@ f25afb62:8d50c6e7

**🚀 Bitkiwi 2025 – Queenstown, NZ | The Future of Bitcoin is Here ⚡** Just wrapped up an **incredible** weekend at **Bitkiwi**, New Zealand’s premier Bitcoin event! 🏔️💥 From inheritance planning to self-custody, Lightning adoption, and NZ’s Bitcoin future – the speakers brought **serious signal**. Here’s a **recap** of the best talks, insights, and moments from Bitkiwi 2025 🎥👇 --- 🚀 **LightningPay’s 4 Big Announcements** 🚀 From Queenstown to the world, **LightningPay** is making moves: 1️⃣ A Bitcoin-friendly shared workspace in Queenstown. 2️⃣ A self-custodial ⚡ Lightning wallet powered by Breez. 3️⃣ 1 billion sats in monthly volume,20% monthly user growth AND **6 BTC capital raise** to keep growing! 4️⃣ **Bitcoin Basin Initiative** – Queenstown’s circular economy is here. 💡 The future of Bitcoin in NZ is bright! 🔥 https://cdn.satellite.earth/db356e99e4fc600314b5e23369dfb39b9294da58e101eb76dda2a9eb4b332bc4.mp4 --- 🏃💨 **Bitcoin Escape Velocity with Rob Clarkson** When does Bitcoin become unstoppable? Rob Clarkson of **LightningPay.nz** breaks down: 🔹 How Bitcoin adoption accelerates as it becomes a **medium of exchange** 🔹 What Lightning Network means for **real-world payments** 🔹 Why Kiwis should care about using Bitcoin today Escape velocity is coming. Are you ready? 🚀 https://cdn.satellite.earth/ed64e4ccdf699a9e83dc99c63ff37f22614f1d86590187e2459d52144ef3d74c.mp4 --- 📜💡 **Wills, Wallets & Wisdom – Bitcoin Inheritance Planning** James Swarbrick from **Swarbricks Lawyers** on: ✅ What happens to your Bitcoin when you're gone? ✅ Why multisig is your best friend for inheritance ✅ The legal side of passing down **sound money** Because **your Bitcoin is only yours if you plan for the future.** 🔑 https://cdn.satellite.earth/3974169ff85bb064aa8caf66199bc5ea7c59a19994315ce321e6dc3fde0cbafd.mp4 --- ⚡🖥️ **Why You Should Run Your Own Bitcoin Node** Ketan from **Ministry of Nodes** explains: ✅ The **importance of self-sovereignty** in Bitcoin ✅ How running a node makes the network stronger ✅ The **best setup** for a Kiwi Bitcoiner Your keys, your coins. But also: **Your node, your rules.** 🏴‍☠️ https://cdn.satellite.earth/4fcc3184615f296bd1897c82b5f507a66b4eee68195a214047fc87755e5db2c5.mp4 --- 🇳🇿🧐 **What's the Problem, NZ?** Andrew Wells of **KiwiBitcoinGuide** takes a deep dive into **Joe Bryan’s ‘What’s the Problem?’** with a **NZ perspective** 🔹 How our broken money could be the source of our problems. 🔹 How government policy & banking play a role 🔹 What’s next for Bitcoiners in NZ? New Zealand – **time to wake up.** 🏴https://cdn.satellite.earth/c4c571bbb56bd7e7ca5ed3c2cff27c6ef4ea0994abb21dd1e95c4a1d5d474e06.mp4 --- 🕊️🔥 **The F Word – Cody Ellingham** What’s the **real** F-word when it comes to Bitcoin? **FREEDOM.** Cody Ellingham from **The Transformation of Value Podcast** dives into: 💡 What true **freedom** looks like. 🔗 Why Bitcoin is a **tool for sovereignty** 🚀 How to break free from **fiat dependency** https://cdn.satellite.earth/45909c963826fdd094b7f0729a762ef45132d39a95b7bf226f2d7b3fbace66a7.mp4 --- 📢 **That’s a wrap on Bitkiwi 2025!** 📢 🔸 Bitcoin adoption is accelerating in NZ. 🔸 Queenstown is becoming a **Bitcoin circular economy**. 🔸 Builders & educators are paving the way forward.

@ 33baa074:3bb3a297

A [vibration sensor](https://www.renkeer.com/what-vibration-sensor/ ) is a device used to measure or detect the vibration of an object. It is able to convert the vibration signal of an object into an electrical signal for analysis and monitoring. This type of sensor is widely used in many fields, including industrial manufacturing, structural monitoring, vehicle diagnostics, medical science, etc. Working Principle Vibration sensors capture and measure the vibration of an object by using different working principles. Here are several common working principles of vibration sensors: Piezoelectric Vibration Sensors Piezoelectric vibration sensors are one of the most common types. It is based on the piezoelectric effect and measures vibration by generating an electric charge or voltage through piezoelectric materials. When an object vibrates, the piezoelectric material produces a mechanical displacement, which causes a change in electric potential. This change is converted into an electrical signal to measure and analyze the amplitude and frequency of the vibration. Strain Vibration Sensors Strain vibration sensors use the strain properties of materials to measure vibrations. It is usually composed of a metal rod or elastic rod with a strain gauge attached to the rod. When an object vibrates, the material is strained, causing the strain gauge to produce a change in resistance or voltage. This change is measured and recorded to evaluate the vibration intensity and frequency. Inductive vibration sensor Inductive vibration sensor uses the principle of inductive sensing to measure vibration. It contains a magnetic core, coil and load resistor. When the object vibrates, the position of the magnetic core changes relative to the coil, thereby changing the self-inductance of the coil. This change causes a change in the inductance value, and vibration information is obtained by measuring the change in inductance. Types Vibration sensors can be divided into many types according to their working principles and application fields. Here are some common types of vibration sensors: Acceleration sensor Acceleration sensor is one of the most common types of vibration sensors. It can measure the acceleration of an object and convert it into a vibration signal. Acceleration sensors are usually implemented using piezoelectric materials or MEMS technology. Surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor Surface acoustic wave sensors use the propagation characteristics of surface acoustic waves on crystal sheets to measure vibration. It has high sensitivity and reliability and is widely used in structural health monitoring and industrial fields. Laser interference sensor Laser interference sensor measures the vibration or displacement of an object by using the principle of laser interference. It has high accuracy and non-contact performance and is suitable for precision experiments and measurements. Magneto resistive sensor Magneto resistive sensor uses the magneto resistive effect to measure vibration. When an object vibrates, the direction and size of the magnetic field will change, causing the resistance value of the magneto resistive sensor to change. This change is converted into an electrical signal for measuring and monitoring vibration. Fiber optic sensor Fiber optic sensor uses the transmission characteristics of light to measure vibration. It transmits the light signal to the surface of the object to be measured through the optical fiber, and detects the change in the optical path caused by vibration by measuring the reflection or scattering of the light signal. Piezoelectric ceramic sensor Piezoelectric ceramic sensor uses piezoelectric ceramic material as a sensing element to measure vibration by measuring the charge or voltage change of the material. Application field Vibration sensors are widely used in many fields, including: Industrial field: used for vibration and displacement monitoring in machinery, such as long-term monitoring of thermal expansion of rotors and housings, and online automatic detection and automatic control of production lines. Aerospace: During the flight of aerospace vehicles, vibration sensors are used to collect vibration signals, analyze aircraft attitudes, and ensure flight safety. Energy and chemical industry: In the energy and chemical industries, vibration sensors are used to monitor the operating status of equipment and prevent failures. Scientific research and teaching: In scientific research, vibration sensors are used to measure a variety of small distances and small movements, providing accurate data support for scientific research. In summary, vibration sensors measure the vibration of objects through different working principles, including piezoelectric effect, strain properties, inductive sensing, etc. Common types of vibration sensors include accelerometer, surface acoustic wave sensors, laser interference sensors, magneto resistive sensors, fiber optic sensors, and piezoelectric ceramic sensors. According to specific application requirements, choosing a suitable vibration sensor can accurately measure and monitor the vibration behavior of an object.

@ d360efec:14907b5f

$OKX:BTCUSDT.P **Timeframe Analysis:** 1. **TF 15m (Intraday):** * **Trend:** Bearish (but showing signs of a minor reversal). Price was below both EMAs but is starting to move above the EMA 50. * **SMC:** * Clear Bearish OB at ~93,000 (tested and failed on March 1st). * Bullish OB at ~86,000-87,000 (price tested and bounced). * SSL: ~86,845, ~83,859 (already swept). * BSL: ~92,669 (potential next target). * **Trend Strength:** Cloud is still red but fading. A small Buy arrow appears. * **Day Trade Strategy (SMC):** * **Caution:** The market is volatile. The main trend is still down, but there's short-term buying pressure. * **Option 1 (Aggressive):** Buy when the price dips near the Bullish OB (~87,000) or EMA 50. Set a stop-loss below the OB. Target the BSL (~92,669) or the previous Bearish OB. * **Option 2 (Conservative):** Wait for a clear breakout above the Bearish OB (~93,000) before considering a buy. * **Short:** If shorting, wait for the price to approach the Bearish OB again and look for a bearish reversal signal (e.g., Bearish Engulfing) before shorting. 2. **TF 4H (Medium-Term):** * **Trend:** Bearish. Price is below both EMAs, EMA 50 is below EMA 200. * **SMC:** * Larger Bearish OB: ~95,000-100,000. * SSL: ~83,559.5, ~81,260.4, ~78,961.4 (medium- to long-term targets). * BSL: 105,543.4 * **Trend Strength:** Dark red cloud. Sell signal. * **Strategy:** Focus on shorts. Wait for pullbacks to the EMAs or Bearish OB and look for shorting opportunities. 3. **TF Day (Long-Term):** * **Trend:** Still Bearish, but starting to show signs of slowing down. The price has broken below the EMA 200. * **SMC:** Large order Block $90,000-$100,000 * **Trend Strength:** The cloud is changing from dark red to a lighter red. No clear Buy signal yet. * **Strategy:** Avoid going long. Wait for clearer reversal signals (e.g., breakout above EMA 50, Bullish Divergence). **Summary and Cautions:** * The main trend of BTC is still Bearish on all timeframes. * The 15m TF is showing signs of a short-term Bullish Reversal, but be cautious as it's against the main downtrend. * Smart Money may be accumulating at current price levels. * **Cautions:** News, volatility, liquidity sweeps (stop-loss hunting). **Disclaimer:** This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research and make decisions carefully.

@ c8383d81:f9139549

Project is still in early stages but now it is split into 2 different domain entities. 
Everything is opened sourced under one github https://github.com/Nsite-Info ## So what’s new ? ### Project #1 https://Nsite.info
 A basic website with main info regarding what an Nsite is how it works and a list of tools and repo’s you can use to start building and debugging.
99% Finished, needs some extra translations and the Nsite Debugger can use a small upgrade.

 ### Project #2 https://Nsite.cloud
 This project isn’t finished, it currently is at a 40% finished stage. This contains the Nsite Gateway for all sites (still a work in progress) and the final stage the Nsite editor & template deployment. If you are interested in Nsite’s join: 

https://chachi.chat/groups.hzrd149.com/e23891 Big thanks to nostr:npub1elta7cneng3w8p9y4dw633qzdjr4kyvaparuyuttyrx6e8xp7xnq32cume nostr:npub1ye5ptcxfyyxl5vjvdjar2ua3f0hynkjzpx552mu5snj3qmx5pzjscpknpr nostr:npub1klr0dy2ul2dx9llk58czvpx73rprcmrvd5dc7ck8esg8f8es06qs427gxc for all the tooling & code. !(image)[https://i.nostr.build/AkUvk7R2h9cVEMLB.png]

@ 8d34bd24:414be32b

Last night I was reading this passage in Ezekiel, who was called to be a watchman to Israel. > “Son of man, I have appointed you a watchman to the house of Israel; **whenever you hear a word from My mouth, warn them from Me**. When I say to the wicked, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn him or speak out to warn the wicked from his wicked way that he may live, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. Yet if you have warned the wicked and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered yourself. Again, when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I place an obstacle before him, he will die; since you have not warned him, he shall die in his sin, and his righteous deeds which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand. However, if you have warned the righteous man that the righteous should not sin and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he took warning; and you have delivered yourself.” (Ezekiel 3:17-21) {emphasis mine} Although I do not believe we can directly apply this command to our lives because it was given directly to Ezekiel and because our salvation comes from Jesus and not works, I do think we can learn from this passage. Just as Ezekiel was called to share God’s blessings, His curses, and His fixed plan, in the same way we are to share the Gospel (the good and the bad) and God’s eternal plan as laid out in the Bible. Unlike Ezekiel, we will receive blessings for being God’s witness and watchman, but will not be punished for failure due to being covered in the blood of Jesus and His righteousness. We are called to share the Gospel and make disciples: > Go therefore and **make disciples of all the nations**, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, **even to the end of the age**.” (Matthew 28:19-20) {emphasis mine} We should never stop until the end. We are not supposed to hide the fact we are Christians or act like everyone else in the culture, but to be a light for Jesus. > “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; **nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house**. **Let your light shine before men** in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16) {emphasis mine} Our love for Jesus should shine so brightly that everyone knows we belong to Christ. > Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13) We should study the Bible so we are ready to share God’s word with all who will listen. Being a light for Jesus isn’t always easy. It can sometimes even lead to persecution and hardship, but we are called to give an account. > But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, **always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you**, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. (1 Peter 3:14-16) {emphasis mine} Being ready requires diligent prayer and Bible study. We need to know God and His word well to be most effective. Of course we need to be more than just impersonal scholars. We need to have a relationship with Jesus and our Father God and share that relationship with others. We need to share Jesus with even more excitement than we would share our spouse or our kids. We need to be more excited to introduce people to Jesus than we would be to introduce people to a celebrity or other important person. Jesus should be a focus and our joy and such a part of our life that talking about Him becomes second nature. (For most people this takes a long time to reach this point, so don’t lose hope if you aren’t there yet.) There are lies that we tell and there are also lies by omission. When we leave out some truth, we can imply a lie. So often Christians are so worried about seeming loving that we don’t love people enough to speak the whole truth to them. Yes, God is loving, but He is also holy and gives righteous judgment. Yes Jesus died on our cross to take away our sins, but some will reject Him and spend eternity in eternal torment in Hell. If we only tell the “good” parts, but leave out the “bad” parts, we are speaking a lie. > Everyone deceives his neighbor And does not speak the truth, They have taught their tongue to speak lies; They weary themselves committing iniquity. (Jeremiah 9:5) In court we are asked to speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Are you speaking the whole truth when you speak of God? Do you sometimes hold back? I recently was communicating with someone online about the Bible and I caught myself watering down a truth. Not speaking the whole, complete truth trapped me in a corner and my witness was harmed. I like to think of myself as fearlessly sharing God and His truth with people, but I seriously messed up on this one. > Therefore, laying aside falsehood, **speak truth each one of you with his neighbor**, for we are members of one another. (Ephesians 4:25) {emphasis mine} Sometimes we hold back because the truth (things like God’s judgment, only one way to God, election, or God’s sovereignty) seems too hard or unpleasant. Sometimes we hold back because we are ashamed. Don’t be ashamed, for Jesus said: > For **whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him** when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. (Luke 9:26) {emphasis mine} The closer our relationship is to God and the better we know our Bible, the more confident we can be sharing the Good News to those around us, but no matter how much we prepare within ourselves, we must always lean on Jesus and do things in His power, not our own. > For **God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline**. Therefore **do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord** or of me His prisoner, but join with *me* in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity (2 Timothy 1:7-9) {emphasis mine} May God mold us and guide us to be a good witness and a good watchman, so we can shine the light of Jesus onto all the world and become the faithful servants we were designed to be for His glory. Trust Jesus

@ 378562cd:a6fc6773

For decades, the internet has been dominated by a handful of powerful corporations—gatekeepers who decide what we can say, see, and share. Social media platforms, search engines, and cloud services have become digital overlords, tracking our every move, monetizing our data, and silencing voices that don’t fit the narrative. But a quiet revolution is underway. A new technology—simple yet profound—is rising from the digital underground. It’s called NOSTR, and it’s not just another app or platform. NOSTR is the new internet. The Problem With the Old Internet To understand the power of NOSTR, we need to recognize what’s broken in the internet we’ve come to accept as normal. Corporate Control – A few companies decide who gets to speak and who gets banned. Free speech exists at the mercy of moderation teams and their algorithms. Surveillance Economy – Your data is the product. Every click, like, and scroll is analyzed, packaged, and sold. Censorship & Deplatforming – Alternative viewpoints? Independent thought? If it doesn’t align with the powers that be, it can be erased overnight or buried to deep to find. Single Points of Failure – Servers go down, accounts get hacked, platforms disappear. Your digital life is at risk when everything is tied to one entity. The internet wasn’t supposed to be this way. But centralized control has made it fragile, controlled, and weaponized against its own users. Enter NOSTR. What Is NOSTR? NOSTR—short for “Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays”—is a simple yet groundbreaking communication protocol. It’s not owned by anyone. It doesn’t have a CEO. It doesn’t depend on a single company to function. Instead, it is a network of independent relays, where users own their identities, data, and speech. Imagine an internet where: ✔️ No corporation can silence you ✔️ No government can shut down the conversation ✔️ No single server crash can wipe out your account ✔️ You control your identity—no passwords, no lockouts That’s what NOSTR enables. Why NOSTR Changes Everything NOSTR isn’t just another social media platform—it’s the foundation for an entirely new digital landscape. Today, it’s being used for Twitter-like conversations, but tomorrow it could power blogs, marketplaces, encrypted messaging, and financial transactions—all without middlemen. Here’s why it’s revolutionary: Freedom from Censorship – No platform bans. No speech policing. If one relay refuses to host your messages, another will. True Digital Ownership – Your account is yours, tied to your private key. No company can take it away. Interoperability – One identity works across all apps that use NOSTR, meaning you’re not trapped inside a walled garden. Resilience – If one relay shuts down, the network lives on. Unlike traditional platforms, NOSTR has no single point of failure. The Future of the Internet Has Arrived Skeptics might say, “This sounds great, but will it actually replace the internet we know?” The answer? It already is. Bitcoiners, free speech advocates, and tech pioneers are flooding onto NOSTR. Developers are building new tools every day. The old internet—bloated, censored, and controlled—is losing its grip. We are witnessing the birth of a new digital age, one where power shifts from corporations back to individuals. NOSTR isn’t just another platform—it’s the foundation for a freer internet. And make no mistake: NOSTR is the new internet. The only question is, are you ready to be a part of it?

@ 04ff5a72:22ba7b2d

## The Dark Side of Memecoins: How Internet Jokes Undermine Cryptocurrency's Legitimacy The cryptocurrency landscape has been forever altered by the emergence of memecoins, digital assets created as jokes that have since evolved into significant financial instruments with multi-billion dollar market capitalizations. While proponents argue these tokens democratize finance and bring new users into the crypto ecosystem, the reality is far more concerning. Memecoins have introduced unprecedented levels of volatility, scams, and market manipulation that threaten to undermine the legitimacy of the entire blockchain industry. This article examines how what started as an internet joke has transformed into one of the most problematic aspects of cryptocurrency, tracing the journey from Dogecoin's humble beginnings through the explosion of copycat tokens and the widespread financial losses that have followed in their wake. ## The Birth of Dogecoin: When Cryptocurrency Became a Joke Dogecoin, the original memecoin, emerged in December 2013 as a satirical response to the growing cryptocurrency speculation of the time. Software engineers Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer created Dogecoin as a lighthearted alternative to Bitcoin, featuring the face of a Shiba Inu dog from the popular "doge" meme as its logo and mascot. Unlike Bitcoin and other serious blockchain projects, Dogecoin was deliberately designed without a capped supply and with minimal technical innovation, positioning itself as the "fun and friendly Internet currency"[[1]]( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogecoin). Despite its joke origins, Dogecoin quickly developed a passionate community that embraced its lighthearted approach to cryptocurrency. This community spirit manifested in various charitable endeavors, most notably in March 2014 when Dogecoin supporters raised Ð67.8 million (approximately $55,000 at the time) to sponsor NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Josh Wise. The "Moonrocket" No. 98 car featured prominently in the Aaron's 499 race at Talladega Superspeedway, bringing mainstream attention to what had started as an internet meme[[1]]( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogecoin). The community's enthusiasm continued when they successfully voted Wise into the Sprint All-Star Race, beating established NASCAR favorite Danica Patrick primarily through coordinated online efforts. However, as Dogecoin gained popularity and its price began to rise, the project's founders became increasingly disillusioned. What had started as "crypto for sillies" was transforming into a speculative investment vehicle. Markus expressed discomfort when people began investing significant sums, stating: "when someone puts $20k in... that makes me really, really uncomfortable. I don't want to be the leader of a cult"[[11]]( https://www.galaxy.com/insights/research/dogecoin-shitcoin-honest/). By mid-2014, Palmer had unsubscribed from the r/Dogecoin subreddit, and in 2015, he announced an "extended leave of absence" from the cryptocurrency community, describing the ecosystem as "toxic"[[11]]( https://www.galaxy.com/insights/research/dogecoin-shitcoin-honest/). The founders' departure marked a turning point for Dogecoin, leaving it without its original guiding voices just as it was gaining mainstream recognition. ## Elon Musk: The Billionaire Memecoin Manipulator After several years of relative stability, Dogecoin experienced a dramatic revival thanks largely to one high-profile supporter: Elon Musk. Beginning in 2019 but accelerating through 2020 and 2021, Musk's frequent tweets about Dogecoin triggered massive price movements, demonstrating the extraordinary influence a single individual could have on cryptocurrency markets. His support ranged from simple endorsements to more elaborate stunts, all contributing to Dogecoin's meteoric rise to a peak price of around $0.70 in May 2021[[2]]( https://www.vice.com/en/article/dogecoin-twitter-elon-musk/). Musk's involvement with Dogecoin went beyond social media cheerleading. Tesla began accepting the cryptocurrency for some merchandise, giving it a veneer of legitimacy that few other memecoins could claim. Additionally, Musk revealed that he personally held Dogecoin in his investment portfolio, further cementing the relationship between the billionaire and the memecoin[[2]]( https://www.vice.com/en/article/dogecoin-twitter-elon-musk/). Perhaps the most blatant example of Musk's market-moving power came in February 2023, when he jokingly introduced a dog as Twitter's new CEO with the caption: "The new CEO of Twitter is amazing." This single tweet caused significant price appreciation across multiple dog-themed cryptocurrencies, with Dogecoin rising 6.1%, Shiba Inu increasing 4.3%, and Floki surging an astonishing 39%[[12]]( https://bitcoinist.com/elon-musk-triggers-dogecoin-shiba-inu-price-surge/). However, Musk's relationship with Dogecoin has not been without controversy. During his Saturday Night Live appearance in May 2021, Musk referred to Dogecoin as "a hustle," causing the price to plummet and erasing billions in market value overnight[[2]]( https://www.vice.com/en/article/dogecoin-twitter-elon-musk/). This volatility led to a $258 billion lawsuit from Dogecoin investors who accused Musk of operating and manipulating a "Dogecoin Pyramid Scheme for profit, exposure and amusement"[[2]]( https://www.vice.com/en/article/dogecoin-twitter-elon-musk/). The lawsuit alleges that Musk used his substantial platform to artificially inflate Dogecoin's price before allowing it to crash, benefiting early investors while leaving late arrivals with significant losses. Markus and Palmer, the original creators of Dogecoin, have been vocal in their criticism of Musk’s involvement, accusing him of exploiting the project for personal gain while misleading retail investors. In a now-deleted tweet from 2021, Palmer called Musk a “grifter” who “sells a vision he doesn’t understand” and later stated that Musk’s influence over Dogecoin was a “calculated move to manipulate markets and extract wealth from crypto newcomers and his fanbase.”[[16]]( https://www.crikey.com.au/2022/05/30/dogecoin-jackson-palmer-elon-musk-cryptocurrency-bubble/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) Markus, while less confrontational, has also distanced himself from Musk, emphasizing that Dogecoin was never intended to be a serious financial instrument and criticizing the billionaire’s attempts to position himself as the de facto leader of the project. Their concerns were validated as Musk’s public endorsements led to wild price swings, causing many inexperienced investors to buy in at inflated prices before subsequent crashes wiped out billions in value. Palmer has gone so far as to argue that Musk embodies the very exploitation that he and Markus originally sought to parody with Dogecoin, turning what was once a harmless internet joke into a tool for financial manipulation. More recently, Musk's cryptocurrency activities have attracted increased regulatory scrutiny. In February 2025, the SEC sued Musk for allegedly failing to properly disclose his Twitter stock purchases in 2022, to which Musk responded by calling the SEC a "Totally broken organization"[[13]]( https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/17/musk-doge-securities-exchange-commission-00204621). The connection between Musk's various crypto-related activities and his ongoing battles with regulators highlights the complex interplay between celebrity influence, market manipulation, and regulatory oversight in the cryptocurrency space. ## The Memecoin Explosion: From One Joke to Thousands While Dogecoin remained the original and most recognizable memecoin for years, the explosion of copycat tokens began in earnest during early 2024, coinciding with the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs and the resulting surge in crypto market liquidity. This period marked the beginning of what many now refer to as the "memecoin bubble," characterized by thousands of new tokens with little to no utility beyond their humorous names and themes[[4]]( https://www.businessinsider.com/memecoins-cryptocurrency-altcoins-market-trump-libra-milei-celebrities-scams-regulation-2025-2). The proliferation of memecoins was significantly accelerated by the introduction of user-friendly creation tools, most notably Pump.Fun, a Solana-based launchpad that drastically simplified the process of minting new tokens. By January 2025, according to Wired, this platform alone had facilitated the launch of nearly 6 million memecoin projects[[4]]( https://www.businessinsider.com/memecoins-cryptocurrency-altcoins-market-trump-libra-milei-celebrities-scams-regulation-2025-2). The ease of token creation led to an unprecedented flood of new cryptocurrencies, many explicitly designed to capitalize on trending topics, celebrity names, or internet memes with little consideration for long-term viability. This memecoin explosion was not limited to Solana, though that blockchain became particularly associated with the phenomenon due to its low transaction fees and fast processing times. Ethereum Layer 2 solutions, Base blockchain, and other networks also saw significant memecoin activity as developers sought various platforms to launch their projects. Each blockchain developed its own memecoin ecosystem, with varying levels of scrutiny and security. Analysis of these ecosystems reveals concerning mortality rates across platforms, with Base leading at a 66.91% death rate, followed by Solana at 54.03% and Ethereum at 36.59%[[15]]( https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/2024-08-18-high-failure-rate-of-meme-coin-projects-revealed-in-new-research-12355166562033). The proliferation of memecoins brought with it an increase in security vulnerabilities and exploits. In February 2025, Pump.fun's official X (formerly Twitter) account was compromised, with hackers promoting fake tokens including a purported "official Pump.fun governance token"[[9]]( https://www.tradingview.com/news/newsbtc:fea179621094b:0-memecoin-scam-alert-pump-fun-x-account-hacked-promotes-fake-pump-token/). This incident resulted in approximately $600,000 being extracted from investors who purchased the fraudulent tokens, highlighting the security risks inherent in the loosely regulated memecoin ecosystem. Even more concerning, blockchain data firm Bubblemaps warned users that the promoted token was "heavily bundled and will dump," as 60% of the supply was controlled by just two wallet clusters[[9]]( https://www.tradingview.com/news/newsbtc:fea179621094b:0-memecoin-scam-alert-pump-fun-x-account-hacked-promotes-fake-pump-token/). By February 2025, clear signs of exhaustion had begun to appear in the memecoin market. In what was described as a "crypto first," a memecoin launch on Pump.fun failed to reach its hard cap within the traditionally frenzied first 30 minutes of sale[[8]]( https://www.ainvest.com/news/crypto-meme-coin-launch-fails-hit-hard-cap-30-minutes-2502/). This unusual event signaled waning investor enthusiasm and growing skepticism about the sustainability of the memecoin phenomenon, with some community members describing the ongoing security issues as "the nail on the meme coin coffin"[[9]]( https://www.tradingview.com/news/newsbtc:fea179621094b:0-memecoin-scam-alert-pump-fun-x-account-hacked-promotes-fake-pump-token/). ## The Detrimental Impact on Cryptocurrency's Legitimacy The rise of memecoins has had far-reaching negative consequences for the entire cryptocurrency industry, undermining years of effort to establish blockchain technology as a serious financial and technological innovation. These consequences manifest in multiple ways, from providing ammunition to crypto skeptics to directly harming retail investors through various scams and market manipulations. Perhaps the most fundamental problem with memecoins is their inherent lack of utility and technological innovation. Unlike projects that aim to solve real-world problems through blockchain applications, memecoins typically offer no meaningful functionality beyond transfer and speculation. Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has been particularly blunt about this reality, warning that 99% of memecoins are scams designed to deceive investors[[7]]( https://bitcoinworld.co.in/cz-exposes-memecoin-crypto-scams/). This assessment is supported by research from Chainplay revealing a staggering 97% failure rate for memecoin projects since 2024, with an average lifespan of just one year compared to the typical three-year lifespan of other crypto projects[[15]]( https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/2024-08-18-high-failure-rate-of-meme-coin-projects-revealed-in-new-research-12355166562033). The prevalence of outright fraud within the memecoin ecosystem is particularly alarming. Analysis of security vulnerabilities in recent memecoin projects shows that Whitelisting, Tax modification, Antiwhale, and Blacklist are the most common vulnerabilities discovered in contracts from the past three months, with each threat becoming approximately 15% more common on average[[10]]( https://bdc.consulting/insights/MarketResearch/memecoins). Even more concerning, over 55% of meme coins are directly linked to malicious activities[[15]]( https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/2024-08-18-high-failure-rate-of-meme-coin-projects-revealed-in-new-research-12355166562033), with rug pulls remaining the most prevalent form of memecoin scam[[14]]( https://cointelegraph.com/learn/articles/top-memecoin-scams). The Trump memecoin ($TRUMP) debacle serves as a particularly stark illustration of the harm memecoins can inflict on unsuspecting investors. From its mid-January launch price of $76, Trump Coin plummeted to approximately $17, marking a nearly 80% decline and resulting in losses for 810,000 investors totaling over $2 billion[[5]]( https://www.gurufocus.com/news/2695386/trump-coin-plunge-causes-massive-investor-losses). Meanwhile, early traders and insiders reportedly profited to the tune of $6.6 billion, with just 31 individuals making $669 million within days of the launch[[5]]( https://www.gurufocus.com/news/2695386/trump-coin-plunge-causes-massive-investor-losses). The extent of insider activity was blatant – the first account to publicly bet on Trump Coin was created three hours before Trump's announcement, placing a wager exceeding $1 million, and the coin itself was created 12 hours before the public announcement[[5]]( https://www.gurufocus.com/news/2695386/trump-coin-plunge-causes-massive-investor-losses). This pattern of insiders profiting at the expense of retail investors has become a defining characteristic of the memecoin ecosystem. A wallet identified as 6QSc2Cx acquired a large quantity of Trump Coin tokens at the opening price of $0.18 each, accumulating 5,971,750 tokens that would soon surge to $75 per token[[5]]( https://www.gurufocus.com/news/2695386/trump-coin-plunge-causes-massive-investor-losses). Such examples of information asymmetry and market manipulation directly contradict the decentralized and egalitarian ethos that cryptocurrency was originally meant to embody. The negative impact extends beyond direct financial losses to broader damage to cryptocurrency's reputation and regulatory standing. The involvement of political figures like Donald Trump and Argentina's President Javier Milei in memecoin projects has "pushed the space to a level of absurdity that can no longer be ignored," according to investment manager Travis Kling, who has described the current environment as "crime season"[[6]]( https://www.gurufocus.com/news/2695386/trump-coin-plunge-causes-massive-investor-losses). This characterization of the cryptocurrency space as lawless and predatory provides significant ammunition to critics who dismiss all blockchain technology as fraudulent or worthless. ## Conclusion: The Need for Industry Self-Regulation The memecoin phenomenon represents a significant challenge to the cryptocurrency industry's efforts to gain mainstream legitimacy and adoption. What began as a lighthearted joke with Dogecoin has evolved into a troubling ecosystem characterized by market manipulation, fraud, and financial losses for retail investors. The statistics are sobering: an average of 2,020 memecoin projects die each month[[15]]( https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/2024-08-18-high-failure-rate-of-meme-coin-projects-revealed-in-new-research-12355166562033), leaving a trail of lost investments and shattered confidence in their wake. For cryptocurrency to fulfill its potential as a transformative technology, the industry must address the excesses and abuses of the memecoin sector. This will require not only more robust regulatory frameworks but also stronger self-regulation by exchanges, developers, and influencers. The memecoin bubble may have begun to deflate, but the damage to cryptocurrency's reputation will linger much longer, requiring concerted effort to rebuild trust and refocus attention on blockchain's legitimate use cases and innovations. As we move forward, it is crucial to distinguish between genuine technological innovation and empty speculation. The future of cryptocurrency depends not on cartoon dogs or political memes, but on developing applications that solve real-world problems and create genuine value beyond the next pump and dump cycle. Only by rejecting the get-rich-quick mentality of memecoins can the industry hope to rebuild its credibility and realize the transformative potential of blockchain technology. ### Sources [1] Dogecoin - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogecoin [2] Dogecoin Holders Thank Elon Musk for the Pump, Now ... - VICE https://www.vice.com/en/article/dogecoin-twitter-elon-musk/ [3] Elon Musk's Dogecoin Launches SEC Probe Amid Ripple Lawsuit https://www.ainvest.com/news/elon-musk-dogecoin-launches-sec-probe-ripple-lawsuit-2502/ [4] The Meme-Coin Explosion Is Already Getting Exhausting https://www.businessinsider.com/memecoins-cryptocurrency-altcoins-market-trump-libra-milei-celebrities-scams-regulation-2025-2 [5] Trump Coin Plunge Causes Massive Investor Losses - GuruFocus https://www.gurufocus.com/news/2695386/trump-coin-plunge-causes-massive-investor-losses [6] Memecoin Bubble Burst: Implications for Crypto Market - Ainvest https://ainvest.com/news/memecoin-bubble-burst-implications-crypto-market-2502/ [7] CZ Exposes 99% Memecoin Crypto Scams Deceiving Investors https://bitcoinworld.co.in/cz-exposes-memecoin-crypto-scams/ [8] Crypto First: MEME Coin Launch Fails to Hit Hard Cap in 30 Minutes https://www.ainvest.com/news/crypto-meme-coin-launch-fails-hit-hard-cap-30-minutes-2502/ [9] Memecoin Scam Alert: Pump.Fun X Account Hacked, Promotes ... https://www.tradingview.com/news/newsbtc:fea179621094b:0-memecoin-scam-alert-pump-fun-x-account-hacked-promotes-fake-pump-token/ [10] MEMECOINS 2024: MARKET, TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES. https://bdc.consulting/insights/MarketResearch/memecoins [11] Dogecoin: The Most Honest Sh*tcoin | Galaxy https://www.galaxy.com/insights/research/dogecoin-shitcoin-honest/ [12] Dogecoin, Shiba Inu Soar As Elon Musk Announces Twitter CEO https://bitcoinist.com/elon-musk-triggers-dogecoin-shiba-inu-price-surge/ [13] Musk's DOGE expected to arrive at SEC in coming days - POLITICO https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/17/musk-doge-securities-exchange-commission-00204621 [14] Top Memecoin scams to avoid in February 2025 - Cointelegraph https://cointelegraph.com/learn/articles/top-memecoin-scams [15] High Failure Rate Of Meme Coin Projects Revealed in New Research https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/2024-08-18-high-failure-rate-of-meme-coin-projects-revealed-in-new-research-12355166562033 [16] Dogecoin co-creator says Elon Musk is a grifter ... https://www.crikey.com.au/2022/05/30/dogecoin-jackson-palmer-elon-musk-cryptocurrency-bubble/?utm_source=chatgpt.com [17] All the meme coins moving to Solana is a good thing for Ethereum https://www.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/1d3qo7s/all_the_meme_coins_moving_to_solana_is_a_good/ [18] 4 reasons why Bitcoin value is nosediving. (Hint: It's Trump.) https://mashable.com/article/bitcoin-value-down-donald-trump-memecoin-crypto-heist [19] What Is the Dogecoin Foundation? How the Divisive Group ... https://dailycoin.com/what-is-dogecoin-foundation/ [20] Elon Musk's latest canine-themed tweet didn't pump Dogecoin as ... https://cointelegraph.com/news/elon-musk-s-latest-canine-themed-tweet-didn-t-pump-dogecoin-as-much-as-shib [21] DOGE's 'god-tier' access to CFPB data opens door to market ... https://therecord.media/doge-access-cfpb-data-market [22] The Explosion of Layer-2 Networks on Ethereum - CryptoNinjas https://www.cryptoninjas.net/news/the-explosion-of-layer-2-networks-on-ethereum-challenges-and-opportunities/ [23] Trump coin leads tumble in meme cryptocurrencies as tariffs rock ... https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/03/trump-coin-leads-tumble-in-meme-cryptocurrencies-as-tariffs-rock-global-markets.html [24] Dogecoin hasn't always been a 'fun meme coin' - Cointelegraph https://cointelegraph.com/news/dogecoin-hasn-t-always-been-a-fun-meme-coin [25] Dogecoin jumps after Elon Musk replaces Twitter bird with Shiba Inu https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/03/investing/dogecoin-elon-musk-twitter/index.html [26] Ranking Member Maxine Waters and Congressman Brad Sherman ... https://democrats-financialservices.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=412921 [27] Solaxy Layer 2 ICO Hits $22 Million Milestone – Next Meme Coin to ... https://insidebitcoins.com/news/solaxy-layer-2-ico-hits-22-million-milestone-next-meme-coin-to-explode [28] Thousands of investors in Trump's memecoin lost $2 billion in just ... https://finance.yahoo.com/news/thousands-investors-trump-memecoin-lost-061200440.html [29] How to Manipulate Securities and Bankrupt Your Followers in 5 ... https://www.gasa.org/post/bankrupt-your-followers-in-5-easy-steps-pump-and-dump [30] Strategies to Identify Potential Meme Coin Rug Pulls https://blockchain.news/flashnews/strategies-to-identify-potential-meme-coin-rug-pulls [31] Will the New $Trump Meme Coin Create a Crack in Crypto's Future? https://www.bitira.com/crypto-meme-fears/ [32] Memecoin Farm Scams Explained: How to Spot and Avoid the Pitfalls https://www.ccn.com/education/crypto/memecoin-farm-scams/ [33] Meme Coins Fizzle: Over 97% Fail, Including Influencer Picks https://beincrypto.com/influencer-endorsed-tokens-fail-to-deliver/ [34] A Kid Made $50,000 Dumping Crypto He'd Created. Then ... - WIRED https://www.wired.com/story/memecoin-kid-backlash/ [35] The Dark Side of the Memes: Rug pulls, FOMO, and the Dogefather ... https://cryptoslate.com/the-dark-side-of-the-memes-rug-pulls-fomo-and-the-dogefather-effect/ [36] The Hidden Dangers of Buying Meme Coins You Need to Know https://www.investopedia.com/top-risks-of-buying-meme-coins-8782157 [37] 99.99% of meme coins are scams ! : r/solana - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/solana/comments/1h30hrl/9999_of_meme_coins_are_scams/ [38] Losing all your money to memecoins? The problem may be that you ... https://www.reddit.com/r/solana/comments/1gzygdz/losing_all_your_money_to_memecoins_the_problem/ [39] Pump and dump schema on pump.fun : r/solana - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/solana/comments/1d6qka0/pump_and_dump_schema_on_pumpfun/ [40] What are Rug Pulls ? How to be Save from Memecoin Rug Pulls https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/14065742283329

@ f3873798:24b3f2f3

No Brasil, o consumo de álcool não é apenas aceito socialmente, mas fortemente incentivado. A presença de bebidas alcoólicas é constante em festas, confraternizações e até mesmo no ambiente familiar. Quem se recusa a beber muitas vezes é visto como alguém “estranho”, “chato” ou antissocial. Essa mentalidade gera um ciclo vicioso de incentivo ao consumo, ignorando seus impactos negativos. # A Pressão Social Pelo Consumo Desde cedo, muitos brasileiros são introduzidos ao álcool sem qualquer reflexão sobre os riscos. Em algumas regiões, crianças experimentam bebidas alcoólicas ainda na infância, muitas vezes com o incentivo de familiares. A ideia de que “todo mundo bebe” cria um ambiente em que se recusar a ingerir álcool pode levar ao isolamento social e até mesmo a chacotas. Aqueles que não bebem frequentemente se sentem excluídos de eventos sociais, pois a cultura ao redor do álcool é tão intensa que parece não haver espaço para quem faz uma escolha diferente. Em reuniões, festas e até mesmo encontros informais, a presença da bebida é praticamente obrigatória, reforçando a ideia de que a diversão depende dela. # O Álcool e a Imprudência no Trânsito  Outro reflexo dessa cultura é a alta incidência de acidentes de trânsito causados pelo consumo de álcool. Apesar das campanhas de conscientização e das leis mais rígidas, dirigir embriagado ainda é um problema grave no Brasil. Muitos motoristas assumem o risco, acreditando que estão “bem o suficiente” para conduzir, colocando a própria vida e a de outras pessoas em perigo. Infelizmente, essa imprudência não se limita ao ato de dirigir. Em festas e eventos regados a álcool, discussões e brigas são comuns, e atos de violência aumentam significativamente. O efeito entorpecente do álcool reduz a capacidade de julgamento, resultando em comportamentos agressivos e irresponsáveis. # A Decadência e o Cenário Degradante  Outro aspecto ignorado pela cultura do álcool é a decadência humana observada em eventos onde o consumo excessivo é incentivado. Não é raro ver pessoas embriagadas vomitando ou até mesmo defecando em vias públicas, completamente inconscientes de seus atos. Essas cenas se tornaram tão comuns que são tratadas como algo natural, quando, na verdade, refletem um problema social sério. O Carnaval é um dos exemplos mais emblemáticos desse fenômeno. O que deveria ser uma celebração cultural muitas vezes se transforma em um festival de exageros, onde a bebedeira extrema leva a uma série de consequências negativas, como furtos, brigas, acidentes e crimes diversos. # O Lado Ignorado Dessa Cultura  Curiosamente, todos esses problemas são frequentemente minimizados ou ignorados. A sociedade foca apenas no aspecto festivo do álcool, sem considerar os prejuízos que ele causa. Pouco se discute sobre os impactos na saúde pública, na segurança e na dignidade dos indivíduos. É importante ressaltar que este artigo não propõe a proibição do álcool nem adota uma visão moralista sobre o tema. O problema não está na bebida em si, mas na forma como é consumida e incentivada. O que se defende aqui é o equilíbrio e a responsabilidade. Beber com moderação, respeitar os limites do próprio corpo e das pessoas ao redor, evitar a pressão social sobre aqueles que não bebem e nunca misturar álcool e direção são atitudes fundamentais para transformar essa cultura. O consumo consciente permite que momentos de celebração sejam realmente prazerosos, sem que se tornem um problema para quem bebe ou para a sociedade como um todo. A diversão não precisa estar atrelada ao exagero. É possível aproveitar bons momentos sem perder o controle, sem colocar vidas em risco e sem alimentar um ciclo de imprudência. Repensar a forma como lidamos com o álcool é essencial para uma convivência mais saudável e responsável.

@ d6affa19:9110b177

i make my way downstairs, the house is quiet now; the little ones are finally asleep. a soft drizzle from the shower fills the silence. She must've gotten in already— taking some time for Herself after a long day. i grab two towels from the closet and toss them in the dryer. She likes them warm. unsure of how long She's been bathing, i begin preparing the room. i light a few of Her candles— a sweet, autumn scent fills the air, rich with hints of cinnamon and crisp leaves. it wraps me in a pleasant embrace, evoking memories of cozy evenings. i turn off the lighting, leaving only the candlelight flickering. the room is illuminated with a warm, orange glow. i go ahead and set out the oils and lotions— wondering what She'll choose tonight... anticipation quickens my heartbeat, rousing a familiar longing. with everything prepped, i take some time to breathe in the atmosphere. the gentle cascade of water still echoes from the bathroom. it flows like a calming stream, creating a soothing ambiance. i lie down on the bed, closing my eyes. a moment of stillness envelops me, a brief escape from the day's chaos. i've been looking forward to this. i can feel my mindset shifting. suddenly, the shower stops, breaking the stillness. my eyes quickly open. a rush of enthusiasm surges through me. i spring out of bed and retrieve Her towels from the dryer. upon opening the bathroom door, i'm greeted by Her sweet voice, "Is that my good boy? Perfect timing." a flash of heat creeps up my neck, i can't help but grin. my body relaxes, the tension eases as i lean into Her approval. i open the shower door then kneel down, the soft bath mat cushions me. steam from the shower fills the room, creating a cocoon of warmth. Her silhouette glows softly through the mist. i offer the warm towels, the fabric still radiating heat. without a word She presents Her leg. instinctively, i set one towel on my lap, using the other i begin patting Her dry, starting from Her pedicured foot. Her smooth skin invites my touch— but the plush towel acts as a barrier. once She is satisfied, i switch to the other leg, continuing my attentive care. "Did they give you any trouble?" She asks, Her tone light and curious. "I hope they weren't too rough on you." "not tonight, my Queen," i answer, still focused on my task. "they fell asleep quickly—must've been exhausted." "Good," She says with a relieved sigh. She then snaps Her fingers— signaling for me to hand Her the towel. i comply, moving out of Her way. She finishes drying Herself and wraps the towel snugly around Her body. She casually grabs the other towel and wraps it around Her head, then makes Her way into the bedroom. i watch Her walk over to the nightstand, setting the lavender oil to the front of it— this is what She's chosen for the evening. She then picks up Her phone, settling onto the edge of the bed, towel still wrapped around Her. "Well done—I love it!" She says, Her voice rich with approval as She absorbs the arrangement. Her words pull me from my thoughts, another subtle flush creeping into my cheeks. i make my way to the nightstand, picking up the oil. my pulse quickens as i kneel before Her, the cool floor a stark contrast to my rising excitement. She tilts Her head from behind Her phone, a playful glint in Her eyes. "Don't you look so adorable down there?" She leans forward slightly, Her expression shifting to one of command. "It's been a long day. So be sure that you give My feet the attention they deserve tonight." my stomach flutters as She lifts one foot. i take it gently into my hands, a shiver runs through me. i pour a small amount of oil into my palm. the scent of lavender mingles with the autumn candles. as i massage it into Her foot, i can't help but notice every detail— the curve of Her arch draws me in, the softness of Her skin captivates me. She shifts Her foot slightly, guiding me to the areas that demand my attention. Her toes wiggle in response. it's so mesmerizing... with each stroke i feel my mind quieting. the chill of the floor fades away. there's only Her. the rhythm of my hands, the way the oil glides so smoothly, the way She relaxes under my touch. i lose myself in these sensations. my thoughts slowly dissipate— replaced by a feeling of clarity, of purpose. i feel Her foot pull away, momentarily releasing me from my trance. it's had its fill. She lifts the other one in front of me. Her toes curling playfully. my heartbeat skips. a desperation fills my chest. a longing. to express my devotion in the most intimate way. to worship the very thing that grounds Her— that ties Her to this earth. it's a yearning that goes beyond words. i can almost taste the moment. the connection it would bring. ... i breathe deeply, a heavy sigh escaping my lips— lips that ache to honor Her every curve. permission lingers in the air, tantalizing and just out of reach. i notice Her looking at me, a giant smirk playing on Her lips, Her phone now at Her side. "Well..?" She teases, a mischievous look in Her eyes. "What are you waiting for? It's not going to rub itself." Her toes continue wiggling in front of me—taunting. the urge simmers beneath the surface. the denial resides like a sweet ache. i breathe through it, accepting Her limitation. i'm grateful for the gift of this moment, channeling the energy into the task at hand. i gently embrace Her other foot, admiring the delicate contours of Her ankle. Her skin feels like silk against my fingertips. i pour a few more drops of oil into my palm, the velvety texture glides through my hands. another burst of lavender dances in the air, blending again with the persistent aroma of the candles. i begin to knead Her other foot, focusing on the arch, applying a careful amount of pressure. each stroke sends ripples of warmth through my hands, i feel Her tension melting away beneath my touch. She lets out a contented sigh and falls back on the bed taking it in. "Mmmm, that feels good." She encourages. i savor this privilege, as the flickering candles cast a soft glow around us. they dance slowly, a soothing backdrop to the rhythm of my hands. i trace the outline of Her heel, feeling the delicate curves, enthralled by Her foot's response. with each gentle caress, watching Her toes dance slightly, a silent acknowledgement of my devotion. as if pulled by a magnetic force, i lean in closer, inhaling the sweet aroma of lavender, it's floral notes fused with the radiance of Her scent. a sense of peace settles within me. the weight of the day lifts, replaced by the comforting embrace of surrender. i'm here to please Her, i'm here to honor Her, i'm here to love Her. lost in the act of serving, i feel Her energy flow through me, binding us together. closer. as i finish, i look back up at Her. my heart swells with pride. She smiles down at me, a knowing glimmer in Her eyes. igniting a fire within me— a sense of belonging. right now, i know exactly where i need to be— kneeling before Her, fully aligned with Her presence. in these cherished rituals, in this sacred exchange, i find my place. forever devoted... "I love you, sweet boy." She whispers, Her words deeply resonating, echoing the truth of my heart— that i am completely and utterly Hers.

@ d6affa19:9110b177

### Wander — *19:27* It’s been a long, rough day. The fresh air feels good, but my mind is still trapped, stuck in that office, its fluorescent lighting, archaic and noisy, still buzzes behind my eyes. Closing that sale was grueling— the customer’s incessant demands— they still press against my skull. My patience feels razor-thin, the weight of the day settling on my shoulders. On my way to the apartment, I catch a glimpse of the setting sun. Its warm hues contrast my somber demeanor. I check my phone again, scrolling through my messages. ... Nothing new… I haven’t heard from her in hours— only left on “read.” I let out a sigh. My body feels heavy. This day has just dragged on forever. Walking up to the apartment door, I fumble a bit with my keys, the metal clinks, I struggle to find the right one. Upon entering the dimly lit apartment, I see her sitting on the sofa, dressed as if she’s getting ready to leave. Ugh, I don’t feel like going anywhere tonight… She looks up from her phone, our eyes locking. “You didn’t let Me know you were on your way,” her tone sharp. A hint of disappointment in her eyes— subtle, but pointed. A silent judgment. A reminder of my failure— of a broken word of honor. But my pride, like a protective big brother, overshadows the regret gnawing at me, feeding my mind with justifications. She didn’t respond earlier— to my messages. Not a single word. And now, all of a sudden, communication matters? My eyebrows furrow. My hands clench. “I told you I’d be late today, didn’t I?” I finally answer, trying to keep my voice steady. Her nonchalant expression shifts, becoming more annoyed. “And that has nothing to do with your promise to let Me know when you’re leaving,” she fires back, arms folded across her chest. Her voice cuts through the air. “Now go get cleaned up. I’m hungry and we have a little bit of shopping to do.” I subtly bite at my lip. A dull pain. A distraction. Anything to manage the tension. Taking a seat on the sunken foyer’s edge, I slowly remove my shoes, lingering in defiance. Today has been so stressful… Doesn’t she see that I’m exhausted? Maybe I don’t want to go back out. Does she even consider how I feel? Maybe she’d know if she just asked. “Hey! Are you listening?” She snaps, impatience saturating her tone. “What’s wrong?” I remain seated, and turn my head toward her, meeting her gaze— a fierce expression now on her face. A heavy sigh escapes me. Honestly, I don’t want to tell her no. But the thought of getting back out… It feels unbearable. “I’m just so tired,” I finally admitted, shoulders slumping. She seems unconvinced. “There’s more to it than that,” she posits, her eyes piercing through my defenses. “What is it? Tell me what’s going on.” I turn my head away. Shame tightens around me, suffocating, silencing. From the hurt I feel— over some ignored messages. Just a few simple messages… It seems juvenile. But it’s amplified by her disregard for my situation. It stings, and I can’t find the words to express it. Nor would I if I could. … At some point, she moved. I didn’t hear her. I didn’t see her. But I feel her now— towering over me. Close. Her presence, it’s tangible, like a weight bearing down on me. Looking up at her, our angry expressions collide, the air thickens with unspoken tension. I notice my heart beating faster— Not only from the conflict, but from her aura… There’s a shift in her energy. A quiet intensity brewing beyond her expression. Have I pushed her too far with my silence..? --- ### Veil — *19:38* With a swift motion, she lunges forward, pushing me to my back. Her weight settles on my stomach, pinning me to the floor. My breath catches. Her scent—something floral..? Jasmine… It melds with her natural aroma, igniting my senses. The softness of her skin, the pressure of her body above me; they contrast sharply, a blend of elegance and power. "W-what are you doing!?" I exclaim, the surprise evident in my voice. Her response is immediate. "I won't tolerate you moping or acting out tonight, boy. Now tell Me what's wrong," she demands, her voice sharp as a knife. I'm stunned. A fire burns in my chest— is it anger? Or something else? Embarrassment settles in, uninvited, heating my face, her eyes piercing into me. "I already told you, I-I'm just tired. There's no need for this!" I plead, muscles tensing as I try to push her off. "Stop pushing!" she commands. I resist, frustration spilling over. "Get off!" Attempting to restrain me, she grabs my wrists. But I'm stronger, easily breaking her grip. I interlock our hands, pushing back, trying to lift her. "I said stop!" she asserts, her voice firm, unyielding. I continue to push, arms fully extended. But she suddenly shifts. Her weight crashes forward, pinning my arms above my head. I can’t push from this angle. As she holds me down, something mingles with the fluster— an unexpected exhilaration... Her body hovers above mine, our faces inches apart. I'm trapped, her hair falling around us like a curtain. A predaceous look glimmers in her eyes— she leans in closer, jawline tightening, eyes slowly narrowing, asserting her dominance. I can't resist inhaling Her scent, it’s so distracting— intoxicating. With every labored breath, the warmth of Her body presses down on me. Now sitting on my chest, Her weight feels heavier, oddly comforting. Her gaze pursues me. I look away, desperate to hide. My heart is racing. It's overwhelming— Her scent, Her pressure, the gleam in Her eyes. I struggle to focus. Somehow, without me noticing, our hands are no longer intertwined… Instead, She holds my wrists— tightly against the ground. Lost between defiance and surrender, my body is betraying me, not from fear, but from curiosity. Or is it a mixture? A shiver travels down my spine, my body relaxes, how did we get here..? The desire to resist is fading, yielding to the magnetic pull of Her presence— losing myself in Her orbit. Aware of my waning resistance, a smug grin flashes across Her lips— so captivating. I’m melting. "Good boy." She whispers into my ear. Her words surround me like a warm embrace, and Her smile— the most precious sight in the world— puts butterflies in my stomach, a lightness in my head. The frustration of the prior moment, seems somehow… distant. Still holding my wrists, She looks down at me, taking in the moment— savoring it. "Who is your Queen?" She finally asks, Her voice gentle and sweet. I feel a storm within, emotions crashing like a tsunami. Pulling me back to the present— regret, devotion, shame— all colliding together. How She hurt me. How I failed Her. I try to look away. A hint of defiance persisting... "Answer me." She demands, Her soft tone hardening. "Who is your Queen?" I pause, Her gaze weighing more than Her body. My heart pounds, and for a moment, I'm lost in the depths of Her eyes, searching for an escape— an escape that isn’t there... The silence stretches, heavy and expectant. My throat tightens, heart pounding— betraying me..? Or leading the way? With a resigned breath, I whisper, "You are..." She immediately follows up, "And who do you obey?" Her tone still harsh. My eyes plead to Her fierce gaze, swallowed in shame. Begging to avoid the obvious answer, because of my guilt— because of my broken promise. but Her stare is unrelenting, and I divert my eyes once more. "Look at me," She commands sharply, "Who do you obey?" My eyes instinctively comply, Her grin now replaced by a stern expression. With no other option, I mutter my surrender, "...You." The word slips out, a quiet truth that echoes in between us, heavy with contrition, but liberating. "Now answer properly," She demands, "Who do you obey?" "I obey You, my Queen." The words spill effortlessly from my lips, weightless and freeing. "That's right." She proudly replies. She releases my wrists and sits up, a triumphant smile gracing Her lips. Those enchanting lips… That beautiful smile… With my arms free, I feel a mix of relief and lingering tension, my heart still racing from the struggle. A whirlwind of emotions continue to swell— shame, regret, adoration— neglect and dismissal— longing— disappointment… And the sight of Her beauty aches— yet, despite my surrender, something in Her eyes tells me… She’s just getting started. --- ### Stricken — *19:46* The sun has set. Its remaining beams peering through the glass door, filling the room with an orange hue. Her silhouette is framed by the fading light— imposing, inescapable. She looms over me, Her shadow stretching, covering, consuming. I lie underneath Her— underneath Her shadow— between breath and reverence, desperately searching, looking for the right words, but only stare. I feel trapped. Not by Her, but by my own self— the walls I put up. Unable to express my regret. For how I failed Her. For my own hurt feelings… When suddenly, and surprisingly, She slaps me. Her palm releases a sharp crack, a sound that echoes in the stillness. The impact burns on my left cheek, forcing me to wince, the world tilts for a heartbeat, returning me to the moment. Slightly disoriented, my hands cover my face, instinctively guarding. "Put your hands down." She orders, Her voice firm. I hesitate— caught between instinct and obedience. Tension coils in my chest. She takes my hand, tucks it to my side, and pins it with Her thigh. I don't resist. She does the same with my other hand, leaving me unguarded— vulnerable. Her grip is tight— constraining. My senses feel heightened. The warmth of Her skin— so smooth against my own— presses against me. Deceptively soothing. A paradox of wrath and comfort, leading me deeper into the moment. I watch Her draw back Her hand, preparing another slap. a stoic look etched across Her face. My breath catches, the air is thick with unspoken words. Yet, strangely, my heartbeat steadies, my body relaxes, ready to absorb Her frustrations. Her hand lands forcefully, slamming into my left cheek once again, the sting tight and harsh. I wince again, losing focus, struggling to meet Her gaze. "Apologize to me." She commands harshly. Before I can orient myself, before I can respond, She slaps me again. And again. And again. And again. Each strike lands like a thunderbolt— a wrecking ball to the walls I’ve built. A fiery pulse ignites my face, blending with a deviant thrill— something coursing through me, blurring agony and bliss. My eyes form tears. I fight desperately to hold them back. "I said apologize!" She hisses, Her tone as sharp as Her slaps. I look up at Her, trying to focus, and catch Her expression— impassive, demanding, yet with a soft glimmer in Her eyes— so gorgeous... A warmth radiates from Her, it blends with the heat from my cheek, amplifying Her pull, leaving me breathless, utterly subject to Her will. "I… I'm sorry…" I whimper, the words barely escaping my lips, laced with a mixture of shame and exhilaration. "For what?" She asks, Her lips curl, a blend of annoyance and... something, something— primal. I try to take another deep breath, it's difficult with Her weight pressing down. My pride aches as much as my face. I barely maintain composure, my eyes unable to escape Her gaze. She strikes again, forcefully, without warning. My head snaps to the side, leaving an imprint on my soul itself. The barriers I’ve placed— their remnants— are completely shattered, freeing the truth. "For disobeying You!" I nearly cry. The admission tastes bittersweet on my tongue. It feels like a release, the confession washing over me, leaving me breathless and exposed. She lets out an amused laugh. The smile She was fighting back breaks through, a satisfied grin that lights up Her face. My heart to skips a beat. But She's not finished yet. --- ### Purge — *19:52* "And how exactly did you disobey me?" She asks, already knowing the answer. She's going to make me own it… The buzzing on my cheek— a subtle reminder to comply. "For not letting You know when I left." I meekly respond. "And..?" She questions, not satisfied with the previous answer. "And for not getting ready when you asked…" I amend, my voice barely above a whisper. "And..?" She continues, Her tone becoming impatient. But I'm at a loss— unsure. What is She seeking? My mind races, desperately searching, looking for the right words. … But none come. Panic sets in, gnawing, deep— am I failing Her again? Was I being too much? Too needy? I can’t explain this ache in my chest… She looks down at me, Her expression softening. "For not telling me what's bothering you." She says, guiding me to the answer. "I'm your Queen, and I deserve for you to be honest with Me about everything—“ She continues, Her voice carrying a tenderness, cutting through the tension. “you should feel safe enough to tell Me anything…" My body is still, yet it feels as if it’s trembling fiercely. I can only stare. “You don’t have to hide anymore...” She continues, “You’re safe now…” My heart feels cracked open. Lying beneath Her, restrained and exposed— and now with Her words… Her voice hangs in the air, slicing through the chaos. She's reached into my heart, through the walls and the barriers, amidst the insecurities and doubts— the fear and pain— touching the essence that is truly me, with nothing standing in Her way. I look up at Her angelic face, into Her divine eyes, and with no more hesitation, I express what seemed impossible before. "I felt… hurt, like You were ignoring me…" the confession falls out clumsily. “Like… like I wasn’t worth the attention…” my chest tightens more as I speak, each word breathing life into the hurt I tried to bury. "Even after such a hard day..." I see the look on Her face change, Her gentle expression slipping away, revealing a raw vulnerability. Silence fills the space between us. "And..." I continue, "And it’s stupid, I know… I’m sorry for being too much, I-I couldn’t help it…" my voice breaking, “I just… needed You, so much… and you didn’t even message me back… I felt invisible…” I take a moment to regain my composure. "Like, I know I was supposed to let You know that I was on my way, but... I... I was just so angry... I'm sorry… and it just seems so childish now…" I finish through tears. The last piece of me lain bare. Her hand slowly reaches down, caressing my cheek. Her fingers trace across my skin, gentle, light— a stark contrast from the slaps earlier. The tears linger, a reminder of all I’ve kept from Her. Her palm cups my cheek, softer than I’ve ever known, and I see in Her eyes, Her own tension, a glimmer of regret... “I…” Her voice trembles. She catches Herself, maintaining control. But there’s something else— an unease. "I didn’t realize… I should have known.” She continues. “You needed me and I wasn’t there for you, was I?" She looks down, Her gaze escapes my eyes, and for a moment, I see the disappointment in them— the disappointment in Herself, too. Her divine presence alters, revealing a more human beauty… I nod, feeling the weight of my admission. Her eyes meet with mine again, shimmering with unshed tears. She simply stares, taking it in for a brief moment, the words settling between us, forming a bridge that connects our spirits. "I'm so sorry, My sweet boy." She says, trying to hold a steady demeanor. "I had no idea you needed Me so much today… I was interrupted after reading your message and never followed up. Oh, sweetie, I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you… that I let you down… you’re not… you’re not ‘too much.’" With both arms, She reaches around my head, and gives me a powerful embrace. The hug is so tight that I can barely breathe. She begins saying something else, but it sounds muffled, I can't make it out. And yet, it doesn't matter. Her words— Her acknowledgment... the tension inside me begins to unravel. And, despite Her increasing pressure on top of me, it’s as if the weight of the world has been lifted from my chest, replaced by a serene joy that blossoms within— from knowing that She cares, that She was able to reach out and guide me to the honesty of my confession, creating a space where we could see each other authentically. Her arms tighten around me, I melt into Her embrace. My heart pounds. But not frantically— it’s steady now, slow, calming, like a gentle wave. Her breath against my neck, warm and soothing, Her embrace, feels like a sanctuary, where my heart can rest and heal. Everything fades, only the sound of Her heartbeat, it intertwines with mine, forming a profound connection. I dare not move, I dare not disturb this moment, not for air, not for life itself— this closeness is all I crave, and I would die for it. … Then, just like that, the moment fades. Her arms loosen, the weight of Her touch lifts, leaving an emptiness. My body feels light, but my heart is heavy— full. I need a moment, in this space, in the silence, to gather the pieces of myself— the pieces She’s helped reveal. --- ### Bound — *20:04* She releases Her grip on me, returning Herself to a seated position. I inhale sharply, much-needed air filling my lungs. She lets out an adorable chuckle at the sight. My vision clears, drawn to Her beautiful smile. "So, will you forgive Me, sweet boy?" She asks, wiping a few tears from Her own eyes. "Of course, my Queen." I respond almost reflexively. "Will You forgive me?" She leans down, Her lips pressing lightly on my forehead. "I already have, My sweet boy," She smiles. The warmth of Her kiss lingers, sending a shiver down my spine. She stands up, relieving the pressure on my chest. My lungs seize the opportunity, pulling in air. But the relief is fleeting— Her foot crashes down, pressing me back into the ground. Her weight returns— focused, steady, absolute. I’m breathless again— by the force She exerts, and the sight of Her over me. She stands poised, effortless. A Queen assessing Her property. The look in Her eyes sharpens again, though this time, amusement dances behind them. She shifts Her weight slightly, a small, deliberate adjustment. The pressure deepens, spreading through my chest— slow, rolling, a silent warning. "And don't you ever give me a reason to do this to you again, do you understand me, boy?" She asks, the weight increasing, firm and steady. My body strains beneath Her foot, not quite pain, something heavy, something consuming, part of me craving more… "Yes, my Queen." the words escape, slipping through shallow breaths. I wince, but the feeling is not unwelcome— it feels grounding, reassuring. She presses a little more. A test..? I instinctively tense, but don’t resist. Our clothing dulls the sensation, but amplifies something deeper— the certainty of Her control, the reality of Her dominance. "I need you to be open and honest with your feelings, got it?" She continues, Her tone firm, and yet warm, welcoming. "Of course, my Queen." I vow instantly, the words feeling like both a promise and a plea. "Good boy." She adds with a satisfied grin spreading across Her face, lighting up Her features. "Now, get yourself cleaned up, I'm hungry and we have some shopping to do." She lingers for a moment. Then with a slow, deliberate motion, She finally lifts Her foot from my chest. The absence is sudden. The liberation… unnatural. Wrong. My chest rises sharply, filling with air once again, the breath She has granted me. Above me, She smiles, admiring Her handiwork. There’s a sense of satisfaction in Her expression, a silent acknowledgment of our shared moment. "Yes, my Queen. Thank You, my Queen." I say to Her with a smile, my heart swelling with gratitude. But there’s something else… I hesitate. The words are there, on the tip of my tongue. Will She welcome them..? Acknowledge them..?< She watches me closely, aware, waiting, Her eyes softening, enough to make my heart stutter. But I can’t hold them in any longer— … "…I love You," I add, the words spilling out of me.

@ 2b1964b8:851949fa

### Routine Picture-in-Picture American Sign Language Interpretation in American Broadcasting (PiP, ASL) Picture-in-picture sign language interpretation is a standard feature in news broadcasts across the globe. Why hasn’t America become a leader in picture-in-picture implementation too? **Misconception.** There are prevalent misunderstandings about the necessity of ASL interpreters in the media and beyond. As recently as January 2025, an American influencer with ~10M social followers on Instagram and X combined, referred to sign language interpreters during emergency briefings as a distraction. Such views overlook the fact that, for many deaf individuals, American Sign Language is their primary language. It is wrongly assumed that deaf Americans know—or should know—English. American Sign Language differs in grammatical structure from English. Moreover, human interpreters are able to convey nuances that captions often miss, such as non-manual markers; facial expressions, body movements, head positions utilized in sign language to convey meaning. English is the native language for many hearing Americans, who have access to it throughout the United States without any additional expectation placed upon them. A deeper understanding reveals that many nations have their own unique signed languages, reflecting their local deaf culture and community — Brazilian Sign Language, British Sign Language, Finnish Sign Language, French Sign Language, Japanese Sign Language, Mexican Sign Language, Nigerian Sign Language, and South African Sign Language, among numerous others. **Bottom Line:** American Sign Language is the native language for many American-born deaf individuals, and English is the native language for many American-born hearing individuals. It is a one-for-one relationship; both are equal. In an era where information dissemination is instantaneous, ensuring that mainstream broadcasts are accessible to all citizens is paramount. ### Public Figures Including Language Access In Their Riders **What's a rider?** A rider is an addendum or supplemental clause added to a contract that expands or adjusts the contract's terms. Riders are commonly used in agreements for public figures to specify additional requirements such as personal preferences or technical needs. **A Simple Yet Powerful Action** Public figures have a unique ability to shape industry standards, and by including language access in their riders, they can make a profound impact with minimal effort. * On-site American Sign Language interpretation ensures that deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can fully engage with speeches and live events. * Open captions (burned-in captions) for all live and post-production interview segments guarantee accessibility across platforms, making spoken content instantly available to a wider audience. These implements don’t just benefit deaf constitutents—they also support language learners, individuals in sound-sensitive environments and any person who relies on, or simply refers, visual reinforcement to engage with spoken content. For public figures, adding these 2 requests to a rider is one of the most efficient and immediate ways to promote accessibility. By normalizing language access as a standard expectation, you encourage event organizers, broadcasters, and production teams to adopt these practices universally. As a result, there will be an industry shift from accessibility as an occasional accommodation to an industry norm, ensuring that future events, interviews, and media content are more accessible for all. Beyond immediate accessibility, the regular presence of interpreters in public spaces increases awareness of sign language. Seeing interpreters in mainstream media can spark interest among both deaf and hearing children to pursue careers in interpretation, expanding future language access and representation. ### Year-Round Commitment to Accessibility Too often, language access is only considered when an immediate demand arises, which leads to rushed or inadequate solutions. While some events may include interpretation or captioning, these efforts can fall short when they lack the expertise and coordination necessary for true disability justice. Thoughtful, proactive planning ensures that language access is seamlessly integrated into events, rather than being a reactive measure. Best practices happen when all key players are involved from the start: * Accessibility leads with combined production and linguistic knowledge who can ensure accessibility remains central to the purpose rather than allowing themselves to be caught up in the spectacle of an event. * Language experts who ensure accuracy and cultural competency. * Production professionals who understand event logistics. By prioritizing accessibility year-round, organizations create spaces where disability justice is not just accommodated, but expected—ensuring that every audience member, regardless of language needs, has access to information and engagement.

@ 6e0ea5d6:0327f353

Ascolta bene! Forget the State, the Parties, and the Ideologies of bureaucrats! Let your own business, interests, and money be your greatest political allegiance. Do not swear loyalty to a flag that despises you. Loyalty to family is the rock upon which true honor is built. In times of uncertainty, your devotion to blood ties must be unconditional, for family is the foundation that sustains your very existence. But remember: blood makes relatives, loyalty makes a family. Loyalty is not just a virtue but a moral obligation. Betraying the trust of family is the greatest sin—an act that not only destroys relationships but also the essence of belonging to something greater. A truly loyal man understands that family is a reflection of his own soul. He knows that each member is an extension of himself, and protecting these bonds is an extension of protecting his own identity. Amidst the storms of adversity, stand firm, for a family, like a ship, only reaches safe harbor when all its crew members work in unison. So, amico mio, keep this truth in your heart: loyalty to family is the fortress that withstands all storms. Without it, a man is like a leaf in the wind—directionless and purposeless. Hold fast to your principles, honor your commitments, and never, under any circumstance, abandon those dearest to you. Only then will you find the true peace and honor that come from fulfilling your sacred duty. 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!

@ 660162cf:8d93a1dc

 # อย่าตัดสินภาพลักษณ์ผู้อื่นจากอดีต เคยไหมที่คุณเผลอตัดสินใครสักคนเพียงเพราะ “ภาพลักษณ์เก่าๆ” ที่คุณเคยเห็นเมื่อหลายปีก่อน? ไม่ว่าจะเป็นเพื่อนสมัยเรียนที่เคยขี้เล่น พูดเก่ง ชอบยิงมุกตลกในห้องจนดูไม่น่านับถือ แต่วันหนึ่งเขากลับมาในฐานะอาจารย์มหาวิทยาลัยผู้มีความรู้เชิงลึก หรือ เพื่อนร่วมงานที่เคยทำงานผิดพลาดในโปรเจกต์แรกแต่วันนี้กลับกลายเป็นคนที่จัดการงานได้อย่างยอดเยี่ยม ### ภาพลักษณ์เก่าๆ ฝังแน่นในใจเราได้อย่างไร สมองของเรามักจะจดจำ “ความประทับใจแรก” หรือ “เหตุการณ์สะดุดตา” ไว้เป็นกรอบเพื่อใช้ตัดสินผู้อื่นในปัจจุบันและบ่อยครั้งเรายังนำสิ่งนั้นไปคาดการณ์อนาคตของเขาเพิ่มเติมด้วย ที่สำคัญเรามักจะต่อต้านข้อมูลหรือสิ่งใหม่ ๆ ที่เราไม่คุ่นเคยโดยอัตโนมัติถ้ามันขัดแย้งกับกรอบเดิมๆที่เรารู้จัก เพราะเรารู้สึกว่าอาจต้องสูญเสียความมั่นคงหรือความสบายใจในการรับรู้จากสิ่งที่เราคุ้นชินบางครั้งก็อาจสั่นคลอนการใช้ภาพลักษณ์จำเก่าๆที่เราจดจำไว้ ดังนั้นการตัดสินใจแบบโดยการนำภาพลักษณ์เก่าๆมาจึงเป็นวิธีลัดที่สมองชอบเลือกใช้ โดยเฉพาะในชีวิตประจำวันที่ต้องเร่งรีบ ###  > เราทุกคนล้วนมีสิทธิ์ เปลี่ยนแปลง และ เติบโต ภาพลักษณ์ก็เช่นกัน ### กรอบความคิดเก่า คือ สิ่งที่ทำให้เรายึดติดกับอดีต ลองนึกถึงเพื่อนที่เคยสอบตกวิชาคณิตศาสตร์ แต่ปัจจุบันเขาอาจเป็นโปรแกรมเมอร์มืออาชีพ หรือหัวหน้าทีมพัฒนาระบบในบริษัทใหญ่ๆ หรือเพื่อนร่วมงานที่เคยถูกมองว่าตัดสินใจพลาดไปเสียทุกครั้ง ก็อาจพัฒนาตัวเองจนมีวิจารณญาณเฉียบคมที่สุดในทีม การเปลี่ยนแปลงเหล่านี้เกิดขึ้นได้เสมอกับทุกคนที่ผ่านเข้ามาในชีวิตของเรา  > คนเรามีสิทธิ์พัฒนาและเติบโตในแบบที่คาดไม่ถึง ### แล้วเราจะเปิดใจยอมรับการเปลี่ยนแปลงของผู้อื่นได้อย่างไร? 1) ถามตัวเองให้บ่อยขึ้น ทุกครั้งที่เผลอตัดสินใครจากภาพลักษณ์เก่าๆลองตั้งคำถามก่อนว่า “สิ่งที่เคยเห็นหรือที่เคยรับรู้ในอดีตยังเป็นจริงอย่างที่เราคิดอยู่ไหม?” และ “ปัจจุบันตอนนี้เขาเปลี่ยนไปอย่างไรบ้าง?” หรือเราอาจจะตั้งคำถามว่า “เขามีด้านดีหรือสิ่งที่เปลี่ยนไปจากภาพลักษณ์เดิมที่เรารู้จักหรือเปล่า?” เพื่อกระตุ้นให้เราเปิดใจรับรู้ข้อมูลใหม่ 2) สังเกตพฤติกรรมปัจจุบัน แทนที่จะยึดติดกับเรื่องในอดีตเราลองตั้งใจฟังความคิดเห็นของเขาหรือสังเกตการกระทำในปัจจุบันเพื่อมองหาความก้าวหน้าหรือสิ่งที่เปลี่ยนไปจากที่เราเคยคิดมาก่อนในอดีต 3) ให้โอกาสและเวลา การเปิดโอกาสให้คนคนหนึ่งได้พิสูจน์ตัวเองในสถานการณ์ใหม่ๆ มักทำให้เราเห็นศักยภาพที่ไม่เคยรับรู้มาก่อน 4) อยู่กับปัจจุบันมากกว่าความทรงจำเก่าๆ อย่าปล่อยให้ภาพลักษณ์เก่าๆของเขากลายเป็นอุปสรรคต่อการทำความรู้จักตัวตนปัจจุบันอดีตอาจเป็นเพียงหนึ่งบทของชีวิตแต่ไม่ใช่ทั้งหมดที่เขาเป็น ณ ปัจุบัน  > การเปิดใจมองเพื่อนคนหนึ่งในอดีตโดยดูจากภาพลักษณ์ที่เค้าเปลี่ยนไปแล้วในปัจุบันโดยไม่ตัดสิ่นที่เขาจากสิ่งที่เคยทำแย่ๆมาก่อน เป็นอีกก้าวในการเติบโตทางด่านความคิดของเรา ### ยิ่งเปิดใจ เราก็ยิ่งได้เรียนรู้ การเลือกเปิดใจยอมรับตัวตนใหม่ของคนรอบข้าง นอกจากจะช่วยให้ความสัมพันธ์ดีขึ้นแล้ว เรายังได้เรียนรู้และรับแรงบันดาลใจจากเขาอีกด้วย ทุกการเปลี่ยนแปลงที่เกิดขึ้นสะท้อนว่ามนุษย์มีศักยภาพเติบโตได้ไม่สิ้นสุด ดังคำกล่าวที่ว่า “อย่าตัดสินภาพลักษณ์ผู้อื่นจากอดีต” — เพราะเพื่อนร่วมงานที่เคยมีปัญหาในอดีต อาจกลายเป็นผู้เชี่ยวชาญในสาขาที่เราไม่เคยคาดคิด หรือเพื่อนสมัยมัธยมคนนั้นอาจเติบโตมาเป็นครูอาจารย์ผู้ถ่ายทอดความรู้ให้คนรุ่นใหม่และนี่ก็คือ พลังอันยิ่งใหญ่ของการยอมรับในพัฒนาการของผู้อื่น #Siamstr 

@ 044da344:073a8a0e

Ich war neugierig. Florentine Anders hat mit mir studiert. Wobei: Ganz so nah, wie das jetzt klingt, waren wir nicht. 120 Studenten, sieben Seminargruppen: Als es im Herbst 1988 für uns losging an der Sektion Journalistik in Leipzig, hing es auch vom Zufall ab, mit wem man mehr zu tun hatte und mit wem weniger. Manche Gruppen hatten sich im Volontariat gebildet und andere bei der Auswahlwoche in Bad Saarow am Scharmützelsee. Lange hielt das alles ohnehin nicht. Nach einem Jahr kamen die Dinge ins Rutschen und sprengten oft das, was bis dahin gewachsen war. Ich weiß nicht einmal, ob Florentine bis zum Diplom durchgehalten hat. Gar nicht wenige von uns haben die Ungewissheit nicht ausgehalten und sind sofort irgendwo in Lohn und Brot, manchmal auch jenseits des Journalismus. Wer eine Nase hatte für den Wind, der sich für den Propaganda-Nachwuchs schnell drehte von der Euphorie des Anfangs in Richtung Pranger, der konnte schon auf die Idee kommen, lieber Autos zu verkaufen oder Versicherungen. Außerdem lockte der Westen, auch mit Journalistenschulen. Andreas Rook, heute ein MDR-Gesicht, der damals mit seiner Freundin nach Moskau ging, war die Ausnahme. Die Regel: München, Wales, Paris. Ich hatte gehört, dass Florentine Anders nach Frankreich gegangen war, aber dann reißt der Faden ab. Dass sie im *Zeit*-Kosmos gelandet ist, war nicht bis zu mir durchgedrungen. Dieses Buch dann schon. Wenn etwas über die DDR erscheint, bekomme ich das mit. Ich kaufe längst nicht mehr alles. Wenn immer wieder das gleiche serviert wird, freut man sich selbst über einen Film wie [Kundschafter des Friedens 2](https://www.freie-medienakademie.de/medien-plus/cuba-libre-made-in-gdr). Florentine Anders und ihr Opa Hermann Henselmann: Das klang gut. Das klang nach Brigitte Reimann und „Franziska Linkerhand“. Nach Defa. „Unser kurzes Leben“ von Lothar Warneke und „Insel der Schwäne“ von Herrmann Zschoche, zwei Filme, die Anfang der 1980er ins Kino kamen und die Tristesse des Wohnungsbaus genauso festgehalten haben wie einen Alltag, der heute so weit weg ist wie die Marskolonie von Elon Musk. Ich will nicht sagen, dass ich enttäuscht worden bin. Die Mitstudentin von einst hat das gut gemacht. Sie hat sich hineingegraben in die Papiere und viele der Orte besucht, die wichtig gewesen sind für die Henselmanns und ihre acht Kinder. Schreiben kann sie ohnehin. Das haben wir in Leipzig gelernt oder schon vorher in der Redaktion. Entstanden ist so eine Familienbiografie, in der sich die Autorin zurücknimmt. Drei, vier Einsprengsel zur Recherche. Mit der Mutter im Stasiarchiv, wo es nicht nur eine Opferakte gibt, sondern auch eine Täterakte – zur Überraschung der Tochter. Ein paar Sätze zu den regelmäßigen Besuchen beim berühmten Opa, der ihr alle 14 Tage ein Buch mitgibt, über das dann diskutiert werden soll. Sonst ist da vor allem Distanz. Abstand halten. Keine Emotionen zeigen. Sagen, wie es gewesen sein könnte. Journalismus und Geschichtsschreibung – aber kein Roman. Um noch einen Moment loben zu können: Florentine Anders geht chronologisch vor, von 1931 bis 1995, fast wie in einem Fotoalbum. Da die DDR klein war und die Henselmanns zu ihrem Adel gehörten, gibt es literarische Bilder von vielen Prominenten. Mit Lotte Ulbricht auf der Völkerfreundschaft, Manfred Krug als Fast-Nachbar, ein Unterschlupf bei Alex Wedding, die eigentlich Grete Weiskopf hieß und Pflichtlektüre für jedes Kind war. Es passiert sogar jede Menge Ungeheuerliches, auch jenseits der Seitensprünge des Opas und von Robert Havemann, der mit Omas Schwester verheiratet war. Architektur, Opposition, Ost-West-Spionage, Berlin im Wandel der Zeit: Das ist auch deshalb spannend, weil Florentine Anders darauf verzichtet, dem Diktaturgedächtnis Futter zu geben, und einfach die Tatsachen sprechen lässt, ohne die zu verurteilen, die an das Projekt DDR geglaubt oder von ihm profitiert haben und beides längst nicht immer auseinanderhalten konnten. Vielleicht hätte der Verlag auf das Wort „Roman“ verzichten sollen. Ein Roman braucht einen Konflikt – einen Dreh- und Angelpunkt, der nicht nur solche Figuren aus den Tiefen der Vergangenheit trägt, sondern im Idealfall universell ist und so auch die Gegenwart erreicht. Der Mann zum Beispiel, der älter wird und prominent und daraus etwas macht bei jüngeren Frauen, ohne seine erste Liebe aufgeben zu wollen. Die Frau, die all das sieht und es trotzdem nicht zum Bruch kommen lässt – oder doch, wie Florentines Mutter offenbar dann gleich zweimal. Oder die Ideologie, die sich hineinfrisst in die Profession und etwas verlangt, wenn man sich im Licht der Macht sonnen möchte. Ich denke dabei natürlich an Eugen Ruge, dem ein runder Geburtstag gereicht hat, um nicht nur eine kommunistische Familie auseinanderbrechen zu lassen, sondern zugleich die Geschichte vom Aufstieg und Ende einer Utopie zu erzählen. Vielleicht ist dieser Vergleich aber auch vermessen. „In Zeiten des abnehmenden Lichts“: Das war einmal. Jetzt lesen wir eben „Die Allee“.  [Freie Akademie für Medien & Journalismus](https://www.freie-medienakademie.de/) [Unterstützen](https://www.freie-medienakademie.de/unterstuetzen) Titelbild: Markus Spiske @Pixabay

@ 42342239:1d80db24

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), we face a future where we may soon have access to almost everything we desire – at least in the digital realm. But unfortunately, **what we wish for doesn’t always align with what we truly need, or what would benefit us.** The Dutch ethologist Niko Tinbergen was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1973 for his studies of animal behaviour patterns. While earlier scientists had primarily focused on learning as the main explanation for animal behaviour, Tinbergen instead emphasised instincts. Tinbergen studied, among other things, what makes newly hatched bird chicks beg for food from their parents. This was investigated by presenting parentless chicks with various painted beak models to see which ones they would seek food from. Several objects proved more popular than real gull beaks. Artificial eggs were also created and placed in bird nests. Black-headed gulls that received wooden eggs before laying their own were found to actually refrain from laying real eggs. Fake eggs were painted in different colours and patterns, and made in various sizes. The gulls always preferred trying to incubate eggs of absurd sizes – for example eggs with eight times the volume of real ones. **The poor gulls made desperate attempts to sit on these giant eggs – but often slid off.** The explanation for the gulls’ self-destructive behaviour was that they had a hardwired ability (instinct) to respond to specific stimuli (appearance of beaks and eggs with particular colours/sizes). Researchers exaggerated these stimuli, creating stronger but ultimately misguided reactions. **The concept of "superstimuli" was hatched.** Nothing in the gulls’ evolution had prepared them for these experiments, explaining their self-destructive behaviors. Psychologist Deirdre Barrett has translated this concept to a human context. She argues that superstimuli govern human behaviours much like they do other animals’, citing junk food consumption, addictive social media use, and pornography consumption as examples. **Nothing in Homo sapiens’ evolution prepared us for modern society’s stimuli**, which might explain our frequently self-destructive behaviours. When the Liberal Party (Swedish political party Liberalerna) proposes mandatory porn filters on all mobile phones "to protect children and youth," it might appear they’re on the right track. However, these issues deserve more profound discussions. How do we create technical solutions that meet our fundamental needs for health, education, and human connection – rather than just supplying mindless scrolling entertainment? How can we ensure those collecting our data don’t exploit it for their own interests, selling us things we don’t need? **Is the current model of centralisation, corporate giants, and profit maximisation really compatible with our best interests**? In summary: How can we ensure future technology serves our real needs, rather than mislead us - much like Niko Tinbergen deceived the poor gulls?

@ 43baaf0c:d193e34c

 As an artist, your main desire is to create. I believe we are all born creators, but some of us have a deeper passion for it than others. Those who dedicate themselves to their art and receive recognition for it are often called artists. But let’s set aside the debate about what defines an artist and focus on what truly matters our craft. This is what we love to do. We dream about it, wake up for it, and live for it. It’s more than just work—it’s a passion that comes from within. You could even go as far as to call it your purpose in life. Often, you’d still create even without money because your art is beyond numbers. But we live in a world where kisses won’t pay for groceries—at least, I can’t pay that way! So, money matters, not as the goal, but as a tool to keep doing what you love: creating. Artists have often been seen as struggling creatives, barely making ends meet. When I started art school, I saw so many parents telling their kids to choose a “real” career doctor, lawyer, something secure. A “real job,” right? 😅 Luckily, my parents never told me that. My mom always said, follow your heart. (Thanks, Mom and Dad! 🙏)  After art school, I spent four years studying graphic and media design, followed by another four years in animation and film. But when it came time to find work as a 2D animator, I struggled. To be honest, I wasn’t good enough—or at least, that’s how it felt. Plus, the industry had already shifted heavily toward 3D animation. But I wasn’t discouraged. I loved everything related to art and design. And growing up in a small city like Sneek, Friesland (The Netherlands), I had always dreamed of seeing more of the world.  **Travel & Filming** I’ve always been fascinated by people, their stories, and how different cultures live. That curiosity led me to documentary filmmaking, and along the way, I started building my own stock footage database (you can find it all on [https://www.shutterstock.com/g/traveltelly](Shutterstock). Making a living as an independent documentary filmmaker isn’t easy, so I often filmed for volunteer organizations. This gave me the opportunity to experience different cultures while also shooting stock footage. I did this for about 10 years, traveling across the globe—and I’ve been fortunate enough to visit 88 countries so far.  **Technology, Change, and Art Stories** In 2018, I read The Bitcoin Standard because I couldn’t understand why, despite investing in an expensive camera, I struggled to earn it back as stock footage royalties kept dropping. That book opened my eyes to the first part of the equation: money itself. It took me a few years to truly grasp Bitcoin’s significance, and through trial and error, I realized it’s the only cryptocurrency I believe in. I had my fair share of shitcoin lessons—where I made some money but also lost it. Those experiences taught me a lot about value, scarcity, and what truly lasts.  **Bitcoin Is Different** Once you truly understand what Bitcoin stands for, you realize it’s a path to real financial freedom. Like any journey, there will be ups and downs, and plenty of people will tell you you’re wrong—especially when Bitcoin’s price drops in dollar (fiat) terms. But when in doubt, zoom out. One thing I’ve learned is that your own path is never truly wrong for you. When others say it is, it’s usually because they’re comparing it to their own. But we’re all walking our own unique journey. The moment you start comparing, you begin to doubt. True happiness comes from embracing your path—not someone else’s.  **Art Is My Life, Bitcoin Is the Tool** For me, art is life. Bitcoin is simply the tool that allows me to live a good artist’s life. Saving in Bitcoin and spend when I need it gives me peace of mind. And even with a bit more financial freedom, that doesn’t mean I’d ever stop creating. I always want to push myself, improve my craft, and hopefully inspire others through my art and stories. I truly believe that all good energy comes from human connection and relationships. The most important thing is having a good day with the people around you. These days, we share those moments on social media—but that’s just a reflection of a single moment, whether happy or sad. If you don’t truly live that moment, it’s just wasted energy. I’ve also learned to truly appreciate other artists and their craft—to find inspiration in their work. This mindset comes more naturally when you have peace of mind, something a Bitcoin savings can provide. When you’re not under constant financial pressure, art doesn’t have to feel like a business where you must sell your work immediately at an exhibition or event just to make ends meet. Instead, you can focus on creating for the sake of art itself, allowing your work to evolve naturally.  **Freedom to Share Your Art on Nostr** Luckily, we now have platforms like Nostr where we can share and earn from our art while building a community, without anyone controlling what we do. Bitcoin stands for financial freedom, and Nostr stands for art-sharing freedom. With Bitcoin, you can walk your own path, and with Nostr, you can share your journey freely. When you’re free to walk your own path, you naturally attract like-minded people because you don’t feel the need to constantly compare yourself to others. The more you embrace being yourself, the more you’ll connect with people who resonate with you. I’m not suggesting you stay in your own bubble, but rather acknowledging that everyone is in their own bubble in some way. Just like not everyone feels at home in the same country, not everyone feels at home in the same space or community. It’s all about finding where you belong and who aligns with your energy.  **Networking/Events** I’ve always hated networking events in my creative job. I understand their value, but they were never really my thing. So, I was hesitant at first to attend a Nostr event. But it was in Tokyo (Nostrasia), and I love Japan, so that gave me a good reason to go. Fortunately, I was right—it felt like the right fit for me. I love to create, and I tend to talk less, so I’m very selective about the events I attend. Nostr events felt different. It’s like we’re all builders and creators who have already broken free from the fiat mindset. By that, I mean the mindset where you go to an event, pay a high price (like at some mayor Bitcoin events, which I can’t stand), and expect to get something in return. The fiat job mentality where you exchange time for direct money, or as we say in Dutch, uurtje factuurtje (hour work, invoice) just doesn’t fit with me. The more you walk your own path, the more you realize what works for you and what doesn’t.  My only advice? Save in Bitcoin, create, and walk your own path. And yes, don’t forget to smile and enjoy the ride. The journey is the destination!

@ fd78c37f:a0ec0833

In this edition, we invited Bam from Bitcoin Barqnet to share his journey with Bitcoin and its impact in the Middle East. He also discussed the growth of the Barqnet community and introduced his modular wallet, Cypherbox. **YakiHonne**: Bam, thank you for joining today's conversation. 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. With YakiHonne, individuals can express themselves freely, without the fear of censorship, bans, or restrictions. So before starting the interview, I’d like to learn a little more about you and your community, Bam. Can you tell us more about yourself and what you do? **Bam**：My name is Basim, and my nickname is Bam. I became somewhat well-known in the Middle East for releasing some Bitcoin courses. I'm an old player in Bitcoin, having gotten involved in 2014. Back then, I realized that Bitcoin was something big, but I didn’t have much Bitcoin because I didn’t have the money to buy it. Instead of investing money in Bitcoin, I invested my time in understanding it and researching it. **Bam**：After graduating in 2016-17, I decided to dedicate my entire career to Bitcoin while I was in Istanbul. Of course, Bitcoin was the core focus, but there were also many altcoins, and I became interested in those areas as well. I love this space because it's very libertarian, and I myself am a person with libertarian values. **Bam**：I currently publish tutorial videos on YouTube, primarily aimed at Arabic-speaking audiences in the Middle East, to teach them about Bitcoin economics, technology, and how to use Bitcoin. They have very little knowledge about these topics. I’ve covered many subjects, including wallet operations, mining, using the Lightning Network, and even non-custodial liquidity management. We’ve produced over 200 videos so far. I’ve realized that there are many issues with Bitcoin-related applications, so I’ve decided to develop my own Bitcoin app called Cypherbox. **YakiHonne**: That's really impressive. You're a content creator in the Bitcoin ecosystem, explaining Bitcoin on YouTube and spreading the Bitcoin ideology. And you're developing your own Lightning app specifically for the Middle East. You're doing a lot of meaningful work. **Bam**：Unfortunately, I didn't buy more Bitcoins in 2014. I used to own some, but I invested all of my Bitcoin into my channel because I strongly believe in the importance of education. I believe that global international currency is more important than mere wealth. I've tried to ensure that my project is neither charity nor purely commercial. I am now creating an Arabic academy, selling some courses or applications I develop, and trying to commercialize them. Overall, my project is somewhere between open source and commercialization, and I hope to support my life through these means. **YakiHonne:** That's really great, Bam. I really admire how much you value education and enlightening others. So now, let's move on to the first question. Bam, I think you've already touched on part of the answer. But I'd like to ask again, this time in more detail: What truly sparked your interest in Bitcoin? What motivated you to build or form a community around it? **Bam**：I used Bitcoin very early on, and I understood right away when I looked at its wallets that it wasn’t a company. I had some experience with decentralized networks, like Tor and Torrent, and I knew this was open-source. Open-source projects are really attractive to me as an engineer. The more I studied Bitcoin, the more fascinated I became with it. I love its decentralized nature. **Bam**：I studied complex systems, energy engineering, and systems like aeronautics and marine engineering, and I found Bitcoin to be the most sophisticated energy system I’ve ever studied. It’s just fascinating on a technical level, especially the cryptography aspect. What’s so amazing about Bitcoin’s security is that it doesn’t rely on firewalls or central authority; it’s actually the opposite, as Andreas Antonopoulos often explains. **Bam**：Bitcoin's security comes from its openness. The whole thing—its censorship resistance, the privacy, the community around it—just captivated me. The fact that Satoshi created the greatest monetary network ever, but never moved any coins or had any control after 2009, and gave it away to the community, for everyone in the world, is just an incredible story. There’s so much about Bitcoin that I can’t even begin to explain how deeply I’m attached to it. **Bam**：What I want to say is that Bitcoin has significantly helped with the issues my country faces because I am from Syria. We have been locked out of the financial system by OFAC policies, which were perhaps seen as justified due to sanctions. Syria has been under financial sanctions, but the problem is that these sanctions weren't just imposed on the Syrian government; they were imposed on the entire Syrian population. Even though the current president Assad is no longer in power, these sanctions still persist. These financial sanctions have caused great suffering for the Syrian people. Syrians are unable to engage in e-commerce or trade with the outside world. This system, which locks people into such a closed financial environment, is a huge issue. **Bam**：Bitcoin provides an alternative. Bitcoin has not closed its doors to Syrians, and we can still use Bitcoin in Syria. People in Syria use Bitcoin without fear of censorship from any part of the world. No government can lock Syrians out of the Bitcoin network, and Bitcoin transactions can be settled in real time in Syria, regardless of whether any government approves or not. **YakiHonne:** Can you tell me how you have been able to attract members so far and what challenges have you faced when you started earlier on? **Bam**：We started on Clubhouse, just a bunch of random Bitcoiners talking about Bitcoin, and around 2020 and 2021, the Lightning Network started to become more usable. We saw some interesting Lightning apps, and when I learned about it, I immediately realized that this was the future of the internet of money. I was heavily involved in Ethereum at the time, writing smart contracts, but once I took Lightning seriously, I knew it was the future of digital money. **Bam**：We started discussing Lightning on Clubhouse during COVID, focusing on Lightning wallets. We asked ourselves, "How can we bring this technology to the Middle East?" Around that time, I also wanted to get more involved in Bitcoin education, so I began putting out more content. A friend of mine created a Telegram group called Barqnet, and we invited everyone from Clubhouse to join. I started sharing more Bitcoin content and promoting the group, saying, "Hey, if you want to get real education about Bitcoin—beyond videos and courses—come join this group and let's build this community together. **Bam**：We did this for about six months, and the group attracted a lot of people. But my initial goal wasn’t just to attract regular people; it was to attract technical engineers and build a network of engineers who could not only listen to my explanations but also help me better understand Bitcoin and the challenges they face when interacting with Bitcoin and building the Bitcoin banking infrastructure in the Middle East. As a result, we attracted many highly skilled people. Now the group has about 1,000 members, all of whom are highly technical. **Bam**：We also created a technical support space for regular Bitcoin users. Anyone in the Middle East facing issues with wallets, buying Bitcoin, mining, or any other Bitcoin-related problems can come to us for help. This is a completely voluntary online initiative, and now many people know that if they have technical questions, no matter how complex, they can come to Barqnet and get answers. **YakiHonne**: That's really amazing. It seems like you guys are covering both the technical and non-technical aspects of Bitcoin, which is truly remarkable. It's not so common to find a community that manages to engage both sides. But Barqnet, as the Arabic Bitcoin community, seems to have successfully blended both, working with both technical and non-technical people. The work you're doing is really impressive—it's an outstanding job. **Bam**：I really enjoy seeing the growth of Bitcoin, and I've already started telling people how their lives have changed. In 2024, many people have messaged us in the group, saying, "Thank you so much, you really changed our lives." It's not just people from poor areas, even in wealthy regions like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, people are telling us, "I started a Bitcoin business, I started mining, I started investing, and now I’ve made some money, my value has gone up because of you guys. I didn't sell, I kept my Bitcoin in cold storage." So, everyone is thanking us. **Bam**：This means much more to us than any financial gain. We didn’t make a lot of money from these initiatives—sure, we earned some, but not much. And it hasn’t changed our lives. If I had spent my time as an engineer focusing on corporate projects, I would probably make a lot more money. I live in Europe now, and my life is pretty good. But helping people understand Bitcoin and onboard into the Bitcoin world means so much more to me than money. YakiHonne: So, moving on to the next question. How do you see the role of Bitcoin communities evolving as technology matures, particularly in areas like scalability, privacy, and adaptability with other systems? So, how do you see the Bitcoin community evolving with time? **Bam**：I actually have a lot of different views on how Bitcoin is being taught and developed, especially in terms of scalability. Many people in the West are focused on highly technical developments that do promote individual sovereignty, self-custody, and privacy protection. However, these don't help people who don’t understand the technology, and they make it really difficult for them to use Bitcoin. For example, when I see people recommending non-custodial Lightning wallets, I don’t think this is a good option for everyone, especially in the Global South. For people who don’t understand the technology and just want to use Bitcoin simply, these wallets are way too complicated. **Bam**：This is why I developed my own app. It's not just a wallet for the Middle East; it's an international wallet that anyone can download. It's open-source and aims to provide a modular Bitcoin experience. The Bitcoin app I envision would contain all the necessary tools, whether it's a custodial service, an exchange, or a simple Lightning custodian service for people who just want to quickly send and receive Bitcoin without dealing with complexity. **Bam**：A Bitcoin Lightning custodian makes perfect sense if it's reliable. In addition to that, you’d also have your hot wallet, which you can use to withdraw your funds when ready, and move them into self-custody with a simple hot wallet like Blue Wallet. Cold storage should not be the first step for everyone. People often say it's expensive, and that you need to buy hardware wallets, but it’s more of a progression. Start with the basics, and over time, you’ll learn. **Bam**：Inside the app, users should have access to all the tools for self-custody, including non-custodial Lightning, hot storage, cold storage, federated chains, e-cash systems, and side chains, if applicable. The app would allow users to personalize their experience—choosing what they want based on their technical knowledge, the amount of Bitcoin they want to secure, their privacy preferences, and the fees they’re willing to pay. I imagine the future of Bitcoin will be modular, and every user will be able to customize their experience according to their needs and preferences. **YakiHonne**: I really appreciate the key points and important aspects of Bitcoin scalability that you mentioned. They're truly crucial, and it's essential for people to understand Bitcoin better rather than misinterpret it. The importance of Bitcoin in these other areas shouldn't be overlooked, and people should embrace it as part of the future, not reject it. Now, we're at the last question. Is the government around you for or against Bitcoin? And how has that affected the community? **Bam**：I live in France, and the government is generally neutral when it comes to privacy tech. I’ve lived in Turkey, the UAE, Brazil, the EU, and the Netherlands, so I don’t consider myself Syrian. I prefer to think of myself as a citizen of Earth. When it comes to governments, I pay attention to policies and regulations in all countries. I look at examples like El Salvador, and I also follow the current situation in Syria. Right now, we’re working to push for a policy that recognizes Bitcoin rather than implementing strict regulations. We’re trying to get the government to draft laws that are more friendly to Bitcoin. Although the central bank is confused about Bitcoin, they’re not completely opposed to it. We’ve proposed a way to manage the market that doesn’t restrict people’s freedom but also helps regulators deal with companies and Bitcoin projects. We’re seeing very positive reactions, and I believe Syria will become the place that opens Bitcoin to the entire Middle East region, thanks to the voluntary initiatives we’ve initiated. **YakiHonne**: That was really a fantastic answer, thank you so much, Bam. With that, we’ve come to the end of today’s interview. It’s truly an honor and privilege to have had this conversation with you. I’ve really enjoyed the entire discussion, from start to finish, and I’ve learned a lot from everything we’ve talked about. I really appreciate your passion for Bitcoin and your dedication to pushing for education. We love the work you’re doing. Although we haven’t used your app yet, we believe it’s going to be amazing.Thank you so much again.

@ f3873798:24b3f2f3

 Olá meus caros leitores, estou fazendo um guia voltados aos Brasileiros aqui do Nostr. Vejo que há muito conteúdo em inglês que infelizmente não é traduzido para o português. Por este motivo tomei a iniciativa de começa com este artigo. Espero que gostem deste artigo, que tenham uma ótima leitura. # Bem-vindos ao Mundo Nostr !! Acredito que todos que estão aqui sabem um pouco sobre o Nostr e que é uma rede social descentralizada, local onde você pode postar sem medo de represarias governamentais [ditatoriais]. Mas, vocês conheçem como o Nostr funciona e todas as ferramentas que vocês têm disponível neste ecossistema? Poisé, acho que não. O Nostr é um protocolo de comunição descentralizada muito versátil, isso quer dizer que não está limitado a um tipo de "rede social", nele é possível fazer Blogs, streaming, podcast e até mesmo e-mails com autonomia total do usuário. Meus caros, isso é liberdade total, sem ficar na mão de bigtech como Microsoft, Apple, Google. Para ficar mais claro darei um exemplo para vocês: Imagine você criando uma conta no Youtube, você deve aceitar as Diretrizes impostas pela google no uso do **SEU CANAL**, por mais que você tenha autonomia na produção do **SEU CONTEÚDO**, determinadas palavras e termos não podem ser usadas, ou seja, **O GOOGLE DETERMINA O QUE VOCÊ PODE OU NÃO FAZER NO SEU CANAL**. Veja que é uma liberdade parcial no processo de criação de conteúdo. Já no Nostr, o seu canal é completamente seu. Não há nenhuma entidade, empresa responsável pelo seu conteúdo a não ser você.  ## O Mundo Nostr e sua funcionalidades No nostr você terá acesso a uma diversidade de aplicativos para cada objetivo de uso. Mas, antes de abordar sobre os diversos layouts e funcionalidades do Nostr é necessário aprender o básico deste universo. > ***Em primeiro lugar:*** É necessário que vocês saibam que a partir do momento que vocês criaram um conta aqui, independente do "cliente" ou "distro como o pessoal que gosta de fazer analogia com o Linux", vocês recebem duas importantes chaves ! A **chave privada** e a **chave pública**.  A **Chave privada**, também chamada de chave secreta é o acesso ilimitado a sua conta, ou seja, é a partir dela que poderá produzir conteúdos em geral neste mundo. Ela te dará acesso a todos os rercusos do Nostr, portanto é importante que esteja muito segura. A **Chave pública**, você ver como os outros usuários ver o seu perfil e o seu conteúdo. Ela é uma importante chave para que as pessoas possam ter acesso aos conteúdo que vocês públicam, ou seja, é atráves dela que você poderá compartilhar o seu perfil para que seu público tenha acesso ao seu mundo. Dito isso vamos conhecer os apps e os chamados clientes Nostr. ### O que são clientes Nostr? Clientes são as várias maneiras de interagir com o protocolo Nostr [fonte: Nostr.com] É semelhante ao Sistema Operacional Linux que tem várias distro com diferentes layout para o mesmo Sistema. Vejamos as principais para que vocês tenham uma noção da amplitude do protocolo. - **Damus:** é um app para celulares IOS terem acesso ao NOSTR, tem formato de rede social, como Primal e o Amethyst. - **Primal** é um app versátil serve tanto para celulares IOS, Android e PCs, também tem formato de rede social, porém você pode abrir uma carteira lightning bitcoin exclusiva deste app, facilitando muito os micropagamentos em satoshis pela rede. - **Amethyst**, assim como o Damus é para o IOS o Amethsy é para o Android, sou suspeita para falar sobre este clientes, pois é o meu favorito. Além de várias possibilidades de edição de texto, ele tem diversas funcionalidade incluídas, como *****Guia Mercado***** onde você pode comercializar produtos pela rede, tem como intergrar com outros apps de streaming, formar grupos temáticos etc. - **OXchat** não é exatamente uma rede social tem um layout que lembra um pouco o Whatsapp ou Telegram, serve como uma rede de interação instantânea, tem diversos recursos que achei mais interessante é a lousa, onde é possível interagir no grupo com desenhos etc. - **Yakihonne** que é justamente o cliente que estou usando para construir este artigo. Como usuário posso dizer que ele tem um foco para criação de Blogs no protocolo Nostr, lembrando que cada cliente tem um layout diferente, ou seja, uso de templates para definir a estrutura do seu blog é meio limitado [ressalva assim como vocês sou iniciante do Nostr, pode ser que tenha como determinar um layout próprio, mas eu mesma não sei como] Há muitos outros clientes disponíveis para acessar e experimentar e conhecer todos eu recomendo o site: [Nostrapps]( https://nostrapps.com/##all) Agora que você leu este pequeno guia, se divirta aqui no nostr e não se esqueça de apoia a gente. Até Mais !!

@ 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.

@ f3873798:24b3f2f3

Muitas pessoas sofrem em silêncio diante das dificuldades da vida. Seja um término de relacionamento, o convívio em uma família desestruturada ou até mesmo situações extremas, como estar preso em um campo de concentração, a escrita pode ir além de um simples ato de colocar palavras no papel – ela pode ser um agente de libertação. Seja em forma de diário, desabafo, artigo de opinião ou até mesmo a construção de uma história fantástica, como foi o caso de Harry Potter, escrever pode trazer alívio e transformar a dor em algo criativo e significativo. Escrever é quase mágico. O simples ato de organizar ideias para construir um texto dá ao escritor o poder de viajar para mundos criados por sua própria mente, funcionando como uma verdadeira forma de escapismo. Em certas situações extremas, essa pode ser a única alternativa para fugir da realidade, um fio de esperança para aqueles que se sentem perdidos na escuridão do desespero. Sabe aquela fase da adolescência em que pensamos "Meus pais não me entendem"? Se você está passando por isso, este texto é para você! Por que não transformar suas angústias em palavras e criar histórias maravilhosas sobre seus anseios, sonhos ou aprendizados do dia a dia? A escrita pode oferecer um refúgio, um momento em que tudo ao seu redor se transforma e seu processo criativo se torna uma lembrança especial. Portanto, se você está sofrendo com os desafios da vida, experimente colocar seus sentimentos no papel e transforme a dor em arte. Você pode se surpreender com o poder das palavras. Essa é a mensagem de hoje. Até a próxima leitura aleatória

@ f3873798:24b3f2f3

Você já conheceu alguém que sempre tenta levar vantagem em tudo? Aquele tipo de pessoa que, em vez de buscar crescimento legítimo, prefere explorar os outros para obter benefícios? Infelizmente, essa mentalidade está mais presente do que gostaríamos de admitir. Ela se manifesta de diversas formas, como: * Pedir descontos e brindes de maneira abusiva, como se fosse um direito; * Ameaçar ou constranger vendedores para conseguir preços mais baixos; * Vender produtos com valores incompatíveis com a qualidade ou omitir defeitos para enganar clientes. Quem age assim tem uma conduta antiética e, pior, muitas vezes se orgulha disso, como se enganar alguém fosse um sinal de esperteza. Mas será que essa mentalidade realmente leva ao sucesso? A curto prazo, pode parecer que sim. Alguns até conseguem vantagens temporárias, mas a longo prazo, essa postura cobra seu preço. A reputação se desgasta, as oportunidades diminuem e, inevitavelmente, o comportamento oportunista se volta contra quem o pratica. No Brasil, essa mentalidade oportunista se tornou quase um traço cultural. Combater isso exige uma mudança de perspectiva e, acima de tudo, uma autoavaliação sincera. O primeiro passo é reconhecer se, em algum momento, você já adotou esse comportamento. Ser honesto consigo mesmo é fundamental para evoluir. O segundo passo é entender que essa mentalidade não só é antiética, mas também prejudica seu próprio crescimento. Quem não valoriza o trabalho alheio dificilmente conseguirá que seu próprio trabalho seja valorizado. Portanto, abandone essa postura de querer sempre "se dar bem" às custas dos outros. Valorize o esforço e o trabalho de quem está oferecendo um produto ou serviço. Se não pode pagar, simplesmente não compre. Faça igual o Lula rsrsrs. Mas brincadeiras a parte, não exija que os outros arquem com o custo da sua insatisfação. E esta foi a mensagem de hoje. Espero que tenha gostado de mais uma leitura aleatória.

@ c11cf5f8:4928464d

Let's support #Bitcoin #merchants! I'd love to hear some of your latest #Bitcoin purchases, feel free to include links to the #shops or #businesses you bought from too. Who else has a recent purchase they’re excited about? Bonus #sats if you found a killer #deal! ⚡ If you missed our last thread, [here](https://stacker.news/items/895134/r/AG) are some of the items stackers recently spent and #zap #sats on. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/901431

@ 407529d6:83e93205

The internet was supposed to be a place of free expression, but today's centralized platforms have turned it into a controlled marketplace. 🚫 Censorship & Content Control : Algorithms decide what you see, and policies dictate what you can say. 💰 Unfair Revenue Models : Creators put in the work, but platforms take the biggest cut. 🔒 Loss of Ownership: Your content is stored on centralized servers, vulnerable to bans and deletions. Decentralization is the way forward—a system where creators and consumers are in control. Enter YakiHonne & Bitcoin: A New Era of Content Freedom Built on the Nostr protocol, YakiHonne is changing the game. It offers: Censorship Resistance: No centralized entity can remove your content. Direct Monetization : Earn Bitcoin from your audience, not through ads. True Ownership : Your content, your rules no sudden bans, no takedowns. How to Monetize Your Content on YakiHonne If you're a content creator, here’s how you can start earning: 1. Direct Payments - Get Bitcoin tips from your audience instantly. 2. Subscription Models - Offer premium content for loyal supporters. 3. Community Funding - Crowdfund ideas and projects without intermediaries. The future of content creation is decentralized, fair, and Bitcoin-powered. Are you ready to break free from traditional platforms and take control? 🔥 #YakiHonne #NOSTR #Bitcoin

@ 41fa852b:af7b7706

> "The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion." --Albert Camus * * * **Another great week of Bitcoin meetups is ahead of us!** This week, we are thrilled to partner with The Bitcoin Ireland Conference 2025 to help spread the word about this amazing grass-roots gathering. We have two tickets to give away in a competition. To enter, [click here](https://bitcoinevents.uk/bitcoinireland2025/) to submit your entry. Good luck, check out all the details below, and we'll see you there. * * * [](https://bitcoinevents.uk/donate/) * * * _This week's sponsor is…_ [](https://www.orangepillapp.com?utm_source=BEUK&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BEUK) * * * ### **Upcoming Bitcoin Meetups** Happening this week… 1. [**Eat and Meet with Joe Bryan**](https://orangepill.app.link/MDg7o8KxcRb): Meet the creator of 'What's the Problem' and a host of fellow bitcoiners at the Weeping Willow in Bury St Edmunds. Starting at 18:00 on Tuesday, March the 4th. 2. [**Bitcoin 101 @ Cyphermunk House**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bitcoin-101-cyphermunk-house-tickets-1260764423329): On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, from 18:30 to 20:30, a beginner's Bitcoin class at 9 John Street, London WC1N 2ES. This 2-hour community-led event covers wallets, signers, and privacy, starting at 18:45. Arrive early; £5 donation in cash or sats. 3. [**Canterbury Bitcoin**](https://www.meetup.com/Canterbury-Bitcoin-Meetup-Group): Meeting this month at the Millers Arms in Canterbury at 19:00 on Tuesday the 4th of March. An informal meetup to discuss Bitcoin and chat. 4. [**Belfast Bitcoin**](https://bitcoinevents.uk/belfast-bitcoin-meetup/): Join them on Tuesday the 4th March, 20:00. These guys meet in person monthly on the first Tuesday of each month at Ormeau Baths Event Space, 18 Ormeau Avenue, Belfast, BT2 8HS, Northern Ireland. 5. [**OPA North London Meetup**](https://bitcoinevents.uk/event/opa-north-london-meetup/): On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from 18:30 to 21:30, North Londoners gather at Alice House, 283--285 West End Lane, NW6 1RD, West Hampstead. The Snug, a cosy pub nook, hosts this relaxed meetup for plotting and connecting, easily reachable by overground, no passport needed. 6. [**Rooted in the West Bank @ Cyphermunk House**](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rooted-in-the-west-bank-cyphermunk-house-tickets-1251125031649): On Friday, March 7, 2025, from 18:30 to 21:30, a 3-hour event at 9 John Street, London WC1N 2ES features a screening of a 47-minute documentary by Uri Fruchtmann and Bruno Sorrentino. It profiles Palestinian farmer Atta Jabar, with Uri presenting to raise sats for a feature-length expansion. 7. [**Bitcoin Walk - Edinburgh**](https://bitcoinwalk.org/): Every Saturday at 12:00, Edinburgh Bitcoiners gather for a walk starting near Meadows Park's tennis courts, discussing news, innovations, and hyperbitcoinization. Newcomers are welcome to learn about Bitcoin's role in separating money from state. They often continue the conversation afterwards with something to eat. 🚶🏽‍♂️🚶🏼‍♀️🚶🏻 8. [**Bitcoin Derby**](https://bitcoinevents.uk/bitcoin-derby/): On Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 15:00, Bitcoin Derby gathers at Ye Olde Dolphin, DE1 3DL, to mark the 32nd anniversary of Eric Hughes' "A Cypherpunk Manifesto." Join fellow Bitcoiners to commemorate this iconic moment at the regular time and place. 9. [**Privacy Day, Nostr London v6**](https://meetu.ps/e/NPrrp/v822r/i): On March 9, 2025, the 2140 Collective hosts the event in Tooting from 15:00 to 21:40, honoring Eric Hughes' Cypherpunk Manifesto. It features talks on Bitcoin crowdfunding, freedom, Nostr projects, art, free burgers from Angor.io, and a sats drop for Lightning wallet users. * * * ### Upcoming Special Events These events aren't happening next week, but they're important to add to your calendar now as tickets are selling fast. - [**CheatCode 2025**](https://www.cheatcode.co.uk/) - Peter McCormack hosts the CheatCode conference, following last year's success. This year, international guest speakers include Preston Pysh, Alex Gladstein, Natalie Brunell, Matthew Pines, Steve Baker, Ben Arc, and Checkmate. Friday, April 11th, is the main conference day, followed by a huge meetup at Ledger Park for the men's Real Bedford match, and again on Sunday for the women's match. Check out the link for ticket details. [](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbcb0553a-dc8c-4fb7-98dd-4a95085d83a5_1500x500.png) - [**Bitcoin Ireland Conference 2025**](https://www.bitcoinireland.eu/): Bitcoin Ireland is hosting its annual Bitcoin Conference, building on the momentum of previous years. This year Bitcoin Events UK are proudly serving as a media partner to help spread the word! [Enter our competition](https://bitcoinevents.uk/bitcoinireland2025/) to win two free tickets worth (€198 value). This year's lineup of international guest speakers includes Daniel Prince, alongside notable figures like Knut Svanholm, Dinny Collins, Lawrence-Stanley and other respected voices in the Bitcoin community, offering thoughtful perspectives on the evolving Bitcoin revolution. The main conference takes place on Saturday, May 24th, at The Green Isle Hotel in Dublin. Following the event, attendees can join a relaxed networking meetup with Ireland's Bitcoin community to continue the discussion. For ticket details, visit: [www.bitcoinireland.eu](https://www.bitcoinireland.eu/). [](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F09673e8d-798e-45cd-9393-610ff52df530_2400x1260.png) * * * **Get Involved** - **Volunteer Opportunities**: [Bridge2Bitcoin](https://bridge2bitcoin.com/) is actively seeking volunteers who share our passion for merchant adoption. We'd be delighted to connect if you're eager to contribute. Reach out to us on [Twitter](https://x.com/bridge2bitcoin) or through our [website](https://bridge2bitcoin.com/). - **Start Your Own Meetup**: Interested in launching a Bitcoin meetup? We're here to support you every step of the way. We've assisted numerous UK Bitcoin meetups in getting started. Get in touch via [Twitter](https://x.com/bitcoineventsuk). - [**Contribute to BTCMaps**](https://wiki.btcmap.org/general/tagging-instructions.html): BTCMaps is a vital part of the Bitcoin ecosystem. It's a perfect project to get involved with if you're not a coder or even that technical. A great way to give back to the community. Maintain an area of the UK and keep it up-to-date. - **Telegram users**: You might find our [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/BitcoinEventsUKHub) another useful way to keep up-to-date with UK meetups. - **Feedback and Suggestions**: We value your input! Share your ideas on how we can enhance this newsletter. * * * _This week's sponsors are…_ [](https://orangecoinstore.com/) [](https://bitcoinretreat.co.uk/) [](https://bitcoinmetalworks.com/) * * * Get out and support the meetups where you can, visit [Bitcoin Events UK](https://bitcoinevents.uk/) for more info on each meetup and to find your closest on the interactive map. Stay tuned for more updates next week! Simon.

@ 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/901383

@ fbf0e434:e1be6a39

DoraHacks has once again set a new standard for showcasing the brightest minds in Web3 and frontier technology with the successful debut of **BUIDL DAY**—our flagship event dedicated to amplifying the voices of early-stage, high-impact projects from the most promising ecosystems in the space. With over **500 participants** in attendance, BUIDL DAY was more than just an event; it was a hub of energy and innovation. Held at the intersection of collaboration and cutting-edge technology, we brought together nine pioneering ecosystems.— **Cosmos, Babylon, Sonic, Aptos, Circle, KAIA, Initia, Movement and Flow**—to spotlight the most original and contrarian early-stage teams building the next generation of technology.   It was the moment DoraHacks unveiled its defining thesis for 2025: **Freedom of BUIDL**—the fundamental belief that anyone, anywhere, should have the freedom to build what they want, when they want. DoraHacks is not merely a platform. It is a force of nature, mobilizing the world's largest and most significant hacker movement. With over **200,000 developers** having collectively launched **20,000+ startups**, DoraHacks is rewriting the blueprint of innovation. This is where the future is built—not in closed rooms, but in the open, by hackers who refuse to ask for permission. ### **Hacking Without Borders** The numbers speak for themselves. In 2024 alone, over **300 organizations** hosted more than **350 hackathons** through DoraHacks, proving that the demand for open innovation has never been stronger. Any organization, from emerging startups to global enterprises, can tap into the boundless creative potential of the DoraHacks ecosystem and launch their own hackathons with ease. ### **DoraHacks' 2025 Thesis: The Future of BUIDL** At BUIDL Day, DoraHacks announced its core technological priorities for 2025. These are not mere trends—they are fundamental shifts in how the internet, cryptography, and decentralized systems will evolve. DoraHacks is doubling down on collaborations with the most critical open-source platforms to foster growth and innovation. The key areas include: - **Consumer Crypto** – A narrative gaining traction across Aptos, Circle, Flow, and beyond, driving the next wave of crypto-native consumer applications. - **Agentic Crypto & Organizations** – A revolution in decentralized coordination, playing out in Injective, Sonic, and YakiHonne. - **Freedom of BUIDL & Privacy Tech** – Powering sovereign innovation and privacy-first technologies, championed by Zama and Dora Factory. - **Sovereign Independent Blockchains** – The rise of self-sovereign networks, an area where Cosmos and its ecosystem continue to lead. But we are not stopping there. ### **Exploring the Next Frontier** 2025 marks the beginning of DoraHacks’ deep foray into frontier technology: - **Quantum Software & Infrastructure** – Enabling the next paradigm shift in computing. - **Quantum Cryptography** – Developing encryption that withstands the quantum era. - **Open Source Hardware** – Breaking the barriers of proprietary computing. The future is decentralized. It is open-source. And it is being built, right now. ### **The Next Chapter: Google Cloud x DoraHacks** DoraHacks is not just shaping the future—it is forming alliances with those who are building it. At BUIDL Day, DoraHacks officially announced its partnership with **Google Cloud**. As part of this collaboration, Google Cloud will provide **$350,000 in cloud and AI services** to support DoraHacks’ most promising startups. This partnership will also drive the launch of new hackathons focused on cutting-edge fields, from AI to quantum computing. ### **A Platform for Bold Builders** BUIDL DAY was meticulously designed to give early-stage teams the **visibility, resources, and connections** they need to propel their projects forward. Unlike traditional conferences and summits, our focus was on the BUIDLs that challenge the status quo—teams building with first-principles thinking and forging paths where others have yet to tread. These BUIDLs represented the **cutting edge** of decentralized technology, from novel Layer 1s and interoperability solutions to revolutionary applications in DeFi, consumer, AI gaming, and infrastructure.  ### **Unparalleled Networking and Exposure** The energy in the room was electric as builders, investors, and foundation leaders engaged in deep discussion. **Venture capitalists**, including some of the most active investors in the space, had the opportunity to meet the next wave of category-defining projects at their earliest stages. Meanwhile, developers and founders connected with the **leading foundations** backing their ecosystems, receiving invaluable insights, mentorship, and potential funding opportunities. Beyond structured networking, serendipitous encounters defined the day—whether it was a team finding a strategic partner over coffee or a founder securing an unexpected investor introduction during a panel discussion. **BUIDL DAY was proof that the right environment fosters groundbreaking collaborations.** ### **Why BUIDL DAY Matters** The ethos behind BUIDL DAY is simple: **true innovation happens when visionary builders are given a platform to share, iterate, and connect.** While the Web3 landscape is constantly evolving, one thing remains certain—early-stage projects need more than funding; they need the right **ecosystem, exposure, and support** to succeed. By curating an event that prioritizes originality and contrarian thinking, DoraHacks has reaffirmed its commitment to **nurturing the builders who will define the future of blockchain and beyond**. BUIDL DAY was not just a moment in time—it was the beginning of something much bigger. To all the builders, investors, and foundation leaders who joined us: **thank you for making this an unforgettable experience.** We can’t wait to see where these projects go next and look forward to building together in the future. Until next time, keep BUIDLing! If you want to learn more about all of the participating BUIDLs please refer the our [BUIDL DAY BUIDL BROCHURE](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YPHkhDIHcVYjkaMeH8NTdb-acHqdb4oN/view?usp=drive_link)

@ 6e0ea5d6:0327f353

Ascolta bene! Conquering a city is easy. All it takes is gathering armies, strategies, and being ruthless. But mastering one’s own spirit? Ah, that is the battle that separates men from boys, leaders from tyrants, and the wise from the foolish. Davvero, patience is the hammer that shapes a man's spirit; fury is the fire that destroys it. A warrior wins battles, but a man who controls his emotions rules empires. He who governs himself will never be a slave to circumstances. An army may tear down walls, but a single man who controls his emotions builds empires—both within and beyond himself. Patience is not weakness; it is the precise strike of one who has already won the internal battle. Unchecked rage destroys in seconds what patience builds over a lifetime. External victory without internal mastery is a deception. What good is it to conquer a city if your soul remains a battlefield? He who does not control his spirit is a slave to himself. Anger, ego, and pride are serpents coiled within the heart, ready to suffocate any chance of greatness. A man without self-control is nothing more than a wild beast; a patient man is a fortress. Patience is not weakness; it is an invisible sword that cuts deeper than any forged blade. True power does not lie in the roar of rage but in the silence of strategy. It is the shield that guards against reckless decisions, words that cannot be taken back, and mistakes that are far too costly. A patient man, one who masters his spirit, is like a volcano—choosing when and where to erupt. He does not waste energy; he channels it, calculates, and triumphs. A man's success is not measured by the lands he conquers or the people he commands, but by his ability to remain unshaken, even when everything around him crumbles. The man who does not master himself is a slave, even with an empire at his feet. But the patient man, the one who transforms anger into strength and silence into strategy, becomes a living weapon. He does not merely survive—he dominates, unbreakable, immortal in his legacy. Be this man, amico mio. 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!

@ 22050dd3:480c11ea

*Written by Keith Meola, Revised by Frank Corva* Situated 8 miles off the coast of Cancun surrounded by pristine turquoise waters is a small island called Isla Mujeres. And when I say small, I mean small. It measures just 5 miles long by 0.5 miles wide. The sliver of landmass has a lot going on, though. On it, you can find a lake, a bay, different beaches with unique waves, and various distinct areas. There’s the calmer residential center, the active and more touristy “downtown”, and the tranquil and posh Southern tip, to describe a few. 12,600 people live on the island, and several hundred merchants and businesses operate there. Of these businesses, 16 accept bitcoin. At the beginning of 2024, this number was zero. So, how have so many people on the island been orange-pilled in such a short period of time? A passionate Bitcoiner named Isabella (Isa) Santos, that's who. And she started doing this work at block height #829,750 (mined February 9, 2024). This is when BTC Isla was born.  ## BTC Isla Isa started the work as a passion project. BTC Isla was slow to initially get off the ground, but, Isa began to pick up steam by the end of 2024. And now she is charging ahead with the help of visiting Bitcoiners. The first visitor arrived in the Summer of 2024 and the number of visitors has been steadily increasing since then. Within the first month of this year, 6 Bitcoiners from 4 countries have visited the island to see what is happening and partake in the movement. Those who have visited have split their time between attending meetups or volunteering and partaking in efforts to spread Bitcoin adoption. And Isa intends to welcome many more Bitcoiners to the island this year. She also plans to continue to work tirelessly to not only onboard more merchants but to educate the freshly orange-pilled about how Bitcoin works and why it's so important. One of the bitcoin-accepting merchants on the island ## Bitcoin Education Education is at the core of BTC Isla. In Isa's mind, Bitcoin education is necessary to truly empower the population. It is one thing to accept bitcoin as a form of payment. It's another for people to truly understand what Bitcoin is and what it can do for them. Isa teaches Bitcoin classes which are free to attend. At the moment they are held at the Mayakita restaurant, which is also the usual spot for the Bitcoin meetups. Isa teaches the classes in Spanish using the [Mi Primer Bitcoin](http://myfirstbitcoin.io) curriculum. This curriculum is an open-source diploma-based educational program created by the organization Mi Primer Bitcoin in El Salvador. Through their coursework, students are taught the essential knowledge to gain financial literacy and understand Bitcoin. As of the time of writing, one cohort has already graduated and the second one is on its way! BTC Isla class ## Merchant Adoption Adoption on the island is picking up steam in 2025. As mentioned, 16 merchants on the island currently accept bitcoin as payment. And Isa is working to increase that number with the help of locals. Expats living on the island as well as students and graduated students help with adoption. Thanks to the efforts of Isa and her team, it's now possible to visit the island and use bitcoin exclusively to pay for goods and services! The majority of the merchants who accept bitcoin are food and drink vendors, but it is possible to pay for accommodation, transportation, and even some tours and shopping with bitcoin. Visitors at a meetup As I wrote, the number of visitors to the island is exploding in 2025. I recently had the opportunity and pleasure to visit the island and spent 2 weeks there observing and taking part In the project. I will be writing about my experiences on the island and with BTC Isla! ## Gaining Attention Big and exciting things are happening on the small island of Isla Mujeres. What started as a solo passion project to “orange pill a whole island” is quickly gaining new members and it's attracting attention both on the island and around the globe. Word is quickly spreading that something is brewing off the coast of Cancun. Post-class picture, that's me in the white shirt BTC Isla can be followed at the following handles: - [btcisla.xyz](https://www.btcisla.xyz) - [Twitter/X](https://x.com/BTCisla) - [Nostr](https://primal.net/BTCIsla) - [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/@btcisla)

@ 6e0ea5d6:0327f353

Every venture is a tremendous risk. In all your business endeavors, ask yourself: is the potential gain viable enough to outweigh the risk of loss? Courage must always align with intelligence. That is, every initiative should be based on a thorough study of the market, supply, and demand. If the success of your plans depends on someone else's help, believe this: you have already failed. Do not wait for assistance, do not rely on the goodwill of others, and never trust promises of support. In the end, people are more likely to ignore you than to honor their word. It will not be their fault in any way. However, it will be yours. Do not be disappointed in others—be disappointed in yourself for expecting too much from them. Engrave these words in your heart, and you will never have the spear of betrayal lodged in your back. When you are at rock bottom, the only thing that will fall from the sky is dirt. The best time to be courageous is when you have nothing left. With that in mind, approach your problems with enthusiasm and determination! Keep your eyes open, your mouth shut, your heart still, and your spirit ready for war. Only lower your guard when they lower the lid of your coffin. Both failure and victory are direct results of your actions and how you navigate your personal circumstances. Take responsibility for your choices and mistakes, do not wallow in self-pity, and enjoy what you earn. Expect nothing from others but disappointment, lies, and constant frustration. Anything good that comes your way—consider it a bonus. 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!

@ f3873798:24b3f2f3

Olá, caros leitores! No meu Guia para Novatos do Nostr, mencionei brevemente o YakiHonne, um dos diversos clientes disponíveis no ecossistema Nostr. Hoje, quero aprofundar mais sobre esse cliente, destacando suas funcionalidades, vantagens, desvantagens e minha opinião final. # YakiHonne: O Melhor Cliente para Microblog no Nostr?  O YakiHonne se destaca por sua interface bem organizada e otimizada para leitura de artigos no Nostr. Um dos seus diferenciais é a seção de sugestões no canto superior da tela, que recomenda conteúdos relevantes e incentiva a exploração de novas postagens. Caso você queira mais visibilidade na plataforma, existe a opção de pagar para destacar uma publicação através da funcionalidade> **Note Paga**, localizada na parte inferior da tela de criação de posts. Além disso, o YakiHonne oferece diversas opções de publicação, cada uma com otimizações específicas. --- # Funcionalidades do YakiHonne  Ao clicar no botão "**+**", o usuário tem acesso às seguintes opções de postagens: 📌 **Note** Equivalente às postagens instantâneas de redes sociais como X (antigo Twitter), onde os usuários compartilham pensamentos curtos e interagem rapidamente. 📝 **Article** Voltado para microblogs e blogs, essa opção permite uma formatação mais detalhada dos textos, sendo ideal para quem quer produzir conteúdo mais elaborado. 🎥 **Vídeo** Uma funcionalidade destinada à publicação de vídeos. Aparentemente, o YakiHonne busca ser um “YouTube descentralizado” dentro do Nostr, mas ainda não explorei essa opção a fundo. Se alguém já testou, sinta-se à vontade para compartilhar nos comentários. 🖥️ **Smart Widget** Permite personalizar o layout do cliente para que a experiência de navegação e leitura fique mais intuitiva e agradável para cada usuário. 📚 **Curation** Uma funcionalidade que possibilita a criação de curations, ou seja, coleções de artigos organizados por tema. Além disso, outras pessoas podem contribuir com artigos relacionados, tornando essa uma ferramenta colaborativa interessante. Na minha opinião, a opção Article é a mais útil, pois permite criar textos bem estruturados. --- # Construindo um Artigo no YakiHonne Na opção Article, há diversas ferramentas de formatação disponíveis, incluindo: * Negrito * Itálico * Hyperlink * Diferentes níveis de títulos (H1, H2, H3…) * <> Para realçar trechos de código ou termos específicos * " Para inserir citações destacadas * Sublinhado * f (parece criar um botão, mas precisa de ajustes) * Inserção de imagens via URL ou upload direto * Inteligência Artificial integrada para auxiliar na escrita * Smart Widget para melhor organização Essas ferramentas tornam a experiência de escrever no YakiHonne mais completa e dinâmica. --- # Vantagens do YakiHonne ✅ Ótima otimização para textos – É um dos clientes mais completos para quem deseja produzir conteúdos bem estruturados. ✅ Interface intuitiva – A organização da plataforma facilita a navegação e a gestão das postagens. ✅ Ferramentas de divulgação – As opções de curadoria e destaques pagos ajudam a impulsionar conteúdos relevantes. --- # Desvantagens do YakiHonne ⚠️ Edição de texto precisa de melhorias – A opção de sublinhar altera o tamanho e a fonte do texto, o que não é ideal para destacar palavras estrangeiras corretamente. ⚠️ Botão "f" desconfigurado – A funcionalidade que aparentemente gera um botão ficou deformada no meu celular, sem possibilidade de ajuste. --- # Considerações Finais O YakiHonne é um dos melhores clientes Nostr que já experimentei. Se você gosta de ler e escrever artigos, pode passar horas explorando os conteúdos da comunidade. Além disso, acredito que no futuro haverá mais opções de monetização. Assim como outros clientes Nostr, o YakiHonne permite associar uma carteira de Bitcoin, possibilitando receber doações pelos conteúdos publicados. Se você já testou esse cliente, deixe nos comentários sua experiências

@ d5c3d063:4d1159b3

ทำไมคนที่ด่าเรา ถึงเป็นคนที่ทุกข์...ลองนึกภาพคนที่กำลังมีความสุขดูสิ... เขาจะมีเวลามานั่งด่าใครไหม วันหนึ่ง...ผมนั่งอยู่ในร้านกาแฟ มองออกไปเห็นชายคนหนึ่งกำลังมีปากเสียงกับพนักงานร้าน เขาพูดจาเสียงดัง หน้าตาบึ้งตึง ดูหงุดหงิดอย่างเห็นได้ชัด พนักงานสาวที่ถูกตำหนิพยายามขอโทษ และอธิบายเหตุผลของเธอด้วยน้ำเสียงสุภาพ แต่ชายคนนั้นยังคงไม่พอใจ เดินออกจากร้านไปด้วยอารมณ์ขุ่นมัว ทิ้งบรรยากาศตึงเครียดไว้เบื้องหลัง !(image)[https://m.primal.net/PQdY.png] พนักงานสาวถอนหายใจเบา ๆ แล้วหันกลับมาทำงานต่อราวกับไม่มีอะไรเกิดขึ้น ผมอดสงสัยไม่ได้ว่าทำไมเธอถึงดูไม่ทุกข์ร้อนกับเหตุการณ์เมื่อครู่นี้เลย "ไม่เป็นไรค่ะ เขาคงมีเรื่องให้กังวลอยู่แล้ว" เธอตอบเมื่อผมถาม คำพูดนั้นทำให้ผมหยุดคิด... ในชีวิตของเรา คงไม่มีใครไม่เคยถูกตำหนิ ถูกต่อว่า หรือถูกพูดจาไม่ดีใส่ บางครั้งอาจเป็นเพียงคำพูดที่ไม่ได้ตั้งใจ บางครั้งอาจเป็นอารมณ์โกรธที่ถูกระบายออกมาโดยไม่เลือกที่หมาย แต่หากเราหยุดดูให้ดี เราจะพบว่าคนที่กำลังโกรธ ดุด่าหรือตำหนิใครสักคน มักจะเป็นคนที่กำลังเผชิญกับความทุกข์อยู่แล้ว คนที่มาด่าเรา อาจจะกำลังเหนื่อยล้าจากปัญหาส่วนตัว อาจจะผิดหวังในบางสิ่ง อาจจะรู้สึกไม่เป็นที่ยอมรับ อาจจะเครียดจากเรื่องในครอบครัว และบางครั้ง…อาจจะไม่ได้มีเจตนาร้าย เพียงแต่เขาไม่รู้จะจัดการกับอารมณ์ของตัวเองยังไง ...และเมื่อเผชิญกับคำพูดที่ไม่ดี เรามีทางเลือกอยู่เสมอ... - ตอบโต้กลับไป บางครั้งเราโกรธและเผลอพูดอะไรออกไปตามอารมณ์ สิ่งนี้อาจทำให้เกิดความรู้สึกไม่ดีทั้งสองฝ่าย บางครั้งเราชนะการโต้เถียง แต่กลับแพ้ที่ความสงบในใจ - ปล่อยผ่าน และเข้าใจ การเข้าใจว่า "คนที่ด่าเรา เขานั่นแหละทุกข์" ไม่ได้หมายความว่าเราต้องยอมรับการถูกกระทำที่ไม่เหมาะสม แต่หมายถึงการไม่เอาคำพูดเหล่านั้นมาเป็นภาระของตัวเอง - มองลึกลงไปให้เห็นเจตนา บางครั้งคนที่ตำหนิเราอาจจะต้องการให้เราปรับปรุงในบางเรื่อง อารมณ์ของเขาอาจจะไม่ดี แต่หากเราแยกเนื้อหาจากอารมณ์ออกมาได้ เราอาจพบว่ามีบางอย่างที่เราสามารถเรียนรู้ได้ ท้ายที่สุด คำพูดของใครก็ไม่สำคัญเท่ากับสิ่งที่เราบอกกับตัวเอง หากเรามั่นคงพอ คำพูดที่รุนแรงจะเป็นเพียงเสียงที่ผ่านเข้ามาแล้วผ่านไป หากเรามีเมตตา คำพูดที่ไม่ดีจะเป็นบทเรียนให้เราเข้าใจมนุษย์มากขึ้น หากเรารู้เท่าทันอารมณ์ตัวเอง คำพูดเหล่านั้นก็จะไม่มีอิทธิพลต่อเรา "ไม่เป็นไรค่ะ เขาคงมีเรื่องให้กังวลอยู่แล้ว" ผมนั่งจิบกาแฟพลางคิดตามคำพูดนั้นแล้วพบว่ามันเป็นเรื่องจริง คนที่มาด่าเรา อาจจะต้องการกำลังใจมากกว่าที่เราคิดก็ได้... #Siamstr

@ eb35d9c0:6ea2b8d0

I had a ton of fun making this episode of Midnight Signals. It taught me a lot about the haunting of the Bell family and the demise of John Bell. His death was attributed to the Bell Witch making Tennessee the only state to recognize a person's death to the supernatural. <iframe width="100%" height="180" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://share.transistor.fm/e/4bf22094"></iframe> If you enjoyed the episode, visit the Midnight Signals site. [https://midnightsignals.net](https://midnightsignals.net) ### Show Notes Journey back to the early 1800s and the eerie Bell Witch haunting that plagued the Bell family in Adams, Tennessee. It began with strange creatures and mysterious knocks, evolving into disembodied voices and violent attacks on young Betsy Bell. Neighbors, even Andrew Jackson, witnessed the phenomena, adding to the legend. The witch's identity remains a mystery, sowing fear and chaos, ultimately leading to John Bell's tragic demise. The haunting waned, but its legacy lingers, woven into the very essence of the town. Delve into this chilling story of a family's relentless torment by an unseen force. ### Transcript Good evening, night owls. I'm Russ Chamberlain, and you're listening to midnight signals, the show, where we explore the darkest corners of our collective past. Tonight, our signal takes us to the early 1800s to a modest family farm in Adams, Tennessee. Where the Bell family encountered what many call the most famous haunting in American history. Make yourself comfortable, hush your surroundings, and let's delve into this unsettling tale. Our story begins in 1804, when John Bell and his wife Lucy made their way from North Carolina to settle along the Red River in northern Tennessee. In those days, the land was wide and fertile, mostly unspoiled with gently rolling hills and dense woodland. For the Bells, John, Lucy, and their children, The move promised prosperity. They arrived eager to farm the rich soil, raise livestock, and find a peaceful home. At first, life mirrored [00:01:00] that hope. By day, John and his sons worked tirelessly in the fields, planting corn and tending to animals, while Lucy and her daughters managed the household. Evenings were spent quietly, with scripture readings by the light of a flickering candle. Neighbors in the growing settlement of Adams spoke well of John's dedication and Lucy's gentle spirit. The Bells were welcomed into the Fold, a new family building their future on the Tennessee Earth. In those early years, the Bells likely gave little thought to uneasy rumors whispered around the region. Strange lights seen deep in the woods, soft cries heard by travelers at dusk, small mysteries that most dismissed as product of the imagination. Life on the frontier demanded practicality above all else, leaving little time to dwell on spirits or curses. Unbeknownst to them, events on their farm would soon dominate not only their lives, but local lore for generations to come.[00:02:00] It was late summer, 1817, when John Bell's ordinary routines took a dramatic turn. One evening, in the waning twilight, he spotted an odd creature near the edge of a tree line. A strange beast resembling part dog, part rabbit. Startled, John raised his rifle and fired, the shot echoing through the fields. Yet, when he went to inspect the spot, nothing remained. No tracks, no blood, nothing to prove the creature existed at all. John brushed it off as a trick of falling light or his own tired eyes. He returned to the house, hoping for a quiet evening. But in the days that followed, faint knocking sounds began at the windows after sunset. Soft scratching rustled against the walls as if curious fingers or claws tested the timbers. The family's dog barked at shadows, growling at the emptiness of the yard. No one considered it a haunting at first. Life on a rural [00:03:00] farm was filled with pests, nocturnal animals, and the countless unexplained noises of the frontier. Yet the disturbances persisted, night after night, growing a little bolder each time. One evening, the knocking on the walls turned so loud it woke the entire household. Lamps were lit, doors were open, the ground searched, but the land lay silent under the moon. Within weeks, the unsettling taps and scrapes evolved into something more alarming. Disembodied voices. At first, the voices were faint. A soft murmur in rooms with no one in them. Betsy Bell, the youngest daughter, insisted she heard her name called near her bed. She ran to her mother and her father trembling, but they found no intruder. Still, The voice continued, too low for them to identify words, yet distinct enough to chill the blood. Lucy Bell began to fear they were facing a spirit, an unclean presence that had invaded their home. She prayed for divine [00:04:00] protection each evening, yet sometimes the voice seemed to mimic her prayers, twisting her words into a derisive echo. John Bell, once confident and strong, grew unnerved. When he tried reading from the Bible, the voice mocked him, imitating his tone like a cruel prankster. As the nights passed, disturbances gained momentum. Doors opened by themselves, chairs shifted with no hand to move them, and curtains fluttered in a room void of drafts. Even in daytime, Betsy would find objects missing, only for them to reappear on the kitchen floor or a distant shelf. It felt as if an unseen intelligence roamed the house, bent on sowing chaos. Of all the bells, Betsy suffered the most. She was awakened at night by her hair being yanked hard enough to pull her from sleep. Invisible hands slapped her cheeks, leaving red prints. When she walked outside by day, she heard harsh whispers at her ear, telling her she would know [00:05:00] no peace. Exhausted, she became withdrawn, her once bright spirit dulled by a ceaseless fear. Rumors spread that Betsy's torment was the worst evidence of the haunting. Neighbors who dared spend the night in the Bell household often witnessed her blankets ripped from the bed, or watched her clutch her bruised arms in distress. As these accounts circulated through the community, people began referring to the presence as the Bell Witch, though no one was certain if it truly was a witch's spirit or something else altogether. In the tightly knit town of Adams, word of the strange happenings at the Bell Farm soon reached every ear. Some neighbors offered sympathy, believing wholeheartedly that the family was besieged by an evil force. Others expressed skepticism, guessing there must be a logical trick behind it all. John Bell, ordinarily a private man, found himself hosting visitors eager to witness the so called witch in action. [00:06:00] These visitors gathered by the parlor fireplace or stood in darkened hallways, waiting in tense silence. Occasionally, the presence did not appear, and the disappointed guests left unconvinced. More often, they heard knocks vibrating through the walls or faint moans drifting between rooms. One man, reading aloud from the Bible, found his words drowned out by a rasping voice that repeated the verses back at him in a warped, sing song tone. Each new account that left the bell farm seemed to confirm the unearthly intelligence behind the torment. It was no longer mere noises or poltergeist pranks. This was something with a will and a voice. Something that could think and speak on its own. Months of sleepless nights wore down the Bell family. John's demeanor changed. The weight of the haunting pressed on him. Lucy, steadfast in her devotion, prayed constantly for deliverance. The [00:07:00] older Bell children, seeing Betsy attacked so frequently, tried to shield her but were powerless against an enemy that slipped through walls. Farming tasks were delayed or neglected as the family's time and energy funneled into coping with an unseen assailant. John Bell began experiencing health problems that no local healer could explain. Trembling hands, difficulty swallowing, and fits of dizziness. Whether these ailments arose from stress or something darker, they only reinforced his sense of dread. The voice took to mocking him personally, calling him by name and snickering at his deteriorating condition. At times, he woke to find himself pinned in bed, unable to move or call out. Despite it all, Lucy held the family together. Soft spoken and gentle, she soothed Betsy's tears and administered whatever remedies she could to John. Yet the unrelenting barrage of knocks, whispers, and violence within her own home tested her faith [00:08:00] daily. Amid the chaos, Betsy clung to one source of joy, her engagement to Joshua Gardner, a kind young man from the area. They hoped to marry and begin their own life, perhaps on a parcel of the Bell Land or a new farmstead nearby. But whenever Joshua visited the Bell Home, The unseen spirit raged. Stones rattled against the walls, and the door slammed as if in warning. During quiet walks by the river, Betsy heard the voice hiss in her ear, threatening dire outcomes if she ever were to wed Joshua. Night after night, Betsy lay awake, her tears soaked onto her pillow as she wrestled with the choice between her beloved fiancé and this formidable, invisible foe. She confided in Lucy, who offered comfort but had no solution. For a while, Betsy and Joshua resolved to stand firm, but the spirit's fury only escalated. Believing she had no alternative, Betsy broke off the engagement. Some thought the family's [00:09:00] torment would subside if the witches demands were met. In a cruel sense, it seemed to succeed. With Betsy's engagement ended, the spirit appeared slightly less focused on her. By now, the Bell Witch was no longer a mere local curiosity. Word of the haunting spread across the region and reached the ears of Andrew Jackson, then a prominent figure who would later become president. Intrigued, or perhaps skeptical, he traveled to Adams with a party of men to witness the phenomenon firsthand. According to popular account, the men found their wagon inexplicably stuck on the road near the Bell property, refusing to move until a disembodied voice commanded them to proceed. That night, Jackson's men sat in the Bell parlor, determined to uncover fraud if it existed. Instead, they found themselves subjected to jeering laughter and unexpected slaps. One boasted of carrying a special bullet that could kill any spirit, only to be chased from the house in terror. [00:10:00] By morning, Jackson reputedly left, shaken. Although details vary among storytellers, the essence of his experience only fueled the legend's fire. Some in Adams took to calling the presence Kate, suspecting it might be the spirit of a neighbor named Kate Batts. Rumors pointed to an old feud or land dispute between Kate Batts and John Bell. Whether any of that was true, or Kate Batts was simply an unfortunate scapegoat remains unclear. The entity itself, at times, answered to Kate when addressed, while at other times denying any such name. It was a puzzle of contradictions, claiming multiple identities. A wayward spirit, a demon, or a lost soul wandering in malice. No single explanation satisfied everyone in the community. With Betsy's engagement to Joshua broken, the witch devoted increasing attention to John Bell. His health declined rapidly in 1820, marked by spells of near [00:11:00] paralysis and unremitting pain. Lucy tended to him day and night. Their children worried and exhausted, watched as their patriarch grew weaker, his once strong presence withering under an unseen hand. In December of that year, John Bell was found unconscious in his bed. A small vial of dark liquid stood nearby. No one recognized its contents. One of his sons put a single drop on the tongue of the family cat, which died instantly. Almost immediately, the voice shrieked in triumph, boasting that it had given John a final, fatal dose. That same day, John Bell passed away without regaining consciousness, leaving his family both grief stricken and horrified by the witch's brazen gloating. The funeral drew a large gathering. Many came to mourn the respected farmer. Others arrived to see whether the witch would appear in some dreadful form. As pallbearers lowered John Bell's coffin, A jeering laughter rippled across the [00:12:00] mourners, prompting many to look wildly around for the source. Then, as told in countless retellings, the voice broke into a rude, mocking song, echoing among the gravestones and sending shudders through the crowd. In the wake of John Bell's death, life on the farm settled into an uneasy quiet. Betsy noticed fewer night time assaults. And the daily havoc lessened. People whispered that the witch finally achieved its purpose by taking John Bell's life. Then, just as suddenly as it had arrived, the witch declared it would leave the family, though it promised to return in seven years. After a brief period of stillness, the witch's threat rang true. Around 1828, a few of the Bells claimed to hear light tapping or distant murmurs echoing in empty rooms. However, these new incidents were mild and short lived compared to the previous years of torment. Soon enough, even these faded, leaving the bells [00:13:00] with haunted memories, but relative peace. Near the bell property stood a modest cave by the Red River, a spot often tied to the legend. Over time, people theorized that cave's dark recesses, though the bells themselves rarely ventured inside. Later visitors and locals would tell of odd voices whispering in the cave or strange lights gliding across the damp stone. Most likely, these stories were born of the haunting's lingering aura. Yet, they continued to fuel the notion that the witch could still roam beyond the farm, hidden beneath the earth. Long after the bells had ceased to hear the witch's voice, the story lived on. Word traveled to neighboring towns, then farther, into newspapers and traveler anecdotes. The tale of the Tennessee family plagued by a fiendish, talkative spirit captured the imagination. Some insisted the Bell Witch was a cautionary omen of what happens when old feuds and injustices are left [00:14:00] unresolved. Others believed it was a rare glimpse of a diabolical power unleashed for reasons still unknown. Here in Adams, people repeated the story around hearths and campfires. Children were warned not to wander too far near the old bell farm after dark. When neighbors passed by at night, they might hear a faint rustle in the bush or catch a flicker of light among the trees, prompting them to walk faster. Hearts pounding, minds remembering how once a family had suffered greatly at the hands of an unseen force. Naturally, not everyone agreed on what transpired at the Bell farm. Some maintained it was all too real, a case of a vengeful spirit or malignant presence carrying out a personal vendetta. Others whispered that perhaps a member of the Bell family had orchestrated the phenomenon with cunning trickery, though that failed to explain the bruises on Betsy, the widespread witnesses, or John's mysterious death. Still, others pointed to the possibility of an [00:15:00] unsettled spirit who had attached itself to the land for reasons lost to time. What none could deny was the tangible suffering inflicted on the Bells. John Bell's slow decline and Betsy's bruises were impossible to ignore. Multiple guests, neighbors, acquaintances, even travelers testified to hearing the same eerie voice that threatened, teased and recited scripture. In an age when the supernatural was both feared and accepted, the Bell Witch story captured hearts and sparked endless speculation. After John Bell's death, the family held onto the farm for several years. Betsy, robbed of her engagement to Joshua, eventually found a calmer path through life, though the memory of her tormented youth never fully left her. Lucy, steadfast and devout to the end, kept her household as best as she could, unwilling to surrender her faith even after all she had witnessed. Over time, the children married and started families of their own, [00:16:00] quietly distancing themselves from the tragedy that had defined their upbringing. Generations passed, the farm changed hands, the Bell House was repurposed and renovated, and Adams itself transformed slowly from a frontier settlement into a more established community. Yet the name Bellwitch continued to slip into conversation whenever strange knocks were heard late at night or lonely travelers glimpsed inexplicable lights in the distance. The story refused to fade, woven into the identity of the land itself. Even as the first hand witnesses to the haunting aged and died, their accounts survived in letters, diaries, and recollections passed down among locals. Visitors to Adams would hear about the famed Bell Witch, about the dreadful death of John Bell, the heartbreak of Betsy's broken engagement, and the brazen voice that filled nights with fear. Some folks approached the story with reverence, others with skepticism. But no one [00:17:00] denied that it shaped the character of the town. In the hush of a moonlit evening, one might stand on that old farmland, fields once tilled by John Bell's callous hands, now peaceful beneath the Tennessee sky. And imagine the entire family huddled in the house, listening with terrified hearts for the next knock on the wall. It's said that if you pause long enough, you might sense a faint echo of their dread, carried on a stray breath of wind. The Bell Witch remains a singular chapter in American folklore, a tale of a family besieged by something unseen, lethal, and uncannily aware. However one interprets the events, whether as vengeful ghosts, demonic presence, or some other unexplainable force, the Bell Witch. Its resonance lies in the very human drama at its core. Here was a father undone by circumstances he could not control. A daughter tormented in her own home, in a close knit household tested by relentless fear. [00:18:00] In the end, the Bell Witch story offers a lesson in how thin the line between our daily certainties and the mysteries that defy them. When night falls, and the wind rattles the shutters in a silent house, we remember John Bell and his family, who discovered that the safe haven of home can become a battlefield against forces beyond mortal comprehension. I'm Russ Chamberlain, and you've been listening to Midnight Signals. May this account of the Bell Witch linger with you as a reminder that in the deepest stillness of the night, Anything seems possible. Even the unseen tapping of a force that seeks to make itself known. Sleep well, if you dare.

@ 5725c4a8:6ba4f820

!(image)[https://i.nostr.build/iuWXGIaA91wMTFJg.jpg] I've been seeing some posts from (I think new) Bitcoiners complaining about the recent volatility of Bitcoin, sometimes in dismay about the price, and sometimes in dismay that they have no "dry powder" available to buy the dip. With inflation being such a huge problem, cost of living has a very real effect on our ability to stack sats, so some creative thinking is in order. My hope is that this post can share a little bit of wisdom that I have found to work for me in my own quest to accumulate as much Bitcoin as I can. If you want to skip to the meat of this article, scroll down **My Strategy**. As the standard disclosure goes: this is not financial or investment advice. ### A little about me and where I'm coming from I'm part of the 2022 class of Bitcoiners. I'm very new to this community.But I have gone down the Bitcoin rabbit hole, I have read Saifdean's *The Bitcoin Standard* and *The Fiat Standard*, and I have spent many many hundreds of hours listening to podcasts on Bitcoin and Austrian economics (which I discovered at about the same time). All this to say, despite the work that I have put in thus far, take this with a grain of salt and use your own reasoning to determine if this strategy or any ideas derived from it are right for you. ### Dollar Cost Averaging Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) is the practice of setting a recurring buy order of a stock or commodity. Such orders, once set, will continue to execute at the set frequency until the buyer's selected termination date, or until a set amount has been reached, or until no more funds are available in the buyer's account from which to buy. DCA takes advantage of the fact that for a long term growth asset (like Bitcoin), the average price will always tend to go up over time despite intermittent volatility. By not trying watch for or time the dips and highs, DCAing not only makes it easier to accumulate Bitcoin, but it is very effective in the long term and reduces a lot of potential stress from trying to game the market volatility. One more important point is that as this method utilizes averaging, the closer that the buyer can match the actual price curve over time, the greater the benefit from the average growth of that price curve. This means that for two recurring buy orders, using the same amount of fiat in the buying pool, if one has more frequent buys and the other has less frequent buys, even if they spent the same amount at the end of the buying period, the order with more frequent buys will experience the greater value from the average growth of the asset being purchased. This is in contrast to limit orders, in which they buyer attempts to gauge what price action will occur in the future, or "smash buying" in which the buyer tries to watch and time the market to place real-time orders. As these are not the focus of this strategy, I won't go into detail about them. But if you understand DCA and why it works, I assume that you can also reason for yourself about the effectiveness and utility of these other buying methods. Each of these methods can occasionally be successful, I'm not saying that there is not place for them. In fact, I use these too, but they are used in a tactical manner, and I try to be careful to make sure that using these do not interrupt my DCA strategy. ### Savings Allocation I may update this in the future, based on changes in my financial situation, the larger landscape, and whatproducts/tools are available. Note that I'm not rich. I work for a tech startup which is gaining traction, and if it is successful then that may change. But for now I operate with limited financial resources to use for stacking sats. But still, I stack sats. I say this to clarify why this strategy works for me, and hopefully to establish that this will work for you if you also have limited income but have the ability and desire to accumulate Bitcoin for yourself. I have a consistent amount of money coming in on a regular basis, and this is an important part of my calculus. Similarly, I have consistent bills going out. The difference between these are my subsistence and discretionary spending. Subsistence spending being money that I spend on food and other nutrients, and discretionary spending is what I spend on the things that I want but don't need. I'm not at a point where I've managed to completely cut out my discretionary spending, but I do try to limit it as much as I can. Similarly, I'm proactive about finding good deals on food (especially beef). Then I can allocate more money to savings. It is this savings allocation that I use for buying Bitcoin. ### My DCA Strategy !(image)[https://i.nostr.build/augZsY8EVEAsdP34.png] My strategy begins with the money from each pay check that I want to allocate to savings (which in my case all goes to buying Bitcoin). It also hinges on DCA, and is strongly inspired by the sayings "stay humble and stack sats", and that "time in the market beats timing the market". I am not a professional trader, nor do I aspire to be one. As such, I want to maximize my time in the market without stressing myself out. Allocating funds for DCA: First, find the amount for each pay period that you will use to buy Bitcoin, but don't immediately use it to buy, yet. Next, you need to find the frequency by which you will buy, and how much. I recommend the most frequent recurring buy option that you can find. To do this, you need to find the DCA options available on the exchanges that you use. As a Bitcoin maximalist, I use Bitcoin focused exchanges. As a man with limited available funds for this use, I want the ability to DCA in fairly small amounts, but as frequently as possible. I find that River and Strike are excellent exchanges for this. Each of these exchanges currently allow buying as frequently as once-per-hour. River has a minimum of $1 per purchase. Strike can go even lower, I have a friend who I convinced to adopt this strategy and he started out with an hourly recurring buy of $0.05 per hour. Having been a Bitcoiner for a little while now, I also find that it is useful to have additional funds set aside for "smash buys" to take advantage of major dips, such as the one that we are currently experiencing (I'm writing this on March 1st, 2025). Using River as an example: The minimal buy on River, as stated above, is $1 per hour. There are 24 hours in a day, and 14 days in a pay period (for me). Then the minimum amount to allocate on River is $1/hour x 24 hours/day x 14 days/period = $336 per period. You can change the dollar amount or number of days as are appropriate for your own goals and circumstances. If you have a lower total available amount, you can use this version of the formula to find the recurring buy amount on Strike (or whichever other platform allows sub-dollar recurring buys): Recurring Buy = (available funds) / (number of hours over which to buy) In truth, I use Strike as well, but I have another reason for choosing River in this example: I mentioned having a DCA strategy which keeps a reserve of "dry powder" so that you can also buy the dip. You may benefit from keeping some reserve of savings in USD. It's something we simply can't get away from at this time of continued fiat dominance. This allows you to pull from the fiat reserve rather than selling any accumulated Bitcoin in cases of emergency (like car problems, or a family member needing help). Last year, River announced a feature by which any cash kept on their exchange would earn 3.8% interest, which is paid in Bitcoin. This strategy works with other exchanges, but using River means that interest accumulation can also be leveraged (and it is much better than a typical bank savings account). This is the final part of the strategy: put the rest of your savings into River and let it accumulate interest in Bitcoin. This reserve then becomes your dry powder. Use it at your discretion, save for emergencies, or use it to "smash buy" the dip, but do it without compromising your DCA setup. DON'T CANCEL your DCA, keep it going and take advantage of it's average growth. You don't know when the price will dip, and you don't know when it will go back up again. If it is difficult for you to maintain discipline and not spend your DCA reserve (since River doesn't split it into buckets for you), a variation of this strategy is to DCA-stack on another exchange so that it's not in the same pool as your fiat reserve. When all else fails, just keep calm, stay humble, and stack sats. !(image)[https://i.nostr.build/pko6uWkq3rf0y0io.png] I hope that someone finds this helpful. If you have your own personalized strategy, I'd love to hear about it in the comments.