guide/10-advanced-topics ``` #design #nostrdesign #bitcoindesign #ln #grownostr #asknostr #zap #btc #bitcoin #nostr #cashu ``` originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/895377

@ b8851a06:9b120ba1

The French fiscal catastrophe is unfolding exactly as Austrian economists predicted. Government intervention breeds more intervention, trapping the economy in a death spiral of debt, deficits, and monetary debasement. France’s public debt has surged to 111% of GDP in 2023, with projections showing 119% by 2029. The government’s much-touted €60 billion “budget effort” is a political charade—by 2025, the deficit will still exceed 5.4% of GDP. To stabilize its finances, France would need €120 billion in permanent savings—an impossible task in a system where political survival depends on endless spending. ## The Political Crisis: A System Losing Legitimacy Economic crises create political ones. In December 2024, Prime Minister Barnier was ousted over austerity measures, replaced by Bayrou—a desperate attempt to calm markets. But leadership changes won’t fix the fundamental issue: France is ungovernable under its current fiscal trajectory. Every attempt to “fix” the problem—more regulation, more spending, more monetary manipulation—only worsens the crisis. Political chaos is a symptom of economic insolvency. ## The ECB’s Stealth Bailout: Germany’s Growing Revolt France is functionally bankrupt, but the ECB is quietly shifting the burden onto German savers through Target2 claims and monetary expansion. This amounts to a silent wealth transfer—bailing out Paris at Berlin’s expense. The German public is noticing. Support for the AfD’s “Dexit” movement is rising, as voters realize they are being forced to subsidize failing economies. The eurozone’s fault lines are deepening. ## The Likely Scenarios: What Comes Next? Based on current conditions, three major outcomes are most probable: ### Scenario 1: ECB “Muddles Through” The ECB takes a “too little, too late” approach, avoiding decisive action while failing to restore confidence. This leads to: • Wider French bond spreads as investors demand higher yields • Weakened ECB credibility, as markets lose faith in its ability to contain the crisis • Prolonged volatility without addressing the fundamental debt problem ### Scenario 2: IMF/ESM Bailout France is forced into a formal bailout via the IMF and European Stability Mechanism (ESM). This would trigger: * Harsh austerity measures, politically toxic in a nation that riots over pension reforms * Severe political fallout, as both left and right-wing factions resist external control * A crisis within the ECB itself, as its French president faces backlash for “bailing out his own country” * Northern European pushback, with the German Bundestag and creditor states reluctant to approve another bailout ### Scenario 3: Communications Crisis A severe market panic caused by ECB miscommunication leads to: * A European-style “Taper Tantrum”, triggering a selloff in French bonds * Spreads widening rapidly, forcing emergency interventions * Loss of market confidence, accelerating capital flight * Potential contagion, pulling in weaker Eurozone economies The remaining probability accounts for more moderate scenarios, where France manages to delay disaster through temporary measures. But at this level of debt and deficit spending, delay is the best-case scenario—not resolution. ## The Endgame: Default or Hyperinflation? France’s pension system alone is set to bleed €30 billion annually by 2045. The debt load is unsustainable, the political will to cut spending is nonexistent, and the ECB’s ability to print euros without consequence is rapidly eroding. #### There are only two ways this ends: * Massive defaults, triggering economic and social chaos. * Hyperinflationary money printing, destroying savings and purchasing power. #### Ludwig von Mises warned about this nearly a century ago: “The ultimate outcome of credit expansion is either a depression brought about by the voluntary abandonment of further credit expansion, or a catastrophe of the currency system involved.” France—and the entire euro system—has reached this fork in the road. The only question left is: Will they choose ruin now, or ruin later? Mises was right. And in the end, economic reality always wins. The only choice left is whether you want to be a victim—or prepared.

@ d34e832d:383f78d0

## **age** - Simple, modern, and secure file encryption. ## SYNOPSIS ```bash age [--encrypt] (-r RECIPIENT | -R PATH)... [--armor] [-o OUTPUT] [INPUT] age [--encrypt] --passphrase [--armor] [-o OUTPUT] [INPUT] age --decrypt [-i PATH | -j PLUGIN]... [-o OUTPUT] [INPUT] ``` The **age** tool provides a robust solution for encrypting and decrypting files. It simplifies the encryption process while ensuring strong security through modern cryptographic standards. **age** primarily focuses on: - Encrypting data to specific recipients or using passphrases. - Decrypting data based on available private keys or passphrases. - Supports both binary and ASCII armored (Base64-encoded) outputs. - A compact, secure design suitable for integration into diverse environments. - **RECIPIENTS**: Public keys or identities to which a file is encrypted. Each recipient can decrypt the file with their corresponding private key. - **IDENTITIES**: Private keys that allow decryption of files encrypted to corresponding recipients. - **Passphrase**: A user-defined secret key used to encrypt or decrypt data interactively, typically used when specific recipient identities are not available. ### Encryption Process: Files are encrypted using public keys or passphrases. The `-r` option encrypts the file to specific recipients, whereas the `--passphrase` option allows encryption using a passphrase. In the absence of these options, **age** will prompt the user for the necessary inputs interactively. ### Decryption Process: Decryption is automatically handled by **age** based on the format of the encrypted file. If the file is encrypted with a passphrase, **age** will request the passphrase interactively. Alternatively, it will use the private key specified by the `-i` option to decrypt the file. ### Binary and ASCII Output: The default output for **age** is binary, which is suitable for storage and transmission. However, when using the `--armor` option, the encrypted file is encoded into a text format that is easy to handle in text-based systems. --- ## OPTIONS ### General Options: - `-o, --output=OUTPUT`: Directs the encrypted or decrypted content to the specified OUTPUT file. If OUTPUT already exists, it is overwritten. In the case of encryption without `--armor`, the tool refuses to output binary to a TTY. - `--version`: Displays the **age** version and exits. ### Encryption Options: - `-e, --encrypt`: Default mode for encrypting files. Specifies that the input file should be encrypted. - `-r, --recipient=RECIPIENT`: Encrypts to the recipient's public key, which can be a native X25519 key or an SSH key. This option may be repeated to encrypt for multiple recipients. - `-R, --recipients-file=PATH`: Encrypts for recipients listed in a file, each recipient specified on a new line. Lines starting with `#` are treated as comments. If `PATH` is `-`, recipients are read from standard input. - `-p, --passphrase`: Encrypts the file with a passphrase. The passphrase is requested interactively, and **age** offers an option to auto-generate a secure passphrase. This mode cannot be combined with other recipient options. - `--armor`: Encrypts the output to an ASCII "armored" encoding (strict Base64). This makes it more suitable for text environments. - `-i, --identity=PATH`: Specifies the path to the private key(s) that correspond to the recipients. Used to generate a file compatible with recipient encryption, allowing seamless encryption to private keys. - `-j PLUGIN`: Specifies the use of a plugin for encryption, typically used for non-standard encryption schemes. ### Decryption Options: - `-d, --decrypt`: Decrypts the specified INPUT file. If the file is passphrase-encrypted, the passphrase is automatically detected and requested interactively. - `-i, --identity=PATH`: Specifies the private key file used for decryption. This can be a native age private key, an SSH private key, or a passphrase-protected identity file. The file path can also be `-` to read from standard input. - `-j PLUGIN`: Decrypts using a plugin, similar to how the plugin is used in encryption. The plugin should contain no data-specific encryption information. ### Plugins: **age** supports the use of plugins to extend its encryption and decryption functionality. A plugin is used when encryption or decryption requires a non-standard method. The plugin executes specific cryptographic operations as defined by the plugin. --- ## VARIOUS EXAMPLES ### 1. Encrypt a file to a recipient using a native X25519 key: ```bash age -r age1ql3z7hjy54pw3hyww5ayyfg7zqgvc7w3j2elw8zmrj2kg5sfn9aqmcac8p file.txt > file.txt.age ``` ### 2. Encrypt a file to multiple recipients: ```bash age -o file.txt.age -r age1ql3z7hjy54pw3hyww5ayyfg7zqgvc7w3j2elw8zmrj2kg5sfn9aqmcac8p \ -r age1lggyhqrw2nlhcxprm67z43rta597azn8gknawjehu9d9dl0jq3yqqvfafg file.txt ``` ### 3. Encrypt to recipients listed in a file: ```bash cat > recipients.txt # Alice age1ql3z7hjy54pw3hyww5ayyfg7zqgvc7w3j2elw8zmrj2kg5sfn9aqmcac8p # Bob age1lggyhqrw2nlhcxprm67z43rta597azn8gknawjehu9d9dl0jq3yqqvfafg age -R recipients.txt file.txt > file.txt.age ``` ### 4. Encrypt and decrypt a file with a passphrase: ```bash # Encrypt with a passphrase age -p secrets.txt > secrets.txt.age Enter passphrase (leave empty to autogenerate a secure one): Using the autogenerated passphrase "release-response-step-brand-wrap-ankle-pair-unusual-sword-train". # Decrypt with the same passphrase age -d secrets.txt.age > secrets.txt Enter passphrase: ``` ### 5. Encrypt and decrypt with a passphrase-protected identity file: ```bash # Generate a passphrase-protected identity file age-keygen | age -p > key.age Enter passphrase (leave empty to autogenerate a secure one): Using the autogenerated passphrase "hip-roast-boring-snake-mention-east-wasp-honey-input-actress". # Encrypt using the identity age -r age1yhm4gctwfmrpz87tdslm550wrx6m79y9f2hdzt0lndjnehwj0ukqrjpyx5 secrets.txt > secrets.txt.age # Decrypt using the identity file age -d -i key.age secrets.txt.age > secrets.txt Enter passphrase for identity file "key.age": ``` --- ## EXIT STATUS - `0`: Encryption or decryption was successful. - `1`: An error occurred during the operation. --- ## BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY Files encrypted with a stable version of **age** will be compatible with any later version of the tool. When decrypting older files, **age** might provide a flag to force the operation if the operation poses a security risk. --- The **age** tool is designed with security and simplicity in mind. It uses strong encryption methods to ensure that your files are protected against unauthorized access, with flexibility in how encryption keys are managed and applied. [Age Github Repo](https://github.com/FiloSottile/age?tab=readme-ov-file)

@ b8851a06:9b120ba1

> Something stinks in the crypto markets, and it’s not just OpenSea’s suspicious trading activity. The recent regulatory pivot in Washington—driven by the Trump administration’s aggressive push to make the U.S. “the world’s crypto capital”—has set the stage for a wave of unchecked fraud. OpenSea’s sudden regulatory relief and strategic transformation are just the beginning. ## The SEC’s Curious Retreat Let’s start with the smoking gun: the SEC was investigating OpenSea for unregistered securities violations, even issuing a Wells notice in August 2024. Then, in a complete reversal, they dropped the case without explanation. This wasn’t some random bureaucratic oversight—it happened right after Trump took office. The timing is too perfect. His administration wasted no time signaling its pro-crypto stance, and the SEC, once an enforcer, is now rolling over like a neutered watchdog. > The message? As long as you’re playing the “crypto-bro” game, the rules don’t apply. ## OpenSea’s Convenient Pivot With the regulatory threat gone, OpenSea immediately rebranded itself—not just as an NFT marketplace but a full-blown token trading platform. Here’s what they did: * Launched OS2, a rebuilt exchange expanding into token trading. * Dropped the SEA token on February 13, 2025—perfectly timed with the regulatory climate shift. * Slashed fees to near zero to attract volume and dominate the market. This wasn’t just a business move—it was a power play. OpenSea knew that under the previous administration, tokenizing its platform might have triggered another securities probe. But under Trump’s SEC? It’s open season. ## Wash Trading and Market Manipulation And it worked. The SEA token launch sent OpenSea’s market share skyrocketing from 25.5% to 71.5% in just four weeks. Daily trading volume exploded from $3.47 million to $17.4 million—but the numbers don’t add up. The surge was so artificial that OpenSea had to suspend its XP-based incentives system after accusations of wash trading flooded in. ### Let’s be clear: this isn’t real market growth. This is manipulation. By incentivizing rapid-fire, circular trading, OpenSea created the illusion of demand. The goal? Pump the SEA token, dominate competitors, and make insiders rich—at the expense of everyday traders. ## Who’s Really Benefiting? The financials paint a grim picture. #Coatue Management, once a major investor, slashed OpenSea’s valuation from $13.3 billion to just $1.4 billion. Trading volume has collapsed from its $5 billion peak to just $190 million per month. And yet, insiders are doubling down. Consider these strategic moves: * OpenSea relocated from New York to Miami, aligning with Florida’s looser regulatory environment. * It established a foundation in the Cayman Islands—a classic move for dodging scrutiny. * It’s benefiting from a hands-off #SEC, which has abandoned enforcement actions under the new administration. This is the new crypto economy: a lawless Wild West where the biggest players game the system while retail traders foot the bill. ## What Comes Next? With #Trump’s administration actively reshaping crypto regulation, OpenSea is the first of many companies to exploit this new reality. We’re entering an era where politically connected #crypto firms will enjoy total freedom to manipulate markets, while ordinary investors will be left holding the bag. ### The lesson? If you’re not on the inside, you’re the exit liquidity. This isn’t just about #OpenSea. It’s about a government-sanctioned crypto casino, where fraud is no longer the exception—it seems to be the business model. I really hope am wrong on this one #nostr.

@ 629c4a12:f822cc1a

Treasury bonds, once considered the gold standard for conservative investments, have struggled to maintain their appeal in an era of low yields and rising inflation. Governments face mounting pressure to rethink their traditional treasury instruments, especially the long duration bonds. Enter Bitcoin—a neutral, decentralized, scarce, and globally recognized asset. By integrating Bitcoin into treasury bonds, governments have a unique opportunity to breathe new life into their sovereign debt markets and attract a new wave of investors. ### Problem: The decline of long-duration sovereign bonds Around the world, governments are grappling with declining investor confidence in their long-term debt instruments. Major institutional investors have been reducing their exposure to long-dated sovereign bonds due to rising inflation, unsustainable debt levels, and uncertainty around global monetary policies. In Europe, countries like Italy and Greece have faced heightened yield spreads, reflecting investor wariness over fiscal sustainability. In Japan, long-term government bonds have seen weak demand, despite interventions by the Bank of Japan to stabilize yields. Emerging markets, too, face significant challenges, with higher borrowing costs and limited foreign investor participation in their sovereign bond markets. Globally, yields on long-term sovereign bonds have risen as investors demand higher compensation for the perceived risks. This inverse relationship between yields and bond prices highlights a broader issue: governments are finding it increasingly difficult to issue long-term debt at sustainable costs. ### Key factors contributing to this global decline include: * **Persistent inflation:** Eroding the purchasing power of fixed-income returns across global markets. * **Increased government borrowing:** Leading to an oversupply of bonds in developed and emerging economies alike. * **Monetary policy uncertainty:** Central bank actions in response to inflation and slowing economic growth have added volatility to bond markets. As a result, global investors are increasingly favoring short-term bonds or alternative assets, leaving long-term sovereign bonds struggling to attract sufficient demand. Solution: Bitcoin as collateral for treasury bonds Governments can collateralize 10% of their 10-year and 30-year treasury bond offerings with Bitcoin. In practice, this means a portion of the bond’s value would be backed by Bitcoin reserves held securely by the issuing government or a trusted custodian. Investors would gain exposure not only to the guaranteed yield of the bond but also to the potential upside of Bitcoin’s price appreciation. To sweeten the deal, governments could offer tax-free capital gains on any Bitcoin price appreciation realized through this instrument. This would make Bitcoin-backed treasury bonds not only a conservative, yield-generating investment but also a potentially lucrative one. ### Why this matters for governments * **Attracting a new investor class:** Bitcoin has a growing base of institutional and retail investors. A Bitcoin-collateralized bond could attract Bitcoin enthusiasts and institutional investors seeking compliant exposure to Bitcoin. * **Strengthening national bitcoin reserves:** By holding Bitcoin as collateral, governments would gradually build Bitcoin reserves, which could act as a hedge against currency devaluation and macroeconomic instability. * **Enhancing bond appeal in inflationary environments:** In inflationary periods, traditional bonds struggle to offer real returns. Bitcoin’s historical performance as an inflation hedge could help offset this concern. * **Diversifying reserve assets:** Bitcoin offers a unique diversification benefit compared to traditional reserve assets like gold and foreign currencies. ### Why this matters for investors * **Dual upside potential:** Investors not only gain the fixed yield of a treasury bond but also the upside of Bitcoin price appreciation. * **Tax-gree gains on Bitcoin exposure:** The tax exemption on Bitcoin gains would be a significant incentive for investors looking for capital-efficient exposure to Bitcoin. * **Low-risk Bitcoin exposure:** For more conservative investors, Bitcoin-backed bonds offer a lower-risk pathway to Bitcoin exposure compared to direct ownership. ### Why focus on 10-Year and 30-year treasuries? Long-term treasuries, such as 10-year and 30-year bonds, are ideal candidates for Bitcoin collateralization due to their extended maturity periods. These longer timelines allow Bitcoin’s historical price appreciation to play a more significant role in generating value for investors. Additionally, they align better with Bitcoin’s long-term investment thesis, making them more attractive to investors seeking both yield and potential asset growth. Short-term treasuries, on the other hand, are less suited for Bitcoin collateralization due to Bitcoin’s volatility and shorter investment horizons. Implementation and challenges While the concept is innovative, there are several practical and regulatory challenges: * **Custody and Security:** Governments must establish secure custody solutions for Bitcoin reserves. * **Volatility Management:** Bitcoin’s price volatility could introduce risk into the bond’s collateral structure. * **Regulatory Clarity:** Clear regulatory frameworks would need to be established to govern these hybrid financial instruments. However, with the right infrastructure and governance, these challenges are far from insurmountable. A win-win opportunity By collateralizing 10-year and 30-year treasury bonds with Bitcoin, governments around the world can tap into the growing Bitcoin economy, attract a new wave of global investors, and future-proof their financial strategies. Investors, on the other hand, gain access to a secure, regulated, and potentially lucrative investment vehicle. In a rapidly changing financial landscape, integrating Bitcoin into long-term sovereign bonds is not just an opportunity—it’s a strategic imperative. Governments that act decisively could position themselves at the forefront of a new era in global sovereign finance.

@ 629c4a12:f822cc1a

I’ve always been drawn to minimalism. There’s a certain peace that comes from stripping away the unnecessary, decluttering both physical and mental spaces. Yet, when it comes to finances, I’ve found myself tangled in complexity. As an ‘optimizer,’ I spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about investments, managing risk, and endlessly tinkering with my portfolio. This preoccupation contradicts the minimalist principles I try to live by. It seems absurd to me that the financial world has become so complicated that we need money managers to simply preserve the value of our money. If investing is so intricate that the average person must hire professionals just to preserve (let alone grow) the value of their savings, then something is fundamentally wrong. For the past five years, I’ve immersed myself in the history and mechanics of financial systems. The deeper I delved, the clearer it became: Bitcoin is a force of minimalism in an increasingly financialized and complex world. ### The Clutter of Modern Finance Our financial system has become bloated with complexity. The hyper-securitization of assets has created an environment filled with financial clutter. Derivatives, for example, represent layers upon layers of financial engineering, often so convoluted that even experts struggle to understand them fully. More troubling is the way nearly everything of value has been financialized. Real estate and art, two things that should embody personal value and cultural significance, have been transformed into mere asset classes. They are bought, sold, and speculated upon not for their intrinsic qualities but as instruments in the game of wealth preservation. But why has this happened? It’s actually quite simple: our money is constantly losing value. The dollar, for example, debases at a rate of around 7% per year. Holding cash feels like holding melting ice, so it’s only natural for people to seek out scarce assets to preserve their wealth. The Never-Ending Game of Diversification This pursuit of scarce assets sets off a complex game—a game that forces people to diversify endlessly: * Equities * Bonds * Real Estate * Commodities * Art * Collectibles We’re told to spread our investments across these asset classes to mitigate risk and preserve our hard-earned money. Those who can afford to hire money managers generally fare better in this game, as they have access to expertise and strategies designed to navigate this maze of complexity. Ironically, this system creates an incentive for more complexity. The more convoluted the financial landscape becomes, the more we need money managers, and the more entrenched this cycle of financialization and securitization becomes. It’s a force of ever-increasing entropy—quite the opposite of minimalism. ### Bitcoin: Simplicity in a Complex World In the midst of this financial chaos, Bitcoin emerges as a beacon of simplicity. It offers a way out of the clutter, a chance to reclaim financial minimalism. Bitcoin embodies the concept of scarcity with a rare kind of perfection: there will only ever be 21 million Bitcoins. No more. This scarcity makes Bitcoin the perfect savings technology. Unlike traditional currencies, no one can debase your holdings. You don’t need to chase after real estate, art, or other assets to preserve your wealth. You don’t need to constantly diversify and rebalance a portfolio to stay ahead of inflation. Bitcoin’s scarcity gives you a way to hold your wealth securely, without the need for endless tinkering. I’m not blind to Bitcoin’s short-term price volatility. However, it’s crucial to understand that we’re still in the early stages of adoption. As more people embrace this perfect form of scarcity, Bitcoin’s qualities as savings technology will express itself. Bitcoin has the potential to de-financialize the housing market. It can de-financialize art. Ultimately, Bitcoin has the power to replace those aspects of our lives that currently serve as proxies for scarcity. ### A Minimalist Approach to Wealth Bitcoin allows us to step off the treadmill of constant financial optimization. It offers a simpler way to safeguard the fruits of our labor. Rather than spending our time, energy, and attention on navigating a complex financial system, we can focus on what truly matters: living a meaningful life. By embracing Bitcoin, we embrace a minimalist approach to wealth. We reject the idea that we must play a never-ending game of diversification to maintain our standard of living. Instead, we adopt a simple, elegant solution that aligns with the principles of minimalism. ### Conclusion In a world that grows more financially cluttered by the day, Bitcoin stands as a path to financial minimalism. It frees us from the complexities of traditional finance, allowing us to preserve our wealth without the need for constant vigilance and management. By embodying scarcity and simplicity, Bitcoin gives us a way to reclaim our time and energy. It’s not just a financial tool; it’s a way to simplify our lives, to step back from the chaos, and to focus on what truly matters