Bitcoin is more than money, more than an asset, and more than a store of value. Bitcoin is a Prime Mover, an enabler and it ignites imaginations. It certainly fueled an idea in my mind. The idea integrates sensors, computational prowess, actuated machinery, power conversion, and electronic communications to form an autonomous, machined creature roaming forests and harvesting the most widespread and least energy-dense fuel source available. I call it the Forest Walker and it eats wood, and mines Bitcoin. I know what you're thinking. Why not just put Bitcoin mining rigs where they belong: in a hosted facility sporting electricity from energy-dense fuels like natural gas, climate-controlled with excellent data piping in and out? Why go to all the trouble building a robot that digests wood creating flammable gasses fueling an engine to run a generator powering Bitcoin miners? It's all about synergy. Bitcoin mining enables the realization of multiple, seemingly unrelated, yet useful activities. Activities considered un-profitable if not for Bitcoin as the Prime Mover. This is much more than simply mining the greatest asset ever conceived by humankind. It’s about the power of synergy, which Bitcoin plays only one of many roles. The synergy created by this system can stabilize forests' fire ecology while generating multiple income streams. That’s the realistic goal here and requires a brief history of American Forest management before continuing. # Smokey The Bear In 1944, the Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention Campaign began in the United States. “Only YOU can prevent forest fires” remains the refrain of the Ad Council’s longest running campaign. The Ad Council is a U.S. non-profit set up by the American Association of Advertising Agencies and the Association of National Advertisers in 1942. It would seem that the U.S. Department of the Interior was concerned about pesky forest fires and wanted them to stop. So, alongside a national policy of extreme fire suppression they enlisted the entire U.S. population to get onboard via the Ad Council and it worked. Forest fires were almost obliterated and everyone was happy, right? Wrong. Smokey is a fantastically successful bear so forest fires became so few for so long that the fuel load - dead wood - in forests has become very heavy. So heavy that when a fire happens (and they always happen) it destroys everything in its path because the more fuel there is the hotter that fire becomes. Trees, bushes, shrubs, and all other plant life cannot escape destruction (not to mention homes and businesses). The soil microbiology doesn’t escape either as it is burned away even in deeper soils. To add insult to injury, hydrophobic waxy residues condense on the soil surface, forcing water to travel over the ground rather than through it eroding forest soils. Good job, Smokey. Well done, Sir! Most terrestrial ecologies are “fire ecologies”. Fire is a part of these systems’ fuel load and pest management. Before we pretended to “manage” millions of acres of forest, fires raged over the world, rarely damaging forests. The fuel load was always too light to generate fires hot enough to moonscape mountainsides. Fires simply burned off the minor amounts of fuel accumulated since the fire before. The lighter heat, smoke, and other combustion gasses suppressed pests, keeping them in check and the smoke condensed into a plant growth accelerant called wood vinegar, not a waxy cap on the soil. These fires also cleared out weak undergrowth, cycled minerals, and thinned the forest canopy, allowing sunlight to penetrate to the forest floor. Without a fire’s heat, many pine tree species can’t sow their seed. The heat is required to open the cones (the seed bearing structure) of Spruce, Cypress, Sequoia, Jack Pine, Lodgepole Pine and many more. Without fire forests can’t have babies. The idea was to protect the forests, and it isn't working. So, in a world of fire, what does an ally look like and what does it do? # Meet The Forest Walker  For the Forest Walker to work as a mobile, autonomous unit, a solid platform that can carry several hundred pounds is required. It so happens this chassis already exists but shelved. Introducing the Legged Squad Support System (LS3). A joint project between Boston Dynamics, DARPA, and the United States Marine Corps, the quadrupedal robot is the size of a cow, can carry 400 pounds (180 kg) of equipment, negotiate challenging terrain, and operate for 24 hours before needing to refuel. Yes, it had an engine. Abandoned in 2015, the thing was too noisy for military deployment and maintenance "under fire" is never a high-quality idea. However, we can rebuild it to act as a platform for the Forest Walker; albeit with serious alterations. It would need to be bigger, probably. Carry more weight? Definitely. Maybe replace structural metal with carbon fiber and redesign much as 3D printable parts for more effective maintenance. The original system has a top operational speed of 8 miles per hour. For our purposes, it only needs to move about as fast as a grazing ruminant. Without the hammering vibrations of galloping into battle, shocks of exploding mortars, and drunken soldiers playing "Wrangler of Steel Machines", time between failures should be much longer and the overall energy consumption much lower. The LS3 is a solid platform to build upon. Now it just needs to be pulled out of the mothballs, and completely refitted with outboard equipment. # The Small Branch Chipper  When I say “Forest fuel load” I mean the dead, carbon containing litter on the forest floor. Duff (leaves), fine-woody debris (small branches), and coarse woody debris (logs) are the fuel that feeds forest fires. Walk through any forest in the United States today and you will see quite a lot of these materials. Too much, as I have described. Some of these fuel loads can be 8 tons per acre in pine and hardwood forests and up to 16 tons per acre at active logging sites. That’s some big wood and the more that collects, the more combustible danger to the forest it represents. It also provides a technically unlimited fuel supply for the Forest Walker system. The problem is that this detritus has to be chewed into pieces that are easily ingestible by the system for the gasification process (we’ll get to that step in a minute). What we need is a wood chipper attached to the chassis (the LS3); its “mouth”. A small wood chipper handling material up to 2.5 - 3.0 inches (6.3 - 7.6 cm) in diameter would eliminate a substantial amount of fuel. There is no reason for Forest Walker to remove fallen trees. It wouldn’t have to in order to make a real difference. It need only identify appropriately sized branches and grab them. Once loaded into the chipper’s intake hopper for further processing, the beast can immediately look for more “food”. This is essentially kindling that would help ignite larger logs. If it’s all consumed by Forest Walker, then it’s not present to promote an aggravated conflagration. I have glossed over an obvious question: How does Forest Walker see and identify branches and such? LiDaR (Light Detection and Ranging) attached to Forest Walker images the local area and feed those data to onboard computers for processing. Maybe AI plays a role. Maybe simple machine learning can do the trick. One thing is for certain: being able to identify a stick and cause robotic appendages to pick it up is not impossible. Great! We now have a quadrupedal robot autonomously identifying and “eating” dead branches and other light, combustible materials. Whilst strolling through the forest, depleting future fires of combustibles, Forest Walker has already performed a major function of this system: making the forest safer. It's time to convert this low-density fuel into a high-density fuel Forest Walker can leverage. Enter the gasification process. # The Gassifier  The gasifier is the heart of the entire system; it’s where low-density fuel becomes the high-density fuel that powers the entire system. Biochar and wood vinegar are process wastes and I’ll discuss why both are powerful soil amendments in a moment, but first, what’s gasification? Reacting shredded carbonaceous material at high temperatures in a low or no oxygen environment converts the biomass into biochar, wood vinegar, heat, and Synthesis Gas (Syngas). Syngas consists primarily of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane. All of which are extremely useful fuels in a gaseous state. Part of this gas is used to heat the input biomass and keep the reaction temperature constant while the internal combustion engine that drives the generator to produce electrical power consumes the rest. Critically, this gasification process is “continuous feed”. Forest Walker must intake biomass from the chipper, process it to fuel, and dump the waste (CO2, heat, biochar, and wood vinegar) continuously. It cannot stop. Everything about this system depends upon this continual grazing, digestion, and excretion of wastes just as a ruminal does. And, like a ruminant, all waste products enhance the local environment. When I first heard of gasification, I didn’t believe that it was real. Running an electric generator from burning wood seemed more akin to “conspiracy fantasy” than science. Not only is gasification real, it’s ancient technology. A man named Dean Clayton first started experiments on gasification in 1699 and in 1901 gasification was used to power a vehicle. By the end of World War II, there were 500,000 Syngas powered vehicles in Germany alone because of fossil fuel rationing during the war. The global gasification market was $480 billion in 2022 and projected to be as much as $700 billion by 2030 (Vantage Market Research). Gasification technology is the best choice to power the Forest Walker because it’s self-contained and we want its waste products. # Biochar: The Waste  Biochar (AKA agricultural charcoal) is fairly simple: it’s almost pure, solid carbon that resembles charcoal. Its porous nature packs large surface areas into small, 3 dimensional nuggets. Devoid of most other chemistry, like hydrocarbons (methane) and ash (minerals), biochar is extremely lightweight. Do not confuse it with the charcoal you buy for your grill. Biochar doesn’t make good grilling charcoal because it would burn too rapidly as it does not contain the multitude of flammable components that charcoal does. Biochar has several other good use cases. Water filtration, water retention, nutrient retention, providing habitat for microscopic soil organisms, and carbon sequestration are the main ones that we are concerned with here. Carbon has an amazing ability to adsorb (substances stick to and accumulate on the surface of an object) manifold chemistries. Water, nutrients, and pollutants tightly bind to carbon in this format. So, biochar makes a respectable filter and acts as a “battery” of water and nutrients in soils. Biochar adsorbs and holds on to seven times its weight in water. Soil containing biochar is more drought resilient than soil without it. Adsorbed nutrients, tightly sequestered alongside water, get released only as plants need them. Plants must excrete protons (H+) from their roots to disgorge water or positively charged nutrients from the biochar's surface; it's an active process. Biochar’s surface area (where adsorption happens) can be 500 square meters per gram or more. That is 10% larger than an official NBA basketball court for every gram of biochar. Biochar’s abundant surface area builds protective habitats for soil microbes like fungi and bacteria and many are critical for the health and productivity of the soil itself. The “carbon sequestration” component of biochar comes into play where “carbon credits” are concerned. There is a financial market for carbon. Not leveraging that market for revenue is foolish. I am climate agnostic. All I care about is that once solid carbon is inside the soil, it will stay there for thousands of years, imparting drought resiliency, fertility collection, nutrient buffering, and release for that time span. I simply want as much solid carbon in the soil because of the undeniably positive effects it has, regardless of any climactic considerations. # Wood Vinegar: More Waste  Another by-product of the gasification process is wood vinegar (Pyroligneous acid). If you have ever seen Liquid Smoke in the grocery store, then you have seen wood vinegar. Principally composed of acetic acid, acetone, and methanol wood vinegar also contains ~200 other organic compounds. It would seem intuitive that condensed, liquefied wood smoke would at least be bad for the health of all living things if not downright carcinogenic. The counter intuition wins the day, however. Wood vinegar has been used by humans for a very long time to promote digestion, bowel, and liver health; combat diarrhea and vomiting; calm peptic ulcers and regulate cholesterol levels; and a host of other benefits. For centuries humans have annually burned off hundreds of thousands of square miles of pasture, grassland, forest, and every other conceivable terrestrial ecosystem. Why is this done? After every burn, one thing becomes obvious: the almost supernatural growth these ecosystems exhibit after the burn. How? Wood vinegar is a component of this growth. Even in open burns, smoke condenses and infiltrates the soil. That is when wood vinegar shows its quality. This stuff beefs up not only general plant growth but seed germination as well and possesses many other qualities that are beneficial to plants. It’s a pesticide, fungicide, promotes beneficial soil microorganisms, enhances nutrient uptake, and imparts disease resistance. I am barely touching a long list of attributes here, but you want wood vinegar in your soil (alongside biochar because it adsorbs wood vinegar as well). # The Internal Combustion Engine  Conversion of grazed forage to chemical, then mechanical, and then electrical energy completes the cycle. The ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) converts the gaseous fuel output from the gasifier to mechanical energy, heat, water vapor, and CO2. It’s the mechanical energy of a rotating drive shaft that we want. That rotation drives the electric generator, which is the heartbeat we need to bring this monster to life. Luckily for us, combined internal combustion engine and generator packages are ubiquitous, delivering a defined energy output given a constant fuel input. It’s the simplest part of the system. The obvious question here is whether the amount of syngas provided by the gasification process will provide enough energy to generate enough electrons to run the entire system or not. While I have no doubt the energy produced will run Forest Walker's main systems the question is really about the electrons left over. Will it be enough to run the Bitcoin mining aspect of the system? Everything is a budget. # CO2 Production For Growth  Plants are lollipops. No matter if it’s a tree or a bush or a shrubbery, the entire thing is mostly sugar in various formats but mostly long chain carbohydrates like lignin and cellulose. Plants need three things to make sugar: CO2, H2O and light. In a forest, where tree densities can be quite high, CO2 availability becomes a limiting growth factor. It’d be in the forest interests to have more available CO2 providing for various sugar formation providing the organism with food and structure. An odd thing about tree leaves, the openings that allow gasses like the ever searched for CO2 are on the bottom of the leaf (these are called stomata). Not many stomata are topside. This suggests that trees and bushes have evolved to find gasses like CO2 from below, not above and this further suggests CO2 might be in higher concentrations nearer the soil. The soil life (bacterial, fungi etc.) is constantly producing enormous amounts of CO2 and it would stay in the soil forever (eventually killing the very soil life that produces it) if not for tidal forces. Water is everywhere and whether in pools, lakes, oceans or distributed in “moist” soils water moves towards to the moon. The water in the soil and also in the water tables below the soil rise toward the surface every day. When the water rises, it expels the accumulated gasses in the soil into the atmosphere and it’s mostly CO2. It’s a good bet on how leaves developed high populations of stomata on the underside of leaves. As the water relaxes (the tide goes out) it sucks oxygenated air back into the soil to continue the functions of soil life respiration. The soil “breathes” albeit slowly. The gasses produced by the Forest Walker’s internal combustion engine consist primarily of CO2 and H2O. Combusting sugars produce the same gasses that are needed to construct the sugars because the universe is funny like that. The Forest Walker is constantly laying down these critical construction elements right where the trees need them: close to the ground to be gobbled up by the trees. # The Branch Drones  During the last ice age, giant mammals populated North America - forests and otherwise. Mastodons, woolly mammoths, rhinos, short-faced bears, steppe bison, caribou, musk ox, giant beavers, camels, gigantic ground-dwelling sloths, glyptodons, and dire wolves were everywhere. Many were ten to fifteen feet tall. As they crashed through forests, they would effectively cleave off dead side-branches of trees, halting the spread of a ground-based fire migrating into the tree crown ("laddering") which is a death knell for a forest. These animals are all extinct now and forests no longer have any manner of pruning services. But, if we build drones fitted with cutting implements like saws and loppers, optical cameras and AI trained to discern dead branches from living ones, these drones could effectively take over pruning services by identifying, cutting, and dropping to the forest floor, dead branches. The dropped branches simply get collected by the Forest Walker as part of its continual mission. The drones dock on the back of the Forest Walker to recharge their batteries when low. The whole scene would look like a grazing cow with some flies bothering it. This activity breaks the link between a relatively cool ground based fire and the tree crowns and is a vital element in forest fire control. # The Bitcoin Miner  Mining is one of four monetary incentive models, making this system a possibility for development. The other three are US Dept. of the Interior, township, county, and electrical utility company easement contracts for fuel load management, global carbon credits trading, and data set sales. All the above depends on obvious questions getting answered. I will list some obvious ones, but this is not an engineering document and is not the place for spreadsheets. How much Bitcoin one Forest Walker can mine depends on everything else. What amount of biomass can we process? Will that biomass flow enough Syngas to keep the lights on? Can the chassis support enough mining ASICs and supporting infrastructure? What does that weigh and will it affect field performance? How much power can the AC generator produce? Other questions that are more philosophical persist. Even if a single Forest Walker can only mine scant amounts of BTC per day, that pales to how much fuel material it can process into biochar. We are talking about millions upon millions of forested acres in need of fuel load management. What can a single Forest Walker do? I am not thinking in singular terms. The Forest Walker must operate as a fleet. What could 50 do? 500? What is it worth providing a service to the world by managing forest fuel loads? Providing proof of work to the global monetary system? Seeding soil with drought and nutrient resilience by the excretion, over time, of carbon by the ton? What did the last forest fire cost? # The Mesh Network  What could be better than one bitcoin mining, carbon sequestering, forest fire squelching, soil amending behemoth? Thousands of them, but then they would need to be able to talk to each other to coordinate position, data handling, etc. Fitted with a mesh networking device, like goTenna or Meshtastic LoRa equipment enables each Forest Walker to communicate with each other. Now we have an interconnected fleet of Forest Walkers relaying data to each other and more importantly, aggregating all of that to the last link in the chain for uplink. Well, at least Bitcoin mining data. Since block data is lightweight, transmission of these data via mesh networking in fairly close quartered environs is more than doable. So, how does data transmit to the Bitcoin Network? How do the Forest Walkers get the previous block data necessary to execute on mining? # Back To The Chain  Getting Bitcoin block data to and from the network is the last puzzle piece. The standing presumption here is that wherever a Forest Walker fleet is operating, it is NOT within cell tower range. We further presume that the nearest Walmart Wi-Fi is hours away. Enter the Blockstream Satellite or something like it. A separate, ground-based drone will have two jobs: To stay as close to the nearest Forest Walker as it can and to provide an antennae for either terrestrial or orbital data uplink. Bitcoin-centric data is transmitted to the "uplink drone" via the mesh networked transmitters and then sent on to the uplink and the whole flow goes in the opposite direction as well; many to one and one to many. We cannot transmit data to the Blockstream satellite, and it will be up to Blockstream and companies like it to provide uplink capabilities in the future and I don't doubt they will. Starlink you say? What’s stopping that company from filtering out block data? Nothing because it’s Starlink’s system and they could decide to censor these data. It seems we may have a problem sending and receiving Bitcoin data in back country environs. But, then again, the utility of this system in staunching the fuel load that creates forest fires is extremely useful around forested communities and many have fiber, Wi-Fi and cell towers. These communities could be a welcoming ground zero for first deployments of the Forest Walker system by the home and business owners seeking fire repression. In the best way, Bitcoin subsidizes the safety of the communities. # Sensor Packages ### LiDaR  The benefit of having a Forest Walker fleet strolling through the forest is the never ending opportunity for data gathering. A plethora of deployable sensors gathering hyper-accurate data on everything from temperature to topography is yet another revenue generator. Data is valuable and the Forest Walker could generate data sales to various government entities and private concerns. LiDaR (Light Detection and Ranging) can map topography, perform biomass assessment, comparative soil erosion analysis, etc. It so happens that the Forest Walker’s ability to “see,” to navigate about its surroundings, is LiDaR driven and since it’s already being used, we can get double duty by harvesting that data for later use. By using a laser to send out light pulses and measuring the time it takes for the reflection of those pulses to return, very detailed data sets incrementally build up. Eventually, as enough data about a certain area becomes available, the data becomes useful and valuable. Forestry concerns, both private and public, often use LiDaR to build 3D models of tree stands to assess the amount of harvest-able lumber in entire sections of forest. Consulting companies offering these services charge anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars per square kilometer for such services. A Forest Walker generating such assessments on the fly while performing its other functions is a multi-disciplinary approach to revenue generation. ### pH, Soil Moisture, and Cation Exchange Sensing  The Forest Walker is quadrupedal, so there are four contact points to the soil. Why not get a pH data point for every step it takes? We can also gather soil moisture data and cation exchange capacities at unheard of densities because of sampling occurring on the fly during commission of the system’s other duties. No one is going to build a machine to do pH testing of vast tracts of forest soils, but that doesn’t make the data collected from such an endeavor valueless. Since the Forest Walker serves many functions at once, a multitude of data products can add to the return on investment component. ### Weather Data  Temperature, humidity, pressure, and even data like evapotranspiration gathered at high densities on broad acre scales have untold value and because the sensors are lightweight and don’t require large power budgets, they come along for the ride at little cost. But, just like the old mantra, “gas, grass, or ass, nobody rides for free”, these sensors provide potential revenue benefits just by them being present. I’ve touched on just a few data genres here. In fact, the question for universities, governmental bodies, and other institutions becomes, “How much will you pay us to attach your sensor payload to the Forest Walker?” # Noise Suppression  Only you can prevent Metallica filling the surrounds with 120 dB of sound. Easy enough, just turn the car stereo off. But what of a fleet of 50 Forest Walkers operating in the backcountry or near a township? 500? 5000? Each one has a wood chipper, an internal combustion engine, hydraulic pumps, actuators, and more cooling fans than you can shake a stick at. It’s a walking, screaming fire-breathing dragon operating continuously, day and night, twenty-four hours a day, three hundred sixty-five days a year. The sound will negatively affect all living things and that impacts behaviors. Serious engineering consideration and prowess must deliver a silencing blow to the major issue of noise. It would be foolish to think that a fleet of Forest Walkers could be silent, but if not a major design consideration, then the entire idea is dead on arrival. Townships would not allow them to operate even if they solved the problem of widespread fuel load and neither would governmental entities, and rightly so. Nothing, not man nor beast, would want to be subjected to an eternal, infernal scream even if it were to end within days as the fleet moved further away after consuming what it could. Noise and heat are the only real pollutants of this system; taking noise seriously from the beginning is paramount. # Fire Safety  A “fire-breathing dragon” is not the worst description of the Forest Walker. It eats wood, combusts it at very high temperatures and excretes carbon; and it does so in an extremely flammable environment. Bad mix for one Forest Walker, worse for many. One must take extreme pains to ensure that during normal operation, a Forest Walker could fall over, walk through tinder dry brush, or get pounded into the ground by a meteorite from Krypton and it wouldn’t destroy epic swaths of trees and baby deer. I envision an ultimate test of a prototype to include dowsing it in grain alcohol while it’s wrapped up in toilet paper like a pledge at a fraternity party. If it runs for 72 hours and doesn’t set everything on fire, then maybe outside entities won’t be fearful of something that walks around forests with a constant fire in its belly. # The Wrap  How we think about what can be done with and adjacent to Bitcoin is at least as important as Bitcoin’s economic standing itself. For those who will tell me that this entire idea is without merit, I say, “OK, fine. You can come up with something, too.” What can we plug Bitcoin into that, like a battery, makes something that does not work, work? That’s the lesson I get from this entire exercise. No one was ever going to hire teams of humans to go out and "clean the forest". There's no money in that. The data collection and sales from such an endeavor might provide revenues over the break-even point but investment demands Alpha in this day and age. But, plug Bitcoin into an almost viable system and, voilà! We tip the scales to achieve lift-off. Let’s face it, we haven’t scratched the surface of Bitcoin’s forcing function on our minds. Not because it’s Bitcoin, but because of what that invention means. The question that pushes me to approach things this way is, “what can we create that one system’s waste is another system’s feedstock?” The Forest Walker system’s only real waste is the conversion of low entropy energy (wood and syngas) into high entropy energy (heat and noise). All other output is beneficial to humanity. Bitcoin, I believe, is the first product of a new mode of human imagination. An imagination newly forged over the past few millennia of being lied to, stolen from, distracted and otherwise mis-allocated to a black hole of the nonsensical. We are waking up. What I have presented is not science fiction. Everything I have described here is well within the realm of possibility. The question is one of viability, at least in terms of the detritus of the old world we find ourselves departing from. This system would take a non-trivial amount of time and resources to develop. I think the system would garner extensive long-term contracts from those who have the most to lose from wildfires, the most to gain from hyperaccurate data sets, and, of course, securing the most precious asset in the world. Many may not see it that way, for they seek Alpha and are therefore blind to other possibilities. Others will see only the possibilities; of thinking in a new way, of looking at things differently, and dreaming of what comes next.

The following script try, using [nak](https://github.com/fiatjaf/nak), to find out the last ten people who have followed a `target_pubkey`, sorted by the most recent. It's possibile to shorten `search_timerange` to speed up the search. ``` #!/usr/bin/env fish # Target pubkey we're looking for in the tags set target_pubkey "6e468422dfb74a5738702a8823b9b28168abab8655faacb6853cd0ee15deee93" set current_time (date +%s) set search_timerange (math $current_time - 600) # 24 hours = 86400 seconds set pubkeys (nak req --kind 3 -s $search_timerange wss://relay.damus.io/ wss://nos.lol/ 2>/dev/null | \ jq -r --arg target "$target_pubkey" ' select(. != null and type == "object" and has("tags")) | select(.tags[] | select(.[0] == "p" and .[1] == $target)) | .pubkey ' | sort -u) if test -z "$pubkeys" exit 1 end set all_events "" set extended_search_timerange (math $current_time - 31536000) # One year for pubkey in $pubkeys echo "Checking $pubkey" set events (nak req --author $pubkey -l 5 -k 3 -s $extended_search_timerange wss://relay.damus.io wss://nos.lol 2>/dev/null | \ jq -c --arg target "$target_pubkey" ' select(. != null and type == "object" and has("tags")) | select(.tags[][] == $target) ' 2>/dev/null) set count (echo "$events" | jq -s 'length') if test "$count" -eq 1 set all_events $all_events $events end end if test -n "$all_events" echo -e "Last people following $target_pubkey:" echo -e "" set sorted_events (printf "%s\n" $all_events | jq -r -s ' unique_by(.id) | sort_by(-.created_at) | .[] | @json ') for event in $sorted_events set npub (echo $event | jq -r '.pubkey' | nak encode npub) set created_at (echo $event | jq -r '.created_at') if test (uname) = "Darwin" set follow_date (date -r "$created_at" "+%Y-%m-%d %H:%M") else set follow_date (date -d @"$created_at" "+%Y-%m-%d %H:%M") end echo "$follow_date - $npub" end end ```

My blog posts and reading material have both been on a decidedly economics-heavy slant recently. The topic today, incentives, squarely falls into the category of economics. However, when I say economics, I’m not talking about “analyzing supply and demand curves.” I’m talking about the true basis of economics: understanding how human beings make decisions in a world of scarcity. A fair definition of incentive is “a reward or punishment that motivates behavior to achieve a desired outcome.” When most people think about economic incentives, they’re thinking of money. If I offer my son $5 if he washes the dishes, I’m incentivizing certain behavior. We can’t guarantee that he’ll do what I want him to do, but we can agree that the incentive structure itself will guide and ultimately determine what outcome will occur. The great thing about monetary incentives is how easy they are to talk about and compare. “Would I rather make $5 washing the dishes or $10 cleaning the gutters?” But much of the world is incentivized in non-monetary ways too. For example, using the “punishment” half of the definition above, I might threaten my son with losing Nintendo Switch access if he doesn’t wash the dishes. No money is involved, but I’m still incentivizing behavior. And there are plenty of incentives beyond our direct control\! My son is *also* incentivized to not wash dishes because it’s boring, or because he has some friends over that he wants to hang out with, or dozens of other things. Ultimately, the conflicting array of different incentive structures placed on him will ultimately determine what actions he chooses to take. ## Why incentives matter A phrase I see often in discussions—whether they are political, parenting, economic, or business—is “if they could **just** do…” Each time I see that phrase, I cringe a bit internally. Usually, the underlying assumption of the statement is “if people would behave contrary to their incentivized behavior then things would be better.” For example: * If my kids would just go to bed when I tell them, they wouldn’t be so cranky in the morning. * If people would just use the recycling bin, we wouldn’t have such a landfill problem. * If people would just stop being lazy, our team would deliver our project on time. In all these cases, the speakers are seemingly flummoxed as to why the people in question don’t behave more rationally. The problem is: each group is behaving perfectly rationally. * The kids have a high time preference, and care more about the joy of staying up now than the crankiness in the morning. Plus, they don’t really suffer the consequences of morning crankiness, their parents do. * No individual suffers much from their individual contribution to a landfill. If they stopped growing the size of the landfill, it would make an insignificant difference versus the amount of effort they need to engage in to properly recycle. * If a team doesn’t properly account for the productivity of individuals on a project, each individual receives less harm from their own inaction. Sure, the project may be delayed, company revenue may be down, and they may even risk losing their job when the company goes out of business. But their laziness individually won’t determine the entirety of that outcome. By contrast, they greatly benefit from being lazy by getting to relax at work, go on social media, read a book, or do whatever else they do when they’re supposed to be working.  My point here is that, as long as you ignore the reality of how incentives drive human behavior, you’ll fail at getting the outcomes you want. If everything I wrote up until now made perfect sense, you understand the premise of this blog post. The rest of it will focus on a bunch of real-world examples to hammer home the point, and demonstrate how versatile this mental model is. ## Running a company Let’s say I run my own company, with myself as the only employee. My personal revenue will be 100% determined by my own actions. If I decide to take Tuesday afternoon off and go fishing, I’ve chosen to lose that afternoon’s revenue. Implicitly, I’ve decided that the enjoyment I get from an afternoon of fishing is greater than the potential revenue. You may think I’m being lazy, but it’s my decision to make. In this situation, the incentive–money–is perfectly aligned with my actions. Compare this to a typical company/employee relationship. I might have a bank of Paid Time Off (PTO) days, in which case once again my incentives are relatively aligned. I know that I can take off 15 days throughout the year, and I’ve chosen to use half a day for the fishing trip. All is still good. What about unlimited time off? Suddenly incentives are starting to misalign. I don’t directly pay a price for not showing up to work on Tuesday. Or Wednesday as well, for that matter. I might ultimately be fired for not doing my job, but that will take longer to work its way through the system than simply not making any money for the day taken off. Compensation overall falls into this misaligned incentive structure. Let’s forget about taking time off. Instead, I work full time on a software project I’m assigned. But instead of using the normal toolchain we’re all used to at work, I play around with a new programming language. I get the fun and joy of playing with new technology, and potentially get to pad my resume a bit when I’m ready to look for a new job. But my current company gets slower results, less productivity, and is forced to subsidize my extracurricular learning. When a CEO has a bonus structure based on profitability, he’ll do everything he can to make the company profitable. This might include things that actually benefit the company, like improving product quality, reducing internal red tape, or finding cheaper vendors. But it might also include destructive practices, like slashing the R\&D budget to show massive profits this year, in exchange for a catastrophe next year when the next version of the product fails to ship.  Or my favorite example. My parents owned a business when I was growing up. They had a back office where they ran operations like accounting. All of the furniture was old couches from our house. After all, any money they spent on furniture came right out of their paychecks\! But in a large corporate environment, each department is generally given a budget for office furniture, a budget which doesn’t roll over year-to-year. The result? Executives make sure to spend the entire budget each year, often buying furniture far more expensive than they would choose if it was their own money. There are plenty of details you can quibble with above. It’s in a company’s best interest to give people downtime so that they can come back recharged. Having good ergonomic furniture can in fact increase productivity in excess of the money spent on it. But overall, the picture is pretty clear: in large corporate structures, you’re guaranteed to have mismatches between the company’s goals and the incentive structure placed on individuals. Using our model from above, we can lament how lazy, greedy, and unethical the employees are for doing what they’re incentivized to do instead of what’s right. But that’s simply ignoring the reality of human nature. # Moral hazard Moral hazard is a situation where one party is incentivized to take on more risk because another party will bear the consequences. Suppose I tell my son when he turns 21 (or whatever legal gambling age is) that I’ll cover all his losses for a day at the casino, but he gets to keep all the winnings. What do you think he’s going to do? The most logical course of action is to place the largest possible bets for as long as possible, asking me to cover each time he loses, and taking money off the table and into his bank account each time he wins.  But let’s look at a slightly more nuanced example. I go to a bathroom in the mall. As I’m leaving, I wash my hands. It will take me an extra 1 second to turn off the water when I’m done washing. That’s a trivial price to pay. If I *don’t* turn off the water, the mall will have to pay for many liters of wasted water, benefiting no one. But I won’t suffer any consequences at all. This is also a moral hazard, but most people will still turn off the water. Why? Usually due to some combination of other reasons such as: 1. We’re so habituated to turning off the water that we don’t even consider *not* turning it off. Put differently, the mental effort needed to not turn off the water is more expensive than the 1 second of time to turn it off. 2. Many of us have been brought up with a deep guilt about wasting resources like water. We have an internal incentive structure that makes the 1 second to turn off the water much less costly than the mental anguish of the waste we created. 3. We’re afraid we’ll be caught by someone else and face some kind of social repercussions. (Or maybe more than social. Are you sure there isn’t a law against leaving the water tap on?) Even with all that in place, you may notice that many public bathrooms use automatic water dispensers. Sure, there’s a sanitation reason for that, but it’s also to avoid this moral hazard. A common denominator in both of these is that the person taking the action that causes the liability (either the gambling or leaving the water on) is not the person who bears the responsibility for that liability (the father or the mall owner). Generally speaking, the closer together the person making the decision and the person incurring the liability are, the smaller the moral hazard. It’s easy to demonstrate that by extending the casino example a bit. I said it was the father who was covering the losses of the gambler. Many children (though not all) would want to avoid totally bankrupting their parents, or at least financially hurting them. Instead, imagine that someone from the IRS shows up at your door, hands you a credit card, and tells you you can use it at a casino all day, taking home all the chips you want. The money is coming from the government. How many people would put any restriction on how much they spend? And since we’re talking about the government already… ## Government moral hazards As I was preparing to write this blog post, the California wildfires hit. The discussions around those wildfires gave a *huge* number of examples of moral hazards. I decided to cherry-pick a few for this post. The first and most obvious one: California is asking for disaster relief funds from the federal government. That sounds wonderful. These fires were a natural disaster, so why shouldn’t the federal government pitch in and help take care of people? The problem is, once again, a moral hazard. In the case of the wildfires, California and Los Angeles both had ample actions they could have taken to mitigate the destruction of this fire: better forest management, larger fire department, keeping the water reservoirs filled, and probably much more that hasn’t come to light yet. If the federal government bails out California, it will be a clear message for the future: your mistakes will be fixed by others. You know what kind of behavior that incentivizes? More risky behavior\! Why spend state funds on forest management and extra firefighters—activities that don’t win politicians a lot of votes in general—when you could instead spend it on a football stadium, higher unemployment payments, or anything else, and then let the feds cover the cost of screw-ups. You may notice that this is virtually identical to the 2008 “too big to fail” bail-outs. Wall Street took insanely risky behavior, reaped huge profits for years, and when they eventually got caught with their pants down, the rest of us bailed them out. “Privatizing profits, socializing losses.”  And here’s the absolute best part of this: I can’t even truly blame either California *or* Wall Street. (I mean, I *do* blame them, I think their behavior is reprehensible, but you’ll see what I mean.) In a world where the rules of the game implicitly include the bail-out mentality, you would be harming your citizens/shareholders/investors if you didn’t engage in that risky behavior. Since everyone is on the hook for those socialized losses, your best bet is to maximize those privatized profits. There’s a lot more to government and moral hazard, but I think these two cases demonstrate the crux pretty solidly. But let’s leave moral hazard behind for a bit and get to general incentivization discussions. # Non-monetary competition At least 50% of the economics knowledge I have comes from the very first econ course I took in college. That professor was amazing, and had some very colorful stories. I can’t vouch for the veracity of the two I’m about to share, but they definitely drive the point home. In the 1970s, the US had an oil shortage. To “fix” this problem, they instituted price caps on gasoline, which of course resulted in insufficient gasoline. To “fix” this problem, they instituted policies where, depending on your license plate number, you could only fill up gas on certain days of the week. (Irrelevant detail for our point here, but this just resulted in people filling up their tanks more often, no reduction in gas usage.) Anyway, my professor’s wife had a friend. My professor described in *great* detail how attractive this woman was. I’ll skip those details here since this is a PG-rated blog. In any event, she never had any trouble filling up her gas tank any day of the week. She would drive up, be told she couldn’t fill up gas today, bat her eyes at the attendant, explain how helpless she was, and was always allowed to fill up gas. This is a demonstration of *non-monetary compensation*. Most of the time in a free market, capitalist economy, people are compensated through money. When price caps come into play, there’s a limit to how much monetary compensation someone can receive. And in that case, people find other ways of competing. Like this woman’s case: through using flirtatious behavior to compensate the gas station workers to let her cheat the rules. The other example was much more insidious. Santa Monica had a problem: it was predominantly wealthy and white. They wanted to fix this problem, and decided to put in place rent controls. After some time, they discovered that Santa Monica had become *wealthier and whiter*, the exact opposite of their desired outcome. Why would that happen? Someone investigated, and ended up interviewing a landlady that demonstrated the reason. She was an older white woman, and admittedly racist. Prior to the rent controls, she would list her apartments in the newspaper, and would be legally obligated to rent to anyone who could afford it. Once rent controls were in place, she took a different tact. She knew that she would only get a certain amount for the apartment, and that the demand for apartments was higher than the supply. That meant she could be picky. She ended up finding tenants through friends-of-friends. Since it wasn’t an official advertisement, she wasn’t legally required to rent it out if someone could afford to pay. Instead, she got to interview people individually and then make them an offer. Normally, that would have resulted in receiving a lower rental price, but not under rent controls. So who did she choose? A young, unmarried, wealthy, white woman. It made perfect sense. Women were less intimidating and more likely to maintain the apartment better. Wealthy people, she determined, would be better tenants. (I have no idea if this is true in practice or not, I’m not a landlord myself.) Unmarried, because no kids running around meant less damage to the property. And, of course, white. Because she was racist, and her incentive structure made her prefer whites. You can deride her for being racist, I won’t disagree with you. But it’s simply the reality. Under the non-rent-control scenario, her profit motive for money outweighed her racism motive. But under rent control, the monetary competition was removed, and she was free to play into her racist tendencies without facing any negative consequences. ## Bureaucracy These were the two examples I remember for that course. But non-monetary compensation pops up in many more places. One highly pertinent example is bureaucracies. Imagine you have a government office, or a large corporation’s acquisition department, or the team that apportions grants at a university. In all these cases, you have a group of people making decisions about handing out money that has no monetary impact on them. If they give to the best qualified recipients, they receive no raises. If they spend the money recklessly on frivolous projects, they face no consequences. Under such an incentivization scheme, there’s little to encourage the bureaucrats to make intelligent funding decisions. Instead, they’ll be incentivized to spend the money where they recognize non-monetary benefits. This is why it’s so common to hear about expensive meals, gift bags at conferences, and even more inappropriate ways of trying to curry favor with those that hold the purse strings. Compare that ever so briefly with the purchases made by a small mom-and-pop store like my parents owned. Could my dad take a bribe to buy from a vendor who’s ripping him off? Absolutely he could\! But he’d lose more on the deal than he’d make on the bribe, since he’s directly incentivized by the deal itself. It would make much more sense for him to go with the better vendor, save $5,000 on the deal, and then treat himself to a lavish $400 meal to celebrate. # Government incentivized behavior This post is getting longer in the tooth than I’d intended, so I’ll finish off with this section and make it a bit briefer. Beyond all the methods mentioned above, government has another mechanism for modifying behavior: through directly changing incentives via legislation, regulation, and monetary policy. Let’s see some examples: * Artificial modification of interest rates encourages people to take on more debt than they would in a free capital market, leading to [malinvestment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malinvestment) and a consumer debt crisis, and causing the boom-bust cycle we all painfully experience. * Going along with that, giving tax breaks on interest payments further artificially incentivizes people to take on debt that they wouldn’t otherwise. * During COVID-19, at some points unemployment benefits were greater than minimum wage, incentivizing people to rather stay home and not work than get a job, leading to reduced overall productivity in the economy and more printed dollars for benefits. In other words, it was a perfect recipe for inflation. * The tax code gives deductions to “help” people. That might be true, but the real impact is incentivizing people to make decisions they wouldn’t have otherwise. For example, giving out tax deductions on children encourages having more kids. Tax deductions on childcare and preschools incentivizes dual-income households. Whether or not you like the outcomes, it’s clear that it’s government that’s encouraging these outcomes to happen. * Tax incentives cause people to engage in behavior they wouldn’t otherwise (daycare+working mother, for example). * Inflation means that the value of your money goes down over time, which encourages people to spend more today, when their money has a larger impact. (Milton Friedman described this as [high living](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwNDd2_beTU).) # Conclusion The idea here is simple, and fully encapsulated in the title: incentives determine outcomes. If you want to know how to get a certain outcome from others, incentivize them to want that to happen. If you want to understand why people act in seemingly irrational ways, check their incentives. If you’re confused why leaders (and especially politicians) seem to engage in destructive behavior, check their incentives. We can bemoan these realities all we want, but they *are* realities. While there are some people who have a solid internal moral and ethical code, and that internal code incentivizes them to behave against their externally-incentivized interests, those people are rare. And frankly, those people are self-defeating. People *should* take advantage of the incentives around them. Because if they don’t, someone else will. (If you want a literary example of that last comment, see the horse in Animal Farm.) How do we improve the world under these conditions? Make sure the incentives align well with the overall goals of society. To me, it’s a simple formula: * Focus on free trade, value for value, as the basis of a society. In that system, people are always incentivized to provide value to other people. * Reduce the size of bureaucracies and large groups of all kinds. The larger an organization becomes, the farther the consequences of decisions are from those who make them. * And since the nature of human beings will be to try and create areas where they can control the incentive systems to their own benefits, make that as difficult as possible. That comes in the form of strict limits on government power, for example. And even if you don’t want to buy in to this conclusion, I hope the rest of the content was educational, and maybe a bit entertaining\!

**Excerpt:** A controversy over intellectual property highlights the lack of Bitcoin institutions to resolve disputes. Key fact 1: A bitcoiner takes action against another bitcoiner based on intellectual property laws Key fact 2: the dispute revolves around similarities in bitcoin clocks -------------------------------------------  > "What is not good for the hive is not good for the bee." Marcus Aurelius Someone who identifies as a bitcoiner, who creates successful bitcoin products aimed at providing sovereignty and privacy to the user but who indirectly calls on the State to initiate force against another bitcoiner, is that person really a bitcoiner? Or rather, despite being a bitcoiner, is their behavior in accordance with the ethos of Bitcoin, with the essential moral principles driven by the Bitcoin phenomenon? When there is a dispute within Bitcoin's layer one about how things should be done, it is resolved through the unparalleled dispute resolution and governance mechanism based on proof of work. On the other hand, when there is a dispute in Bitcoin's layer zero, which is composed of individuals who act as nodes and collaborators of the[basilisk]( https://njump.me/nevent1qqsrq3qzr48lerhhdtf42tyt7cfcx8ld5drtpr6fthals2galsxl9dqpzemhxue69uhkummnw3ex2mrfw3jhxtn0wfnj7q3q9nsxj76rpstyzk2s8zgacxf2xzm66k7rxplyxl7zdrc2k8hr607qxpqqqqqqznzfrul) how should we resolve disputes? The trigger for this article is the news that a few weeks ago the bitcoiner[djuri]( http://njump.me/nevent1qqst22qclvkw7p8fqhcukrcc6m8unjh0ppp72t9heq8gf89eeu82qagpz4mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduhsyg94zfaq3nenv938fqq2gwrcsx5lnrsyh8phz9hf9hjj2pycvdwyygpsgqqqqqqsp40qy3)was legally summoned by the bitcoiner[NVK]( https://njump.me/npub1az9xj85cmxv8e9j9y80lvqp97crsqdu2fpu3srwthd99qfu9qsgstam8y8) because the latter understood that the former had violated his "intellectual property rights." The legally summoned party, djuri, is the creator of a product that according to NVK would have some characteristics that would make it somewhat similar to a product he made and whose "intellectual property" -fiat- he has registered. That is to say, NVK invoked the force of the State -fiat- with the intention that it be applied against djuri. And it did so with the intention of defending its "intellectually" registered property.  > *--- "Intellectual property is a valuable asset that must be protected and respected by everyone."* - Bill Gates. A registration of "intellectual property" consists of an entry in a state registry -fiat- where the person registering the "right" -fiat- petitions the State -fiat- to initiate coercion, force, violence, and threats against anyone whom the State interprets as violating that "right" -fiat-. Likewise, that registration grants the registrant the "right" -fiat- to petition the State to interpret that their "right" has been violated. And in the event that the latter shares the interpretation made by the registrant, the State can then activate its intrinsic mechanism of threats, violence, and coercion against the aforementioned violator of the "right" -fiat-. Most of current positive law is fiat law and its mostly contradictory to natural law. The former is a fictional state invention based on the myth of authority, while the latter is rationally deduced from the principles of Nature. Natural law is the Bitcoin of law.  * > --- "Intellectual property is the foundation of innovation and progress in modern society." - Alan Greenspan, Chairman of the Federal Reserve of the United States. Intellectual property is a completely fiat fiction. Natural law absolutely rejects the artificial legal aberration created by authoritarian legislators. The institution of private property only makes sense to protect scarce goods. Let's see an example: Alice has an apple and is hungry, but since she is busy posting on Nostr, she decided to eat it later. Thirty minutes later, she goes down to her kitchen and can't find the apple. It turns out that Bob, her roommate, ate it. Alice reproaches Bob for the action because, despite having bought the apple and having it in her possession, she lost it due to Bob's action and is still hungry. Alice understands that the interruption of the nutritional and gustatory pleasure that the apple would have provided constitutes a harm to her person. Since she was the owner of the unique and irreproducible object consisting of the totality of molecules that, when linked together, formed the apple existing in the physical space where Alice and Bob reside. Furthermore, Alice understands that once the apple is eaten by one person, it cannot be eaten by another. Therefore, Alice concludes that she has suffered a harm. And considering the objective development of the facts, she attributes that damage to Bob. The attribution of damage occurs during a discussion they have in the kitchen of their house, which unfolds as follows: Alice: *-“What the fuck Bob, you ate my fruit again. I want to beat the shit out of you. You better move your ass straight into the fruitshop right now and you bring me two apples or hell is gonna break loose”* To which Bob, seeing that Alice is a bit irritable, and feeling guilty for his previous incorrect action of having deprived Alice of her fruit, heads to the fruitshop, buys two apples with his money, and hands them to Alice with a smile and an apology. In this way, nature was balanced, a small injustice was resolved, and Alice and Bob can continue to cooperate mutually in peace and with the aim of growing individually as well as in their community. This favorable outcome occurred due to respect for the institution of private property. Now let's look at a second example. One that involves "intellectual" private property. Charlie is composing a song in a shared area of his co-living space. While experimenting with different sound arrangements over time, Daniel passes by and hears a particular melody that catches his attention and sticks in his memory. Subsequently, Charlie releases a song with that melody, and more or less at the same time, Daniel does the same. Therefore, we arrive at the situation where two product creators have generated content that partially shares certain elements. Content consumers of Daniel as well as of Charlie can enjoy both compositions indistinctly. Likewise, both Daniel and Charlie can enjoy all the zaps the market sends them, all the fame their songs have created, all the ticket sales for shows that, due to taking place in the physical world, have limitations on reproducibility, all the sales of both physical and digital merchandise, all the fame their works bring them, all the sponsors that fame attracts, all the various future contracts that come their way thanks to their previous works, all the awards they deserve for their works, etc., etc., etc. In summary: each of the digitally supported content creators can enjoy all the fruits that the current and future market grants them as a reward for their contribution to humanity. While at the same time, all users of their works can enjoy the created songs indiscriminately and without limitations.  This happens because in the physical world, when someone eats an apple belonging to another person, the latter is left without eating it. Whereas in the digital world, when someone listens to a song, no one is left without listening to it. For those who want to delve deeper into the glaring contradiction of the fiat intellectual property institute, I recommend any product of the extensive work of Stephan Kinsella. Libertarian lawyer specializing in patents who has developed the topic in a rational, extensive, and sufficiently convincing manner. > --- "Intellectual property is a state monopoly that restricts freedom of expression and innovation." - Stephen Kinsella, in "Against Intellectual Property" I clarify that I do not suggest that every bitcoiner must necessarily repudiate the fiat institution of intellectual property. We are living through a transition between two worlds, and each person is adapting to the institutions of the new reality at their own pace. Personally, I see that Bitcoin is incompatible with the fiat State and it´s fiat intellectual property racket. In the long run, one of the two will have to change, and it won't be Bitcoin. In the meantime, it is up to each bitcoiner to lean more towards open source code - as Bitcoin does - or towards closed source code, as driven by fiat-state intellectual property laws. ### Call to reason What I do propose as an urgent and essential cultural necessity within the bitcoin community is to avoid resorting to the State to solve problems among bitcoiners. An invitation of a third party that relies on armed goons and professional extortionists to fulfill its purposes is something that can be avoided. Sometimes the most important actions we can take are actually inactions. In matters of dispute resolution, in issues related to how to deal with others, we tend to err more by incorrect actions than by incorrect inactions. The neo-institutions of Bitcoin law, anarcho-capitalism, or crypto-anarchism necessary to resolve disputes without calling for the intervention of unwanted third parties are under development and are another essential element for the recovery of human freedom. Meanwhile, to not initiate force on others should be our guiding principle. With Bitcoin, we managed to remove money from the hands of the States. With Nostr, we managed to remove social networks and public information from the tyrannical and authoritarian control of the narrative. With new institutions based on natural law and rational dispute resolution, we will succeed in removing the power to dispense justice from the hands of the fiat lords. ------------------------------------------- Camilo JdL at 878.992 timechain. If you find this content helpful, zap it to support more content of the sort and to boost the V4V model.

I’ve been using Notedeck for several months, starting with its extremely early and experimental alpha versions, all the way to its current, more stable alpha releases. The journey has been fascinating, as I’ve had the privilege of watching it evolve from a concept into a functional and promising tool. In its earliest stages, Notedeck was raw—offering glimpses of its potential but still far from practical for daily use. Even then, the vision behind it was clear: a platform designed to redefine how we interact with Nostr by offering flexibility and power for all users. I'm very bullish on Notedeck. Why? Because Will Casarin is making it! Duh! 😂 Seriously though, if we’re reimagining the web and rebuilding portions of the Internet, it’s important to recognize [the potential of Notedeck](https://damus.io/notedeck/). If Nostr is reimagining the web, then Notedeck is reimagining the Nostr client. Notedeck isn’t just another Nostr app—it’s more a Nostr browser that functions more like an operating system with micro-apps. How cool is that? Much like how Google's Chrome evolved from being a web browser with a task manager into ChromeOS, a full blown operating system, Notedeck aims to transform how we interact with the Nostr. It goes beyond individual apps, offering a foundation for a fully integrated ecosystem built around Nostr. As a Nostr evangelist, I love to scream **INTEROPERABILITY** and tout every application's integrations. Well, Notedeck has the potential to be one of the best platforms to showcase these integrations in entirely new and exciting ways. Do you want an Olas feed of images? Add the media column. Do you want a feed of live video events? Add the zap.stream column. Do you want Nostr Nests or audio chats? Add that column to your Notedeck. Git? Email? Books? Chat and DMs? It's all possible. Not everyone wants a super app though, and that’s okay. As with most things in the Nostr ecosystem, flexibility is key. Notedeck gives users the freedom to choose how they engage with it—whether it’s simply following hashtags or managing straightforward feeds. You'll be able to tailor Notedeck to fit your needs, using it as extensively or minimally as you prefer. Notedeck is designed with a local-first approach, utilizing Nostr content stored directly on your device via the local nostrdb. This will enable a plethora of advanced tools such as search and filtering, the creation of custom feeds, and the ability to develop personalized algorithms across multiple Notedeck micro-applications—all with unparalleled flexibility. Notedeck also supports multicast. Let's geek out for a second. Multicast is a method of communication where data is sent from one source to multiple destinations simultaneously, but only to devices that wish to receive the data. Unlike broadcast, which sends data to all devices on a network, multicast targets specific receivers, reducing network traffic. This is commonly used for efficient data distribution in scenarios like streaming, conferencing, or large-scale data synchronization between devices. > In a local first world where each device holds local copies of your nostr nodes, and each device transparently syncs with each other on the local network, each node becomes a backup. Your data becomes antifragile automatically. When a node goes down it can resync and recover from other nodes. Even if not all nodes have a complete collection, negentropy can pull down only what is needed from each device. All this can be done without internet. > > \-Will Casarin In the context of Notedeck, multicast would allow multiple devices to sync their Nostr nodes with each other over a local network without needing an internet connection. Wild. Notedeck aims to offer full customization too, including the ability to design and share custom skins, much like Winamp. Users will also be able to create personalized columns and, in the future, share their setups with others. This opens the door for power users to craft tailored Nostr experiences, leveraging their expertise in the protocol and applications. By sharing these configurations as "Starter Decks," they can simplify onboarding and showcase the best of Nostr’s ecosystem. Nostr’s “Other Stuff” can often be difficult to discover, use, or understand. Many users doesn't understand or know how to use web browser extensions to login to applications. Let's not even get started with nsecbunkers. Notedeck will address this challenge by providing a native experience that brings these lesser-known applications, tools, and content into a user-friendly and accessible interface, making exploration seamless. However, that doesn't mean Notedeck should disregard power users that want to use nsecbunkers though - hint hint. For anyone interested in watching Nostr be [developed live](https://github.com/damus-io/notedeck), right before your very eyes, Notedeck’s progress serves as a reminder of what’s possible when innovation meets dedication. The current alpha is already demonstrating its ability to handle complex use cases, and I’m excited to see how it continues to grow as it moves toward a full release later this year.

It's hard to believe it's been a year since we first went live oN Global Sports Central! We're thrilled to celebrate this milestone and take a look back at some amazing numbers. **Here are some highlights:** * **Notes**: We've published an incredible 5978 notes, with a total of 7260 notes and replies combined! * **Engagement**: Our community has shown us love with 7580 likes, 6651 replies, and only 13 reports. * **Zaps**: We've received an astonishing 711 #zaps, with a total amount of 79926 #sats received. Plus a couple of decisive #Nostrich that came oN support proven there's a path for #V4V * **Community**: We're proud to have 14273 followers iN our first year, with 80K sats received. * **Reach**: Our content has been viewed and interacted with by thousands of users, making us one of the most active profiles on #Nostr **We couldn't have done it without you!** Your support and engagement have made this journey so rewarding. We're excited to see what the future holds and can't wait to share more updates with you! **Thank you for being part of our journey!**

<div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:56.25%;height:0;overflow:hidden;max-width:100%;"><video style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;border:0;" controls> <source src="https://plebdevs-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/starter-lesson-1.mp4" type="video/mp4"/> <source src="https://plebdevs-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/starter-lesson-1.webm" type="video/mp4"/> </video></div> # Setting Up Your Code Editor ## Introduction In this lesson, we'll set up the most fundamental tool in your development journey: your code editor. This is where you'll spend most of your time writing, testing, and debugging code, so it's crucial to get comfortable with it from the start. ## What is an IDE? ### Definition An IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is a software application that provides comprehensive facilities for software development. Think of it as your complete workshop for writing code. ### Key Components 1. **Code Editor** - Where you write and edit code - Provides syntax highlighting - Helps with code formatting - Makes code easier to read and write 2. **Compiler/Interpreter** - Runs your code - Translates your code into executable instructions - Helps test your applications 3. **Debugging Tools** - Help find and fix errors - Provide error messages and suggestions - Make problem-solving easier ## Setting Up Visual Studio Code ### Why VS Code? - Free and open-source - Lightweight yet powerful - Excellent community support - Popular among developers - Great for beginners and experts alike ### Installation Steps 1. Visit [code.visualstudio.com](https://code.visualstudio.com) 2. Download the version for your operating system 3. Run the installer 4. Follow the installation prompts ### Essential VS Code Features #### 1. Interface Navigation - **File Explorer** (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + E) - Browse and manage your files - Create new files and folders - Navigate your project structure - **Search** (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + F) - Find text across all files - Replace text globally - Search with regular expressions - **Source Control** (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + G) - Track changes in your code - Commit and manage versions - Integrate with Git #### 2. Terminal Integration To open the integrated terminal: - Use ``` Ctrl + ` ``` (backtick) - Or View → Terminal from the menu - Basic terminal commands: ```bash ls # List files (dir on Windows) cd # Change directory clear # Clear terminal code . # Open VS Code in current directory ``` #### 3. Essential Extensions Install these extensions to enhance your development experience: 1. **ESLint** - Helps find and fix code problems - Enforces coding standards - Improves code quality 2. **Prettier** - Automatically formats your code - Maintains consistent style - Saves time on formatting 3. **Live Server** - Runs your web pages locally - Auto-refreshes on save - Great for web development ### Important Keyboard Shortcuts ``` Ctrl/Cmd + S # Save file Ctrl/Cmd + C # Copy Ctrl/Cmd + V # Paste Ctrl/Cmd + Z # Undo Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + P # Command palette Ctrl/Cmd + P # Quick file open ``` ## Writing Your First Code Let's create and run a simple HTML file: 1. Create a new file (`index.html`) 2. Add basic HTML content: ```html <h1>Hello World!</h1> ``` 3. Save the file (Ctrl/Cmd + S) 4. Open in browser or use Live Server ## Best Practices ### 1. File Organization - Keep related files together - Use clear, descriptive names - Create separate folders for different projects ### 2. Regular Saving - Save frequently (Ctrl/Cmd + S) - Watch for the unsaved dot indicator - Enable auto-save if preferred ### 3. Terminal Usage - Get comfortable with basic commands - Use the integrated terminal - Practice navigation and file operations ## Troubleshooting Common Issues ### 1. Installation Problems - Ensure you have admin rights - Check system requirements - Use official download sources ### 2. Extension Issues - Keep extensions updated - Disable conflicting extensions - Restart VS Code after installation ### 3. Performance - Don't install too many extensions - Regular restart of VS Code - Keep your system updated ## Next Steps 1. **Practice Navigation** - Create and manage files - Use the integrated terminal - Try keyboard shortcuts 2. **Customize Your Editor** - Explore themes - Adjust font size - Configure auto-save 3. **Prepare for Next Lesson** - Keep VS Code open - Get comfortable with the interface - Practice basic operations ## Additional Resources - [VS Code Documentation](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs) - [Keyboard Shortcuts Reference](https://code.visualstudio.com/shortcuts/keyboard-shortcuts-windows.pdf) - [VS Code Tips and Tricks](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/getstarted/tips-and-tricks) Remember: Your code editor is your primary tool as a developer. Take time to get comfortable with it, and don't worry about mastering everything at once. Focus on the basics we covered in the video, and you'll naturally learn more features as you need them. Happy coding! 🚀

## **Necessário** - Um Android que você não use mais (a câmera deve estar funcionando). - Um cartão microSD (opcional, usado apenas uma vez). - Um dispositivo para acompanhar seus fundos (provavelmente você já tem um). ## **Algumas coisas que você precisa saber** - O dispositivo servirá como um assinador. Qualquer movimentação só será efetuada após ser assinada por ele. - O cartão microSD será usado para transferir o APK do Electrum e garantir que o aparelho não terá contato com outras fontes de dados externas após sua formatação. Contudo, é possível usar um cabo USB para o mesmo propósito. - A ideia é deixar sua chave privada em um dispositivo offline, que ficará desligado em 99% do tempo. Você poderá acompanhar seus fundos em outro dispositivo conectado à internet, como seu celular ou computador pessoal. --- ## **O tutorial será dividido em dois módulos:** - Módulo 1 - Criando uma carteira fria/assinador. - Módulo 2 - Configurando um dispositivo para visualizar seus fundos e assinando transações com o assinador. --- ## **No final, teremos:** - Uma carteira fria que também servirá como assinador. - Um dispositivo para acompanhar os fundos da carteira.  --- ## **Módulo 1 - Criando uma carteira fria/assinador** 1. Baixe o APK do Electrum na aba de **downloads** em <https://electrum.org/>. Fique à vontade para [verificar as assinaturas](https://electrum.readthedocs.io/en/latest/gpg-check.html) do software, garantindo sua autenticidade. 2. Formate o cartão microSD e coloque o APK do Electrum nele. Caso não tenha um cartão microSD, pule este passo.  3. Retire os chips e acessórios do aparelho que será usado como assinador, formate-o e aguarde a inicialização.  4. Durante a inicialização, pule a etapa de conexão ao Wi-Fi e rejeite todas as solicitações de conexão. Após isso, você pode desinstalar aplicativos desnecessários, pois precisará apenas do Electrum. Certifique-se de que Wi-Fi, Bluetooth e dados móveis estejam desligados. Você também pode ativar o **modo avião**.\ *(Curiosidade: algumas pessoas optam por abrir o aparelho e danificar a antena do Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, impossibilitando essas funcionalidades.)*  5. Insira o cartão microSD com o APK do Electrum no dispositivo e instale-o. Será necessário permitir instalações de fontes não oficiais.  6. No Electrum, crie uma carteira padrão e gere suas palavras-chave (seed). Anote-as em um local seguro. Caso algo aconteça com seu assinador, essas palavras permitirão o acesso aos seus fundos novamente. *(Aqui entra seu método pessoal de backup.)*  --- ## **Módulo 2 - Configurando um dispositivo para visualizar seus fundos e assinando transações com o assinador.** 1. Criar uma carteira **somente leitura** em outro dispositivo, como seu celular ou computador pessoal, é uma etapa bastante simples. Para este tutorial, usaremos outro smartphone Android com Electrum. Instale o Electrum a partir da aba de downloads em <https://electrum.org/> ou da própria Play Store. *(ATENÇÃO: O Electrum não existe oficialmente para iPhone. Desconfie se encontrar algum.)* 2. Após instalar o Electrum, crie uma carteira padrão, mas desta vez escolha a opção **Usar uma chave mestra**.  3. Agora, no assinador que criamos no primeiro módulo, exporte sua chave pública: vá em **Carteira &gt; Detalhes da carteira &gt; Compartilhar chave mestra pública**.  4. Escaneie o QR gerado da chave pública com o dispositivo de consulta. Assim, ele poderá acompanhar seus fundos, mas sem permissão para movimentá-los. 5. Para receber fundos, envie Bitcoin para um dos endereços gerados pela sua carteira: **Carteira &gt; Addresses/Coins**. 6. Para movimentar fundos, crie uma transação no dispositivo de consulta. Como ele não possui a chave privada, será necessário assiná-la com o dispositivo assinador.  7. No assinador, escaneie a transação não assinada, confirme os detalhes, assine e compartilhe. Será gerado outro QR, desta vez com a transação já assinada.  8. No dispositivo de consulta, escaneie o QR da transação assinada e transmita-a para a rede. --- ## **Conclusão** **Pontos positivos do setup:** - **Simplicidade:** Basta um dispositivo Android antigo. - **Flexibilidade:** Funciona como uma ótima carteira fria, ideal para holders. **Pontos negativos do setup:** - **Padronização:** Não utiliza seeds no padrão BIP-39, você sempre precisará usar o electrum. - **Interface:** A aparência do Electrum pode parecer antiquada para alguns usuários. Nesse ponto, temos uma carteira fria que também serve para assinar transações. O fluxo de assinar uma transação se torna: ***Gerar uma transação não assinada &gt; Escanear o QR da transação não assinada &gt; Conferir e assinar essa transação com o assinador &gt; Gerar QR da transação assinada &gt; Escanear a transação assinada com qualquer outro dispositivo que possa transmiti-la para a rede.*** Como alguns devem saber, uma transação assinada de Bitcoin é praticamente impossível de ser fraudada. Em um cenário catastrófico, você pode mesmo que sem internet, repassar essa transação assinada para alguém que tenha acesso à rede por qualquer meio de comunicação. Mesmo que não queiramos que isso aconteça um dia, esse setup acaba por tornar essa prática possível. ---

Lets explore three key aspects of Bitcoin technology to enhance your engagement with the ecosystem: 1. **Running an Alby Hub Cloud Instance** 2. **Setting Up a Nutshell Ecash Mint on an Affordable VPS** 3. **Integrating Nostr Wallet Connect for Seamless Tipping** These components empower users to manage transactions, ensure privacy, and facilitate smooth interactions within the Bitcoin and Nostr communities. ### 1. Running an Alby Hub Cloud Instance **Purpose and Benefits:** Alby Hub is a self-custodial Lightning wallet that allows you to manage Bitcoin transactions efficiently. By running an Alby Hub instance in the cloud, you gain 24/7 online access to receive payments via a Lightning address, integrate with various applications, and maintain control over your funds without the need for personal hardware. **Setting Up Alby Hub in the Cloud:** - **Choose Alby Cloud:** For a hassle-free setup, Alby offers a cloud service where you can start your own hub in just 2 minutes. [Give it A Try: Alby Cloud](https://guides.getalby.com/user-guide/alby-account-and-browser-extension/alby-hub/alby-hub-flavors/alby-cloud) - **Subscription Benefits:** Subscribing to Alby Cloud provides you with a self-custodial Lightning wallet, 24/7 online access, exclusive partner deals, priority support, and access to a subscriber community. - [Self-custodial Lightning wallet](https://guides.getalby.com/user-guide/alby-account-and-browser-extension/alby-hub/alby-hub-flavors/alby-cloud) - **Getting Started:** Visit the Alby Cloud page, select the subscription that suits you, and follow the guided setup process to have your hub up and running quickly. - [Alby Cloud page](https://guides.getalby.com/user-guide/alby-account-and-browser-extension/alby-hub/alby-hub-flavors/alby-cloud) For a visual guide on setting up Alby Hub, you can watch the following tutorial: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2Z1BzwxdP4I?si=__tSXaB-xm5JADhH" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> ### 2. Setting Up a Nutshell Ecash Mint on an Affordable VPS **Purpose and Benefits:** Nutshell is an implementation of Ecash, a digital cash system that prioritizes privacy and anonymity. Setting up a Nutshell Ecash mint on a Virtual Private Server (VPS) allows you to operate your own mint, enhancing transaction privacy and providing a backup system for your Bitcoin transactions. **Setting Up on a $5 VPS:** - **Select a VPS Provider:** Choose an affordable VPS provider that supports Bitcoin and Nostr communities. For instance, SatoshiHost offers VPS services tailored for such needs. - **Install Nutshell:** After setting up your VPS, install the Nutshell software by following the official installation guide. - [Nutshell](https://github.com/cashubtc/nutshell) - [Full Cashu Implementation](https://github.com/cashubtc) - **Configure the Mint:** Set up the mint parameters, including denomination and security settings, to suit your requirements. - **Secure the Server:** Implement security measures such as firewalls and regular updates to protect your mint from potential threats. - [Recommendations](https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/recommended-security-measures-to-protect-your-servers) - [Server Tips](https://dev.to/josiepeterson/50-essential-linux-server-security-hardening-tips-5fg4) ### 3. Integrating Nostr Wallet Connect for Seamless Tipping **Purpose and Benefits:** Nostr Wallet Connect (NWC) is an open protocol that enables applications to interact with Bitcoin Lightning wallets. Integrating NWC allows for seamless tipping and payments within Nostr apps, enhancing user experience and promoting engagement. **Integration Steps:** - **Choose a Supporting App:** Select a Nostr app that supports NWC, such as [Amythyst](https://github.com/vitorpamplona/amethyst)or [Damus](https://damus.io/). - **Connect Your Wallet:** Use NWC to link your preferred Lightning wallet to the Nostr app. This connection facilitates seamless payments without the need to switch between applications. - **Test the Integration:** Perform a test transaction to ensure that the tipping functionality works as intended. - **Maintain Security:** Regularly update your wallet and Nostr app to incorporate the latest security features and improvements. For a deeper understanding of Nostr Wallet Connect and its significance, you can watch the following discussion: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/53huU8mg2eo?si=yZnGQ83EPyjQ4tpw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> ### Final Thoughts On Setup Implementing these components enhances your interaction with the Bitcoin ecosystem by providing efficient transaction management, improved privacy, and seamless integration with Nostr applications. By running an Alby Hub cloud instance, setting up a Nutshell Ecash mint on an affordable VPS, and integrating Nostr Wallet Connect, you contribute to a more robust and user-friendly Bitcoin environment. ### Invitation for Feedback I encourage you to share any questions or feedback regarding these topics. Let's continue the conversation to explore how we can further engage with and improve upon these technologies.

#### **Prologue: The Last Trade** Ethan Nakamura was a 29-year-old software engineer and crypto enthusiast who had spent years building his life around Bitcoin. Obsessed with the idea of financial sovereignty, he had amassed a small fortune trading cryptocurrencies, all while dreaming of a world where decentralized systems ruled over centralized power. One night, while debugging a particularly thorny piece of code for a smart contract, Ethan stumbled across an obscure, encrypted message hidden in the blockchain. It read: **"The key to true freedom lies beyond. Burn it all to unlock the gate."** Intrigued and half-convinced it was an elaborate ARG (Alternate Reality Game), Ethan decided to follow the cryptic instruction. He loaded his entire Bitcoin wallet into a single transaction and sent it to an untraceable address tied to the message. The moment the transaction was confirmed, his laptop screen began to glitch, flooding with strange symbols and hash codes. Before he could react, a flash of light engulfed him. --- #### **Chapter 1: A New Ledger** Ethan awoke in a dense forest bathed in ethereal light. The first thing he noticed was the HUD floating in front of him—a sleek, transparent interface that displayed his **"Crypto Balance"**: 21 million BTC. “What the…” Ethan muttered. He blinked, hoping it was a dream, but the numbers stayed. The HUD also showed other metrics: - **Hash Power:** 1,000,000 TH/s - **Mining Efficiency:** 120% - **Transaction Speed:** Instant Before he could process, a notification pinged on the HUD: **"Welcome to the Decentralized Kingdom. Your mining rig is active. Begin accumulating resources to survive."** Confused and a little terrified, Ethan stood and surveyed his surroundings. As he moved, the HUD expanded, revealing a map of the area. His new world looked like a cross between a medieval fantasy realm and a cyberpunk dystopia, with glowing neon towers visible on the horizon and villagers dressed in tunics carrying strange, glowing "crypto shards." Suddenly, a shadow loomed over him. A towering beast, part wolf, part machine, snarled, its eyes glowing red. Above its head was the name **"Feral Node"** and a strange sigil resembling a corrupted block. Instinct kicked in. Ethan raised his hands defensively, and to his shock, the HUD offered an option: **"Execute Smart Contract Attack? (Cost: 0.001 BTC)"** He selected it without hesitation. A glowing glyph appeared in the air, releasing a wave of light that froze the Feral Node mid-lunge. Moments later, it dissolved into a cascade of shimmering data, leaving behind a pile of **"Crypto Shards"** and an item labeled **"Node Fragment."** --- #### **Chapter 2: The Decentralized Kingdom** Ethan discovered that the world he had entered was built entirely on blockchain-like principles. The land was divided into regions, each governed by a **Consensus Council**—groups of powerful beings called **Validators** who maintained the balance of the world. However, a dark force known as **The Central Authority** sought to consolidate power, turning decentralized regions into tightly controlled fiefdoms. Ethan’s newfound abilities made him a unique entity in this world. Unlike its inhabitants, who earned wealth through mining or trading physical crypto shards, Ethan could generate and spend Bitcoin directly—making him both a target and a potential savior. --- #### **Chapter 3: Allies and Adversaries** Ethan soon met a colorful cast of characters: - **Luna**, a fiery rogue and self-proclaimed "Crypto Thief," who hacked into ledgers to redistribute wealth to oppressed villages. She was skeptical of Ethan's "magical Bitcoin" but saw potential in him. - **Hal**, an aging miner who ran an underground resistance against the Central Authority. He wielded an ancient **"ASIC Hammer"** capable of shattering corrupted nodes. - **Oracle Satoshi**, a mysterious AI-like entity who guided Ethan with cryptic advice, often referencing real-world crypto principles like decentralization, trustless systems, and private keys. Ethan also gained enemies, chief among them the **Ledger Lords**, a cabal of Validators allied with the Central Authority. They sought to capture Ethan and seize his Bitcoin, believing it could tip the balance of power. --- #### **Chapter 4: Proof of Existence** As Ethan delved deeper into the world, he learned that his Bitcoin balance was finite. To survive and grow stronger, he had to "mine" resources by solving problems for the people of the Decentralized Kingdom. From repairing broken smart contracts in towns to defending miners from feral nodes, every task rewarded him with shards and upgrades. He also uncovered the truth about his arrival: the blockchain Ethan had used in his world was a prototype for this one. The encrypted message had been a failsafe created by its original developers—a desperate attempt to summon someone who could break the growing centralization threatening to destroy the world. --- #### **Chapter 5: The Final Fork** As the Central Authority's grip tightened, Ethan and his allies prepared for a final battle at the **Genesis Block**, the origin of the world's blockchain. Here, Ethan would face the Central Authority's leader, an amalgamation of corrupted code and human ambition known as **The Miner King.** The battle was a clash of philosophies as much as strength. Using everything he had learned, Ethan deployed a daring **Hard Fork**, splitting the world’s blockchain and decentralizing power once again. The process drained nearly all of his Bitcoin, leaving him with a single satoshi—a symbolic reminder of his purpose. --- #### **Epilogue: Building the Future** With the Central Authority defeated, the Decentralized Kingdom entered a new era. Ethan chose to remain in the world, helping its inhabitants build fairer systems and teaching them the principles of trustless cooperation. As he gazed at the sunrise over the rebuilt Genesis Block, Ethan smiled. He had dreamed of a world where Bitcoin could change everything. Now, he was living it.

New Year’s resolutions often feel boring and repetitive. Most revolve around getting in shape, eating healthier, or giving up alcohol. While the idea is interesting—using the start of a new calendar year as a catalyst for change—it also seems unnecessary. Why wait for a specific date to make a change? If you want to improve something in your life, you can just do it. You don’t need an excuse. That’s why I’ve never been drawn to the idea of making a list of resolutions. If I wanted a change, I’d make it happen, without worrying about the calendar. At least, that’s how I felt until now—when, for once, the timing actually gave me a real reason to embrace the idea of New Year’s resolutions. Enter [Olas](https://olas.app). If you're a visual creator, you've likely experienced the relentless grind of building a following on platforms like Instagram—endless doomscrolling, ever-changing algorithms, and the constant pressure to stay relevant. But what if there was a better way? Olas is a Nostr-powered alternative to Instagram that prioritizes community, creativity, and value-for-value exchanges. It's a game changer. Instagram’s failings are well-known. Its algorithm often dictates whose content gets seen, leaving creators frustrated and powerless. Monetization hurdles further alienate creators who are forced to meet arbitrary follower thresholds before earning anything. Additionally, the platform’s design fosters endless comparisons and exposure to negativity, which can take a significant toll on mental health. Instagram’s algorithms are notorious for keeping users hooked, often at the cost of their mental health. I've spoken about this extensively, most recently at Nostr Valley, explaining how legacy social media is bad for you. You might find yourself scrolling through content that leaves you feeling anxious or drained. Olas takes a fresh approach, replacing "doomscrolling" with "bloomscrolling." This is a common theme across the Nostr ecosystem. The lack of addictive rage algorithms allows the focus to shift to uplifting, positive content that inspires rather than exhausts. Monetization is another area where Olas will set itself apart. On Instagram, creators face arbitrary barriers to earning—needing thousands of followers and adhering to restrictive platform rules. Olas eliminates these hurdles by leveraging the Nostr protocol, enabling creators to earn directly through value-for-value exchanges. Fans can support their favorite artists instantly, with no delays or approvals required. The plan is to enable a brand new Olas account that can get paid instantly, with zero followers - that's wild. Olas addresses these issues head-on. Operating on the open Nostr protocol, it removes centralized control over one's content’s reach or one's ability to monetize. With transparent, configurable algorithms, and a community that thrives on mutual support, Olas creates an environment where creators can grow and succeed without unnecessary barriers. Join me on my New Year's resolution. Join me on Olas and take part in the [#Olas365](https://olas.app/search/olas365) challenge! It’s a simple yet exciting way to share your content. The challenge is straightforward: post at least one photo per day on Olas (though you’re welcome to share more!). [Download on iOS](https://testflight.apple.com/join/2FMVX2yM). [Download on Android](https://github.com/pablof7z/olas/releases/) or download via Zapstore. Let's make waves together.

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

Since its creation in 2009, Bitcoin has symbolized innovation and resilience. However, from time to time, alarmist narratives arise about emerging technologies that could "break" its security. Among these, quantum computing stands out as one of the most recurrent. But does quantum computing truly threaten Bitcoin? And more importantly, what is the community doing to ensure the protocol remains invulnerable? The answer, contrary to sensationalist headlines, is reassuring: Bitcoin is secure, and the community is already preparing for a future where quantum computing becomes a practical reality. Let’s dive into this topic to understand why the concerns are exaggerated and how the development of BIP-360 demonstrates that Bitcoin is one step ahead. --- ## What Is Quantum Computing, and Why Is Bitcoin Not Threatened? Quantum computing leverages principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations that, in theory, could exponentially surpass classical computers—and it has nothing to do with what so-called “quantum coaches” teach to scam the uninformed. One of the concerns is that this technology could compromise two key aspects of Bitcoin’s security: 1. **Wallets**: These use elliptic curve algorithms (ECDSA) to protect private keys. A sufficiently powerful quantum computer could deduce a private key from its public key. 2. **Mining**: This is based on the SHA-256 algorithm, which secures the consensus process. A quantum attack could, in theory, compromise the proof-of-work mechanism. --- ## Understanding Quantum Computing’s Attack Priorities While quantum computing is often presented as a threat to Bitcoin, not all parts of the network are equally vulnerable. Theoretical attacks would be prioritized based on two main factors: ease of execution and potential reward. This creates two categories of attacks: ### 1. Attacks on Wallets Bitcoin wallets, secured by elliptic curve algorithms, would be the initial targets due to the relative vulnerability of their public keys, especially those already exposed on the blockchain. Two attack scenarios stand out: - **Short-term attacks**: These occur during the interval between sending a transaction and its inclusion in a block (approximately 10 minutes). A quantum computer could intercept the exposed public key and derive the corresponding private key to redirect funds by creating a transaction with higher fees. - **Long-term attacks**: These focus on old wallets whose public keys are permanently exposed. Wallets associated with Satoshi Nakamoto, for example, are especially vulnerable because they were created before the practice of using hashes to mask public keys. We can infer a priority order for how such attacks might occur based on urgency and importance. Bitcoin Quantum Attack: Prioritization Matrix (Urgency vs. Importance) ### 2. Attacks on Mining Targeting the SHA-256 algorithm, which secures the mining process, would be the next objective. However, this is far more complex and requires a level of quantum computational power that is currently non-existent and far from realization. A successful attack would allow for the recalculation of all possible hashes to dominate the consensus process and potentially "mine" it instantly. --- Satoshi Nakamoto in 2010 on Quantum Computing and Bitcoin Attacks Recently, Narcelio asked me about a statement I made on Tubacast: https://x.com/eddieoz/status/1868371296683511969 If an attack became a reality **before Bitcoin was prepared**, it would be necessary to define the last block prior to the attack and proceed from there using a new hashing algorithm. The solution would resemble the response to the infamous 2013 bug. It’s a fact that this would cause market panic, and Bitcoin's price would drop significantly, creating a potential opportunity for the well-informed. Preferably, if developers could anticipate the threat and had time to work on a solution and build consensus before an attack, they would simply decide on a future block for the fork, which would then adopt the new algorithm. It might even rehash previous blocks (reaching consensus on them) to avoid potential reorganization through the re-mining of blocks using the old hash. (I often use the term "shielding" old transactions). --- ## How Can Users Protect Themselves? While quantum computing is still far from being a practical threat, some simple measures can already protect users against hypothetical scenarios: - **Avoid using exposed public keys**: Ensure funds sent to old wallets are transferred to new ones that use public key hashes. This reduces the risk of long-term attacks. - **Use modern wallets**: Opt for wallets compatible with SegWit or Taproot, which implement better security practices. - **Monitor security updates**: Stay informed about updates from the Bitcoin community, such as the implementation of BIP-360, which will introduce quantum-resistant addresses. - **Do not reuse addresses**: Every transaction should be associated with a new address to minimize the risk of repeated exposure of the same public key. - **Adopt secure backup practices**: Create offline backups of private keys and seeds in secure locations, protected from unauthorized access. --- ## BIP-360 and Bitcoin’s Preparation for the Future Even though quantum computing is still beyond practical reach, the Bitcoin community is not standing still. A concrete example is BIP-360, a proposal that establishes the technical framework to make wallets resistant to quantum attacks. BIP-360 addresses three main pillars: 1. **Introduction of quantum-resistant addresses**: A new address format starting with "BC1R" will be used. These addresses will be compatible with post-quantum algorithms, ensuring that stored funds are protected from future attacks. 2. **Compatibility with the current ecosystem**: The proposal allows users to transfer funds from old addresses to new ones without requiring drastic changes to the network infrastructure. 3. **Flexibility for future updates**: BIP-360 does not limit the choice of specific algorithms. Instead, it serves as a foundation for implementing new post-quantum algorithms as technology evolves. This proposal demonstrates how Bitcoin can adapt to emerging threats without compromising its decentralized structure. --- ## Post-Quantum Algorithms: The Future of Bitcoin Cryptography The community is exploring various algorithms to protect Bitcoin from quantum attacks. Among the most discussed are: - **Falcon**: A solution combining smaller public keys with compact digital signatures. Although it has been tested in limited scenarios, it still faces scalability and performance challenges. - **Sphincs**: Hash-based, this algorithm is renowned for its resilience, but its signatures can be extremely large, making it less efficient for networks like Bitcoin’s blockchain. - **Lamport**: Created in 1977, it’s considered one of the earliest post-quantum security solutions. Despite its reliability, its gigantic public keys (16,000 bytes) make it impractical and costly for Bitcoin. Two technologies show great promise and are well-regarded by the community: 1. **Lattice-Based Cryptography**: Considered one of the most promising, it uses complex mathematical structures to create systems nearly immune to quantum computing. Its implementation is still in its early stages, but the community is optimistic. 2. **Supersingular Elliptic Curve Isogeny**: These are very recent digital signature algorithms and require extensive study and testing before being ready for practical market use. The final choice of algorithm will depend on factors such as efficiency, cost, and integration capability with the current system. Additionally, it is preferable that these algorithms are standardized before implementation, a process that may take up to 10 years. --- ## Why Quantum Computing Is Far from Being a Threat The alarmist narrative about quantum computing overlooks the technical and practical challenges that still need to be overcome. Among them: - **Insufficient number of qubits**: Current quantum computers have only a few hundred qubits, whereas successful attacks would require millions. - **High error rate**: Quantum stability remains a barrier to reliable large-scale operations. - **High costs**: Building and operating large-scale quantum computers requires massive investments, limiting their use to scientific or specific applications. Moreover, even if quantum computers make significant advancements, Bitcoin is already adapting to ensure its infrastructure is prepared to respond. --- ## Conclusion: Bitcoin’s Secure Future Despite advancements in quantum computing, the reality is that Bitcoin is far from being threatened. Its security is ensured not only by its robust architecture but also by the community’s constant efforts to anticipate and mitigate challenges. The implementation of BIP-360 and the pursuit of post-quantum algorithms demonstrate that Bitcoin is not only resilient but also proactive. By adopting practical measures, such as using modern wallets and migrating to quantum-resistant addresses, users can further protect themselves against potential threats. Bitcoin’s future is not at risk—it is being carefully shaped to withstand any emerging technology, including quantum computing.

Since its creation in 2009, Bitcoin has symbolized innovation and resilience. However, from time to time, alarmist narratives arise about emerging technologies that could "break" its security. Among these, quantum computing stands out as one of the most recurrent. But does quantum computing truly threaten Bitcoin? And more importantly, what is the community doing to ensure the protocol remains invulnerable? The answer, contrary to sensationalist headlines, is reassuring: Bitcoin is secure, and the community is already preparing for a future where quantum computing becomes a practical reality. Let’s dive into this topic to understand why the concerns are exaggerated and how the development of BIP-360 demonstrates that Bitcoin is one step ahead. --- ## What Is Quantum Computing, and Why Is Bitcoin Not Threatened? Quantum computing leverages principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations that, in theory, could exponentially surpass classical computers—and it has nothing to do with what so-called “quantum coaches” teach to scam the uninformed. One of the concerns is that this technology could compromise two key aspects of Bitcoin’s security: 1. **Wallets**: These use elliptic curve algorithms (ECDSA) to protect private keys. A sufficiently powerful quantum computer could deduce a private key from its public key. 2. **Mining**: This is based on the SHA-256 algorithm, which secures the consensus process. A quantum attack could, in theory, compromise the proof-of-work mechanism. --- ## Understanding Quantum Computing’s Attack Priorities While quantum computing is often presented as a threat to Bitcoin, not all parts of the network are equally vulnerable. Theoretical attacks would be prioritized based on two main factors: ease of execution and potential reward. This creates two categories of attacks: ### 1. Attacks on Wallets Bitcoin wallets, secured by elliptic curve algorithms, would be the initial targets due to the relative vulnerability of their public keys, especially those already exposed on the blockchain. Two attack scenarios stand out: - **Short-term attacks**: These occur during the interval between sending a transaction and its inclusion in a block (approximately 10 minutes). A quantum computer could intercept the exposed public key and derive the corresponding private key to redirect funds by creating a transaction with higher fees. - **Long-term attacks**: These focus on old wallets whose public keys are permanently exposed. Wallets associated with Satoshi Nakamoto, for example, are especially vulnerable because they were created before the practice of using hashes to mask public keys. We can infer a priority order for how such attacks might occur based on urgency and importance. Bitcoin Quantum Attack: Prioritization Matrix (Urgency vs. Importance) ### ### 2. Attacks on Mining Targeting the SHA-256 algorithm, which secures the mining process, would be the next objective. However, this is far more complex and requires a level of quantum computational power that is currently non-existent and far from realization. A successful attack would allow for the recalculation of all possible hashes to dominate the consensus process and potentially "mine" it instantly. --- Satoshi Nakamoto in 2010 on Quantum Computing and Bitcoin Attacks ### Recent Comments on the Topic Recently, Narcelio asked me about a statement I made on Tubacast: https://x.com/eddieoz/status/1868371296683511969 If an attack became a reality **before Bitcoin was prepared**, it would be necessary to define the last block prior to the attack and proceed from there using a new hashing algorithm. The solution would resemble the response to the infamous 2013 bug. It’s a fact that this would cause market panic, and Bitcoin's price would drop significantly, creating a potential opportunity for the well-informed. Preferably, if developers could anticipate the threat and had time to work on a solution and build consensus before an attack, they would simply decide on a future block for the fork, which would then adopt the new algorithm. It might even rehash previous blocks (reaching consensus on them) to avoid potential reorganization through the re-mining of blocks using the old hash. (I often use the term "shielding" old transactions). --- ## How Can Users Protect Themselves? While quantum computing is still far from being a practical threat, some simple measures can already protect users against hypothetical scenarios: - **Avoid using exposed public keys**: Ensure funds sent to old wallets are transferred to new ones that use public key hashes. This reduces the risk of long-term attacks. - **Use modern wallets**: Opt for wallets compatible with SegWit or Taproot, which implement better security practices. - **Monitor security updates**: Stay informed about updates from the Bitcoin community, such as the implementation of BIP-360, which will introduce quantum-resistant addresses. - **Do not reuse addresses**: Every transaction should be associated with a new address to minimize the risk of repeated exposure of the same public key. - **Adopt secure backup practices**: Create offline backups of private keys and seeds in secure locations, protected from unauthorized access. --- ## BIP-360 and Bitcoin’s Preparation for the Future Even though quantum computing is still beyond practical reach, the Bitcoin community is not standing still. A concrete example is BIP-360, a proposal that establishes the technical framework to make wallets resistant to quantum attacks. BIP-360 addresses three main pillars: 1. **Introduction of quantum-resistant addresses**: A new address format starting with "BC1R" will be used. These addresses will be compatible with post-quantum algorithms, ensuring that stored funds are protected from future attacks. 2. **Compatibility with the current ecosystem**: The proposal allows users to transfer funds from old addresses to new ones without requiring drastic changes to the network infrastructure. 3. **Flexibility for future updates**: BIP-360 does not limit the choice of specific algorithms. Instead, it serves as a foundation for implementing new post-quantum algorithms as technology evolves. This proposal demonstrates how Bitcoin can adapt to emerging threats without compromising its decentralized structure. --- ## Post-Quantum Algorithms: The Future of Bitcoin Cryptography The community is exploring various algorithms to protect Bitcoin from quantum attacks. Among the most discussed are: - **Falcon**: A solution combining smaller public keys with compact digital signatures. Although it has been tested in limited scenarios, it still faces scalability and performance challenges. - **Sphincs**: Hash-based, this algorithm is renowned for its resilience, but its signatures can be extremely large, making it less efficient for networks like Bitcoin’s blockchain. - **Lamport**: Created in 1977, it’s considered one of the earliest post-quantum security solutions. Despite its reliability, its gigantic public keys (16,000 bytes) make it impractical and costly for Bitcoin. Two technologies show great promise and are well-regarded by the community: 1. **Lattice-Based Cryptography**: Considered one of the most promising, it uses complex mathematical structures to create systems nearly immune to quantum computing. Its implementation is still in its early stages, but the community is optimistic. 2. **Supersingular Elliptic Curve Isogeny**: These are very recent digital signature algorithms and require extensive study and testing before being ready for practical market use. The final choice of algorithm will depend on factors such as efficiency, cost, and integration capability with the current system. Additionally, it is preferable that these algorithms are standardized before implementation, a process that may take up to 10 years. --- ## Why Quantum Computing Is Far from Being a Threat The alarmist narrative about quantum computing overlooks the technical and practical challenges that still need to be overcome. Among them: - **Insufficient number of qubits**: Current quantum computers have only a few hundred qubits, whereas successful attacks would require millions. - **High error rate**: Quantum stability remains a barrier to reliable large-scale operations. - **High costs**: Building and operating large-scale quantum computers requires massive investments, limiting their use to scientific or specific applications. Moreover, even if quantum computers make significant advancements, Bitcoin is already adapting to ensure its infrastructure is prepared to respond. --- ## Conclusion: Bitcoin’s Secure Future Despite advancements in quantum computing, the reality is that Bitcoin is far from being threatened. Its security is ensured not only by its robust architecture but also by the community’s constant efforts to anticipate and mitigate challenges. The implementation of BIP-360 and the pursuit of post-quantum algorithms demonstrate that Bitcoin is not only resilient but also proactive. By adopting practical measures, such as using modern wallets and migrating to quantum-resistant addresses, users can further protect themselves against potential threats. Bitcoin’s future is not at risk—it is being carefully shaped to withstand any emerging technology, including quantum computing.

### Tldr - Nostr is an open and interoperable protocol - You can integrate it with workflow automation tools to augment your experience - n8n is a great low/no-code workflow automation tool which you can host yourself - Nostrobots allows you to integrate Nostr into n8n - In this blog I create some workflow automations for Nostr - A simple form to delegate posting notes - Push notifications for mentions on multiple accounts - Push notifications for your favourite accounts when they post a note - All workflows are provided as open source with MIT license for you to use ### Inter-op All The Things Nostr is a new open social protocol for the internet. This open nature exciting because of the opportunities for interoperability with other technologies. In [Using NFC Cards with Nostr]() I explored the `nostr:` URI to launch Nostr clients from a card tap. The interoperability of Nostr doesn't stop there. The internet has many super-powers, and Nostr is open to all of them. Simply, there's no one to stop it. There is no one in charge, there are no permissioned APIs, and there are no risks of being de-platformed. If you can imagine technologies that would work well with Nostr, then any and all of them can ride on or alongside Nostr rails. My mental model for why this is special is Google Wave ~2010. Google Wave was to be the next big platform. Lars was running it and had a big track record from Maps. I was excited for it. Then, Google pulled the plug. And, immediately all the time and capital invested in understanding and building on the platform was wasted. This cannot happen to Nostr, as there is no one to pull the plug, and maybe even no plug to pull. So long as users demand Nostr, Nostr will exist, and that is a pretty strong guarantee. It makes it worthwhile to invest in bringing Nostr into our other applications. All we need are simple ways to plug things together. ### Nostr and Workflow Automation Workflow automation is about helping people to streamline their work. As a user, the most common way I achieve this is by connecting disparate systems together. By setting up one system to trigger another or to move data between systems, I can solve for many different problems and become way more effective. #### n8n for workflow automation Many workflow automation tools exist. My favourite is [n8n](https://n8n.io/). n8n is a low/no-code workflow automation platform which allows you to build all kinds of workflows. You can use it for free, you can self-host it, it has a user-friendly UI and useful API. Vs Zapier it can be far more elaborate. Vs Make.com I find it to be more intuitive in how it abstracts away the right parts of the code, but still allows you to code when you need to. Most importantly you can plug anything into n8n: You have built-in nodes for specific applications. HTTP nodes for any other API-based service. And community nodes built by individual community members for any other purpose you can imagine. #### Eating my own dogfood It's very clear to me that there is a big design space here just demanding to be explored. If you could integrate Nostr with anything, what would you do? In my view the best way for anyone to start anything is by solving their own problem first (aka "scratching your own itch" and "eating your own dogfood"). As I get deeper into Nostr I find myself controlling multiple Npubs – to date I have a personal Npub, a brand Npub for a community I am helping, an AI assistant Npub, and various testing Npubs. I need ways to delegate access to those Npubs without handing over the keys, ways to know if they're mentioned, and ways to know if they're posting. I can build workflows with n8n to solve these issues for myself to start with, and keep expanding from there as new needs come up. ### Running n8n with Nostrobots I am mostly non-technical with a very helpful AI. To set up n8n to work with Nostr and operate these workflows should be possible for anyone with basic technology skills. - I have a cheap VPS which currently runs my [HAVEN Nostr Relay](https://rodbishop.npub.pro/post/8ca68889/) and [Albyhub Lightning Node](https://rodbishop.npub.pro/post/setting-up-payments-on-nostr-7o6ls7/) in Docker containers, - My objective was to set up n8n to run alongside these in a separate Docker container on the same server, install the required nodes, and then build and host my workflows. #### Installing n8n Self-hosting n8n could not be easier. I followed n8n's [Docker-Compose installation docs](https://docs.n8n.io/hosting/installation/server-setups/docker-compose/)– - Install Docker and Docker-Compose if you haven't already, - Create your ``docker-compose.yml`` and `.env` files from the docs, - Create your data folder `sudo docker volume create n8n_data`, - Start your container with `sudo docker compose up -d`, - Your n8n instance should be online at port `5678`. n8n is free to self-host but does require a license. Enter your credentials into n8n to get your free license key. You should now have access to the Workflow dashboard and can create and host any kind of workflows from there. #### Installing Nostrobots To integrate n8n nicely with Nostr, I used the [Nostrobots](https://github.com/ocknamo/n8n-nodes-nostrobots?tab=readme-ov-file) community node by [Ocknamo](nostr:npub1y6aja0kkc4fdvuxgqjcdv4fx0v7xv2epuqnddey2eyaxquznp9vq0tp75l). In n8n parlance a "node" enables certain functionality as a step in a workflow e.g. a "set" node sets a variable, a "send email" node sends an email. n8n comes with all kinds of "official" nodes installed by default, and Nostr is not amongst them. However, n8n also comes with a framework for community members to create their own "community" nodes, which is where Nostrobots comes in. You can only use a community node in a self-hosted n8n instance (which is what you have if you are running in Docker on your own server, but this limitation does prevent you from using n8n's own hosted alternative). To install a community node, [see n8n community node docs](https://docs.n8n.io/integrations/community-nodes/installation/gui-install/). From your workflow dashboard– - Click the "..." in the bottom left corner beside your username, and click "settings", - Cilck "community nodes" left sidebar, - Click "Install", - Enter the "npm Package Name" which is `n8n-nodes-nostrobots`, - Accept the risks and click "Install", - Nostrobots is now added to your n8n instance. #### Using Nostrobots Nostrobots gives you nodes to help you build Nostr-integrated workflows– - **Nostr Write** – for posting Notes to the Nostr network, - **Nostr Read** – for reading Notes from the Nostr network, and - **Nostr Utils** – for performing certain conversions you may need (e.g. from bech32 to hex). Nostrobots has [good documentation](https://github.com/ocknamo/n8n-nodes-nostrobots?tab=readme-ov-file) on each node which focuses on simple use cases. Each node has a "convenience mode" by default. For example, the "Read" Node by default will fetch Kind 1 notes by a simple filter, in Nostrobots parlance a "Strategy". For example, with Strategy set to "Mention" the node will accept a pubkey and fetch all Kind 1 notes that Mention the pubkey within a time period. This is very good for quick use. What wasn't clear to me initially (until Ocknamo helped me out) is that advanced use cases are also possible. Each node also has an advanced mode. For example, the "Read" Node can have "Strategy" set to "RawFilter(advanced)". Now the node will accept json (anything you like that complies with [NIP-01](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/01.md)). You can use this to query Notes (Kind 1) as above, and also Profiles (Kind 0), Follow Lists (Kind 3), Reactions (Kind 7), Zaps (Kind 9734/9735), and anything else you can think of. #### Creating and adding workflows With n8n and Nostrobots installed, you can now create or add any kind of Nostr Workflow Automation. - Click "Add workflow" to go to the workflow builder screen, - If you would like to build your own workflow, you can start with adding any node. Click "+" and see what is available. Type "Nostr" to explore the Nostrobots nodes you have added, - If you would like to add workflows that someone else has built, click "..." in the top right. Then click "import from URL" and paste in the URL of any workflow you would like to use (including the ones I share later in this article). ### Nostr Workflow Automations It's time to build some things! #### A simple form to post a note to Nostr I started very simply. I needed to delegate the ability to post to Npubs that I own in order that a (future) team can test things for me. I don't want to worry about managing or training those people on how to use keys, and I want to revoke access easily. I needed a basic form with credentials that posted a Note. For this I can use a very simple workflow– - **A n8n Form node** – Creates a form for users to enter the note they wish to post. Allows for the form to be protected by a username and password. This node is the workflow "trigger" so that the workflow runs each time the form is submitted. - **A Set node** – Allows me to set some variables, in this case I set the relays that I intend to use. I typically add a Set node immediately following the trigger node, and put all the variables I need in this. It helps to make the workflows easier to update and maintain. - **A Nostr Write node** (from Nostrobots) – Writes a Kind-1 note to the Nostr network. It accepts Nostr credentials, the output of the Form node, and the relays from the Set node, and posts the Note to those relays. Once the workflow is built, you can test it with the testing form URL, and set it to "Active" to use the production form URL. That's it. You can now give posting access to anyone for any Npub. To revoke access, simply change the credentials or set to workflow to "Inactive". It may also be the world's simplest Nostr client. You can find the [Nostr Form to Post a Note workflow here](https://github.com/r0d8lsh0p/nostr-n8n/blob/main/Nostr_Form_to_Post_a_Note.json). #### Push notifications on mentions and new notes One of the things Nostr is not very good at is push notifications. Furthermore I have some unique itches to scratch. I want– - **To make sure I never miss a note addressed to any of my Npubs** – For this I want a push notification any time any Nostr user mentions any of my Npubs, - **To make sure I always see all notes from key accounts** – For this I need a push notification any time any of my Npubs post any Notes to the network, - **To get these notifications on all of my devices** – Not just my phone where my Nostr regular client lives, but also on each of my laptops to suit wherever I am working that day. I needed to build a Nostr push notifications solution. To build this workflow I had to string a few ideas together– - **Triggering the node on a schedule** – Nostrobots does not include a trigger node. As every workflow starts with a trigger we needed a different method. I elected to run the workflow on a schedule of every 10-minutes. Frequent enough to see Notes while they are hot, but infrequent enough to not burden public relays or get rate-limited, - **Storing a list of Npubs in a Nostr list** – I needed a way to store the list of Npubs that trigger my notifications. I initially used an array defined in the workflow, this worked fine. Then I decided to try Nostr lists ([NIP-51, kind 30000](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/51.md)). By defining my list of Npubs as a list published to Nostr I can control my list from within a Nostr client (e.g. [Listr.lol](https://listr.lol/npub1r0d8u8mnj6769500nypnm28a9hpk9qg8jr0ehe30tygr3wuhcnvs4rfsft) or [Nostrudel.ninja](https://nostrudel.ninja/#/lists)). Not only does this "just work", but because it's based on Nostr lists automagically Amethyst client allows me to browse that list as a Feed, and everyone I add gets notified in their Mentions, - **Using specific relays** – I needed to query the right relays, including my own HAVEN relay inbox for notes addressed to me, and wss://purplepag.es for Nostr profile metadata, - **Querying Nostr events** (with Nostrobots) – I needed to make use of many different Nostr queries and use quite a wide range of what Nostrobots can do– - I read the EventID of my Kind 30000 list, to return the desired pubkeys, - For notifications on mentions, I read all Kind 1 notes that mention that pubkey, - For notifications on new notes, I read all Kind 1 notes published by that pubkey, - Where there are notes, I read the Kind 0 profile metadata event of that pubkey to get the displayName of the relevant Npub, - I transform the EventID into a Nevent to help clients find it. - **Using the Nostr URI** – As I did with my NFC card article, I created a link with the `nostr:` URI prefix so that my phone's native client opens the link by default, - **Push notifications solution** – I needed a push notifications solution. I found many with n8n integrations and chose to go with [Pushover](https://pushover.net/) which supports all my devices, has a free trial, and is unfairly cheap with a $5-per-device perpetual license. Once the workflow was built, lists published, and Pushover installed on my phone, I was fully set up with push notifications on Nostr. I have used these workflows for several weeks now and made various tweaks as I went. They are feeling robust and I'd welcome you to give them a go. You can find the [Nostr Push Notification If Mentioned here](https://github.com/r0d8lsh0p/nostr-n8n/blob/main/Nostr_Push_Notify_If_Mentioned.json) and [If Posts a Note here](https://github.com/r0d8lsh0p/nostr-n8n/blob/main/Nostr_Push_Notify_If_Post_a_Note.json). In speaking with other Nostr users while I was building this, there are all kind of other needs for push notifications too – like on replies to a certain bookmarked note, or when a followed Npub starts streaming on zap.stream. These are all possible. #### Use my workflows I have open sourced all my workflows at my [Github](https://github.com/r0d8lsh0p/nostr-n8n) with MIT license and tried to write complete docs, so that you can import them into your n8n and configure them for your own use. To import any of my workflows– - Click on the workflow of your choice, e.g. "[Nostr_Push_Notify_If_Mentioned.json](https://github.com/r0d8lsh0p/nostr-n8n/blob/main/Nostr_Push_Notify_If_Mentioned.json "Nostr_Push_Notify_If_Mentioned.json")", - Click on the "raw" button to view the raw JSON, ex any Github page layout, - Copy that URL, - Enter that URL in the "import from URL" dialog [mentioned above](#creating-and-adding-workflows). To configure them– - Prerequisites, credentials, and variables are all stated, - In general any variables required are entered into a Set Node that follows the trigger node, - Pushover has some extra setup but is very straightforward and documented in the workflow. ### What next? Over my first four blogs I explored creating a good Nostr setup with [Vanity Npub](https://rodbishop.npub.pro/post/mining-your-vanity-pubkey-4iupbf/), [Lightning Payments](https://rodbishop.npub.pro/post/setting-up-payments-on-nostr-7o6ls7/), [Nostr Addresses at Your Domain](https://rodbishop.npub.pro/post/ee8a46bc/), and [Personal Nostr Relay](https://rodbishop.npub.pro/post/8ca68889/). Then in my latest two blogs I explored different types of interoperability [with NFC cards](https://rodbishop.npub.pro/post/edde8387/) and now n8n Workflow Automation. Thinking ahead n8n can power any kind of interoperability between Nostr and any other legacy technology solution. On my mind as I write this: - Further enhancements to posting and delegating solutions and forms (enhanced UI or different note kinds), - Automated or scheduled posting (such as auto-liking everything [Lyn Alden](nostr:npub1a2cww4kn9wqte4ry70vyfwqyqvpswksna27rtxd8vty6c74era8sdcw83a) posts), - Further enhancements to push notifications, on new and different types of events (such as notifying me when I get a new follower, on replies to certain posts, or when a user starts streaming), - All kinds of bridges, such as bridging notes to and from Telegram, Slack, or Campfire. Or bridging RSS or other event feeds to Nostr, - All kinds of other automation (such as [BlackCoffee](nostr:npub1dqepr0g4t3ahvnjtnxazvws4rkqjpxl854n29wcew8wph0fmw90qlsmmgt) [controlling a coffee machine](https://primal.net/e/note16fzhh5yfc3u4kufx0mck63tsfperdrlpp96am2lmq066cnuqutds8retc3)), - All kinds of AI Assistants and Agents, In fact I have already released an open source workflow for an [AI Assistant](https://primal.net/p/npub1ahjpx53ewavp23g5zj9jgyfrpr8djmgjzg5mpe4xd0z69dqvq0kq2lf353), and will share more about that in my next blog. Please be sure to let me know if you think there's another Nostr topic you'd like to see me tackle. GM Nostr.

As we kick off the new year and gear up for GSC's Anniversary Celebration on January 11, we’re thrilled to unveil our anticipated list of **11 oN 11** – the 11 athletes who dominated their sports, broke records, and inspired the world in the past year. These icons didn’t just shine on the field, court, or track – they redefined excellence and left an indelible mark on the global sports landscape. **Our nominees will be revealed daily, follow the countdown to greatness #11oN11** These athletes didn’t just win games – they won hearts, inspired nations, and moved the needle for their respective sports. ✨ Join the conversation and tell us your picks for the most defining athletes of last year! Who inspired YOU the most? Let’s celebrate excellence together as we count down to GSC’s Anniversary on January 11!!! Global Sports Central 🌐 #11oN11

Here are my predictions for Nostr in 2025: **Decentralization:** The outbox and inbox communication models, sometimes referred to as the Gossip model, will become the standard across the ecosystem. By the end of 2025, all major clients will support these models, providing seamless communication and enhanced decentralization. Clients that do not adopt outbox/inbox by then will be regarded as outdated or legacy systems. **Privacy Standards:** Major clients such as Damus and Primal will move away from NIP-04 DMs, adopting more secure protocol possibilities like NIP-17 or NIP-104. These upgrades will ensure enhanced encryption and metadata protection. Additionally, NIP-104 MLS tools will drive the development of new clients and features, providing users with unprecedented control over the privacy of their communications. **Interoperability:** Nostr's ecosystem will become even more interconnected. Platforms like the Olas image-sharing service will expand into prominent clients such as Primal, Damus, Coracle, and Snort, alongside existing integrations with Amethyst, Nostur, and Nostrudel. Similarly, audio and video tools like Nostr Nests and Zap.stream will gain seamless integration into major clients, enabling easy participation in live events across the ecosystem. **Adoption and Migration:** Inspired by early pioneers like Fountain and Orange Pill App, more platforms will adopt Nostr for authentication, login, and social systems. In 2025, a significant migration from a high-profile application platform with hundreds of thousands of users will transpire, doubling Nostr’s daily activity and establishing it as a cornerstone of decentralized technologies.

Último dia do ano, momento para tirar o pó da bola de cristal, para fazer reflexões, previsões e desejos para o próximo ano e seguintes. Ano após ano, o Bitcoin evoluiu, foi ultrapassando etapas, tornou-se cada vez mais _mainstream_. Está cada vez mais difícil fazer previsões sobre o Bitcoin, já faltam poucas barreiras a serem ultrapassadas e as que faltam são altamente complexas ou tem um impacto profundo no sistema financeiro ou na sociedade. Estas alterações profundas tem que ser realizadas lentamente, porque uma alteração rápida poderia resultar em consequências terríveis, poderia provocar um retrocesso. # Código do Bitcoin No final de 2025, possivelmente vamos ter um _fork_, as discussões sobre os _covenants_ já estão avançadas, vão acelerar ainda mais. Já existe um consenso relativamente alto, a favor dos _covenants_, só falta decidir que modelo será escolhido. Penso que até ao final do ano será tudo decidido. Depois dos _covenants,_ o próximo foco será para a criptografia post-quantum, que será o maior desafio que o Bitcoin enfrenta. Criar uma criptografia segura e que não coloque a descentralização em causa. Espero muito de Ark, possivelmente a inovação do ano, gostaria de ver o Nostr a furar a bolha bitcoinheira e que o Cashu tivesse mais reconhecimento pelos _bitcoiners_. Espero que surjam avanços significativos no BitVM2 e BitVMX. Não sei o que esperar das layer 2 de Bitcoin, foram a maior desilusão de 2024. Surgiram com muita força, mas pouca coisa saiu do papel, foi uma mão cheia de nada. Uma parte dos projetos caiu na tentação da _shitcoinagem_, na criação de tokens, que tem um único objetivo, enriquecer os devs e os VCs. Se querem ser levados a sério, têm que ser sérios. > “À mulher de César não basta ser honesta, deve parecer honesta” Se querem ter o apoio dos _bitcoiners_, sigam o _ethos_ do Bitcoin. Neste ponto a atitude do pessoal da Ark é exemplar, em vez de andar a chorar no Twitter para mudar o código do Bitcoin, eles colocaram as mãos na massa e criaram o protocolo. É claro que agora está meio “coxo”, funciona com uma _multisig_ ou com os _covenants_ na Liquid. Mas eles estão a criar um produto, vão demonstrar ao mercado que o produto é bom e útil. Com a adoção, a comunidade vai perceber que o Ark necessita dos _covenants_ para melhorar a interoperabilidade e a soberania. É este o pensamento certo, que deveria ser seguido pelos restantes e futuros projetos. É seguir aquele pensamento do J.F. Kennedy: > “Não perguntem o que é que o vosso país pode fazer por vocês, perguntem o que é que vocês podem fazer pelo vosso país” Ou seja, não fiquem à espera que o bitcoin mude, criem primeiro as inovações/tecnologia, ganhem adoção e depois demonstrem que a alteração do código camada base pode melhorar ainda mais o vosso projeto. A necessidade é que vai levar a atualização do código. # Reservas Estratégicas de Bitcoin ## Bancos centrais Com a eleição de Trump, emergiu a ideia de uma Reserva Estratégia de Bitcoin, tornou este conceito _mainstream_. Foi um _pivot_, a partir desse momento, foram enumerados os políticos de todo o mundo a falar sobre o assunto. A Senadora Cynthia Lummis foi mais além e propôs um programa para adicionar 200 mil bitcoins à reserva ao ano, até 1 milhão de Bitcoin. Só que isto está a criar uma enorme expectativa na comunidade, só que pode resultar numa enorme desilusão. Porque no primeiro ano, o Trump em vez de comprar os 200 mil, pode apenas adicionar na reserva, os 198 mil que o Estado já tem em sua posse. Se isto acontecer, possivelmente vai resultar numa forte queda a curto prazo. Na minha opinião os bancos centrais deveriam seguir o exemplo de El Salvador, fazer um DCA diário. Mais que comprar bitcoin, para mim, o mais importante é a criação da Reserva, é colocar o Bitcoin ao mesmo nível do ouro, o impacto para o resto do mundo será tremendo, a teoria dos jogos na sua plenitude. Muitos outros bancos centrais vão ter que comprar, para não ficarem atrás, além disso, vai transmitir uma mensagem à generalidade da população, que o Bitcoin é “afinal é algo seguro, com valor”. Mas não foi Trump que iniciou esta teoria dos jogos, mas sim foi a primeira vítima dela. É o próprio Trump que o admite, que os EUA necessitam da reserva para não ficar atrás da China. Além disso, desde que os EUA utilizaram o dólar como uma arma, com sanção contra a Rússia, surgiram boatos de que a Rússia estaria a utilizar o Bitcoin para transações internacionais. Que foram confirmados recentemente, pelo próprio governo russo. Também há poucos dias, ainda antes deste reconhecimento público, Putin elogiou o Bitcoin, ao reconhecer que “Ninguém pode proibir o bitcoin”, defendendo como uma alternativa ao dólar. A narrativa está a mudar. Já existem alguns países com Bitcoin, mas apenas dois o fizeram conscientemente (El Salvador e Butão), os restantes têm devido a apreensões. Hoje são poucos, mas 2025 será o início de uma corrida pelos bancos centrais. Esta corrida era algo previsível, o que eu não esperava é que acontecesse tão rápido.  ## Empresas A criação de reservas estratégicas não vai ficar apenas pelos bancos centrais, também vai acelerar fortemente nas empresas em 2025.  Mas as empresas não vão seguir a estratégia do Saylor, vão comprar bitcoin sem alavancagem, utilizando apenas os tesouros das empresas, como uma proteção contra a inflação. Eu não sou grande admirador do Saylor, prefiro muito mais, uma estratégia conservadora, sem qualquer alavancagem. Penso que as empresas vão seguir a sugestão da BlackRock, que aconselha um alocações de 1% a 3%. Penso que 2025, ainda não será o ano da entrada das 6 magníficas (excepto Tesla), será sobretudo empresas de pequena e média dimensão. As magníficas ainda tem uma cota muito elevada de _shareholders_ com alguma idade, bastante conservadores, que têm dificuldade em compreender o Bitcoin, foi o que aconteceu recentemente com a Microsoft. Também ainda não será em 2025, talvez 2026, a inclusão nativamente de wallet Bitcoin nos sistema da Apple Pay e da Google Pay. Seria um passo gigante para a adoção a nível mundial. # ETFs Os ETFs para mim são uma incógnita, tenho demasiadas dúvidas, como será 2025. Este ano os _inflows_ foram superiores a 500 mil bitcoins, o IBIT foi o lançamento de ETF mais bem sucedido da história. O sucesso dos ETFs, deve-se a 2 situações que nunca mais se vão repetir. O mercado esteve 10 anos à espera pela aprovação dos ETFs, a procura estava reprimida, isso foi bem notório nos primeiros meses, os _inflows_ foram brutais. Também se beneficiou por ser um mercado novo, não existia _orderbook_ de vendas, não existia um mercado interno, praticamente era só _inflows_. Agora o mercado já estabilizou, a maioria das transações já são entre clientes dos próprios ETFs. Agora só uma pequena percentagem do volume das transações diárias vai resultar em _inflows_ ou _outflows_. Estes dois fenómenos nunca mais se vão repetir, eu não acredito que o número de _inflows_ em BTC supere os número de 2024, em dólares vai superar, mas em btc não acredito que vá superar. Mas em 2025 vão surgir uma infindável quantidade de novos produtos, derivativos, novos ETFs de cestos com outras criptos ou cestos com ativos tradicionais. O bitcoin será adicionado em produtos financeiros já existentes no mercado, as pessoas vão passar a deter bitcoin, sem o saberem. Com o fim da operação ChokePoint 2.0, vai surgir uma nova onda de adoção e de produtos financeiros. Possivelmente vamos ver bancos tradicionais a disponibilizar produtos ou serviços de custódia aos seus clientes. Eu adoraria ver o crescimento da adoção do bitcoin como moeda, só que a regulamentação não vai ajudar nesse processo. # Preço Eu acredito que o topo deste ciclo será alcançado no primeiro semestre, posteriormente haverá uma correção. Mas desta vez, eu acredito que a correção será muito menor que as anteriores, inferior a 50%, esta é a minha expectativa. Espero estar certo. # Stablecoins de dólar Agora saindo um pouco do universo do Bitcoin, acho importante destacar as _stablecoins_. No último ciclo, eu tenho dividido o tempo, entre continuar a estudar o Bitcoin e estudar o sistema financeiro, as suas dinâmicas e o comportamento humano. Isto tem sido o meu foco de reflexão, imaginar a transformação que o mundo vai sofrer devido ao padrão Bitcoin. É uma ilusão acreditar que a transição de um padrão FIAT para um padrão Bitcoin vai ser rápida, vai existir um processo transitório que pode demorar décadas. Com a re-entrada de Trump na Casa Branca, prometendo uma política altamente protecionista, vai provocar uma forte valorização do dólar, consequentemente as restantes moedas do mundo vão derreter. Provocando uma inflação generalizada, gerando uma corrida às _stablecoins_ de dólar nos países com moedas mais fracas. Trump vai ter uma política altamente expansionista, vai exportar dólares para todo o mundo, para financiar a sua própria dívida. A desigualdade entre os pobres e ricos irá crescer fortemente, aumentando a possibilidade de conflitos e revoltas. > “Casa onde não há pão, todos ralham e ninguém tem razão” Será mais lenha, para alimentar a fogueira, vai gravar os conflitos geopolíticos já existentes, ficando as sociedade ainda mais polarizadas. Eu acredito que 2025, vai haver um forte crescimento na adoção das _stablecoins_ de dólares, esse forte crescimento vai agravar o problema sistémico que são as _stablecoins_. Vai ser o início do fim das _stablecoins_, pelo menos, como nós conhecemos hoje em dia. ## Problema sistémico O sistema FIAT não nasceu de um dia para outro, foi algo que foi construído organicamente, ou seja, foi evoluindo ao longo dos anos, sempre que havia um problema/crise, eram criadas novas regras ou novas instituições para minimizar os problemas. Nestes quase 100 anos, desde os acordos de Bretton Woods, a evolução foram tantas, tornaram o sistema financeiro altamente complexo, burocrático e nada eficiente. Na prática é um castelo de cartas construído sobre outro castelo de cartas e que por sua vez, foi construído sobre outro castelo de cartas. As _stablecoins_ são um problema sistémico, devido às suas reservas em dólares e o sistema financeiro não está preparado para manter isso seguro. Com o crescimento das reservas ao longo dos anos, foi se agravando o problema. No início a Tether colocava as reservas em bancos comerciais, mas com o crescimento dos dólares sob gestão, criou um problema nos bancos comerciais, devido à reserva fracionária. Essas enormes reservas da Tether estavam a colocar em risco a própria estabilidade dos bancos. A Tether acabou por mudar de estratégia, optou por outros ativos, preferencialmente por títulos do tesouro/obrigações dos EUA. Só que a Tether continua a crescer e não dá sinais de abrandamento, pelo contrário. Até o próprio mundo cripto, menosprezava a gravidade do problema da Tether/_stablecoins_ para o resto do sistema financeiro, porque o _marketcap_ do cripto ainda é muito pequeno. É verdade que ainda é pequeno, mas a Tether não o é, está no top 20 dos maiores detentores de títulos do tesouros dos EUA e está ao nível dos maiores bancos centrais do mundo. Devido ao seu tamanho, está a preocupar os responsáveis/autoridades/reguladores dos EUA, pode colocar em causa a estabilidade do sistema financeiro global, que está assente nessas obrigações. Os títulos do tesouro dos EUA são o colateral mais utilizado no mundo, tanto por bancos centrais, como por empresas, é a charneira da estabilidade do sistema financeiro. Os títulos do tesouro são um assunto muito sensível. Na recente crise no Japão, do _carry trade_, o Banco Central do Japão tentou minimizar a desvalorização do iene através da venda de títulos dos EUA. Esta operação, obrigou a uma viagem de emergência, da Secretaria do Tesouro dos EUA, Janet Yellen ao Japão, onde disponibilizou liquidez para parar a venda de títulos por parte do Banco Central do Japão. Essa forte venda estava desestabilizando o mercado. Os principais detentores de títulos do tesouros são institucionais, bancos centrais, bancos comerciais, fundo de investimento e gestoras, tudo administrado por gestores altamente qualificados, racionais e que conhecem a complexidade do mercado de obrigações. O mundo cripto é seu oposto, é _naife_ com muita irracionalidade e uma forte pitada de loucura, na sua maioria nem faz a mínima ideia como funciona o sistema financeiro. Essa irracionalidade pode levar a uma “corrida bancária”, como aconteceu com o UST da Luna, que em poucas horas colapsou o projeto. Em termos de escala, a Luna ainda era muito pequena, por isso, o problema ficou circunscrito ao mundo cripto e a empresas ligadas diretamente ao cripto. Só que a Tether é muito diferente, caso exista algum FUD, que obrigue a Tether a desfazer-se de vários biliões ou dezenas de biliões de dólares em títulos num curto espaço de tempo, poderia provocar consequências terríveis em todo o sistema financeiro. A Tether é grande demais, é já um problema sistémico, que vai agravar-se com o crescimento em 2025. Não tenham dúvidas, se existir algum problema, o Tesouro dos EUA vai impedir a venda dos títulos que a Tether tem em sua posse, para salvar o sistema financeiro. O problema é, o que vai fazer a Tether, se ficar sem acesso às venda das reservas, como fará o _redeem_ dos dólares? Como o crescimento do Tether é inevitável, o Tesouro e o FED estão com um grande problema em mãos, o que fazer com o Tether? Mas o problema é que o atual sistema financeiro é como um curto cobertor: Quanto tapas a cabeça, destapas os pés; Ou quando tapas os pés, destapas a cabeça. Ou seja, para resolver o problema da guarda reservas da Tether, vai criar novos problemas, em outros locais do sistema financeiro e assim sucessivamente. ### Conta mestre Uma possível solução seria dar uma conta mestre à Tether, dando o acesso direto a uma conta no FED, semelhante à que todos os bancos comerciais têm. Com isto, a Tether deixaria de necessitar os títulos do tesouro, depositando o dinheiro diretamente no banco central. Só que isto iria criar dois novos problemas, com o Custodia Bank e com o restante sistema bancário. O Custodia Bank luta há vários anos contra o FED, nos tribunais pelo direito a ter licença bancária para um banco com _full-reserves_. O FED recusou sempre esse direito, com a justificativa que esse banco, colocaria em risco toda a estabilidade do sistema bancário existente, ou seja, todos os outros bancos poderiam colapsar. Perante a existência em simultâneo de bancos com reserva fracionária e com _full-reserves_, as pessoas e empresas iriam optar pelo mais seguro. Isso iria provocar uma corrida bancária, levando ao colapso de todos os bancos com reserva fracionária, porque no Custodia Bank, os fundos dos clientes estão 100% garantidos, para qualquer valor. Deixaria de ser necessário limites de fundos de Garantia de Depósitos. Eu concordo com o FED nesse ponto, que os bancos com _full-reserves_ são uma ameaça a existência dos restantes bancos. O que eu discordo do FED, é a origem do problema, o problema não está nos bancos _full-reserves_, mas sim nos que têm reserva fracionária. O FED ao conceder uma conta mestre ao Tether, abre um precedente, o Custodia Bank irá o aproveitar, reclamando pela igualdade de direitos nos tribunais e desta vez, possivelmente ganhará a sua licença. Ainda há um segundo problema, com os restantes bancos comerciais. A Tether passaria a ter direitos similares aos bancos comerciais, mas os deveres seriam muito diferentes. Isto levaria os bancos comerciais aos tribunais para exigir igualdade de tratamento, é uma concorrência desleal. Isto é o bom dos tribunais dos EUA, são independentes e funcionam, mesmo contra o estado. Os bancos comerciais têm custos exorbitantes devido às políticas de _compliance_, como o KYC e AML. Como o governo não vai querer aliviar as regras, logo seria a Tether, a ser obrigada a fazer o _compliance_ dos seus clientes. A obrigação do KYC para ter _stablecoins_ iriam provocar um terramoto no mundo cripto. Assim, é pouco provável que seja a solução para a Tether. ### FED Só resta uma hipótese, ser o próprio FED a controlar e a gerir diretamente as _stablecoins_ de dólar, nacionalizado ou absorvendo as existentes. Seria uma espécie de CBDC. Isto iria provocar um novo problema, um problema diplomático, porque as _stablecoins_ estão a colocar em causa a soberania monetária dos outros países. Atualmente as _stablecoins_ estão um pouco protegidas porque vivem num limbo jurídico, mas a partir do momento que estas são controladas pelo governo americano, tudo muda. Os países vão exigir às autoridades americanas medidas que limitem o uso nos seus respectivos países. Não existe uma solução boa, o sistema FIAT é um castelo de cartas, qualquer carta que se mova, vai provocar um desmoronamento noutro local. As autoridades não poderão adiar mais o problema, terão que o resolver de vez, senão, qualquer dia será tarde demais. Se houver algum problema, vão colocar a responsabilidade no cripto e no Bitcoin. Mas a verdade, a culpa é inteiramente dos políticos, da sua incompetência em resolver os problemas a tempo. Será algo para acompanhar futuramente, mas só para 2026, talvez… É curioso, há uns anos pensava-se que o Bitcoin seria a maior ameaça ao sistema ao FIAT, mas afinal, a maior ameaça aos sistema FIAT é o próprio FIAT(_stablecoins_). A ironia do destino. Isto é como uma corrida, o Bitcoin é aquele atleta que corre ao seu ritmo, umas vezes mais rápido, outras vezes mais lento, mas nunca pára. O FIAT é o atleta que dá tudo desde da partida, corre sempre em velocidade máxima. Só que a vida e o sistema financeiro não é uma prova de 100 metros, mas sim uma maratona. # Europa 2025 será um ano desafiante para todos europeus, sobretudo devido à entrada em vigor da regulamentação (MiCA). Vão começar a sentir na pele a regulamentação, vão agravar-se os problemas com os _compliance_, problemas para comprovar a origem de fundos e outras burocracias. Vai ser lindo. O _Travel Route_ passa a ser obrigatório, os europeus serão obrigados a fazer o KYC nas transações. A _Travel Route_ é uma suposta lei para criar mais transparência, mas prática, é uma lei de controle, de monitorização e para limitar as liberdades individuais dos cidadãos. O MiCA também está a colocar problemas nas _stablecoins_ de Euro, a Tether para já preferiu ficar de fora da europa. O mais ridículo é que as novas regras obrigam os emissores a colocar 30% das reservas em bancos comerciais. Os burocratas europeus não compreendem que isto coloca em risco a estabilidade e a solvência dos próprios bancos, ficam propensos a corridas bancárias. O MiCA vai obrigar a todas as exchanges a estar registadas em solo europeu, ficando vulnerável ao temperamento dos burocratas. Ainda não vai ser em 2025, mas a UE vai impor políticas de controle de capitais, é inevitável, as exchanges serão obrigadas a usar em exclusividade _stablecoins_ de euro, as restantes _stablecoins_ serão deslistadas. Todas estas novas regras do MiCA, são extremamente restritas, não é para garantir mais segurança aos cidadãos europeus, mas sim para garantir mais controle sobre a população. A UE está cada vez mais perto da autocracia, do que da democracia. A minha única esperança no horizonte, é que o sucesso das políticas cripto nos EUA, vai obrigar a UE a recuar e a aligeirar as regras, a teoria dos jogos é implacável. Mas esse recuo, nunca acontecerá em 2025, vai ser um longo período conturbado. # Recessão Os mercados estão todos em máximos históricos, isto não é sustentável por muito tempo, suspeito que no final de 2025 vai acontecer alguma correção nos mercados. A queda só não será maior, porque os bancos centrais vão imprimir dinheiro, muito dinheiro, como se não houvesse amanhã. Vão voltar a resolver os problemas com a injeção de liquidez na economia, é empurrar os problemas com a barriga, em de os resolver. Outra vez o efeito Cantillon. Será um ano muito desafiante a nível político, onde o papel dos políticos será fundamental. A crise política na França e na Alemanha, coloca a UE órfã, sem um comandante ao leme do navio. 2025 estará condicionado pelas eleições na Alemanha, sobretudo no resultado do AfD, que podem colocar em causa a propriedade UE e o euro. Possivelmente, só o fim da guerra poderia minimizar a crise, algo que é muito pouco provável acontecer. Em Portugal, a economia parece que está mais ou menos equilibrada, mas começam a aparecer alguns sinais preocupantes. Os jogos de sorte e azar estão em máximos históricos, batendo o recorde de 2014, época da grande crise, não é um bom sinal, possivelmente já existe algum desespero no ar. A Alemanha é o motor da Europa, quanto espirra, Portugal constipa-se. Além do problema da Alemanha, a Espanha também está à beira de uma crise, são os países que mais influenciam a economia portuguesa. Se existir uma recessão mundial, terá um forte impacto no turismo, que é hoje em dia o principal motor de Portugal. # Brasil Brasil é algo para acompanhar em 2025, sobretudo a nível macro e a nível político. Existe uma possibilidade de uma profunda crise no Brasil, sobretudo na sua moeda. O banco central já anda a queimar as reservas para minimizar a desvalorização do Real.  Sem mudanças profundas nas políticas fiscais, as reservas vão se esgotar. As políticas de controle de capitais são um cenário plausível, será interesse de acompanhar, como o governo irá proceder perante a existência do Bitcoin e _stablecoins_. No Brasil existe um forte adoção, será um bom _case study_, certamente irá repetir-se em outros países num futuro próximo. Os próximos tempos não serão fáceis para os brasileiros, especialmente para os que não têm Bitcoin. # Blockchain Em 2025, possivelmente vamos ver os primeiros passos da BlackRock para criar a primeira bolsa de valores, exclusivamente em _blockchain_. Eu acredito que a BlackRock vai criar uma própria _blockchain_, toda controlada por si, onde estarão os RWAs, para fazer concorrência às tradicionais bolsas de valores. Será algo interessante de acompanhar. ----------- Estas são as minhas previsões, eu escrevi isto muito em cima do joelho, certamente esqueci-me de algumas coisas, se for importante acrescentarei nos comentários. A maioria das previsões só acontecerá após 2025, mas fica aqui a minha opinião. Isto é apenas a minha opinião, **Don’t Trust, Verify**!

# Changes ## William Casarin (6): - timeline: only show one tab in hashtag timeline - columns: navigate back when switching account - previews: run previews as notedeck apps - lockfile: update - nixos: fix wayland - query: fix since filter on kind queries ## kernelkind (3): - use hashtag icon - use hashtag icon in hashtag col header - Delete column confirmation pushed to [notedeck:refs/heads/master](http://git.jb55.com/notedeck/commit/eeab1666e7e8e868438a69024e9cb99f15f8713a.html)

As I look back on my predictions for Nostr in 2024, it’s clear I had some hits and misses. I believe my first two predictions were spot on, accurately reflecting the trends and developments we witnessed. However, my second two predictions missed the mark, proving to be far less accurate. Maybe I was too bullish? nostr:nevent1qvzqqqqqqypzq0mhp4ja8fmy48zuk5p6uy37vtk8tx9dqdwcxm32sy8nsaa8gkeyqyghwumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytnhd9hx2tcpzamhxue69uhhyetvv9ujumn0wd68ytnzv9hxgtcqypsm9tk39g20atwqskvjcvhq7rher5nkgwjr05lzspne4gf0uvyxukew5mg What did I get right? Clients did increasingly prioritize user and content discovery while enabling users to easily select and choose their own algorithms. (DVMs, Trending, What's Hot, Feeds, etc.) This focus provided individuals with more tools, greater control, and unprecedented power over their social streams and attention than ever before. This is still actively happening and will continue to happen throughout 2025 too. What did I get wrong? We didn't see an Other Stuff application breakthrough as a clear winner that became a mainstream favorite. I anticipated a standout application that would interest users and become a "must-use" within the ecosystem, but this didn’t happen. And we also clearly didn't hit 1M active users either. While adoption did increase, it didn’t reach the critical mass I expected. But this doesn't mean 2024 fell short of expectations—in fact, quite the opposite. The year brought incredible client innovations (Damus Notedeck, Primal 2.0, TOR only Amethyst, Flotilla, Chachi, Olas, Coracle feeds, etc.) and relay milestones (Web-of-Trust relays, private relays, algorithm based relays, etc.) with the introduction of these innovative features and the launch of these new platforms. Beyond technology, the Nostr community achieved something truly remarkable: a grassroots movement that united people globally. From supporting Nostr meetups and events to hosting booths across continents at major conferences, the community came together to raise money to support these initiatives in ways no one predicted. This organic, ground-up effort showcased the strength and passion behind Nostr, creating a foundation that will #grownostr and success for years to come. Too bullish? Maybe I wasn't bullish enough? As is tradition, I will post my 2025 predictions tomorrow.

DIY Multisig is complex and 100x more likely to fail than you think if you do it yourself: A few years ago as an experiment I put what was then $2,000 worth Bitcoin into a 2 of 3 DIY multisig with two close family members holding two keys on Tapsigners and myself holding the last key on a Coldcard. My thought was to try and preview how they might deal with self custodied multisig Bitcoin if I died prematurely. After over a year I revisited and asked them to try and do a transaction without me. Just send that single Utxo to a new address in the same wallet, no time limit. It could not possibly have failed harder and shook my belief in multisig. To summarize an extremely painful day, there was a literally 0% chance they would figure this out without help. If this had been for real all our BTC may have been lost forever. Maybe eventually a family friend could’ve helped, but I hadn’t thought of that and hadn’t recommended a trusted BTC knowledge/help source. I had preached self sovereignty and doing it alone and my family tried to respect that. I should’ve given them the contact info of local high integrity bitcoiners I trust implicitly. Regardless of setup type, I highly recommend having a trusted Bitcoiner and online resources your family knows they can turn to to trouble shoot. Bookmark the corresponding BTCSessions video to your BTC self custody setup. Multisig is complicated as hell and hard to understand. Complexity is the enemy when it comes to making sure your BTC isn’t lost and actually gets to your heirs. Many Bitcoiners use a similar setup to this one that failed so badly, and I’m telling you unless you’re married to or gave birth to a seriously hardcore maxi who is extremely tech savvy, the risk your Bitcoin is lost upon your death is unacceptably high. My family is extremely smart but when the pressure of now many thousands of dollars was on the line, the complexity of multisig torpedoed them. Don’t run to an ETF! There are answers: singlesig is awesome. From observing my family I’m confident they would’ve been okay in a singlesig setup. It was the process of signing on separate devices with separate signers, and moving a PSBT around that stymied them. If it had been singlesig they would’ve been okay as one signature on its own was accomplished. Do not besmirch singlesig, it’s incredibly powerful and incredibly resilient. Resilience and simplicity are vastly underrated! In my opinion multisig may increase your theoretical security against attacks that are far less likely to actually happen, e.g. an Oceans Eleven style hack/heist. More likely your heirs will be fighting panic, grief, and stress and forget something you taught them a few years back. If they face an attack it will most likely be social engineering/phishing. They are unlikely to face an elaborate heist that would make a fun movie. While I still maintain it was a mistake for Bitkey to not have a separate screen to verify addresses and other info, overall I believe it’s probably the best normie option for small BTC holdings(yes I do know Bitkey is actually multisig, but the UX is basically a single sig). This incident scared me into realizing the importance of simplicity. Complexity and confusion of heirs/family may be the most under-considered aspects of BTC security. If you’ve made a DIY multisig and your heirs can’t explain why they need all three public keys and what a descriptor is and where it’s backed up, you might as well just go have that boating accident now and get it over with. Once you get past small amounts of BTC, any reputable hardware wallet in singlesig is amazing security I would encourage folks to consider. In a singlesig setup - For $5 wrench attack concerns, just don’t have your hardware signer or steel backup at your home. You can just have a hot wallet on your phone with a small amount for spending. If you get a really big stack collaborative multisig is a potentially reasonable middle ground. Just be very thoughtful and brutally honest about your heirs and their BTC and general tech knowledge. Singlesig is still great and you don’t have to move past it, but I get that you also need to sleep at night. If you have truly life changing wealth and are just too uncomfortable with singlesig, maybe consider either 1) Anchorwatch to get the potential benefits of multisig security with the safety net of traditional insurance or 2) Liana wallet where you can use miniscript to effectively have a time locked singlesig spending path to a key held by a third party to help your family recover your funds if they can’t figure it out before that timelock hits, 3) Bitcoin Keeper with their automatic inheritance docs and mini script enabled inheritance key. The automatic inheritance docs are a best in class feature no one else has done yet. Unchained charges $200 for inheritance docs on top of your $250 annual subscription, which imho is beyond ridiculous. 4) Swan vault, I’ve generally soured on most traditional 2 of 3 collaborative multisig because I’ve always found holes either in security (Unchained signed a transaction in only a few hours and has no defined time delay, and still doesn’t support Segwit, seriously guys, wtf?), only support signers that are harder to use and thus tough for noobs, or the overall setups are just too complex. Swan Vault’s focus on keeping it as simple as possible really stands out against competitors that tack on unneeded confusion complexity. TLDR: For small amounts of BTC use Bitkey. For medium to large amounts use singlesig with a reputable hardware wallet and steel backup. For life changing wealth where you just can no longer stomach sinsglesig maybe also consider Anchorwatch, Bitcoin Keeper, Sean Vault, or Liana. Don’t forget your steel backups! Be safe out there! Do your own research and don’t take my word for it. Just use this as inspiration to consider an alternative point of view. If you’re a family of software engineers, feel free to tell me to go fuck myself.

## Prepare starter - 1 part starter (~30g) - 2 parts wholemeal rye flour (~60g) - 2 parts warm water (~60g) Stir well, then leave to stand warm and covered until the volume has almost doubled.  Once the starter has doubled in volume and a light cap has formed, it can be used for the dough.  ## Ingredients - Flour (2/3 550/1100 wheat flour, 1/3 997 rye flour) = 600g - Water: 60% of the flour quantity = 360g warm water - Starter: 20% of the flour quantity = 120g starter - Salt: 3% of the flour = 18g  Put the rest of the starter (about 30g) back in the fridge for the next batch. Knead everything well for 5 minutes, then leave to stand warm and covered.  ## Fermenting First fermenting phase in one piece until the volume has almost doubled.  Then divide into portions ...   Shape and leave to rise on the baking tray for 1-2 hours.   ## Baking - Preheat oven to 230°C (450°F) - Just before baking, cut in the top of the rolls with a razor blade, so that they can extend  - Bake for 20 min with steam/cover at 210°C (410°F) - Then remove the steam/cover and bake another 15-20 min at 180°C (360°F)  Enjoy ...  

For centuries, financial markets have been shackled by an archaic mindset rooted in Newtonian physics: "What goes up must come down." This belief has dominated the thinking of old-school fiat economists, who view the rise and fall of markets as a natural cycle of gravity-bound economics. But Bitcoin, the digital phoenix, was designed to defy this outdated paradigm. It isn't just an asset class or a currency—it's a revolution in financial physics, unshackling value from centralized control and rewriting the rules of money. The Fiat Fallacy: Gravity Economics Fiat systems are inherently cyclical, prone to inflation, manipulation, and collapse. Central banks print money endlessly, causing value to "come down" as purchasing power erodes. For fiat thinkers, this is unavoidable—a gravitational force they accept as immutable. Yet this mindset ignores Bitcoin’s game-changing properties: its hard cap of 21 million coins, decentralized consensus, and permissionless architecture. Bitcoin is fundamentally non-Newtonian. It doesn’t adhere to traditional financial laws because it isn't bound by the same forces of supply and control. Instead, it operates in a new paradigm: deflationary, transparent, and immune to political meddling. Bitcoin's Escape Velocity Bitcoin's dominance lies in its ability to achieve escape velocity. Unlike fiat currencies, which are constantly being pulled back by inflationary policies, Bitcoin is propelled by its scarcity, adoption, and network effects. Every halving event tightens the supply, creating an upward pressure that fiat systems can't replicate. And as global trust in traditional systems erodes, Bitcoin's gravitational pull grows stronger. This phenomenon is evident in the adoption curve. Institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide are recognizing Bitcoin as a superior store of value, an inflation hedge, and the ultimate form of financial sovereignty. The more participants enter the network, the more its value compounds, creating a virtuous cycle of exponential growth. Humiliating the Old Guard The fiat establishment—steeped in centuries of centralized control—has long dismissed Bitcoin as a bubble, a fad, or even a Ponzi scheme. Yet, year after year, Bitcoin rises from the ashes of their predictions. Its resilience, transparency, and provable scarcity expose the fragility and corruption of fiat systems. The ultimate humiliation for fiat thinkers is Bitcoin's ability to thrive in crises. Where traditional systems falter—be it through hyperinflation, bank failures, or geopolitical instability—Bitcoin becomes a lifeboat. It doesn’t just resist gravity; it flips the entire script. Fiat currencies are revealed as infinite-print illusions, while Bitcoin’s immutable ledger stands as the ultimate arbiter of truth and value. A New Financial Paradigm Bitcoin’s ascent is not merely about price; it’s about domination. It represents a shift from centralized control to individual empowerment, from opaque systems to transparent protocols, from inflationary theft to deflationary savings. It’s a financial singularity, an escape from the gravitational pull of outdated thinking. As Bitcoin continues its trajectory, the old world of "what goes up must come down" will look increasingly absurd. In its place, a new principle will reign: what’s decentralized cannot be stopped. Bitcoin isn’t just leaving Earth’s orbit; it’s becoming the financial universe’s North Star. So buckle up, because Bitcoin isn’t just going up—it’s transcending. And as it does, it will leave the Newtonian thinkers in the dust, staring in disbelief at the rocket that left them behind.

At the intersection of philosophy, theology, physics, biology, and finance lies a terrifying truth: the fiat monetary system, in its current form, is not just an economic framework but a silent, relentless force actively working against humanity's survival. It isn't simply a failed financial model—it is a systemic engine of destruction, both externally and within the very core of our biological existence. The Philosophical Void of Fiat Philosophy has long questioned the nature of value and the meaning of human existence. From Socrates to Kant, thinkers have pondered the pursuit of truth, beauty, and virtue. But in the modern age, the fiat system has hijacked this discourse. The notion of "value" in a fiat world is no longer rooted in human potential or natural resources—it is abstracted, manipulated, and controlled by central authorities with the sole purpose of perpetuating their own power. The currency is not a reflection of society’s labor or resources; it is a representation of faith in an authority that, more often than not, breaks that faith with reckless monetary policies and hidden inflation. The fiat system has created a kind of ontological nihilism, where the idea of true value, rooted in work, creativity, and family, is replaced with speculative gambling and short-term gains. This betrayal of human purpose at the systemic level feeds into a philosophical despair: the relentless devaluation of effort, the erosion of trust, and the abandonment of shared human values. In this nihilistic economy, purpose and meaning become increasingly difficult to find, leaving millions to question the very foundation of their existence. Theological Implications: Fiat and the Collapse of the Sacred Religious traditions have long linked moral integrity with the stewardship of resources and the preservation of life. Fiat currency, however, corrupts these foundational beliefs. In the theological narrative of creation, humans are given dominion over the Earth, tasked with nurturing and protecting it for future generations. But the fiat system promotes the exact opposite: it commodifies everything—land, labor, and life—treating them as mere transactions on a ledger. This disrespect for creation is an affront to the divine. In many theologies, creation is meant to be sustained, a delicate balance that mirrors the harmony of the divine order. Fiat systems—by continuously printing money and driving inflation—treat nature and humanity as expendable resources to be exploited for short-term gains, leading to environmental degradation and societal collapse. The creation narrative, in which humans are called to be stewards, is inverted. The fiat system, through its unholy alliance with unrestrained growth and unsustainable debt, is destroying the very creation it should protect. Furthermore, the fiat system drives idolatry of power and wealth. The central banks and corporations that control the money supply have become modern-day gods, their decrees shaping the lives of billions, while the masses are enslaved by debt and inflation. This form of worship isn't overt, but it is profound. It leads to a world where people place their faith not in God or their families, but in the abstract promises of institutions that serve their own interests. Physics and the Infinite Growth Paradox Physics teaches us that the universe is finite—resources, energy, and space are all limited. Yet, the fiat system operates under the delusion of infinite growth. Central banks print money without concern for natural limits, encouraging an economy that assumes unending expansion. This is not only an economic fallacy; it is a physical impossibility. In thermodynamics, the Second Law states that entropy (disorder) increases over time in any closed system. The fiat system operates as if the Earth were an infinite resource pool, perpetually able to expand without consequence. The real world, however, does not bend to these abstract concepts of infinite growth. Resources are finite, ecosystems are fragile, and human capacity is limited. Fiat currency, by promoting unsustainable consumption and growth, accelerates the depletion of resources and the degradation of natural systems that support life itself. Even the financial “growth” driven by fiat policies leads to unsustainable bubbles—inflated stock markets, real estate, and speculative assets that burst and leave ruin in their wake. These crashes aren’t just economic—they have profound biological consequences. The cycles of boom and bust undermine communities, erode social stability, and increase anxiety and depression, all of which affect human health at a biological level. Biology: The Fiat System and the Destruction of Human Health Biologically, the fiat system is a cancerous growth on human society. The constant chase for growth and the devaluation of work leads to chronic stress, which is one of the leading causes of disease in modern society. The strain of living in a system that values speculation over well-being results in a biological feedback loop: rising anxiety, poor mental health, physical diseases like cardiovascular disorders, and a shortening of lifespans. Moreover, the focus on profit and short-term returns creates a biological disconnect between humans and the planet. The fiat system fuels industries that destroy ecosystems, increase pollution, and deplete resources at unsustainable rates. These actions are not just environmentally harmful; they directly harm human biology. The degradation of the environment—whether through toxic chemicals, pollution, or resource extraction—has profound biological effects on human health, causing respiratory diseases, cancers, and neurological disorders. The biological cost of the fiat system is not a distant theory; it is being paid every day by millions in the form of increased health risks, diseases linked to stress, and the growing burden of mental health disorders. The constant uncertainty of an inflation-driven economy exacerbates these conditions, creating a society of individuals whose bodies and minds are under constant strain. We are witnessing a systemic biological unraveling, one in which the very act of living is increasingly fraught with pain, instability, and the looming threat of collapse. Finance as the Final Illusion At the core of the fiat system is a fundamental illusion—that financial growth can occur without any real connection to tangible value. The abstraction of currency, the manipulation of interest rates, and the constant creation of new money hide the underlying truth: the system is built on nothing but faith. When that faith falters, the entire system collapses. This illusion has become so deeply embedded that it now defines the human experience. Work no longer connects to production or creation—it is reduced to a transaction on a spreadsheet, a means to acquire more fiat currency in a world where value is ephemeral and increasingly disconnected from human reality. As we pursue ever-expanding wealth, the fundamental truths of biology—interdependence, sustainability, and balance—are ignored. The fiat system’s abstract financial models serve to disconnect us from the basic realities of life: that we are part of an interconnected world where every action has a reaction, where resources are finite, and where human health, both mental and physical, depends on the stability of our environment and our social systems. The Ultimate Extermination In the end, the fiat system is not just an economic issue; it is a biological, philosophical, theological, and existential threat to the very survival of humanity. It is a force that devalues human effort, encourages environmental destruction, fosters inequality, and creates pain at the core of the human biological condition. It is an economic framework that leads not to prosperity, but to extermination—not just of species, but of the very essence of human well-being. To continue on this path is to accept the slow death of our species, one based not on natural forces, but on our own choice to worship the abstract over the real, the speculative over the tangible. The fiat system isn't just a threat; it is the ultimate self-inflicted wound, a cultural and financial cancer that, if left unchecked, will destroy humanity’s chance for survival and peace.

I’ll admit that I was wrong about Bitcoin. Perhaps in 2013. Definitely 2017. Probably in 2018-2019. And maybe even today. Being wrong about Bitcoin is part of finally understanding it. It will test you, make you question everything, and in the words of BTC educator and privacy advocate [Matt Odell](https://twitter.com/ODELL), “Bitcoin will humble you”. I’ve had my own stumbles on the way. In a very public fashion in 2017, after years of using Bitcoin, trying to start a company with it, using it as my primary exchange vehicle between currencies, and generally being annoying about it at parties, I let out the bear. In an article published in my own literary magazine *Devolution Review* in September 2017, I had a breaking point. The article was titled “[Going Bearish on Bitcoin: Cryptocurrencies are the tulip mania of the 21st century](https://www.devolutionreview.com/bearish-on-bitcoin/)”. It was later republished in *Huffington Post* and across dozens of financial and crypto blogs at the time with another, more appropriate title: “[Bitcoin Has Become About The Payday, Not Its Potential](https://www.huffpost.com/archive/ca/entry/bitcoin-has-become-about-the-payday-not-its-potential_ca_5cd5025de4b07bc72973ec2d)”. As I laid out, my newfound bearishness had little to do with the technology itself or the promise of Bitcoin, and more to do with the cynical industry forming around it: > In the beginning, Bitcoin was something of a revolution to me. The digital currency represented everything from my rebellious youth. > > It was a decentralized, denationalized, and digital currency operating outside the traditional banking and governmental system. It used tools of cryptography and connected buyers and sellers across national borders at minimal transaction costs. > > … > > The 21st-century version (of Tulip mania) has welcomed a plethora of slick consultants, hazy schemes dressed up as investor possibilities, and too much wishy-washy language for anything to really make sense to anyone who wants to use a digital currency to make purchases. While I called out Bitcoin by name at the time, on reflection, I was really talking about the ICO craze, the wishy-washy consultants, and the altcoin ponzis. What I was articulating — without knowing it — was the frame of NgU, or “numbers go up”. Rather than advocating for Bitcoin because of its uncensorability, proof-of-work, or immutability, the common mentality among newbies and the dollar-obsessed was that Bitcoin mattered because its price was a rocket ship. And because Bitcoin was gaining in price, affinity tokens and projects that were imperfect forks of Bitcoin took off as well. The price alone — rather than its qualities — were the reasons why you’d hear Uber drivers, finance bros, or your gym buddy mention Bitcoin. As someone who came to Bitcoin for philosophical reasons, that just sat wrong with me. Maybe I had too many projects thrown in my face, or maybe I was too frustrated with the UX of Bitcoin apps and sites at the time. No matter what, I’ve since learned something. **I was at least somewhat wrong.** My own journey began in early 2011. One of my favorite radio programs, Free Talk Live, began interviewing guests and having discussions on the potential of Bitcoin. They tied it directly to a libertarian vision of the world: free markets, free people, and free banking. That was me, and I was in. Bitcoin was at about $5 back then (NgU). I followed every article I could, talked about it with guests [on my college radio show](https://libertyinexile.wordpress.com/2011/05/09/osamobama_on_the_tubes/), and became a devoted redditor on r/Bitcoin. At that time, at least to my knowledge, there was no possible way to buy Bitcoin where I was living. Very weak. **I was probably wrong. And very wrong for not trying to acquire by mining or otherwise.** The next year, after moving to Florida, Bitcoin was a heavy topic with a friend of mine who shared the same vision (and still does, according to the Celsius bankruptcy documents). We talked about it with passionate leftists at **Occupy Tampa** in 2012, all the while trying to explain the ills of Keynesian central banking, and figuring out how to use Coinbase. I began writing more about Bitcoin in 2013, writing a guide on “[How to Avoid Bank Fees Using Bitcoin](http://thestatelessman.com/2013/06/03/using-bitcoin/),” discussing its [potential legalization in Germany](https://yael.ca/2013/10/01/lagefi-alternative-monetaire-et-legislation-de/), and interviewing Jeremy Hansen, [one of the first political candidates in the U.S. to accept Bitcoin donations](https://yael.ca/2013/12/09/bitcoin-politician-wants-to-upgrade-democracy-in/). Even up until that point, I thought Bitcoin was an interesting protocol for sending and receiving money quickly, and converting it into fiat. The global connectedness of it, plus this cypherpunk mentality divorced from government control was both useful and attractive. I thought it was the perfect go-between. **But I was wrong.** When I gave my [first public speech](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtVypq2f0G4) on Bitcoin in Vienna, Austria in December 2013, I had grown obsessed with Bitcoin’s adoption on dark net markets like Silk Road. My theory, at the time, was the number and price were irrelevant. The tech was interesting, and a novel attempt. It was unlike anything before. But what was happening on the dark net markets, which I viewed as the true free market powered by Bitcoin, was even more interesting. I thought these markets would grow exponentially and anonymous commerce via BTC would become the norm. While the price was irrelevant, it was all about buying and selling goods without permission or license. **Now I understand I was wrong.** Just because Bitcoin was this revolutionary technology that embraced pseudonymity did not mean that all commerce would decentralize as well. It did not mean that anonymous markets were intended to be the most powerful layer in the Bitcoin stack. What I did not even anticipate is something articulated very well by noted Bitcoin OG [Pierre Rochard](https://twitter.com/BitcoinPierre): [Bitcoin as a *savings technology*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BavRqEoaxjI)*.* The ability to maintain long-term savings, practice self-discipline while stacking stats, and embrace a low-time preference was just not something on the mind of the Bitcoiners I knew at the time. Perhaps I was reading into the hype while outwardly opposing it. Or perhaps I wasn’t humble enough to understand the true value proposition that many of us have learned years later. In the years that followed, I bought and sold more times than I can count, and I did everything to integrate it into passion projects. I tried to set up a company using Bitcoin while at my university in Prague. My business model depended on university students being technologically advanced enough to have a mobile wallet, own their keys, and be able to make transactions on a consistent basis. Even though I was surrounded by philosophically aligned people, those who would advance that to actually put Bitcoin into practice were sparse. This is what led me to proclaim that “[Technological Literacy is Doomed](https://www.huffpost.com/archive/ca/entry/technological-literacy-is-doomed_b_12669440)” in 2016. **And I was wrong again.** Indeed, since that time, the UX of Bitcoin-only applications, wallets, and supporting tech has vastly improved and onboarded millions more people than anyone thought possible. The entrepreneurship, coding excellence, and vision offered by Bitcoiners of all stripes have renewed a sense in me that this project is something built for us all — friends and enemies alike. While many of us were likely distracted by flashy and pumpy altcoins over the years (me too, champs), most of us have returned to the Bitcoin stable. Fast forward to today, there are entire ecosystems of creators, activists, and developers who are wholly reliant on the magic of Bitcoin’s protocol for their life and livelihood. The options are endless. The FUD is still present, but real proof of work stands powerfully against those forces. In addition, there are now [dozens of ways to use Bitcoin privately](https://fixthemoney.substack.com/p/not-your-keys-not-your-coins-claiming) — still without custodians or intermediaries — that make it one of the most important assets for global humanity, especially in dictatorships. This is all toward a positive arc of innovation, freedom, and pure independence. Did I see that coming? Absolutely not. Of course, there are probably other shots you’ve missed on Bitcoin. Price predictions (ouch), the short-term inflation hedge, or the amount of institutional investment. While all of these may be erroneous predictions in the short term, we have to realize that Bitcoin is a long arc. It will outlive all of us on the planet, and it will continue in its present form for the next generation. **Being wrong about the evolution of Bitcoin is no fault, and is indeed part of the learning curve to finally understanding it all.** When your family or friends ask you about Bitcoin after your endless sessions explaining market dynamics, nodes, how mining works, and the genius of cryptographic signatures, try to accept that there is still so much we have to learn about this decentralized digital cash. There are still some things you’ve gotten wrong about Bitcoin, and plenty more you’ll underestimate or get wrong in the future. That’s what makes it a beautiful journey. It’s a long road, but one that remains worth it.

### Excerpt Special Jurisdictions, Free Cities and Bitcoin Citadels are the sly roundabout way that is removing the market of living together from the hands of the government, without violence and in a way that they can´t stop it. With Bitcoin as the backbone of a new societal order, we are beginning to disrupt the old paradigm. ----------- > “If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.” ― Henry David Thoreau, [Walden](https://archive.org/details/henry-david-) ----------- ### The problem: lack of freedom in the physical realm Freedom is essential to human life. Being free is what matters. That´s our target, always. No matter the time or space. We pursue freedom because we know its the right thing to do. Freedom is the right to question and change the stablished way of doing things. Where can we find some freedom? Certainly in the cyberspace. The cyberspace is a free space. Humanity has been blessed by the magic of cryptography, a technology that gave us all the necessary tools to operate in that environment without intervention of undesired third parties. In cyberspace cryptography performs the function of an impenetrable cyberwall. So, whatever we build in cyberspace can be perfectly protected. Thank to this cybernetic walls we can be sure that the gardens we build and nurture will be protected and cannot be trampled. When we build our digital gardens we have the keys to open the doors to let in whoever we want and most important to leave out whoever we don´t want. In the digital world we can already perfectly interact with one and another in a peer to peer way, without intervention of undesired third parties. In cyberspace we have Bitcoin for freedom of money and [Nostr,](https://nostr.com/) torrent and Tor for freedom of information and speech. These open-source protocols are designed to fully realize and expand the promise of freedom, and they certainly deliver what they promise.  So, thanks to the magic of asymmetric cryptography, we´ve already achieved sufficiently descentralization and the possibility of any level of desired digital privacy. [Cryptoanarchists](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTtbkguROdk) and [cypherpunks](https://cdn.nakamotoinstitute.org/docs/cyphernomicon.txt) have set their conquering flag in cyberspace and there´s no force on Earth than can remove it. The digital world cannot escape the rules of cryptography. This is great but it only works in the digital realm, meanwhile in the physical realm we are overrun by centralized attackers due to the impossibility of the creation of impenetrable walls such as the ones we have online. Humans have the upper hand in creating impenetrable walled gardens in cyberspace, but in the physical space authoritarians have the upper hand in bullying physical persons. The physical world is also naturally free. According to natural law each person is free to do whatever he wants as long as it doesn´t hurt other people. However due to unnatural -artificial and inhuman- centralization of power, the natural freedom of the physical world has been completely undermined. Mostly by Governments, the entities that centralize violence and law. ## Bitcoin as a bridge between both realms  Let´s take a look at one connection between both realms, the physical and the digital world. Bitcoin layer one is made essentially of software plus hardware. It consists of any software that produces the same output as the reference implementation - Bitcoin core- and the hardware needed to run that software. Layer two, three or any other layer above, is made essentially of other software and other hardware that interacts with layer one in some way. All these layers, one, two and subsequent, are completely protected by cryptography and a set of game theories that have been successfully tested. Each new block added to the timechain is a testimony of the unstoppable force of freedom and meritocracy. Before layer one we have Bitcoin layer zero, which is essentially the sum of all actions and inactions done by bitcoiners regarding to or because of bitcoin. In other words, layer zero is composed by flesh and bone people interacting in some way with layer one of the bitcoin network. Hence, an attack on a bitcoiner - on his way of life- is an attack on bitcoin, the network itself. First because it is an attack on a layer zero node, the physical person, the bitcoiner under duress or coercion. And second because is also an attack on the store-of-value-aspect of bitcoin. Nowaday, the most common attack against bitcoiners is the entirety of compliance regulations. This is the sum of all coercive regulations,such as laws, threats of more laws, imprisonment, threats of more imprisonment, taxation, threats of more taxation, requirements to prove the origin of funds, coercive removal of privacy such as the travel rule, unnecessary bureaucracy such as the need to obtain a money transmitting license and many others rules, in a never stopping inflationary coercive legislation.  If a physical attack is preventing any bitcoiner to exchange the value he created for bitcoin due to any kind of artificial obstacles -such as any kind of compliance- that specific attack is successful in the sense that even though the whole network keeps operating, the attack itself diminishes the value of all the bitcoins. So, even if layer-zero cannot be taken down, every interference on this layer is an attack on the bitcoin network. Attacks on layer one, two or any other layer that exists in the cyberspace can interfere with the network but they may hardly subtract any value from it. For example we have already been through plenty of times where hashing power was diminished due to government intervention and the bitcoin network remain completely unaffected. On the other hand successful attacks on layer zero subtract potential, but real and demonstrable value. This value is equal to the amount of value the frustrated user would have added to the network if he would have been able to use it freely, that means if he would have sold his product without the cost of compliance. I´ll demonstrate this in the next chapter. ## The cost of compliance Alice is a merchant specialized in a specific area and topic. She studied the market, her business, her suppliers, consumers, the logistics involved, marketing, design, and everything necessary to become a successful entrepreneur. After investing a considerable amount of resources, she developed a perfect product. Or at least she considers it perfect, that is, the best in its class. While developing everything necessary to create her product, she met Bob, who became her main lead and stereotype of a buyer persona. She knows what Bob wants and she wants to sell it to him. According to Alice's calculations, for her business to be viable, she must sell the product at ten satoshis per unit, and fortunately, Bob is willing to pay that price for it. Alice's product is finished, ready to hit the market, but just before sending it to production, Alice decides to take a pause to analyze her reality. Before taking the public action of making her product available in the open market, Alice analyzes her material, political, and legal reality. In doing so, she realizes that she lives under the jurisdiction of a State. She learns that the Government prescribes through its regulations how she must behave. She analyzes that in order to sell her product legally, in compliance, she must make a series of modifications to it. The product before hitting the shelves must first be modified both in the way it is presented to the market and also regarding certain technical characteristics that it possesses. She must also modify the way it produces her product by changing the contractual relationship with its suppliers, distribution channels, and all other types of logistics involved. She must make all these changes even if they bring about significant and insurmountable inefficiencies. Likewise, Alice also sees that she not only has to modify the product but also has to meet tax obligations. In addition to paying an accountant since the tax obligations by some irrational reason are not calculated by the creditor. Additionally, she must hire other professionals to assist her in studying the current regulations and how they should be applied in all stages of production, distribution, and sale of her product. Alice, being a rational person, wishes to avoid having to make these modifications since they increase her costs while also decreasing the quality of her product. But when studying compliance, that is, the entirety of applicable regulations, she also examines the consequences of not being in compliance. Alice realizes that if she does not comply with the regulations, she risks having all her assets legally confiscated, going to prison, being killed while they try to capture her to imprison her, and, if she goes to prison, being tortured in jail by other inmates or by State officials in charge of holding her in that place. So, since Alice does not want to suffer these negative consequences, she decides to modify the product and be in compliance. So, Alice makes the necessary changes and puts her new version of the product on the market. Then she has the following dialogue with Bob, her lead, the interested party in acquiring the product. Bob: *- Hey Alice, nice meeting you here in this market. I came to buy the product you were developing and told me about. However, this product I´m seein now is not what you promised me. This is clearly inferior.* Alice: *- Yeah, I know. I'm sorry Bob, but I prefer to sell this inferior product rather than risk having all my assets confiscated, going to prison, being killed while they try to capture me, and if they don´t kill but managed to put me in jail I could be tortured there.* Bob: *- Ok, no problem. Thats quite understandable. I don´t believe anyone would prefer those kind of experiences. But given the quality of the product, I no longer intend to pay you ten satoshis; I only offer you eight. Shall we close the deal?* Alice: *- I'm sorry Bob, but I can't sell it to you for eight sats. Due to government intervention and its requirements, now I can't even sell it for less than thirteen satoshis.* Bob: *- Ok. Considering this I prefer not to purchase it. I will keep looking for alternatives. Bye*  Some time later, Charlie arrives at the market, who is also interested in the product and, despite it not being like the original version, decides to purchase it by paying the thirteen satoshis demanded by the seller Alice. Meanwhile, in the same universe, we have Daniel, the last character in this example. Daniel is a merchant competing with Alice. Daniel has a product that is very similar, practically identical to the one originally designed by Alice. Like Alice, Daniel initially also wants to sell it for ten satoshis. Just like Alice, before heading to the market, Daniel analyzes the reality in which he lives. And it turns out that he also lives under the jurisdiction of a State. Daniel too then analyzes the entirety of the applicable regulations and also comes to the conclusion that to comply with them, he would also need to modify the product and cover all the additional expenses artificially generated to be in compliance. However, Daniel's ethics are different from Alice's. Daniel understands that his product is indeed perfect (the best in its class) and that therefore modifying it would go against its essence. Daniel understands that changing the product would be a betrayal of his creation and therefore a betrayal of his own self and the essence of his being. Daniel conducts an ethical analysis of his actions and the moral implications of putting the product on the market. Daniel sees that the product not only does not harm anyone but is also made to be freely acquired by adults who give their consent for its purchase and subsequent use. Daniel also understands that paying taxes only serves to promote the slavery system driven by fiat and that whenever he can avoid collaborating with the immoral fiat system, it is his ethical obligation to do so. Likewise, Daniel highlights the hypocrisy and inefficiencies of anti-money laundering regulations, as well as the futility of requiring licenses for naturally free acts that do not harm others. For all these reasons, Daniel decides to sell the product in its current state irregardles of compliance regulations. However, before going to market, Daniel also studies the possible consequences of neglecting compliance. By doing so, Daniel sees that if he does not comply with the regulations, he risks having all his assets legally confiscated, going to prison, being killed while they attempt to capture him to imprison him, and, in the event of going to prison, being tortured in jail by other inmates or by State officials responsible for holding him in that place. So, since Daniel is a rational person who does not want to suffer these negative consequences but also does not want to betray his product and himself, he decides to take the risk of not being in compliance. After making this decision, Daniel puts the product on the market and there he meets Bob. In doing so, they converse in the following terms: Bob: *- Hey Daniel, this product is exactly what I was looking for. A product like the one promised by Alice but never delivered. I love it! I offer you ten satoshis for it.* Daniel: *- Thank you for your feedback Bob and for the offer! However I am currently selling it for eleven satoshis. Ten satoshis seems like a good price to me, and it was indeed my original intention to sell it for that amount because at that price I achieve competitiveness and a sustainable business model.* Bob: - *So why are you asking me for eleven satoshis?* Interrupts Bob Daniel: *- Because that price is calculated before assessing compliance and the risks associated with non-compliance. By not complying with the regulation, I managed to maintain the quality of the product and avoided a large amount of unnecessary expenses, but there is no way to avoid the risk of facing penalties for non-compliance. To bring this product to market, I had to incur several expenses in order to minimize the risk of non-compliance as much as possible. While I am taking all reasonable actions to prevent all of my assets from being legally confiscated, from going to prison, from being killed while they try to capture me, and in case of going to prison, from being tortured, the reality is that I still run the risk of all that, or part of all that, happening to me, my family, or any of my company's employees. The remaining risk balance is transferred to the price along with the costs of mitigating those risks. The total of those costs and the remaining risk I estimate them at one satoshi per unit of product. Therefore, I can't sell you the product for ten satoshis, but I can sell it to you for eleven.* To which Bob, lacking a better option in the market, ends up buying the product for eleven satoshis. **In summary:** two products were made by two different merchants whose business model allowed them, in both cases, to put the product on the market at a rate of ten satoshis per unit. However, in one case, a lower quality product was sold for thirteen satoshis, and in the other case, a higher quality product was sold for eleven satoshis. That is to say, in the first case there was an overprice or inefficiency objectively measured at three satoshis, while in the second case there was an overprice or inefficiency of one satoshi. So, we are facing a total loss of value equivalent to four satoshis. The value represented by these four satoshis was absorbed by the inefficiency programmed and ruled by the State. The example shows us that whether one chooses the compliance route, as Alice did, or the free market route, as Daniel did, in both cases the existence of regulations generates an additional cost to the market. In this example the state attack on layer zero was successful and extracted from the Bitcoin network a value of four satoshis. ## Bitcoin is money Bitcoin is many things but essentially is money. And money sole purpose is to store value in order to facilitate future exchanges of products and services with other people. Without the products and services to be exchanged for the money, money itself would be useless and worthless. We only use money because we may require favors, benefits, services, products from other people in the future. And we don´t know which services and products we´ll need nor exactly when we are goint to need them.  The total value of bitcoin equals to infinity divided twenty one millions. This is because the total worth of the network mirrors the total worth of accumulated capital by the entirety of mankind throughout its entire history. That is clearly a lot of value. But if the if the dividend equals zero then the divisor is also zero and if the dividend growth is obstructed through artificial means -such as compliance- then the divisor growth is also obstructed. Bitcoin layer zero, the bitcoiners and the services and products we create, are what give value to the twenty one million units of bitcoin. Freedom is without a doubt the best context for value creation. So, the more and better games we can create that allow humankind to find a way to exercise freedom, then the most value we can add to all the layers of the network. This is why the most important layer of the whole bitcoin phenomenon is layer zero, the bitcoiners. Hence the problem to be solved is not how to prevent bitcoin - layer one upwards- from successful attacks. The problem to solve is how to prevent attacks on layer zero. Or in other words, the problem to be solved is how to get bitcoiners in the physical world to practice the same level of freedom that bitcoin achieves in the cyberspace. Summary of the first part of this article: freedom in cyberspace has already been conquered and each further development in the digital realm contributes to further developments but only in the same realm. Meanwhile in the physical space, the layer zero of bitcoin is under constant attacks that successfully extract value from it. ## Exercising freedom in a sly roundabout way  In 1984 the [Austrian economist](https://mises.org/) Friedrich Hayek predicted that we couldn´t take money with violence out of the hands of government. He stated that we needed to do it in a [sly roundabout way.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lV5P7aPZic) Twenty five years later Satoshi Nakamoto discovered the sly roundabout way actually introducing something that the government couldn´t stop. Thus fulfilling Hayek´s prophecy. Bitcoin is a sly roundabout way that removed money without violence from the hands of the government in a way that they can´t stop it. Cryptography in general and protocols such as Tor and Tails are a sly roundabout way that removed confidential information from the hands of the government without violence in a way that they can´t stop it. Nostr is a sly roundabout way that removed social media and public information from the hands of the government without violence in a way that they can´t stop it. **Special Jurisdictions, Free Cities and Bitcoin Citadels are the sly roundabout way that is removing the market of living together from the hands of the government without violence in a way that they can´t stop it.**  So, what are [Special Jurisdictions, ](https://journalofspecialjurisdictions.com/index.php/jsj/article/view/51)[Free Cities ](https://free-cities.org/)and [Bitcoin Citadels?](https://citadelium.com/the-seven-levels-of-citadels/) To understand what they are we can take a look at the current mainstream market of living together, at how the physical space is organized. Essentially the entire planet Earth and its surroundings are run by a conglomerate of Governments. They create all the rules, regarding every aspect of life, of all the individuals, and enforce every rule through coercive means. In the mainstream market of living together individuals have several alternatives to pick from. We can choose to live in a natural city or a pre design city, in a public neighborhood or private neighborhood or even in an intentional community with common interest amongst the users. But irregardless of the choice, every product offered in the mainstream market has the sames rules which are established by the host state to the entirety of organizations in his territory. In the mainstream market, even the most different products abide by the same high level rules such as criminal law, civil law, taxation laws, customs, enviromental laws, money laundering regulations and many others. To abide to the sum of all the laws and regulations is to be in compliance. The centralization of regulations makes extremely difficult to experiment in market of living together. The less experimentation is allowed, the more human progress is hindered. So what is the sly roundabout that fixes this? What are Special Jurisdictions, Free Cities and Bitcoin Citadels? I´m using the term Special Jurisdictions as an umbrella term that includes the entire spectrum of iterations of products that aim to modify the mainstream rules of the market of living together. This term includes all the different models such as Charter Cities, Free Cities, Special Economic Zones, microstates, micropolis, start up societies, government as a service, self governing jurisdictions, autonomous intentional communities, network states and Bitcoin Citadels. The array of possible iterations is huge and permanently expanding. What they all have in common is that each of these experiments aims to create a functional game theory that replaces the lack of unbreakable walls in the physical space. Let´s take a look of a couple of examples. Special Economic Zones are bounded areas of countries that have their own rules and regulations. Worldwide, there are more than five thousands special economic zones located in more than hundred countries. One of them is the special economic zone of Shenzhen in China. The Chinese government allowed Shenzhen the freedom to experiment with certain practices that were prohibited in the rest of the country at the time. This included allowing foreign companies to make direct investments in China, allowing people to buy and sell land, allowing Chinese people to set up their own private businesses and relaxation of the system that limited internal migration within China for Chinese citizens. It served as a place where China could experiment with market reforms. The experiment was such a huge economic success that it was replicated in many other areas of the country. Another place that has made extensive use of special economic zones is Dubai. The monarchic Government has more than 30 SEZs. In this case one of the many obstacles removed by the host state its the monopoly of the legal system. Dubai Government allowed the special economic zone to have its own independent legal system thus conceding a modification of the mainstream rules in that area. This kind of projects, such as Dubai or Shenzhen, are a top-to-down product. Fully created by the Governments thus compliant with their own regulations.  On the other side of the spectrum we have Citadels and several other archetypes of not so compliant projects . For example the [Free Commune of Penadexo](https://free-communities.org/project/penadexo/) it´s a grassroots project building a freedom-oriented community in one of Spain’s abandoned villages.  It´s model is based on building a peer to peer society avoiding government intervention as much as possible. They stablished themselves in an abandoned historic village and the started to track down the owners to purchase as much property as possible. Meanwhile, they are living there and expanding their users base while also reconstructing buildings. This is an example of a completely different way of dealing with the Government. While Special Economic Zones are fully compliant and created top to down, this model on the other hand is bottom-up and aims to add value to the users relying in factual freedom which is exercised by stablishing the commune away from heavily populated centers where Government grip is tighter. Under this model the interaction with the Government is kept as low as possible. Their strategy relies in ignoring the Government as much as possible and being a good neighbor. With this simple and effective tactic some Citadels enjoy the benefits of liberty in their lifetime without needing to spend huge resources in governmental lobby. There are countless models or archetypes of Bitcoin Citadels trying to solve the obstacles in different ways, trying to restart the system. And one of the challenges of the Bitcoin Citadels is how to connect the different projects to boost and help each other. This is where [The Meshtadel](https://www.citadel21.com/meshtadel) comes into play. The Meshtadel is a system where decentralized tactics are used to help and defend citadels connected in a global network. With real life connections with fellow bitcoiners. Its an organization equivalent to the hanseatic league built under a [starfish model](https://youtu.be/-2Fyd5VjuUw). If you cut off a spider’s head, it dies, but if you cut off a starfish’s arm, it can regenerate and even grow into a new starfish. The Meshtadel its a network of peer relationships, with ambiguous leadership roles, trust among participants, a shared ideology and vision based on the Bitcoin ethos, and an open system where new nodes - bitcoin citadel builders - can participate.  The long term goal of the Bitcoin Meshtadel is to help Bitcoin Citadels to gain the support of a critical mass of the total population. If enough people see that Bitcoin is as peaceful as it gets, in the long run, some nations could become friendly and supportive enough to legally tolerate the Bitcoin Citadel inside its territory in the form of a Bitcoin safe haven. In the Meshtadel we are fighting from the moral high ground using memes, Nostr notes and zapping our way into freedom creating an online and offline circular economy. ## TO CONCLUDE: Special Jurisdictions, Free Cities and Bitcoin Citadels are the sly roundabout way that is removing the market of living together from the hands of the government, without violence and in a way that they can´t stop it. Nation states, abusing the myth of authority, have halted development on the market of living together for so long that a blooming freer market is eating its lunch. The sovereign individual thesis is live and continuously expanding. The network state is forming and intentional communities are flourishing all around the world reshaping globally the relationship between individuals and the governments. With global internet connections, uncensorable means of communication and Bitcoin as the backbone of a new societal order, we are beginning to disrupt the old paradigm. The fashion of the present world is passing away, let’s help it to move forward along by building Special Jurisdictions, Free Cities and Bitcoin Citadels. --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ------ by[Camilo](https://camilojdl.com/)at 875.341 timechain. If you find this content helpful, zap it to support more content of the sort and to boost the [V4V model.](https://dergigi.com/2021/12/30/the-freedom-of-value/#accept-the-nature-of-information)

Well hello again. This article is meant to have enough text and a range of element types so that we can test them all thoroughly. You are not meant to read it. If you are doing so, you need to ask yourself WTF am I doing? Wasting away reading filler content OMG. Still reading? NGMI. Well, good luck to you. # Testing Lists Here are some bullet points to keep an eye on: - Make sure you walk outside barefoot every day. Grounding is good; - Pounding can be good too, depending on the circumstances; - Not gonna go into details here, hopefully you know what I mean. # Emails someone@email.com <someone@email.com> [someone@email.com]() And here are some numbered points: 1. I found that the most impactful habit for my health is 20-4 paleo; 2. The 2nd most important: daily exercise, preferably outside; 3. Getting deep sleep is up there too. Personally, I need 8 hours; 4. If you nail the top 3 items above, you can generally get away with other shit. # Testing Images Now let's look at a beautiful sunrise:  What more do you want? I mean seriously, this article is epic. Better than most. Peace.

----------- > “If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.” ― Henry David Thoreau, [Walden](https://archive.org/details/henry-david-) ----------- ### The problem: lack of freedom in the physical realm Freedom is essential to human life. Being free is what matters. That´s our target, always. No matter the time or space. We pursue freedom because we know its the right thing to do. Freedom is the right to question and change the stablished way of doing things. Where can we find some freedom? Certainly in the cyberspace. The cyberspace is a free space. Humanity has been blessed by the magic of cryptography, a technology that gave us all the necessary tools to operate in that environment without intervention of undesired third parties. In cyberspace cryptography performs the function of an impenetrable cyberwall. So, whatever we build in cyberspace can be perfectly protected. Thank to this cybernetic walls we can be sure that the gardens we build and nurture will be protected and cannot be trampled. When we build our digital gardens we have the keys to open the doors to let in whoever we want and most important to leave out whoever we doesn´t want. In the digital world we can already perfectly interact with one and another in a peer to peer way, without intervention of undesired third parties. In cyberspace we have Bitcoin for freedom of money and [Nostr,](https://nostr.com/) torrent and Tor for freedom of information and speech. These open-source protocols are designed to fully realize and expand the promise of freedom, and they certainly deliver what they promise.  So, thanks to the magic of asymmetric cryptography, we´ve already achieved sufficiently descentralization and the possibility of any level of desired digital privacy. [Cryptoanarchists](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTtbkguROdk) and [cypherpunks](https://cdn.nakamotoinstitute.org/docs/cyphernomicon.txt) have set their conquering flag in cyberspace and there´s no force on Earth than can remove it. The digital world cannot escape the rules of cryptography. This is great but it only works in the digital realm, meanwhile in the physical realm we are overrun by centralized attackers due to the impossibility of the creation of impenetrable walls such as the ones we have online. Humans have the upper hand in creating impenetrable walled gardens in cyberspace, but in the physical space authoritarians have the upper hand in bullying physical persons. The physical world is also naturally free. According to natural law each person is free to do whatever he wants as long as it doesn´t hurt other people. However due to unnatural -artificial and inhuman- centralization of power, the natural freedom of the physical world has been completely undermined. Mostly by Governments, the entities that centralize violence and law. ## Bitcoin as a bridge between both realms  Let´s take a look at one connection between both realms, the physical and the digital world. Bitcoin layer one is made essentially of software plus hardware. It consists of any software that produces the same output as the reference implementation - Bitcoin core- and the hardware needed to run that software. Layer two, three or any other layer above, is made essentially of other software and other hardware that interacts with layer one in some way. All these layers, one, two an subsequent, are completely protected by cryptography and a set of game theories that have been successfully tested. Each new block added to the timechain is a testimony of the unstoppable force of freedom and meritocracy. Before layer one we have Bitcoin layer zero, which is essentially the sum of all actions and inactions done by bitcoiners regarding to or because of bitcoin. In other words, layer zero is composed by flesh and bone people interacting in some way with layer one of the bitcoin network. Hence, an attack on a bitcoiner - on his way of life- is an attack on bitcoin, the network itself. First because it is an attack on a layer zero node, the physical person, the bitcoiner under duress or coertion. And second because is also an attack on the store-of-value-aspect of bitcoin. Nowaday, the most common attack against bitcoiners is the entirety of compliance regulations. This is the sum of all coercive regulations,such as laws, threats of more laws, imprisonment, threats of more imprisonment, taxation, threats of more taxation, requirements to prove the origin of funds, coercive removal of privacy such as the travel rule, unnecessary bureaucracy such as the needed to obtain a money transmitting license and many others rules, in a never stopping inflationary coercive legislation.  If a physical attack is preventing any bitcoiner to exchange the value he created for bitcoin due to any kind of artificial obstacles -such as any kind of compliance- that specific attack is succesfull in the sense that even though the whole network keeps operating, the attack itself diminishes the value of all the bitcoins. So, even if layer-zero cannot be taken down, every interference on this layer is an attack on the bitcoin network. Attacks on layer one, two or any other layer that exists in the cyberspace can interfere with the network but they may hardly subtract any value from it. For example we have already been through plenty of times where hashing power was diminished due to government intervention and the bitcoin network remain completely unaffected. On the other hand successful attacks on layer zero subtract potential, but real and demonstrable value. This value is equal to the amount of value the frustrated user would have added to the network if he would have been able to use it freely, that means if he would have sold his product without the cost of compliance. I´ll demonstrate this in the next chapter. ## The cost of compliance Alice is a merchant specialized in a specific area and topic. She studied the market, her business, her suppliers, consumers, the logistics involved, marketing, design, and everything necessary to become a successful entrepreneur. After investing a considerable amount of resources, she developed a perfect product. Or at least she considers it perfect, that is, the best in its class. While developing everything necessary to create her product, she met Bob, who became her main lead and stereotype of a buyer persona. She knows what Bob wants and she wants to sell it to him. According to Alice's calculations, for her business to be viable, she must sell the product at ten satoshis per unit, and fortunately, Bob is willing to pay that price for it. Alice's product is finished, ready to hit the market, but just before sending it to production, Alice decides to take a pause to analyze her reality. Before taking the public action of making her product available in the open market, Alice analyzes her material, political, and legal reality. In doing so, she realizes that she lives under the jurisdiction of a State. She learns that the Government prescribes through its regulations how she must behave. She analyzes that in order to sell her product legally, in compliance, she must make a series of modifications to it. The product before hitting the shelves must first be modified both in the way it is presented to the market and also regarding certain technical characteristics that it possesses. She must also modify the way it produces her product by changing the contractual relationship with its suppliers, distribution channels, and all other types of logistics involved. She must make all these changes even if they bring about significant and insurmountable inefficiencies. Likewise, Alice also sees that she not only has to modify the product but also has to meet tax obligations. In addition to paying an accountant since the tax obligations by some irrational reason are not calculated by the creditor. Additionally, she must hire other professionals to assist her in studying the current regulations and how they should be applied in all stages of production, distribution, and sale of her product. Alice, being a rational person, wishes to avoid having to make these modifications since they increase her costs while also decreasing the quality of her product. But when studying compliance, that is, the entirety of applicable regulations, she also examines the consequences of not being in compliance. Alice realizes that if she does not comply with the regulations, she risks having all her assets legally confiscated, going to prison, being killed while they try to capture her to imprison her, and, if she goes to prison, being tortured in jail by other inmates or by State officials in charge of holding her in that place. So, since Alice does not want to suffer these negative consequences, she decides to modify the product and be in compliance. So, Alice makes the necessary changes and puts her new version of the product on the market. Then she has the following dialogue with Bob, her lead, the interested party in acquiring the product. Bob: *- Hey Alice, nice meeting you here in this market. I came to buy the product you were developing and told me about. However, this product I´m seein now is not what you promised me. This is clearly inferior.* Alice: *- Yeah, I know. I'm sorry Bob, but I prefer to sell this inferior product rather than risk having all my assets confiscated, going to prison, being killed while they try to capture me, and if they don´t kill but managed to put me in jail I could be torture there.* Bob: *- Ok, no problem. Thats quite understandable. I don´t believe anyone would prefer that kind of experiences. But given the quality of the product, I no longer intend to pay you ten satoshis; I only offer you eight. Shall we close the deal?* Alice: *- I'm sorry Bob, but I can't sell it to you for eight sats. Due to government intervention and its requirements, now I can't even sell it for less than thirteen satoshis.* Bob: *- Ok. Considering this I prefer not to purchase it. I will keep looking for alternatives. Bye*  Some time later, Charlie arrives at the market, who is also interested in the product and, despite it not being like the original version, decides to purchase it by paying the thirteen satoshis demanded by the seller Alice. Meanwhile, in the same universe, we have Daniel, the last character in this example. Daniel is a merchant competing with Alice. Daniel has a product that is very similar, practically identical to the one originally designed by Alice. Like Alice, Daniel initially also wants to sell it for ten satoshis. Just like Alice, before heading to the market, Daniel analyzes the reality in which he lives. And it turns out that he also lives under the jurisdiction of a State. Daniel too then analyzes the entirety of the applicable regulations and also comes to the conclusion that to comply with them, he would also need to modify the product and cover all the additional expenses artificially generated to be in compliance. However, Daniel's ethics are different from Alice's. Daniel understands that his product is indeed perfect (the best in its class) and that therefore modifying it would go against its essence. Daniel understands that changing the product would be a betrayal of his creation and therefore a betrayal of his own self and the essence of his being. Daniel conducts an ethical analysis of his actions and the moral implications of putting the product on the market. Daniel sees that the product not only does not harm anyone but is also made to be freely acquired by adults who give their consent for its purchase and subsequent use. Daniel also understands that paying taxes only serves to promote the slavery system driven by fiat and that whenever he can avoid collaborating with the immoral fiat system, it is his ethical obligation to do so. Likewise, Daniel highlights the hypocrisy and inefficiencies of anti-money laundering regulations, as well as the futility of requiring licenses for naturally free acts that do not harm others. For all these reasons, Daniel decides to sell the product in its current state irregardles of compliance regulations. However, before going to market, Daniel also studies the possible consequences of neglecting compliance. By doing so, Daniel sees that if he does not comply with the regulations, he risks having all his assets legally confiscated, going to prison, being killed while they attempt to capture him to imprison him, and, in the event of going to prison, being tortured in jail by other inmates or by State officials responsible for holding him in that place. So, since Daniel is a rational person who does not want to suffer these negative consequences but also does not want to betray his product and himself, he decides to take the risk of not being in compliance. After making this decision, Daniel puts the product on the market and there he meets Bob. In doing so, they converse in the following terms: Bob: *- Hey Daniel, this product is exactly what I was looking for. A product like the one promised by Alice but never delivered. I love it! I offer you ten satoshis for it.* Daniel: *- Thank you for your feedback Bob and for the offer! However I am currently selling it for eleven satoshis. Ten satoshis seems like a good price to me, and it was indeed my original intention to sell it for that amount because at that price I achieve competitiveness and a sustainable business model.* Bob: - *So why are you asking me for eleven satoshis?* Interrupts Bob Daniel: *- Because that price is calculated before assessing compliance and the risks associated with non-compliance. By not complying with the regulation, I managed to maintain the quality of the product and avoided a large amount of unnecessary expenses, but there is no way to avoid the risk of facing penalties for non-compliance. To bring this product to market, I had to incur several expenses in order to minimize the risk of non-compliance as much as possible. While I am taking all reasonable actions to prevent all of my assets from being legally confiscated, from going to prison, from being killed while they try to capture me, and in case of going to prison, from being tortured, the reality is that I still run the risk of all that, or part of all that, happening to me, my family, or any of my company's employees. The remaining risk balance is transferred to the price along with the costs of mitigating those risks. The total of those costs and the remaining risk I estimate them at one satoshi per unit of product. Therefore, I can't sell you the product for ten satoshis, but I can sell it to you for eleven.* To which Bob, lacking a better option in the market, ends up buying the product for eleven satoshis. **In summary:** two products were made by two different merchants whose business model allowed them, in both cases, to put the product on the market at a rate of ten satoshis per unit. However, in one case, a lower quality product was sold for thirteen satoshis, and in the other case, a higher quality product was sold for eleven satoshis. That is to say, in the first case there was an overprice or inefficiency objectively measured at three satoshis, while in the second case there was an overprice or inefficiency of one satoshi. So, we are facing a total loss of value equivalent to four satoshis. The value represented by these four satoshis was absorbed by the inefficiency programmed and ruled by the State. The example shows us that whether one chooses the compliance route, as Alice did, or the free market route, as Daniel did, in both cases the existence of regulations generates an additional cost to the market. In this example the state attack on layer zero was successfull and extracted from the Bitcoin network a value of four satoshis. ## Bitcoin is money Bitcoin is many things but essentially is money. And money sole purpose is to store value in order to facilitate future exchanges of products and services with other people. Without the products and services to be exchanged for the money, money itself would be useless and worthless. We only use money because we may require favors, benefits, services, products from other people in the future. And we don´t know which services and products we´ll need nor exactly when we are goint to need them.  The total value of bitcoin equals to infinite divided twenty one millions. This is because the total worth of the network mirrors the total worth of accumulated capital by the entirety of mankind throught its entire history. That is clearly a lot of value. But if the if the dividend equals zero then the divisor is also zero and if the dividend growth is obstructed through artificial means -such as compliance- then the divisor growth is also obstructed. Bitcoin layer zero, the bitcoiners and the services and products we create, are what give value to the twenty one million units of bitcoin. Freedom is without a doubt the best context for value creation. So, the more and better games we can create that allow humankind to find a way to exercise freedom, then the most value we can add to all the layers of the network. This is why the most important layer of the whole bitcoin phenomenon is layer zero, the bitcoiners. Hence the problem to be solved is not how to prevent bitcoin - layer one upwards- from successful attacks. The problem to solve is how to prevent attacks on layer zero. Or in other words, the problem to be solved is how to get bitcoiners in the physical world to practice the same level of freedom that bitcoin achieves in the cyberspace. Summary of the first part of this article: freedom in cyberspace has already been conquered and each further development in the digital realm contributes to further developments but only in the same realm. Meanwhile in the physical space, the layer zero of bitcoin is under constant attacks that successfully extract value from it. ## Exercising freedom in a sly roundabout way  In 1984 the [Austrian economist](https://mises.org/) Friedrich Hayek predicted that we couldn´t take money with violence out of the hands of government. He stated that we needed to do it in a [sly roundabout way.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lV5P7aPZic) Twenty five years later Satoshi Nakamoto discovered the sly roundabout way actually introducing something that the government couldn´t stop. Thus fulfilling Hayek´s prophecy. Bitcoin is a sly roundabout way that removed money without violence from the hands of the government in a way that they can´t stop it. Cryptography in general and protocols such as Tor and Tails are a sly roundabout way that removed confidencial information from the hands of the government without violence in a way that they can´t stop it. Nostr is a sly roundabout way that removed social media and public information from the hands of the government without violence in a way that they can´t stop it. **Special Jurisdictions, Free Cities and Bitcoin Citadels are the sly roundabout way that is removing the market of living together from the hands of the government without violence in a way that they can´t stop it.**  So, what are [Special Jurisdictions, ](https://journalofspecialjurisdictions.com/index.php/jsj/article/view/51)[Free Cities ](https://free-cities.org/)and [Bitcoin Citadels?](https://citadelium.com/the-seven-levels-of-citadels/) To understand what they are we can take a look at the current mainstream market of living together, at how the physical space is organized. Essentially the entire planet Earth and its surroundings are run by a conglomerate of Governments. They create all the rules, regarding every aspect of life, of all the individuals, and enforce every rule through coercive means. In the mainstream market of living together individuals have several alternatives to pick from. We can choose to live in a natural city or a pre design city, in a public neighborhood or private neighborhood or even in an intentional community with common interest amongst the users. But irregardles of the choice, every product offered in the mainstream market has the sames rules which are established by the host state to the entirety of organizations in his territory. In the mainstream market, even the most different products abide by the same high level rules such as criminal law, civil law, taxation laws, customs, enviromental laws, money laundering regulations and many others. To abide to the sum of all the laws and regulations is to be in compliance. The centralization of regulations makes extremely difficult to experiment in market of living together. The less experimentation is allow, the more human progress is hindered. So what is the sly roundabout that fixes this? What are Special Jurisdictions, Free Cities and Bitcoin Citadels? I´m using the term Special Jurisdictions as an umbrella term that includes the entire spectrum of iterations of products that aim to modify the mainstream rules of the market of living together. This term includes all the different models such as Charter Cities, Free Cities, Special Economic Zones, microstates, micropolis, start up societies, government as a service, self governing jurisdictions, autonomous intentional communities, network states and Bitcoin Citadels. The array of possible iterations is huge and permanently expanding. What they all have in common is that each of this experiments aims to create a functional game theory that replaces the lack of unbreakable walls in the physical space. Let´s take a look of a couple of examples. Special Economic Zones are bounded areas of countries that have their own rules and regulations. Worldwide, there are more than five thousands special economic zones located in more than hundred countries. One of them is the special economic zone of Shenzhen in China. The Chinese government allowed Shenzhen the freedom to experiment with certain practices that were prohibited in the rest of the country at the time. This included allowing foreign companies to make direct investments in China, allowing people to buy and sell land, allowing Chinese people to set up their own private businesses and relaxation of the system that limited internal migration within China for Chinese citizens. It served as a place where China could experiment with market reforms. The experiment was such a huge economic success that it was replicated in many other areas of the country. Another place that has made extensive use of special economic zone is Dubai. The monarchic Government has more than 30 SEZs. In this case one of the many obstacles removed by the host state its the monopoly of the legal system. Dubai Government allowed the special economic zone to have its own independent legal system thus conceding a modification of the mainstream rules in that area. This kind of projects, such as Dubai or Shenzhen, are a top-to-down product. Fully created by the Governments thus compliant with their own regulations.  On the other side of the spectrum we have Citadels and several other archetypes of not so compliant projects . For example the [Free Commune of Penadexo](https://free-communities.org/project/penadexo/) it´s a grassroots project building a freedom-oriented community in one of Spain’s abandoned villages.  It´s model is based on building a peer to peer society avoiding government intervention as much as possible. They stablished themselves in an abandoned historic village and the started to track down the owners to purchase as much property as possible. Meanwhile, they are living there and expanding their users base while also reconstructing buildings. This is an example of a completely different way of dealing with the Government. While Special Economic Zones are fully compliant and created top to down, this model on the other hand is bottom-up and aims to add value to the users relying in factual freedom which is exercised by stablishing the commune away from heavily populated centers where Government grip is tighter. Under this model the interaction with the Government is kept as low as possible. Their strategy relies in ignoring the Government as much as possible and being a good neighbor. With this simple and effective tactic some Citadels enjoy the benefits of liberty in their lifetime without needing to spend huge resources in governmental lobby. There are countless models or archetypes of Bitcoin Citadels trying to solve the obstacles in different ways, trying to restart the system. And one of the challenges of the Bitcoin Citadels is how to connect the different projects to boost and help each other. This is where [The Meshtadel](https://www.citadel21.com/meshtadel) comes into play. The Meshtadel is a system where decentralized tactics are used to help and defend citadels connected in a global network. With real life connections with fellow bitcoiners. Its an organization equivalent to the hanseatic league built under a [starfish model](https://youtu.be/-2Fyd5VjuUw). If you cut off a spider’s head, it dies, but if you cut off a starfish’s arm, it can regenerate and even grow into a new starfish. The Meshtadel its a network of peer relationships, with ambiguous leadership roles, trust among participants, a shared ideology and vision based on the Bitcoin ethos, and an open system where new nodes - bitcoin citadel builders - can participate.  The long term goal of the Bitcoin Meshtadel is to help Bitcoin Citadels to gain the support of a critical mass of the total population. If enough people see that Bitcoin is as peaceful as it gets, in the long run, some nations could become friendly and supportive enough to legally tolerate the Bitcoin Citadel inside its territory in the form of a Bitcoin safe haven. In the Meshtadel we are fighting from the moral high ground using memes, Nostr notes and zapping our way into freedom creating an online and offline circular economy. ## TO CONCLUDE: Special Jurisdictions, Free Cities and Bitcoin Citadels are the sly roundabout way that is removing the market of living together from the hands of the government, without violence and in a way that they can´t stop it. Nation states, abusing the myth of authority, have halted development on the market of living together for so long that a blooming freer market is eating its lunch. The sovereign individual thesis is live and continuously expanding. The network state is forming and intentional communities are flourishing all around the world reshaping globally the relationship between individuals and the governments. With global internet connections, uncensorable means of communication and Bitcoin as the backbone of a new societal order, we are beginning to disrupt the old paradigm. The fashion of the present world is passing away, let’s help it to move forward along by building Special Jurisdictions, Free Cities and Bitcoin Citadels. --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ------ by[Camilo](https://camilojdl.com/)at 875.341 timechain. If you find this content helpful, zap it to support more content of the sort and to boost the [V4V model.](https://dergigi.com/2021/12/30/the-freedom-of-value/#accept-the-nature-of-information)

January 2025 will mark two years since we started building Primal. Our goal was to create the best possible user experience for Nostr and make it accessible to everyone. We reached a big milestone towards realizing that vision with the recent Primal 2.0 release. It’s still early days, a lot more work lies ahead, but we thought the timing was right to introduce the Premium tier. Let’s explore what it is, why we built it, what’s included, and how it will evolve moving forward. ## What Primal Premium Is The idea behind Primal Premium is simple: integrate all tools and services required for the best Nostr experience into a single package. For $7 per month, Premium users get a *Primal Name* and *Nostr Tools* built by Primal. We’ll cover those in more detail below, but first we should make a crucial point: by signing up for Premium, you are in no way locked in to Primal. Quite the contrary, you can pick and choose which Premium features you wish to enable and use within other Nostr products. Openness is Nostr’s killer feature. Any product that wishes to truly empower the user needs to interoperate with Nostr’s budding ecosystem. The feed marketplace is a great example. External feeds are first-class citizens within all Primal apps. Primal feeds are available in other Nostr clients. We are working on Premium feeds, which our users will be able to enjoy within Primal or other Nostr apps. Media hosting is another example. Our upcoming support for the Blossom protocol will make Primal Premium media hosting interoperable with other Nostr apps and media hosting services. The common theme here is user choice. Nostr offers the highest level of user agency, and the compounding effect of interoperable products and services is bound to make Nostr immensely powerful. ## Why We Built Premium and Why Now What is unfolding on Nostr right now is unique and special. The first truly self-sovereign network is being bootstrapped by this early cohort of users and builders. People are literally holding the keys to their online presence. Network infrastructure – relays, indexers, media hosting services, etc. – is being stood up organically and without any central planning or coordination. Hundreds of independent projects are adding new capabilities to Nostr without needing permission. The whole thing is truly a sight to behold. In addition to fixing the fundamentals of the network, it is equally important that we fix the broken incentives that plague the legacy Web. The status quo of monetization via advertising, which turns users into products to be farmed, has overstayed its welcome. At Primal, we don’t monetize user data. Our users are our customers. We only make money when the user decides that we are providing a valuable service – and pays for it. That means that our users’ interests are aligned with ours. It allows us to wake up every morning and work all day to make the product better for our users. Some might say that it is too early to try to monetize a Nostr product. We definitely need to be thoughtful about paywalling important features while the network is so young. For example, advanced search is a Primal Premium feature, but we enable it for all users up to 20 search results. That makes it quite usable for anyone on Nostr, but power users get the ability to save these searches and create powerful specialized feeds. It is crucial to have commercially successful projects on Nostr that have their incentives aligned with those of their users. We are working on new features and monetization methods that follow this philosophy. The more we experiment on Nostr, the faster we will learn what works and unlock the full potential of this network. I have a feeling that a lot remains to be discovered, and Primal Premium is just the first step. Now, let’s take a closer look at what is included in Premium: *Primal Name* and *Nostr Tools*. ## Primal Name  A Primal Name is a unique name on the primal.net domain that offers three features: 1. **Verified Nostr address (NIP-05)**. This signals to the Nostr network that your account (npub) has been verified by Primal. Note that we don’t perform identity verification; we are simply signaling that this is a Primal Premium user. Users can pay with sats, preserving their privacy while signaling to the network that this verified account is not a bot. 2. **Friendly Bitcoin Lightning address**. Primal’s built-in hosted wallet creates a randomly generated lightning address for every user. They look like this: bluedog25@primal.net. Premium users get to pick their name, so their lightning address is more personalized (e.g. preston@primal.net). 3. **VIP profile on primal.net**. This is simply a friendly URL to your profile on primal.net. We are working on adding profile customization features for Premium users; stay tuned! In summary, a Primal Name makes you easier to find on Nostr. You are free to use any of these three Primal Name elements as you see fit. If you wish to use your Primal Nostr address and/or Lightning address, simply update your Nostr profile with those entries. ## Nostr Tools  Nostr Tools is a collection of features that we think would be useful to any Nostr power user. We are continuously working on expanding these capabilities, but the initial set of features includes: - **Media management**. Primal Premium comes with 10GB of media storage (compared to 1GB for free accounts). We implemented a slick interface for managing all media you have on Primal. - **Contact list backup**. Many Nostr users have experienced the loss of their contact list (i.e., their follow list) when using different clients. We store the history of the contact list for Primal Premium users and make it easy to recover. - **Content backup**. Nostr users post their content to a collection of public relays. These relays typically don’t offer guarantees that they will store the content for any amount of time. We back up all content posted by Primal Premium users and make it easy to rebroadcast it to the specified relays at any time. ## Primal Legends  The idea for the Primal Legend tier was suggested to me by Gigi a couple of months prior to the launch of Primal 2.0. His argument was simple: “There are users on Nostr who really appreciate Primal and are willing to pay way more than $7 / month to support the project. You should *let them* pay and *recognize them* for doing so.” I am really glad that Gigi convinced me to introduce the Legend tier. Nostr is truly a special place. The early users are extremely passionate and mission driven. They care about growing and improving Nostr as much as the builders do. At first, I thought of the term “Legend” as a bit tongue in cheek, but then I met and chatted with some of these people. Man, they are incredible. They just wish to support the network and the builders of open source software in any way they can. So now I think the term is appropriate. We are humbled by the support we received. Our first Legend supporter was none other than Jack. He found this option in the product and paid for the Legend tier literally an hour after Primal 2.0 was released. Thank you, sir, and thank you to all the other Legends out there! 💜🫂 ## What Comes Next? We are delighted and encouraged by the market response to Primal Premium. It is already clear to us that we are on the right path. We will lean into it even harder from here. There will be MOAR Premium features, while at the same time we will make sure that the free product remains excellent. Since you, the user, are the customer, tell us what you would like to see added to Primal Premium. Pura Vida 🤙

[🇧🇷 pt-br version](https://www.eddieoz.com/policing-by-design-como-os-novos-planos-de-vigilancia-da-ue-ameacam-a-privacidade-e-a-seguranca/) The European Union is at a crossroads. While digital innovation and security cooperation remain critical in a connected world, recent proposals to enhance police surveillance and data sharing are stirring deep concerns about individual privacy, data security, and democratic oversight. Two recent reports published by *Statewatch* shed light on troubling developments in the EU’s policing landscape, raising alarms among privacy advocates and civil rights organizations. The EU’s new plans to expand police surveillance could put your privacy and rights at risk and introduce risks far outweighing their potential benefits. This article will analyze these proposals, their implications, and the growing opposition from privacy and civil liberties defenders. [Listen the Podcast (Spotify)](https://open.spotify.com/episode/79NheodjVb0C87gCgaDVVE) [Listen the Podcast (Fountain)](https://www.fountain.fm/episode/Da4mQAi7n4I9ZoRswiL5) # **Surveillance Infrastructure: Policing by Design** The first *Statewatch* report, titled [“Policing by Design: The Latest EU Surveillance Plan”](https://www.statewatch.org/news/2024/june/policing-by-design-the-latest-eu-surveillance-plan/), outlines a concerning trend in the EU’s approach to law enforcement. The proposals advocate embedding surveillance tools directly into the design of new technologies, effectively creating an architecture where policing capabilities are integrated into the systems we use daily. From facial recognition cameras to AI-driven analytics, the EU plans to enhance cross-border police cooperation by ensuring technology is designed to facilitate surveillance from the outset. Known as “policing by design,” this strategy involves building surveillance features directly into technologies we use every day. Imagine a network of cameras or software that can automatically monitor people’s faces or behaviors without any extra installation — it’s like your everyday tech quietly doubling as a police tool. The goal is to enable seamless sharing of data across borders for criminal investigations, but the unintended consequences are alarming. ## **The Problem with “Policing by Design”** 1. Mass Surveillance Normalized: By embedding surveillance features into public and private infrastructure, society risks normalizing mass surveillance, where every movement, transaction, or online interaction is monitored and analyzed. 2. Threats to Privacy: Such initiatives inherently contradict the principle of *privacy by design*, which prioritizes privacy protections in the development of technology. Instead, citizens are being treated as subjects of perpetual suspicion. 3. Lack of Transparency and Accountability: A systemic lack of transparency surrounding these plans raises serious governance issues. Civil society organizations, journalists, and privacy advocates have pointed to a lack of democratic oversight and meaningful debate. 4. Risks of Abuse: Surveillance systems are often deployed under the guise of security but are susceptible to abuse. History shows that tools designed for law enforcement can easily be turned against dissenters, journalists, or marginalized communities. As the report highlights, these developments could establish a permanent surveillance infrastructure across Europe, enabling the collection of biometric, behavioral, and communications data on an unprecedented scale. ## **Flawed Justifications for Surveillance Expansion** Privacy advocacy organizations, including the European Digital Rights (EDRi) network, argue that much of the justification for these surveillance plans relies on flawed assumptions. The rhetoric of the *“Going Dark”* report, which claims that law enforcement is losing access to communications due to encryption, has been widely debunked. As EDRi points out, law enforcement already has extensive tools at their disposal to access data and track individuals, but the focus on encryption risks undermining secure communication for everyone. Instead of addressing systemic issues within law enforcement, these flawed reports have fueled calls for intrusive surveillance systems that risk eroding privacy while offering little evidence of improving public safety. # **Centralized Police Data: A Substantial Security and Privacy Threat** A second *Statewatch* report, titled [“EU Police Data Plans Pose Substantial Security and Privacy Threats”](https://www.statewatch.org/news/2024/december/eu-police-data-plans-pose-substantial-security-and-privacy-threats/), explores another equally concerning initiative: the EU’s push to centralize police data repositories and expand their use. The EU has already established several large-scale databases, such as the Schengen Information System (SIS), which stores data about individuals who may be denied entry into the EU, and the Europol Information System, which can hold details about millions of people, including those not suspected of crimes. For example, a traveler flagged mistakenly in the system could face unnecessary scrutiny, detention, or restrictions when crossing borders — highlighting the real-world risks of inaccurate or overreaching data collection. The new proposals aim to go further, creating an interoperable web of police data accessible to law enforcement agencies across member states. Proponents argue this is necessary for combating cross-border crime and terrorism, but the risks are immense. ## **Key Concerns with Centralized Police Data** 1. Massive Data Collection: The EU’s proposed systems would require the collection of highly sensitive data, including biometric information (fingerprints, facial recognition scans) and behavioral analytics, to track individuals’ activities across borders. 2. Data Misuse and Security Risks: Centralized data systems are prime targets for cyberattacks, data breaches, and misuse. The larger and more interconnected the system, the greater the risks of unauthorized access, theft, or corruption of the data. 3. As *Statewatch* points out, the systems lack robust safeguards to prevent misuse or to ensure that data is handled proportionately and lawfully. 4. Erosion of Trust in Law Enforcement: Building centralized data repositories without meaningful safeguards undermines public trust. Individuals may be less willing to engage with law enforcement if they fear their data will be stored indefinitely, shared across borders, or used inappropriately. 5. Impact on Fundamental Rights: Mass police databases can violate the principle of proportionality, a cornerstone of EU law. By collecting and sharing data indiscriminately, these systems erode fundamental rights, including the right to privacy, freedom of movement, and the presumption of innocence. ## **Civil Society Opposition and Democratic Accountability** In an open letter to EU institutions, over 30 civil society organizations — including EDRi — have criticized the lack of transparency in the High-Level Group’s (HLG) recommendations for data access. The letter highlights a concerning pattern: while industry stakeholders are included in key discussions, civil society voices remain sidelined. This exclusion undermines democratic accountability and reinforces fears that surveillance policies are being driven by corporate interests rather than public well-being. These organizations have called for the EU to prioritize transparency, include meaningful public debate, and ensure any law enforcement proposals respect proportionality and fundamental rights. # **Why Privacy Advocates Are Sounding the Alarm** The reports from *Statewatch* highlight a fundamental clash between security policy and individual rights. Privacy advocates are urging EU lawmakers to take a step back and critically examine the following issues: 1. Lack of Democratic Oversight: Proposals to integrate surveillance systems and expand police databases are being pushed forward without genuine public debate or oversight. Civil society organizations have been excluded from key discussions. 2. Failure to Uphold Privacy Laws: The EU has some of the strongest privacy laws in the world, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). However, these proposals risk undermining GDPR principles by enabling indiscriminate data collection and sharing. 3. Ignoring Proportionality: Surveillance systems must be targeted, necessary, and proportionate to their objectives. Embedding policing into technological design and centralizing data far exceeds what is justified for fighting crime and terrorism. 4. Setting Dangerous Precedents: The failure to fully ban harmful surveillance technologies like facial recognition in public spaces sets a troubling precedent. It risks not only eroding privacy within the EU but also encouraging other nations to adopt similar measures, undermining global human rights. # **A Call for Action: Safeguarding Our Privacy and Rights** As the EU pushes forward with these plans, the opposition from civil rights defenders grows louder. Policymakers must address the following key demands to prevent an erosion of fundamental rights: - Implement Privacy by Design: All new technologies must prioritize privacy protections at the design stage, ensuring they are not co-opted for surveillance. - Establish Robust Oversight: Any new policing tools or databases must be subject to democratic scrutiny, independent oversight, and clear legal frameworks to prevent misuse. - Reassess Interoperability Plans: Cross-border police cooperation is important, but it must not come at the cost of individuals’ privacy, security, and dignity. - Strengthen Export Controls: The EU must ban the export of surveillance tools that risk facilitating human rights abuses in authoritarian regimes. - Prioritize Data Security: Centralized systems require state-of-the-art security measures to protect sensitive data from breaches or misuse. The EU’s role as a leader in digital rights and privacy is now at stake. If these plans proceed without significant safeguards, Europe risks undermining its own foundational principles of freedom, security, and justice. # **Conclusion: The Price of Surveillance-Driven Security** The EU’s surveillance plans may be presented as necessary for security, but they come at a steep cost to privacy, trust, and individual freedoms. Embedding surveillance into our technologies and centralizing police data pose far-reaching risks that cannot be ignored. As privacy advocates, it is our responsibility to hold policymakers accountable and demand a security framework that upholds, rather than undermines, fundamental rights. Europe’s future must not be built on surveillance by design — but on privacy, democracy, and trust.

*Originally written in October 2022 (Block: 757258 / USD: $20.1k / SatsDollar: 4961). Refined with slight edits for publishing on Nostr in December 2024 (Block: 875189 / USD: $106k / SatsDollar: 938 ). Banner image property of Hes. My journey down the rabbit hole has only intensified since the time of writing. Enjoy.* --- The Bitcoin time perspective is wild. Reflecting on it has been profoundly eye-opening, and once it has been seen— there is no returning to our prior ways. Ever since venturing down the rabbit hole that we call Bitcoin, I’ve started making significant life decisions and forming nuanced opinions on polarizing topics based on the implications of multi-generational timeframes. Before Bitcoin, I spent money recklessly, leading a fast-paced and impulsive lifestyle. Even in my early days of learning about Bitcoin, I hadn’t fully seen the light. I would still blow the occasional $500 bar tab or buy some flashy gadget I didn’t need. Living in the moment has its merits, but so does considering the time beyond our own lives. Now, I pause before purchases and decisions, always reflecting on how they might impact the future. When your money isn’t constantly being devalued before your eyes, you start seeing the world differently. You begin saving for the future with confidence, knowing that no central authority can endlessly print away your hard-earned time and energy. Inflation doesn’t just erode purchasing power; it steals time. It destroys the hours, days, and years of effort represented by a lifetime of savings. When governments print money to prop up failing banks or fund inefficient ventures, the impact ripples through generations. Those at the bottom of the ladder are hit the hardest, their ability to save and plan for the future undermined by forces beyond their control. Decisions become focused on surviving today instead of thriving tomorrow, leaving little room to consider the long-term implications of our choices. This system creates a mindset where we are incentivized to spend now, instead of save for later—an unnatural phenomenon that most of us have accepted as normal. For individuals who simply want to put away money for a rainy day, inflation is a relentless adversary. A dollar in 1900 has lost over 96% of its value. The countless hours of labor behind those savings have been stolen. Not only did the expansion of money destroy what they could buy, it stole our time and energy. Years of our lives—blood, sweat, and tears—washed away. This isn’t just a historical problem—it’s a recurring one that occurs every decade or so and is accelerating. At an average inflation rate of 3%, the value of cash halves roughly every 23 years. This means that even modest inflation rates gradually diminish purchasing power over time, forcing individuals to chase speculative assets like stocks, real estate, and gold—not because they want to, but because they have no choice. Personal inflation rates differ depending on consumer habits, but a glance at rising prices reveals they often outpace the 2% annual rate reported by the government, which poses a significant problem for individua;s, as highlighted in the table below: <aside> **Inflation Rate (%)** | **Purchasing Power Halving (Years)** - 2% | 35-40 years - 3% | 20-25 years - 4% | 15-20 years - 5% | 10-15 years - 6% | 7-12 years - 7% | 5-10 years - 8% | 4-8 years - 9% | 3-6 years - 10% | 2-5 years </aside> Corporations like McDonald’s understand this. Sitting on a prime corner lot in every major city is far smarter than stacking a pile of cash losing value. Even if the franchise is losing money, the building it operates in is guaranteed to “rise” in value over time. This mindset trickles down to everyday people. To protect themselves, they’re compelled to invest in assets—with real estate being the pinnacle savings instrument of our time. The financial system we’ve accepted as normal turns shelter into an investment vehicle and savings into a gamble. But here’s the irony: real estate is a lousy store of value—which is what we are all truly seeking. Properties require constant maintenance. Without care, assets deteriorate. We’ve all seen abandoned theme parks and overgrown cities. We’ve all dealt with broken pipes and creaky floorboards. Why should saving our hard-earned wealth require us to become housing market experts, landlords, or property managers? Why should we pay financial advisors to manage stock portfolios full of companies whose values or practices we might not even believe in, just to beat inflation? A flawed monetary system inflates bubbles in real estate and stocks, redirecting resources into speculative markets instead of productive investments. Imagine a world where people don’t have to read quarterly earnings reports after a long day of work to ensure their cash retains value. If the incentives driving these bubbles were removed, the financial landscape would dramatically shift. Inflation wouldn’t push people into markets like real estate or zombie companies; instead, they could focus on building or supporting businesses they genuinely care about. They could plan for the long term and make well-thought-out, rational decisions about their future. Bitcoin takes this entire dynamic and flips it on its head. It isn’t a tool for speculation as often misunderstood. It is the best form of saving humanity has ever seen. Unlike fiat currencies, Bitcoin’s fixed supply ensures scarcity, making it a refuge from the erosion of wealth caused by inflation. As weak currencies flow into stronger ones (a concept known as Gresham’s Law), Bitcoin’s role as a store of value becomes clearer. It’s not that Bitcoin has “gone up 19,000%”—it’s that people are exchanging weaker money for stronger money. The implications of a world on a Bitcoin standard extend far beyond monetary policy. It offers something unprecedented: a tool for transferring the value of labor and energy across time and space. Unlike fiat, Bitcoin allows time to be preserved across generations. It isn’t just a hedge against inflation—it reintroduces the idea of saving with confidence, of being able to store wealth in a form of money that cannot be manipulated or devalued. By saving in Bitcoin, individuals are no longer tethered to the uncertainties of fiat systems. The Bitcoin time perspective is about aligning our actions today with the future we want to build tomorrow. It’s about prioritizing long-term impact over short-term gains. When you embrace Bitcoin, you embrace a mindset that values time, energy, and the well-being of future generations. It’s not just a currency; it’s a revolution in thinking that will change you forever. The past, present, and future converge in this new paradigm, offering hope in an otherwise uncertain world. Bitcoin isn’t a bubble; it’s a beacon. --- ### More from Hes: [Art](https://hes.npub.pro/tag/art/) [Store](https://plebeian.market/p/517d6542a081d61ecd8900ad9e2640290e2cf06f516c5e5f3edadfbde446bff4/stall/1db0cdfe0e39c4bd81b903902eeda74e6aa0f0b56e30851f327e6d0c292c5c06) [Travel Guides](https://hes.npub.pro/tag/travel/) [Photography](https://hes.npub.pro/tag/photography)

For anyone interested in the list of essential essays from nostr:npub14hn6p34vegy4ckeklz8jq93mendym9asw8z2ej87x2wuwf8werasc6a32x ([@anilsaidso](https://x.com/anilsaidso)) on Twitter that nostr:npub1h8nk2346qezka5cpm8jjh3yl5j88pf4ly2ptu7s6uu55wcfqy0wq36rpev mentioned on Read 856, here it is. I have compiled it with as many of the essays as I could find, along with the audio versions, when available. Additionally, if the author is on #Nostr, I have tagged their npub so you can thank them by zapping them some sats. All credit for this list and the graphics accompanying each entry goes to nostr:npub14hn6p34vegy4ckeklz8jq93mendym9asw8z2ej87x2wuwf8werasc6a32x, whose original thread can be found here: [Anil's Essential Essays Thread](https://x.com/anilsaidso/status/1290758632238276609)  ## 1.  > History shows us that the corruption of monetary systems leads to moral decay, social collapse, and slavery. Essay: https://breedlove22.medium.com/masters-and-slaves-of-money-255ecc93404f Audio: https://fountain.fm/episode/RI0iCGRCCYdhnMXIN3L6 ## 2.  > The 21st century emergence of Bitcoin, encryption, the internet, and millennials are more than just trends; they herald a wave of change that exhibits similar dynamics as the 16-17th century revolution that took place in Europe. Author: nostr:npub13l3lyslfzyscrqg8saw4r09y70702s6r025hz52sajqrvdvf88zskh8xc2 Essay: https://casebitcoin.com/docs/TheBitcoinReformation_TuurDemeester.pdf Audio: https://fountain.fm/episode/uLgBG2tyCLMlOp3g50EL ## 3.  > There are many men out there who will parrot the "debt is money WE owe OURSELVES" without acknowledging that "WE" isn't a static entity, but a collection of individuals at different points in their lives. Author: nostr:npub1guh5grefa7vkay4ps6udxg8lrqxg2kgr3qh9n4gduxut64nfxq0q9y6hjy Essay: https://www.tftc.io/issue-754-ludwig-von-mises-human-action/ ## 4.  > If Bitcoin exists for 20 years, there will be near-universal confidence that it will be available forever, much as people believe the Internet is a permanent feature of the modern world. Essay: https://vijayboyapati.medium.com/the-bullish-case-for-bitcoin-6ecc8bdecc1 Audio: https://fountain.fm/episode/jC3KbxTkXVzXO4vR7X3W As you are surely aware, Vijay has expanded this into a book available here: [The Bullish Case for Bitcoin Book](https://www.bullishcaseforbitcoin.com/product-page/the-bullish-case-for-bitcoin-paperback-1) There is also an audio book version available here: [The Bullish Case for Bitcoin Audio Book](https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Bullish-Case-for-Bitcoin-Audiobook/B09QXR9GVL?eac_link=m4syoiXYyRJh&ref=web_search_eac_asin_1&eac_selected_type=asin&eac_selected=B09QXR9GVL&qid=2tIYC0F4Ya&eac_id=135-0887332-3379864_2tIYC0F4Ya&sr=1-1) ## 5.  > This realignment would not be traditional right vs left, but rather land vs cloud, state vs network, centralized vs decentralized, new money vs old, internationalist/capitalist vs nationalist/socialist, MMT vs BTC,...Hamilton vs Satoshi. Essay: https://nakamoto.com/bitcoin-becomes-the-flag-of-technology/ Audio: https://fountain.fm/episode/tFJKjYLKhiFY8voDssZc ## 6. [Gradually, Then Suddenly](https://relay.brightbolt.net/fa4196f5c6183bda153e2e3c9911909d289b5a428852f5f07f7c1991191e7489.jpg) > I became convinced that, whether bitcoin survives or not, the existing financial system is working on borrowed time. Essay: https://nakamotoinstitute.org/mempool/gradually-then-suddenly/ Audio: https://fountain.fm/episode/Mf6hgTFUNESqvdxEIOGZ Parker Lewis went on to release several more articles in the Gradually, Then Suddenly series. They can be found here: [Gradually, Then Suddenly Series](https://nakamotoinstitute.org/mempool/series/gradually-then-suddenly/) nostr:npub1h8nk2346qezka5cpm8jjh3yl5j88pf4ly2ptu7s6uu55wcfqy0wq36rpev has, of course, read all of them for us. Listing them all here is beyond the scope of this article, but you can find them by searching the podcast feed here: [Bitcoin Audible Feed](https://fountain.fm/show/RtZlWdbEbpyEyjBNbeQ7) Finally, Parker Lewis has refined these articles and released them as a book, which is available here: [Gradually, Then Suddenly Book](https://academy.saifedean.com/product/gradually-then-suddenly-hardcover/) ## 7.  > Bitcoin is a beautifully-constructed protocol. Genius is apparent in its design to most people who study it in depth, in terms of the way it blends math, computer science, cyber security, monetary economics, and game theory. Author: nostr:npub1a2cww4kn9wqte4ry70vyfwqyqvpswksna27rtxd8vty6c74era8sdcw83a Essay: https://www.lynalden.com/invest-in-bitcoin/ Audio: https://fountain.fm/episode/axeqKBvYCSP1s9aJIGSe ## 8.  > Bitcoin offers a sweeping vista of opportunity to re-imagine how the financial system can and should work in the Internet era.. Essay: https://archive.nytimes.com/dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/01/21/why-bitcoin-matters/ ## 9.  > Using Bitcoin for consumer purchases is akin to driving a Concorde jet down the street to pick up groceries: a ridiculously expensive waste of an astonishing tool. Author: nostr:npub1gdu7w6l6w65qhrdeaf6eyywepwe7v7ezqtugsrxy7hl7ypjsvxksd76nak Essay: https://nakamotoinstitute.org/mempool/economics-of-bitcoin-as-a-settlement-network/ Audio: https://fountain.fm/episode/JoSpRFWJtoogn3lvTYlz ## 10.  > The Internet is a dumb network, which is its defining and most valuable feature. The Internet’s protocol (..) doesn’t offer “services.” It doesn’t make decisions about content. It doesn’t distinguish between photos, text, video and audio. Essay: https://fee.org/articles/decentralization-why-dumb-networks-are-better/ Audio: https://fountain.fm/episode/b7gOEqmWxn8RiDziffXf ## 11.  > Most people are only familiar with (b)itcoin the electronic currency, but more important is (B)itcoin, with a capital B, the underlying protocol, which encapsulates and distributes the functions of contract law. I was unable to find this essay or any audio version. Clicking on Anil's original link took me to Naval's blog, but that particular entry seems to have been removed. ## 12.  > Bitcoin can approximate unofficial exchange rates which, in turn, can be used to detect both the existence and the magnitude of the distortion caused by capital controls & exchange rate manipulations. Essay: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/Papers.cfm?abstract_id=2714921 ## 13.  > You can create something which looks cosmetically similar to Bitcoin, but you cannot replicate the settlement assurances which derive from the costliness of the ledger. Essay: https://medium.com/@nic__carter/its-the-settlement-assurances-stupid-5dcd1c3f4e41 Audio: https://fountain.fm/episode/5NoPoiRU4NtF2YQN5QI1 ## 14.  > When we can secure the most important functionality of a financial network by computer science... we go from a system that is manual, local, and of inconsistent security to one that is automated, global, and much more secure. Essay: https://nakamotoinstitute.org/library/money-blockchains-and-social-scalability/ Audio: https://fountain.fm/episode/VMH9YmGVCF8c3I5zYkrc ## 15.  > The BCB enforces the strictest deposit regulations in the world by requiring full reserves for all accounts. ..money is not destroyed when bank debts are repaid, so increased money hoarding does not cause liquidity traps.. Author: nostr:npub1hxwmegqcfgevu4vsfjex0v3wgdyz8jtlgx8ndkh46t0lphtmtsnsuf40pf Essay: https://nakamotoinstitute.org/mempool/the-bitcoin-central-banks-perfect-monetary-policy/ Audio: https://fountain.fm/episode/ralOokFfhFfeZpYnGAsD ## 16.  > When Satoshi announced Bitcoin on the cryptography mailing list, he got a skeptical reception at best. Cryptographers have seen too many grand schemes by clueless noobs. They tend to have a knee jerk reaction. Essay: https://nakamotoinstitute.org/library/bitcoin-and-me/ Audio: https://fountain.fm/episode/Vx8hKhLZkkI4cq97qS4Z ## 17.  > No matter who you are, or how big your company is, **𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙬𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙛 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙙.** Essay: https://nakamotoinstitute.org/mempool/bitcoin-miners-beware-invalid-blocks-need-not-apply/ Audio: https://fountain.fm/episode/bcSuBGmOGY2TecSov4rC ## 18.  > Just like a company trying to protect itself from being destroyed by a new competitor, the actions and reactions of central banks and policy makers to protect the system that they know, are quite predictable. Author: nostr:npub1s05p3ha7en49dv8429tkk07nnfa9pcwczkf5x5qrdraqshxdje9sq6eyhe Essay: https://medium.com/the-bitcoin-times/the-greatest-game-b787ac3242b2 Audio Part 1: https://fountain.fm/episode/5bYyGRmNATKaxminlvco Audio Part 2: https://fountain.fm/episode/92eU3h6gqbzng84zqQPZ ## 19.  > Technology, industry, and society have advanced immeasurably since, and yet we still live by Venetian financial customs and have no idea why. Modern banking is the legacy of a problem that technology has since solved. Author: nostr:npub1sfhflz2msx45rfzjyf5tyj0x35pv4qtq3hh4v2jf8nhrtl79cavsl2ymqt Essay: https://allenfarrington.medium.com/bitcoin-is-venice-8414dda42070 Audio: https://fountain.fm/episode/s6Fu2VowAddRACCCIxQh Allen Farrington and Sacha Meyers have gone on to expand this into a book, as well. You can get the book here: [Bitcoin is Venice Book](https://www.amazon.com/Bitcoin-Venice-Essays-Future-Capitalism/dp/B09TTTGT11) And wouldn't you know it, Guy Swann has narrated the audio book available here: [Bitcoin is Venice Audio Book](https://www.audible.com/pd/Bitcoin-is-Venice-Audiobook/B0CCQD539W?eac_link=yrZ4RxHupcgL&ref=web_search_eac_asin_1&eac_selected_type=asin&eac_selected=B0CCQD539W&qid=pL7jjJ13ia&eac_id=135-0887332-3379864_pL7jjJ13ia&sr=1-1) ## 20.  > The rich and powerful will always design systems that benefit them before everyone else. The genius of Bitcoin is to take advantage of that very base reality and force them to get involved and help run the system, instead of attacking it. Author: nostr:npub1trr5r2nrpsk6xkjk5a7p6pfcryyt6yzsflwjmz6r7uj7lfkjxxtq78hdpu Essay: https://quillette.com/2021/02/21/can-governments-stop-bitcoin/ Audio: https://fountain.fm/episode/jeZ21IWIlbuC1OGnssy8 ## 21.  > In the realm of infor­ma­tion, there is no coin-stamping without time-stamping. The relent­less beating of this clock is what gives rise to all the magical proper­ties of Bitcoin. Author: nostr:npub1dergggklka99wwrs92yz8wdjs952h2ux2ha2ed598ngwu9w7a6fsh9xzpc Essay: https://dergigi.com/2021/01/14/bitcoin-is-time/ Audio: https://fountain.fm/episode/pTevCY2vwanNsIso6F6X ## 22.  > You can stay on the Fiat Standard, in which some people get to produce unlimited new units of money for free, just not you. Or opt in to the Bitcoin Standard, in which no one gets to do that, including you. Essay: https://casebitcoin.com/docs/StoneRidge_2020_Shareholder_Letter.pdf Audio: https://fountain.fm/episode/PhBTa39qwbkwAtRnO38W ## 23.  > Long term investors should use Bitcoin as their unit of account and every single investment should be compared to the expected returns of Bitcoin. Essay: https://nakamotoinstitute.org/mempool/everyones-a-scammer/ Audio: https://fountain.fm/episode/vyR2GUNfXtKRK8qwznki ## 24.  > When you’re in the ivory tower, you think the term “ivory tower” is a silly misrepresentation of your very normal life; when you’re no longer in the ivory tower, you realize how willfully out of touch you were with the world. Essay: https://www.citadel21.com/why-the-yuppie-elite-dismiss-bitcoin Audio: https://fountain.fm/episode/7do5K4pPNljOf2W3rR2V You might notice that many of the above essays are available from the [Satoshi Nakamoto Institute](https://nakamotoinstitute.org/). It is a veritable treasure trove of excellent writing on subjects surrounding #Bitcoin and #AustrianEconomics. If you find value in them keeping these written works online for the next wave of new Bitcoiners to have an excellent source of education, please consider [donating](https://pay.zaprite.com/pl_vNYDp4YBSd) to the cause.

This Week I immersed myself in Bitcoin from multiple angles-technical, societal and personal. The journey included a marathon 32-hours of listening to [Rabbit Hole Recap (RHR)](https://fountain.fm/show/VDaMppQRUBZioj2XkaLn), an essential resource for Bitcoin insights. It's worth noting that I started from the begining and plan to make my way through the whole catalogue. Marty and Matt's timestamps, along with contributions from their guests, served as my roadmap. Using Fountain to stream, I also streamed sats-a small but extraordinary feature that allows users to stacks sats while compensating cretors directly through fractional donations. ## Revisiting Speculative Attack by Pierre Rochard (2014) Now that [*Speculative Attack Season 2*](https://nakamotoinstitute.org/mempool/speculative-attack-season-2/) *(which I've not read yet)* has been released. I took the time to read Pierre Rochards influential essay, [*Speculative Attack*](https://nakamotoinstitute.org/mempool/speculative-attack/) and reflected on its timeless insights. Rochard argues that Bitcoin adoption isn't dependent on technological advancements or consumer preferences, but on economic realities. As fiat currencies weaken, Bitcoin won't enter the mainstream by persuasion but by necessity. Critics continue to underestimate Bitcoin's inevitability due to their fiat biases and lack of financial insight. This year alone, mainstream media has been compelled to discuss Bitcoin-notably to Trump's endorsement of 'crypto.' Despite their attempts to shape narratives to suit their ideal visions, they've had no choice but to engage with Bitcoin's growing influence.\ \ As Parker aptly puts it 'Gradually, The Suddenly' ## Wassabi Wallet and the Privacy Imperative An RHR interview (from early in the catalogue) with guest Adam Ficsor, CTO and Co-founder of Wassabi Wallet, sparked a deeper consideration of my digital footprint. Like many, I've spent years online neglecting privacy in favour of convenience. The discussion on CoinJoins reminded me of the importance of prioritising privacy, not just romanticising it. Improving operational security (opsec) is now a personal focus. Resources like Jameson's *Cypherpunk Cogitations* and the Bitcoin Optech newsletter offer valuable guidance. While I've exercised caution, I recognise a need to address my laziness with opsec and take meaningful steps to protect my privacy. Time will reveal the results of these efforts. ## Caribbean Slavery amd Centralised Platforms While exploring historical systems of control, I delved into the brutal realities of [New World slavery in the British Caribbean](https://aeon.co/ideas/how-did-slaveholders-in-the-caribbean-maintain-control). Enslaved elites, like drivers, were granted limited privileges to maintain order, creating divisions within the community. This divide-and-rule strategy highlights the fragility of oppressive frameworks, which began to crumble with events like the Hatian Revolution and humanitarian activism. Interestingly, similar dynamics are visible with centralised plaforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Verified accounts (the "blue checks") act as mordern day 'elites' with perceived freedoms. However, their autonomy is limited by the platforms centralised authority. Challenging the rules risks censorship and cancellation, proving their freedom is an illusion subject to the will of their overseers. Enhancing the argument further for protocols like Nostr to help people win back their freedoms.

I have a feeling gold bugs aren't going to enjoy this next chapter. And the sad thing is that they are so damn close. They've been fighting this fight for decades now. They understand how broken our monetary system is. But their stubbornness will be their demise. In the last month alone, we've had some pretty catastrophic events in the gold market. With bitcoin-friendly President Trump about to take office in the US, they are considering selling their gold reserves to purchase bitcoin. According to Popular Mechanics, China recently discovered $83 billion worth of gold. Damn I forgot about Popular Mechanics. Their website looks like it's stuck in 1997 but the articles are all recent. Anyways. And the biggest news - coming from our favorite little country. El Salvador announced a gold discovery worth approximately $3 TRILLION dollars. This triggered a couple historic tweets from their President Bukele. First quote tweeting the announcement "And we'll dilute that thing like there's no tomorrow." And the next day quote tweeting another announcement "But what could they possibly do with that?" And for anyone who isn't familiar with El Salvador (aka The Savior), they were the first country to make bitcoin legal tender. After a few large smash buys, they have been buying 1 bitcoin every day. You can verify this on their customized mempool website. The market is about to be FLOODED with gold. Peter Schiff is losing his damn mind, claiming bitcoin is a "national security threat." The mainstream media talking heads are on a bitcoin war path. OUR PETS HEADS ARE FALLING OFF. Gold has historically been the best store of value that exists. Why? Because of it's scarcity. Until April 2024, when bitcoin officially passed gold as the scarcest asset. Gold (typically) has a 2% inflation rate. Bitcoin, as of the latest halving, now has less than 2% inflation. IF - and that's a big IF - countries start dumping their gold for bitcoin, what will happen to the market? Countries and central banks are the largest holders of gold. Who will pick up the slack? How many 20 year olds will be lining up at their local gold shop to buy some pet rocks? Gold has served it's purpose. It was the best asset to store wealth. Before bitcoin. Bitcoin can also be sent anywhere in the world in a matter of minutes - for a very low fee. Imagine trying to send 10 billion worth of gold across the world. Bitcoin is also highly divisible. You can't start shaving off a gold coin to pay for groceries. Unless maybe the grocery stores will start putting scales at the til. Haha. And most importantly, especially when talking about governments and central banks, bitcoin is verifiable. We have never been able to see or verify the gold reserves. How much gold is really in Fort Knox? We have absolutely no idea. It requires trust. How many people trust their government at this stage of the game? Bitcoin on the other hand, can be easily verified. This is important for the individuals, the banks, and the countries. El Salvador has a website where you can verify their bitcoin holdings. Check it out here! We have no idea how much gold really exists. We have an idea, but it's not very accurate - clearly. If they found $3 TRILLION worth of gold in the small country of El Salvador, how much gold you do think is waiting to be found on Mars? And how much bitcoin will we find on Mars? As a gold and silver holder myself, I am making the full switch into bitcoin. It just makes the most sense. And human eventually switch to the idea that makes the most sense. --- PROJECT POTENTIAL - You can now find the expanded audio versions of these on the new podcast - Project Potential! I will be sharing the video versions here for the LITF members but you can also find it for free on Spotify and of course Fountain! Here is the link to Episode 008 on Fountain: https://www.fountain.fm/episode/nQb5z3PolahVwsPbYX4r --- Have a great day everyone! And remember, the only thing more scarce than bitcoin is time! Jor

BlueSky, a social network built on the decentralized AT Protocol (Authenticated Transfer Protocol), is revolutionizing content moderation by empowering users and communities to manage their own experiences. Unlike traditional platforms that centralize control, BlueSky adopts a modular and customizable approach, balancing freedom of expression with safety. https://www.fountain.fm/episode/mtp0RxPeuBpCozcSgfct ### The Jesse Singal Case and the Community’s Response Recently, the account @jessesingal.com was accused of publishing content considered homophobic and transphobic. Although some users questioned whether these posts violated BlueSky’s Terms of Service, the platform chose not to ban the account. Instead, it relied on community tools to limit the reach of these posts. Individual users blocked the account and subscribed to community-managed block lists, significantly reducing the visibility of Jesse Singal’s content. This decentralized approach demonstrated the effectiveness of a model in which the community regulates content without centralized intervention. ### BlueSky’s Five Layers of Moderation BlueSky implements a multi-layered moderation system, offering users tools to customize their experiences practically and efficiently: 1. **Personal Blocking and Muting**\ Users can block or mute unwanted accounts, individually adjusting the content they wish to see. 2. **Community Block Lists**\ By subscribing to block lists created by the community, users can share common moderation criteria, optimizing content filtering. 3. **Curated Feeds**\ Subscribing to personalized feeds allows users to consume content filtered by curators or algorithms, creating a safer and more tailored experience. 4. **Account Removal on the Personal Data Server (PDS)**\ In extreme cases, servers can directly delete accounts from their databases, preventing them from publishing or accessing the network. 5. **Ozone: Advanced Moderation Tool**\ Ozone is an integrated tool that enables advanced moderation strategies, combining various resources for greater efficiency. ### BlueSky’s Moderation Architecture Moderation on BlueSky is based on an open labeling system. This architecture allows anyone to assign labels to content or accounts, such as “spam” or “NSFW” (not safe for work). These labels can be automatically generated by third-party services or manually applied by curators and administrators, offering flexibility for communities and individuals to customize their experiences. ### The Role of the Community in Content Regulation In decentralized platforms like BlueSky, the community plays a central role in self-regulation, minimizing reliance on a centralized authority to moderate content. This decentralization distributes responsibilities and reduces the risks of institutional bias, often seen in centralized companies that may reflect specific interests at the expense of plurality. Centralized platforms often censor or promote content based on corporate agendas, compromising user trust. BlueSky’s model prioritizes autonomy, allowing the community itself to determine what is relevant or acceptable. With 25 million users registered within weeks, BlueSky remains committed to its mission of regulating not freedom of expression, but the reach of certain publications. Tools like block lists, curated feeds, and Ozone are tangible examples of how the platform is building a decentralized and inclusive ecosystem. ### Challenges and Opportunities of Decentralization Despite its merits, decentralization presents challenges. Educating users about available tools and protecting vulnerable communities from harmful content are complex tasks, especially in a rapidly growing environment. On the other hand, the decentralized model offers significant advantages. It enhances transparency, fosters trust among users, and reduces reliance on a central authority. On BlueSky, users shape their own experiences, ensuring greater freedom without sacrificing safety. ### Conclusion BlueSky is paving the way for a new era in social networks with a decentralized moderation model that empowers users and promotes shared responsibility. Aligned with principles of freedom and inclusion, BlueSky combines advanced technology and community collaboration to create a safer, more democratic, and adaptable space. Although still in its early stages, BlueSky offers a promising model for the future of social networks, where reach—not freedom of expression—is the true focus of regulation.

 Christmas season hasn't actually started, yet, in Roman #Catholic Germany. We're in Advent until the evening of the 24th of December, at which point Christmas begins (with the Nativity, at Vespers), and continues on for 40 days until Mariä Lichtmess (Presentation of Christ in the temple) on February 2nd.  It's 40 days because that's how long the post-partum isolation is, before women were allowed back into the temple (after a ritual cleansing).  That is the day when we put away all of the Christmas decorations and bless the candles, for the next year. (Hence, the British name "Candlemas".) It used to also be when household staff would get paid their cash wages and could change employer. And it is the day precisely in the middle of winter.  Between Christmas Eve and Candlemas are many celebrations, concluding with the Twelfth Night called Epiphany or Theophany. This is the day some Orthodox celebrate Christ's baptism, so traditions rotate around blessing of waters.  The Monday after Epiphany was the start of the farming season, in England, so that Sunday all of the ploughs were blessed, but the practice has largely died out.  Our local tradition is for the altar servers to dress as the wise men and go door-to-door, carrying their star and looking for the Baby Jesus, who is rumored to be lying in a manger.  They collect cash gifts and chocolates, along the way, and leave the generous their powerful blessing, written over the door. The famous 20 * C + M + B * 25 blessing means "Christus mansionem benedicat" (Christ, bless this house), or "Caspar, Melchior, Balthasar" (the names of the three kings), depending upon who you ask. They offer the cash to the Baby Jesus (once they find him in the church's Nativity scene), but eat the sweets, themselves. It is one of the biggest donation-collections in the world, called the "Sternsinger" (star singers). The money goes from the German children, to help children elsewhere, and they collect around €45 million in cash and coins, every year.  As an interesting aside: The American "groundhog day", derives from one of the old farmers' sayings about Candlemas, brought over by the Pennsylvania Dutch. It says, that if the badger comes out of his hole and sees his shadow, then it'll remain cold for 4 more weeks. When they moved to the USA, they didn't have any badgers around, so they switched to groundhogs, as they also hibernate in winter.

 Christmas season hasn't actually started, yet, in Roman #Catholic Germany. We're in Advent until the evening of the 24th of December, at which point Christmas begins (with the Nativity, at Vespers), and continues on for 40 days until Mariä Lichtmess (Presentation of Christ in the temple) on February 2nd.  It's 40 days because that's how long the post-partum isolation is, before women were allowed back into the temple (after a ritual cleansing).  That is the day when we put away all of the Christmas decorations and bless the candles, for the next year. (Hence, the British name "Candlemas".) It used to also be when household staff would get paid their cash wages and could change employer. And it is the day precisely in the middle of winter.  Between Christmas Eve and Candlemas are many celebrations, concluding with the Twelfth Night called Epiphany or Theophany. This is the day some Orthodox celebrate Christ's baptism, so traditions rotate around blessing of waters.  The Monday after Epiphany was the start of the farming season, in England, so that Sunday all of the ploughs were blessed, but the practice has largely died out.  Our local tradition is for the altar servers to dress as the wise men and go door-to-door, carrying their star and looking for the Baby Jesus, who is rumored to be lying in a manger.  They collect cash gifts and chocolates, along the way, and leave the generous their powerful blessing, written over the door. The famous 20 * C + M + B * 25 blessing means "Christus mansionem benedicat" (Christ, bless this house), or "Caspar, Melchior, Balthasar" (the names of the three kings), depending upon who you ask. They offer the cash to the Baby Jesus (once they find him in the church's Nativity scene), but eat the sweets, themselves. It is one of the biggest donation-collections in the world, called the "Sternsinger" (star singers). The money goes from the German children, to help children elsewhere, and they collect around €45 million in cash and coins, every year.  As an interesting aside: The American "groundhog day", derives from one of the old farmer's sayings about Candlemas, brought over by the Pennsylvania Dutch. It says, that if the badger comes out of his hole and sees his shadow, then it'll remain cold for 4 more weeks. When they moved to the USA, they didn't have any badgers around, so they switched to groundhogs, as they also hibernate in winter.

The excitement and romance of finding new tunes in serendipitous ways is under attack by music streaming apps. Compilation albums, mix tapes, magazines and crate digging have been replaced by algorithmic playlists that lack human touch and authenticity. We are being programmed to listen to more of the same. New artists are finding it harder than ever before to break through and get their music in front of new listeners - not to mention achieve the impossible dream of making a living from their music. This has to change. Earlier this year, we started beta testing a new communal listening experience on our website called [Fountain Radio](https://blog.fountain.fm/p/introducing-fountain-radio). The basic idea was to have a global queue where you pay to play a track - just like the old jukeboxes you can still find in some pubs and bars. You could pay upvote a track to change its position in the queue - and you could send a payment to support the artist currently playing. This early iteration of Fountain Radio was far from perfect, but it got us excited about discovering new music again. Today we are excited to launch a new and improved Fountain Radio experience in the [mobile app](https://www.fountain.fm/download) - and give artists the ability to host a takeover. After updating to version 1.1.8, you will be able to tune in to Fountain Radio from the Discover tab. Here’s how it works… #### **Add and upvote tracks in the queue** Search for tracks in your library or search all music on Fountain. Adding a track to the costs 100 sats (less than $0.10) and your selection will be added to the end of the queue. You can pay to upvote any track in the queue to change its position. 1 sat equals 1 upvote and the track with the most upvotes will play next. Just like zaps, you can pay as much as you like but the minimum is 100 sats. #### **Support the artist currently playing** Boost to send a payment with a message on enable streaming to send a small amount for every minute you spend listening. 95% of every boost and streaming payment goes directly to the artist currently playing and the remaining 5% is set aside for fees paid to PodcastIndex and Fountain. #### **Post in the live chat** Hang out with other listeners in the live chat by connecting Nostr. You can post chat messages for free. Every time a track is added or upvoted this appears in the activity feed too. #### **Save tracks to your library** Listen to your latest discoveries again later in the app. Tap on any content card to add a song to your library or a playlist, or see more music from that artist. #### **Listen to Fountain Radio on other apps** Fountain Radio now has its own RSS feed so you can tune in on any podcast app that supports live streams. Just bear in mind that you will only be able to listen. If you use Nostr livestream platforms such as [zap.stream](https://zap.stream/) or [tunestr.io](https://tunestr.io/), you can listen there and zaps will be paid to the artist currently playing. #### **Artist Takeovers** Artists can now take control of the music and host a listening party or an AMA. During a takeover, only the host can add tracks to the queue and upvotes are disabled. Fountain Radio takeovers help artists reach new listeners and find new fans, followers and supporters. If you have just posted new music to Fountain after uploading to [Wavlake](https://wavlake.com/) or [RSS Blue](https://rssblue.com/), takeovers are a great way to drive engagement - particularly if it’s the first time you’ve shared music in this way. We will also promote upcoming takeovers to help introduce your music to new audiences. The first artist takeover will be the UK’s very own [Joe Martin](https://fountain.fm/artist/cK853uZNytT8FS05vUwC) on **Wednesday 27th November at 12:00pm EST**. If you are interested to take over Fountain Radio and get your music heard by new listeners, get in touch. #### **Other bug fixes and improvements** - Fixed grey screen when viewing queue - Fixed clips not being posted to Nostr - Fixed custom deposit amount - Fixed crash after sharing or creating a clip - Fixed error on The Joe Rogan Experience - Fixed issue when @ symbol appears in a link sent in a comment - Fixed issue where latest episodes in library were not updating for some users - Fixed issue where episode could not be replayed if already listened to - Added error handling when Nostr keypair is already connected to another account - Added warning when using Fountain as a guest - Added prompt to share to Nostr after creating a clip - Added OPML file explorer

Can I suggest you read my book, it will tell you a lot. It is important you understand what Bitcoin is before you invest anything into it. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CLJP6R3F/ Firstly, Bitcoin is not like anything else you have ever experienced in your life. Everything else is based on trust and there is a higher authority you can always turn to. If you loose access to your bank account, you can walk in to a branch with your ID papers and within half an hour or so, your account access will be restored by them. The bank control your account and the money held within it. If you loose your passport or driving license, the government can issue you new ones. They control your identity. If you get locked out of your house, you can call a locksmith and they will break in, legally, for you. Bitcoin is different, it is permissionless and trustless. Nobody can stop you spending your money and you can send it to anyone anywhere in the world instantly without having to trust a third party to authorise payment for you. By that same token, if you make a mistake and send it to the wrong address or if you lose the keys that secure your Bitcoin, it is gone, nobody can help you. You need to understand and be comfortable with that. As for Bitcoin as a store of value, this is the first stage that all new Bitcoiners go through, but if you do it properly, it will eventually be the least significant feature. However, as for Bitcoin price cycles. Every 4 years the supply is automatically halved. This happened on the 20th April this year, you probably saw we were in Warsaw at a halving party. It happened at 3:09am European time, so we were asleep. Nothing actually happens for around 6 months of the halving, but from 6 - 18 months after the halving, the price rises significantly to adapt to the new supply and scarcity. So, from the start of November the price has started to rise and will continue to do so in a saw tooth pattern for around the next year. The price rise often overshoots the new natural price level and so expect a crash around the end of next year, it will be significant and will take a year or so to recover, but will eventually settle to a new price. In 4 years time, around April 2028, the cycle will happen again. Bitcoin is not a short term investment, don’t invest unless you are prepared to hold for a minimum of 4 years. Holding bitcoin for 8 years can produce generational wealth. The three core tenets of Bitcoin are: Not your keys, not your coins - in other words, don’t leave them on exchanges Don’t trust, verify - which leads to: Do your own research Study Bitcoin, it will give you back far more than you can imagine.

I watched Tucker Carlson interview Roger Ver last night. I know we have our differences with Roger, and he has some less than pleasant personality traits, but he is facing 109 years in jail for tax evasion. While the charges may be technically correct, he should be able to pay the taxes and a fine and walk free. Even if we accept he did wrong, a minor prison term such as 6 months to 2 years would be appropriate in this case. We all know the severe penalty is an over reach by US authorities looking to make the whole crypto community scared about using any form of crypto as money. The US and many governments know they have lost the battle of Bitcoin as a hard asset, but this happened as a result of the Nash equilibrium, whereby you are forced to play a game that doesn’t benefit you, because not playing that game disadvantages you further. I.e. Governments loose control of the asset, but that asset is able to shore up their balance sheet and prevent your economy from failing (potentially). The war against Bitcoin (and other cryptos) as a currency, whereby you can use your Bitcoin to buy anything anywhere from a pint of milk in the local shop, to a house or car and everything in-between is a distant goal and one that is happening slowly. But it is happening and these are the new battle lines. Part of that battle is self custody, part is tax and part are the money transmitting laws. Roger’s case is also being used as a weapon of fear. I don’t hate Roger, the problem I have with Bitcoin cash is that you cannot run a full node from your home and if you can’t do this, it is left to large corporations to run the blockchain. Large corporations are much easier to control and coerce than thousands, perhaps millions of individuals. Just as China banned Bitcoin mining, so in this scenario it would be possible for governments to ban full nodes and enforce that ban by shutting down companies that attempted to do so. Also, if a currency like Bitcoin cash scaled to Visa size, then Bitcoin Cash the company would become the new Visa / Mastercard and only the technology would change. However, even Visa and Mastercard don’t keep transaction logs for years, that would require enormous amount of storage and have little benefit. Nobody needs a global ledger that keeps a record of every coffee purchased in every coffee shop since the beginning of blockchain time. This is why Bitcoin with a layer 2 payment system like Lightning is a better proposition than large blockchain cryptos. Once a payment channel is closed, the transactions are forgotten in the same way Visa and Mastercard only keep a transaction history for 1 or 2 years. This continues to allow the freedom for anybody, anywhere to verify the money they hold and the transactions they perform along with everybody else. We have consensus by verification.

**Bit late this quarter, but here now for the latest release on the most irreducible form of money, the monetary base. Data comes from the top 50 currencies in the world, their countries of which represent 96% of global GDP and 84% of global population (not very fair, right there). Gold and silver is analogous to this money supply. As is the stock of bitcoins.** **This is quarterly release #26, for 2024 Q3.** If you have followed [my work](https://www.porkopolis.io/) before, then you know that the constant hymn I've sung while speaking publicly about Bitcoin is that the only, economically comparable money supply in the fiat world to 21 million bitcoins is what economists call the "monetary base," or "base money." This is a corporeal money supply that has existed across all of modern economic and central banking epochs. For an apples-to-apples, ontological comparison with Bitcoin, look no further then Base money. ## **So what is it?** It is *central bank money*, comprised of two supplies: 1. **Physical currency**: Notes and coins, or “cash;” 2. **Bank reserves**: The “Master account” that each commercial bank holds with its central bank. Now, why do I refer to this as, "Central bank money?" This is because, unlike all other money supplies in the fiduciary banking world (like M1/M2/M3), the Monetary base is the sole and ultimate money supply controlled by the central bank. It is, literally, the *printing press*. What follows won't be a lesson in reserve ratios or monetary economics. The point is that you simply understand that ***there is*** a money supply that central banks solely control, and of course (of course!) this is what Bitcoin's 21 million are up against. The monetary base is to the core of the entire fiat financial system, as 21 million bitcoins are to the core of the Bitcoin protocol. One is open and permissionless, and one is not. By the way, the monetary base is essentially (though not entirely) analogous to the *total liabilities* of a central bank, so we can (basically) say that the monetary base is the "balance sheet" of each central bank. **On cash**. Quick notes on the above. Certainly you understand what "cash" is, and it is indeed an instrument that has been fully monopolized by each central bank in each nation around the world--only they can print it. Even though it is true that banks in more free banking societies in the past could freely print and strike notes and coins, the central bank (or state) monopoly has been around for a long time. Kublai Khan was the first to do it 750 years ago. **On bank reserves**. Don't stress your brain on this too much, but this is the main "settlement money" that banks use between each other, when they want to settle their debts. It is digital now (Fedwire in US, CHAPS in UK), but it doesn't technically have to be, and of course before modern technology took over even a few decades ago, it was not. These two stacks of retail and wholesale cash, stacks of *central bank money*, are what makes up the **Monetary base**. This is the *printing press*. Only this compares to 21 million bitcoins. And gold, and silver by the way. Final note, central bank digital currencies, or CBDCs, which are simply LARPing on Bitcoin's success, are indeed created by central banks, and they are indeed classified as Base money. They are going to be a "third rail." They are thankfully incredibly small, pilot projects today. We will see how far democracies will be tested, as autocracies no doubt will mainstream them; but for now, consider them, at least economically, to be inconsequential to the update below. With that review out of the way, onward to Q2 update for 2024. ## **Bitcoin is the 6th largest money in the world.** In February 2024, it surpassed the monetary base of the United Kingdom, that is its value was larger than the Bank of England's balance sheet, and it remains so to this day. As of 30 September 2024, it is only the balance sheets of the big four central banks that are larger than Bitcoin. They are: 1. **Federal Reserve (dollar)**: $5.59 trillion 2. **People's Bank of China (yuan)**: $5.40 trillion equivalent 3. **European Central Bank (euro)**: $5.28 trillion equivalent 4. **Bank of Japan (yen)**: $4.69 trillion equivalent If we remove gold from the equation (we shouldn't), then Bitcoin could be considered the 5th largest money in the world. However, the all-important monetary metal throughout history that even a child knows about--gold--is still king at around **$16.5 trillion in value**, or 6.1 billion ounces worldwide. Note, this does not include gold lost/recycled through industry; in that case, it is estimated that about 6.9 billion ounces of gold have been mined throughout humanity. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/b40e5acfc73a0fd4f34758da504dfe8a396c0b37cc491e28b8fac631de265115.png"> *Update #26 Executive Summary* Silver, for what it's worth, is still a big "monetary" metal; though it is true, much more silver is gobbled up in industry compared to gold. There are about 31 billion ounces of non-industrial silver floating around the world (most of it in jewelry and silverware form) that is valued in today's prices at nearly $1 trillion. Bitcoin bigger. ## **State of the Print: $27.0 trillion.** If we add up the Big Four central banks already mentioned above (again, Bitcoin being larger than the Bank of England's monetary base), as well as the next 46 central banks, we get to a total, USD equivalent value of **$27.0 trillion in base money across the world**. I**f we consider $27.0 trillion as the Big Boss of central bank money, then Bitcoin at $1.25 trillion network value (September, quarter-end figure!) indeed has some way to go.**  But as we can see from the last month leading up to this publishing, that can change quickly. We have just surpassed $100 thousand per bitcoin, which **brings the network value to $2 trillion**. We can also imagine how the Pareto distribution occurs even in money, if Bitcoin after only 15 years is already larger than every central bank money in the world except for four of them. Wild to ponder. ## **Supply inflation: 12.7% per year.** It is also true that for two years they have been trying to "normalize" their balance sheets after the 2020-22 Covid madness, stimulus, and money printing. Of course, they have been trying all along to normalize since the 2008 global finance crisis (GFC), but I digress. When I first started my website, I vowed never to use such a non-corporeal thing as CPI to discuss how much things cost. A "general increase in the level of consumer prices," or CPI, as measured by planning boards around the world, is not a real thing. It may be calculated by people with the best of intentions, but it has been manipulated and volumes have been written about it. I don't use it. I have always defined inflation as the classical economists did: Inflation is an increase in the "stock" of money. If we know the all-time stock of euros printed by the European Central Bank now, and we know the all-time stock of euros printed by the ECB 12 months ago, then it is very easy to calculate the annual inflation of the euro. Not only is it easy, but *it is real*. It is corporeal. **Watch what they do**, not what they say. I have been tracking this since 2018, and though this figure has evolved slightly (mostly increasing from massive COVID stimulus of 2020-2021, the high-signal, important to remember figure of all-time compound annual growth (CAGR) of the global base money supply since 1969 is 12.7%. That is **12.7% compounded, per year**. It is a doubling time of **5.8 years**. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/caffef58bab6d1bd10e6a9ed6c716ac91de23fa990264749586641918482b723.png"> ***Growth rate of the monetary base*** It is highly valuable to understand that, *ceteris paribus*, if the demand for cash balances does not keep up with this monetary supply increase, then prices will rise. This erodes purchasing power. I do not attempt to measure the demand for cash balances in this research. Regardless, 12.7% is a useful figure to understand. ## **Let's compare.** For the rest of this report, I want to do something different and simply spend some time looking at the compound annual growth rates of various corporeal things around the world, in order that we can compare those to the growth of the fiat monetary base, and Bitcoin. Remember, most things in the financial and economic world grow exponentially. This simply means that they grow *constantly*. The financial term here is compound growth, or compound interest. This rate of growth can indeed change year to year (interest rates can go up, or down), but over the years we can observe a strong trend, and that is what I want to summarize here for you. ## **Population.** The world has grown exponentially at **1.7% per year** over the last 75 years. However, despite all the overpopulation myths you've probably heard, this rate of growth is actually falling, well below trend, and we only grow at **0.9% per year** at the moment. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/b001bcc8ac726b7cb934ce8abd71e84c5e60f9253d5fa18c8db8021c66b45851.png"> ## **GDP.** The United States has grown its economy at 5.2% compounded per year since the founding of the republic. We are at the higher end of this trend right now, $28.8 trillion output per year, growing at **5.3% per year**. As this is exponential growth, if I put it on log scale, it will become a straight line. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/2c9bb437e5403b16f7bdd628c8e8dd90b285b7ca5a20b731e1a9776d687c4578.png"> ## **Stocks.** Stocks grow exponentially as well, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. The growth rate is **7.3% per year** for the S&P 500, the main US index that tracks more than 80% of total market caps. Showing this one on linear scale on the left-hand axis, just so you can see how it typically scales. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/dcc2a758310e1e8c01f2df309a93b327376099376c4ef39ebce12a0e7d3834f6.png"> ## **Stocks. With Dividends.** *If you reinvest those dividends* into the same stock market, you'll earn more. The all-time compound annual growth increases by 2% higher to **9.3% per year** for the S&P. Also displaying this one on linear scale. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/a9c31d98de035ad78c4de49b04dd097cd4e9981abcfa3380ffc2a3ee8fcd2795.png"> ## **Bonds.** Bonds are supposedly safer than stocks (bondholders get paid back first), and more cash flowing. If you look at the longest running bond index in the US, it grows at **7.1% per year**, compounded. Notice how, in a rising interest rate environment (which we are at the moment), bonds will suffer, if viewing the price (or index, as in this case, using the Bloomberg Aggregate Bond Index). This has kept the bond market returns at the lower end of the range, since the global financial crisis in 2008. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/0d789e45f3e1b6a76fb22e7e04c5b916d9bded98f3e5263492322ba3c5e32746.png"> ## **Base Money.** As we've discussed, base money grows across the world at a weighted average of **12.7% compounded per year**. However, this trendline analysis looks at it differently than my headline figure. It simply looks at the USD value of the global monetary base (again, **$27.0 trillion**), and draws an exponential trendline on that USD equivalent growth for 50+ years. In other words, this is going to be *after all currency fluctuations* have played themselves out. Do you think the growth rate here will be higher or lower? Actually, it is lower, at **10.3% per year**. But there is a big asterisk here, in that the series is not consistent across time. I typically just display it for visual effect. As more and more central bank balance sheets were added to this analysis across the 1970s and 1980s, it is not technically rigorous to run an exponential trendline analysis across these totals. **Better to use my headline figure of 12.7% CAGR.** Again, the 12.7% figure is rigorously calculated, measuring the native growth rate of each monetary base across every month recorded, then weighting that across every other monetary base in that monthly basket, then averaging all months for an all-time figure, and then raising that all-time monthly weighted average to the power of 12. What is interesting, however, is that the 10.3% derived CAGR using the exponential regression below is *lower* than my native headline figure of 12.7% . Remember, the 10.3% exponential regression **does not** account for all the new money supplies coming in during the 1970s and 1980s (which should push the regression slope higher as new supplies are added), *and* it is after all currency fluctuations have been factored in, to arrive at a USD equivalent. The lower 10.3% CAGR can only mean that central bank balance sheets actually lose value against the US-dollar *faster* than they can print! <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/f3c9f9af2e6cd59a5cea41cf4783a011099829906bcedf51afca8c2561e7c046.png"> Note, I am showing this one in linear scale. The trendline projects out to **$83 trillion** by December 2033. The current global supply of base money ($27 trillion) is about $6.5 trillion less than the current trendline ($33.5 trillion). ## **Silver.** This is total ounces ever mined. They trend upward at **1.4% per year**. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/3abd3b80c57dd9e8d2075497a2861bcf39addc1d679ababb60510939eb169bf9.png"> ## **Gold.** This is total ounces ever mined. Gold trends upward at **1.7% per year**. Faster than silver. Surprised? Notice the R-squared (goodness of fit) for both silver and gold production increase. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/f7728966e2ecea37749acd5787157244fa61001c16fa5b4a6dcf18f7e151ea40.png"> ## **Bitcoin.** Bitcoins grow according to a basic logarithmic curve. Trying to draw percentiles is pointless here, and even measuring a trendline is relatively pointless, as everyone knows the bitcoins prescribed into the future, per the protocol. Better to just quote the trailing 12-month growth figure, and it is **1.5% per year** and falling, as of quarter end Sep-2024. Less than gold. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/d267873c029649fb5dda0446ed2eb3b96db34f47f43ec9ac4cf310e70013d81c.png"> ## **Silver price.** Since 1971 it's trended at 3.4% per year. Silver bug? <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/231bcd22be9d07a95ce2fa3c614d820910a9d2d744646b890d8e12b6b0cc633c.png"> ## **Gold price.** Since 1971 it's trended at 5.1% per year. Gold bug? <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/3aa240988a926928e1621d174b4a0108a32468e52f3058a19c0ec3db80fdc236.png"> ## **Bitcoin price.** Now, we have finally arrived at something that grows differently than exponential. [As I've observed since 2018](https://x.com/1basemoney/status/1079740420438011905), Bitcoin grows according to a power trend. Did you notice that the prior exponential trends displayed themselves as straight lines on log scale? Well, with Bitcoin, the power trendline gradually falls across time, but the growth is still well larger than anything we've covered thus far. Why? It's being adopted, of course. Bitcoin's power trendline has grown **167% per year** since Bitcoin Pizza Day in 2010. Note that this is something akin to a "Lifetime Achievement" figure, and it will continue to fall every day. Over the prior 12 months ending 30 September 2024, Bitcoin grew **134.6% over the year**. Well higher now at $100k. The compound growth of the power trend today is **44% per year**. By 2030 it will fall to "only" **36% per year**. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/77fc9a8c58c0fb705ab574b24bd0777d2bb0c5a1a5668179c4242b311f656421.png"> Oh yes, and it is free (as in speech), open, and permissionless money. ## **To summarize.** That was a lot of data across a lot of charts. I've compiled it all in a helpful table here for you to review at any time. This is the monetary and major asset world at third quarter end, 2024: <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/e8c24f25504fe3fcdb4889101ffc51b0e0ca01039c41d06771aed9b4a4904fb6.png"> ## **Base money concluded** The following table gives you a complete summary of the fiat currencies, gold, silver, and Bitcoin figures used in this analysis, for this quarter. Please print it out if you like, it is meant to be a helpful, in-depth companion when fiat friends come asking. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/cb7a6d04a0fbef82a68e67ac5b98cd2faeae31b39f68926e7a235d4e05020a3d.png"> Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed, please consider zapping, and you can also donate to my [BTCPay](https://donations.cryptovoices.com/) on [my website](https://www.porkopolis.io/) if you'd like to help keep this research going.

Resilience is the ability to withstand shocks, adapt, and bounce back. It’s an essential quality in nature and in life. But what if we could take resilience a step further? What if, instead of merely surviving, a system could improve when faced with stress? This concept, known as anti-fragility, is not just theoretical—it’s practical. Combining two highly resilient natural tools, comfrey and biochar, reveals how we can create systems that thrive under pressure and grow stronger with each challenge. ### **Comfrey: Nature’s Champion of Resilience** Comfrey is a plant that refuses to fail. Once its deep roots take hold, it thrives in poor soils, withstands drought, and regenerates even after being cut down repeatedly. It’s a hardy survivor, but comfrey doesn’t just endure—it contributes. Known as a dynamic accumulator, it mines nutrients from deep within the earth and brings them to the surface, making them available for other plants. Beyond its ecological role, comfrey has centuries of medicinal use, earning the nickname "knitbone." Its leaves can heal wounds and restore health, a perfect metaphor for resilience. But as impressive as comfrey is, its true potential is unlocked when paired with another resilient force: biochar. ### **Biochar: The Silent Powerhouse of Soil Regeneration** Biochar, a carbon-rich material made by burning organic matter in low-oxygen conditions, is a game-changer for soil health. Its unique porous structure retains water, holds nutrients, and provides a haven for beneficial microbes. Soil enriched with biochar becomes drought-resistant, nutrient-rich, and biologically active—qualities that scream resilience. Historically, ancient civilizations in the Amazon used biochar to transform barren soils into fertile agricultural hubs. Known as *terra preta*, these soils remain productive centuries later, highlighting biochar’s remarkable staying power. Yet, like comfrey, biochar’s potential is magnified when it’s part of a larger system. ### **The Synergy: Comfrey and Biochar Together** Resilience turns into anti-fragility when systems go beyond mere survival and start improving under stress. Combining comfrey and biochar achieves exactly that. 1. **Nutrient Cycling and Retention**\ Comfrey’s leaves, rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, make an excellent mulch when cut and dropped onto the soil. However, these nutrients can wash away in heavy rains. Enter biochar. Its porous structure locks in the nutrients from comfrey, preventing runoff and keeping them available for plants. Together, they create a system that not only recycles nutrients but amplifies their effectiveness. 2. **Water Management**\ Biochar holds onto water making soil not just drought-resistant but actively water-efficient, improving over time with each rain and dry spell. 3. **Microbial Ecosystems**\ Comfrey enriches soil with organic matter, feeding microbial life. Biochar provides a home for these microbes, protecting them and creating a stable environment for them to multiply. Together, they build a thriving soil ecosystem that becomes more fertile and resilient with each passing season. Resilient systems can withstand shocks, but anti-fragile systems actively use those shocks to grow stronger. Comfrey and biochar together form an anti-fragile system. Each addition of biochar enhances water and nutrient retention, while comfrey regenerates biomass and enriches the soil. Over time, the system becomes more productive, less dependent on external inputs, and better equipped to handle challenges. This synergy demonstrates the power of designing systems that don’t just survive—they thrive. ### **Lessons Beyond the Soil** The partnership of comfrey and biochar offers a valuable lesson for our own lives. Resilience is an admirable trait, but anti-fragility takes us further. By combining complementary strengths and leveraging stress as an opportunity, we can create systems—whether in soil, business, or society—that improve under pressure. Nature shows us that resilience isn’t the end goal. When we pair resilient tools like comfrey and biochar, we unlock a system that evolves, regenerates, and becomes anti-fragile. By designing with anti-fragility in mind, we don’t just bounce back, we bounce forward. By designing with anti-fragility in mind, we don’t just bounce back, we bounce forward.

So let us give a little bit on context first to get the WHOLE PICTURE. We DoShitters are a trio of friends who one day decided we wanted to create some shit together. We are artists from different fields, and at the time two of us were struggling from creative block, so we decided to create the ultimate tool to COMBAT CREATIVE BLOCK. It would be an Oracle about the creative process and it would be inspired on the Hero's Journey and on our own journeys as artists; and hence "DoShit!" was born.  Once we knew what we wanted to do, and it started to have a shape, we decided to go through the hardship of self-producing and selling the cards by ourselves directly on our website ( www.doshitters.com ), which allowed us to keep control of the product at all times during production, and to have a direct relationship with our audience and buyers. Besides from guaranteeing we weren't left with the tiniest percentage of the sales pie. (At least in Spain, when you get a big publisher involved, you can forget getting even 10% of sales, and you lose a lot of the creative control of your project). We invested a lot of our own resources in making sure "DoShit!" was a quality product and we were lucky enough to get the help of a generous patreon who enabled us to create what is now the DoShit! deck. <3  We did local presentations of the product in both Barcelona and Madrid, and got the deck to be sold in cool local stores, where we offered to do live readings and got to talk with people of all kinds about the Shit they wanted to do. Above all, DoShit! is an inspirational tool. **And you must be asking yourself, "What does this have to do with Amazon?". ** Well, one of the problems of self-producing and having local fulfilment of the product is that shipping costs just couldn't compete with what the average consumer has gotten used to because of Amazon's mass scale free shipping. We were finding that, specially for our followers in the USA, it was impossible to assume shipping costs (which amounted to almost the same cost as the actual deck); but we didn't want to give up on the people who wanted to get inspired by DoShit! but lived on the other side of the world from us, so... WE DECIDED TO MAKE A DEAL WITH THE DEVIL, aka Amazon.  We knew that selling our product on Amazon was going to result in less revenue from the sales for us, but for us it was mostly about GETTING DoShit! TO A WAREHOUSE IN THE USA to be able to offer the deck with Free Shipping. And that's what we did. But we didn't know everything that would come as a result, (they don't really advertise the hidden costs and fees, or the speed at which they want you to expedite your sales) and we've been paying for that decision ever since.  In any case, they lured us in with a 3 months no cost promotion. You obviously assumed the cost of shipping it there, and they would take a cut from every sale that happened in their web, but we didn't have any way of knowing the cost that we would need to incur after those first three months. Another thing that wasn't advertised is that IF YOU ACTUALLY WANT YOUR PRODUCT TO BE FEATURED ANYWHERE, you need to be eligible as an A+ content seller, which also comes at a cost, and you need to pay additionally for sponsored ads; otherwise, your product is basically shut down in a black hole of zero discoverability except for people using the direct link.  The three months went by fast and then the invoices started coming, and the automatic charges on our account started to empty our independent seller bank account. As you can imagine, independent sellers like us sometimes require of TIME to be able to get the word out, to get people to buy your product... Besides, as artists with other projects on the pipeline, we couldn't really spend much time focusing on sales, nor did we want to. And in all honestly, we refused to give Amazon more money in sponsored ads and other programs to "gain visibility". We knew we had no way of competing with the big sellers on the platform, but we just thought, "AT LEAST IT'S AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO BUY IT".  But then, out of the blue, we noticed our link on Amazon wasn't working. A friend tipped us off that it wasn't allowing any sales, it was listed as "currently unavailable", without us having done anything to trigger that change. Suddenly we received an email from the giant informing us that our account had been set to inactive due to "dormancy", and that we needed to re-verify our identity. Not only that, but since we were in Europe, and they didn't have an address in the US they could send the decks back to, if we didn't get everything solved in time, THEY WERE GOING TO DESTROY THE DECKS THEY HAD IN THEIR WAREHOUSE because of their "Automated removal" policy. This caught us while we were on holidays, away from our desktops, seller logins and such and we did everything the seller support requested from us as rapidly as possible. The nightmare of imagining our beautiful decks being destroyed really put us in a state of panic. We hoped everything would be solved after several support tickets stating our case, and pleading that they don't destroy the decks!  In the end, after several communications, they reactivated our listing which had apparently been set to inactive because of "stranded inventory" due to "excess inventory"; which is Amazon talk for: "YOU'RE NOT SELLING FAST ENOUGH". After having gone through that experience we knew one thing for certain, WE WANTED TO BREAK FREE FROM AMAZON as soon as possible, but we still wanted to offer our DoShit! decks with Free Shipping for our customers; at least this Christmas...  So, best case scenario, all the DoShit! decks that are at Amazon get sold this Christmas campaign, with the jolly merry spirit, people and nostriches all around the world get excited about GIFTING INSPIRATION (and taking advantage of the Free Shipping) and help us to GET THE DECKS OUT OF AMAZON!  But we know this may be wishful thinking T.T , That is why we are also looking for independent shops in the USA that feel that DoShit! makes sense in their store, and would want to become the new home of the decks that remain in american soil after the Christmas campaign. So maybe somebody wants to become the "foster home" to these Oracles as they find their new home in 2025, so they decks can go from that abussive giant with high time preference, to a friendly purple shop with low time preference and no hidden tricks. After all, many people kickstart the year with their minds set on their New Year Resolutions, they want to DO SHIT! So Who Knows?  In any case, to all the small sellers out there, BEWARE OF MAKING THAT PACT WITH THE DEVIL. We knew we had never wanted to get our Shit on Amazon, we knew the system was rigged again us, but still, we wanted to make it more affordable for people to get their hands on the deck. Artists struggle enough to have to additionally add exhorbitant shipping costs to acquire a creativity tool like "DoShit!". And if you, like us, find yourself having to do that pact anyway, we hope our tale will at least help you navigate all the hidden traps that their system throws at you.  IF YOU WANT TO JOIN THE CREATIVE RESCUE MISSION TO FREE THE DECKS, please, support us as best you can, share our story, recommend our deck, but best of all GIFT THE "DoShit!" DECK THIS CHRISTMAS! <3 You can find it at its captor's site at https://a.co/d/hrKXEBF , or if you'd rather NOT BUY SHIT ON AMAZON, you can always buy it at the Plebeian Market with your Sats, and we'll get one out of Amazon on your account. (https://plebeian.market/p/f82c481a3ae2a284049631a50373f4b9262c0e0b80977a4de1a71fcc19c5635d/stall/c9744507a49cf647c5612204416b7e22bdab86fbaff85413cfbc41103a0d269a)  THANKS FOR CARING, This 2025, we wish you all to DO THE SHIT THAT MATTERS TO YOU! #DoShit! #JoinTheArtmy

Imagine a large public square, illuminated by intense spotlights, where every individual who dares to approach the center is immediately recognized, photographed, and cataloged. In this square, every word spoken becomes indelibly tied to its speaker. Under such conditions, many would hesitate before speaking, fearing not only the disapproval of the audience but also the potential punishments that could follow the mere act of expressing an idea. Now, imagine a second square, where anyone can cover their face with a mask, allowing their voice to echo without revealing their identity. It is in this second square that true freedom of expression flourishes, and this metaphorical mask represents anonymity. https://www.fountain.fm/episode/MweciiR21hySxjdsNa7u In debates about freedom of expression—one of the fundamental pillars of democratic societies—anonymity often emerges as a controversial element. For some, it serves as a refuge for digital criminals or slanderers. For others, it is an indispensable tool, capable of protecting dissenting voices and inspiring authentic debates, with ideas judged on their merits rather than the messenger’s reputation. This article aims to explain, in a clear and instructive manner, why anonymity is essential to genuine freedom of expression, illustrating its value with metaphors, real-life examples, and historical references. ## **The Protective Mask: Avoiding Retaliation and Threats** Just as a navigator uses guiding instruments to avoid jagged rocks at sea, anonymity functions like a shield, allowing bold voices to navigate oppressive reefs without foundering. There are countless examples of individuals who have risked their lives to expose crimes and injustices—from whistleblowers in authoritarian governments to investigative journalists uncovering the complex machinations of organized crime. Without the possibility of anonymity, many of these stories would never have come to light. Organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and other digital rights advocacy groups emphasize that the ability to speak without revealing one’s identity is crucial when the cost of speaking out is dangerously high. In censorship-ridden regimes, criticizing the government can lead to imprisonment, torture, or even death. Human rights activists, LGBTQIA+ communities in hostile countries, and journalists investigating illicit dealings all rely on anonymity to continue their work without putting their own lives at immediate risk. In this context, anonymity is not a whim—it’s the chance to survive one’s own opinion. ## **The Voice of the Invisible: Empowering Marginalized Groups** Think of anonymity as an invisible microphone placed at the disposal of those who, without it, would never dare to take the stage. Historically, marginalized groups have always faced additional barriers to making their voices heard. Women in patriarchal societies, ethnic minorities facing discrimination, or individuals persecuted for their sexual orientation find in anonymity a safe space to speak out, claim their rights, and share their experiences without fearing public humiliation or physical violence. This “invisible microphone” not only gives voice to those who once remained silent but also transforms the arena of public debate into a more equitable space. By removing the link between idea and identity, it reduces the risk of immediate prejudice against the messenger. As a result, society can assess arguments more impartially. Here, ideas are judged on their content, not on the face that speaks them. ## **The Strength of History: The Precedent of the Federalist Papers** History offers a famous example of the power of anonymous words: the Federalist Papers. Published between 1787 and 1788, these essays supported the ratification of the United States Constitution and were written under the pseudonym “Publius” by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. The reason for concealing their identities was clear: to ensure that their ideas would be judged on their argumentative strength rather than the prestige or fame of the authors. The precedent set by the Federalist Papers is emblematic. It shows that, in the building of one of the first modern democracies, anonymity was used as a legitimate tool to establish fundamental concepts. If the founders of the nation that prides itself on its First Amendment—the one that protects freedom of expression—resorted to anonymity, we should recognize that this resource is not only defensible but also an essential part of the framework of healthy public debate. ## **Faceless Messages: The Democracy of Pure Ideas** In an ideal world, we would judge a message purely on its content. In reality, however, names, faces, social status, and economic position influence how we receive and interpret a person’s words. Anonymity removes these superficial layers, allowing the message to present itself bare, subject to rational evaluation without the veils of prejudice. In this sense, anonymity acts as a “filter of equality”: by concealing the source, it prevents us from assigning credibility (or discredit) based on stereotypes, prejudices, or personal rivalries. Thus, ideas previously dismissed out of hand can now be heard with greater attention, opening paths to social innovation, political reflection, and challenges to the status quo. A contemporary example is online forums that allow anonymous posts. While we acknowledge that such spaces can be misused, we cannot ignore their potential to give voice to those who would never feel safe speaking under their own name in public. ## **Privacy, Intimacy, and the Freedom to Whisper** Anonymity is not limited to the public or political sphere. In personal and professional relations, the ability to speak anonymously can allow someone to seek help or reveal extremely sensitive matters. Imagine a patient who needs to consult a doctor about a stigmatized health issue, or a person seeking legal advice in a delicate situation. The “mask” of anonymity offers a safe haven for sharing information without the anguish of being judged or exposed. Thus, anonymity also safeguards our “right to whisper,” that is, the ability to exchange information, secrets, and confessions without the constant glare of a spotlight. Real or perceived surveillance can stifle communication and inhibit creativity, reporting, and the exchange of ideas. By shielding individuals from forced exposure, anonymity reinforces the very fabric of freedom of expression, preventing the fear of identification from silencing words before they are spoken. ## **Anonymity in the Digital Age: Between Encryption and Censorship** In the digital age, the issue of anonymity becomes even more relevant. With the expansion of online surveillance and the growth of social networks, maintaining anonymity can be challenging. Social media platforms increasingly request personal data, and governments attempt to impose barriers against anonymity, often justifying them as measures of national security or crime prevention. However, according to reports and documents from human rights organizations, such as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), encryption and anonymity are key tools for freedom of expression in the digital environment. Without these resources, citizens and journalists, for instance, become more vulnerable to persecution. In various countries, the existence of anonymous and encrypted channels enables information to circulate, grievances to be reported, and societies to remain informed, even in the face of heavy censorship. ## **Legal Protection: Judicial Recognition of Anonymity** The United States Supreme Court, as well as other constitutional courts around the world, recognizes anonymity as an integral part of the right to free expression. In the United States, the First Amendment has been applied in cases that defended the right to anonymous speech, viewing it as a bulwark against the tyranny of the majority. When minorities are protected by anonymity, personal reprisals against those who dare to question dogmas or denounce abuses are prevented. This judicial understanding reinforces the legitimacy of anonymity and its direct association with the strengthening of democracy. After all, a robust democracy requires not only the absence of formal censorship but also the guarantee that minority or unpopular voices can speak out without fear. ## **Conclusion: The Cloak That Protects Freedom** If freedom of expression is the heart of democracy, anonymity is the cloak that shields that heart from the poisoned darts of fear, persecution, and prejudice. It creates the right environment for ideas to flourish freely, for courageous voices to emerge from silence, and for society to debate its most complex issues in the light of reason rather than beneath the shadow of intimidation. In a world where surveillance and political tensions are ever-present, anonymity preserves the essence of free speech: humanity’s ability to question, propose, denounce, criticize, and create without shackles. By recognizing the importance of this resource, we safeguard not only individual voices but also the very principle that makes democracy worthy of its name. ## **Selected References:** - Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF): <https://www.eff.org/issues/anonymity> - Freedom Forum: <https://www.freedomforum.org/anonymous-speech/> - Association for Progressive Communications (APC): <https://www.apc.org/> - The First Amendment Encyclopedia: Anonymous Speech: <https://firstamendment.mtsu.edu/article/anonymous-speech/> - The Federalist Papers: Historical context available at [Library of Congress](https://www.loc.gov/) and various printed and digital compilations. --- Cover Photo by [Redd Francisco](https://unsplash.com/@reddfrancisco?utm_source=ghost&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=api-credit) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=ghost&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=api-credit)

# Consensus21: A Decentralised Learning Protocol for the Future of Education  We're excited to announce the creation of a revolutionary new school model, built around the principles of decentralisation and innovation, as outlined in our [whitepaper](https://github.com/consensus21school/consensus21school.github.io/blob/main/whitepaper.md). Our goal is to create an educational ecosystem that's not only forward-thinking but also highly replicable—enabling others to "fork" and implement this vision in their own communities. This is just the beginning, and we'd love your input! Your feedback is invaluable as we shape this project into a global movement that can transform how we think about and experience education. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/797452

Several factors drive demand for Bitcoin: - _Investment and Speculation_: Many investors view Bitcoin as a store of value or a hedge against inflation, driving up demand. - _Adoption and Use Cases_: Growing acceptance of Bitcoin as a form of payment, increased use in e-commerce, and emerging use cases like DeFi drive demand. - _Global Economic Uncertainty_: During times of economic uncertainty, such as recessions or political instability, investors may seek safe-haven assets like Bitcoin. - _Technological Advancements_: Improvements in scalability, security, and usability, such as the Lightning Network, can increase demand. - _Regulatory Environment_: Clear and favorable regulations can increase adoption and drive demand. - _Media and Market Sentiment_: Positive media coverage and market sentiment can increase demand. - _Limited Supply_: The capped supply of 21 million Bitcoins can contribute to increased demand. - _Network Effects_: As more people join the Bitcoin network, it becomes more valuable, driving up demand. - _Institutional Investment_: Increased investment from institutional investors, such as hedge funds and pension funds, can drive up demand.

Bitcoin's limited supply is a key factor that contributes to its value. Here are some ways in which the limited supply impacts Bitcoin's value: - _Scarcity_: The limited supply of Bitcoin creates scarcity, which can drive up demand and, in turn, increase its value. - _Inflation Protection_: Unlike fiat currencies, which can be printed indefinitely, Bitcoin's limited supply protects it from inflation. This means that the value of Bitcoin is less likely to be eroded by inflation. - _Store of Value_: The limited supply of Bitcoin makes it an attractive store of value, similar to gold. Investors and holders may be more likely to hold onto their Bitcoin, rather than selling it, which can help to drive up its value. - _Increased Demand_: As more people become aware of Bitcoin and its limited supply, demand for it may increase. This increased demand can drive up the value of Bitcoin. - _Reduced Selling Pressure_: The limited supply of Bitcoin reduces the selling pressure on the market. With fewer Bitcoins available, there is less supply to meet demand, which can help to drive up the value. Overall, Bitcoin's limited supply is a key factor that contributes to its value. The scarcity created by the limited supply can drive up demand and, in turn, increase its value.

*Financial Benefits* 1. *Lower Transaction Fees*: Bitcoin transaction fees are significantly lower compared to traditional payment systems. 2. *Fast and Global Transactions*: Bitcoin transactions are processed and settled within minutes, regardless of the sender's and recipient's locations. 3. *No Inflation*: The total supply of Bitcoin is capped at 21 million, which means that there's no risk of inflation. *Security and Transparency Benefits* 1. *Secure Transactions*: Bitcoin transactions are encrypted and recorded on a public ledger called the blockchain, making them secure and tamper-proof. 2. *Transparent Transactions*: All Bitcoin transactions are recorded on the blockchain, providing a transparent and publicly accessible record of all transactions. 3. *Immutable Transactions*: Bitcoin transactions are immutable, meaning that once a transaction is recorded on the blockchain, it cannot be altered or reversed. *Autonomy and Accessibility Benefits* 1. *Decentralized and Autonomous*: Bitcoin operates independently of central banks and governments, giving users full control over their financial transactions. 2. *Accessibility*: Bitcoin can be accessed and used by anyone with an internet connection, regardless of their geographical location or financial status. 3. *Financial Inclusion*: Bitcoin provides an opportunity for people in underserved or unbanked communities to participate in the global financial system. *Other Benefits* 1. *Diversification*: Bitcoin provides a diversification opportunity for investors, as its performance is not directly correlated with traditional assets. 2. *Limited Supply*: The limited supply of Bitcoin makes it a scarce asset, which can help to drive up demand and value. 3. *Growing Adoption*: Bitcoin's growing adoption and recognition as a legitimate form of payment and investment can help to increase its value and stability.

*Financial Benefits* 1. *Lower Transaction Fees*: Bitcoin transaction fees are significantly lower compared to traditional payment systems. 2. *Fast and Global Transactions*: Bitcoin transactions are processed and settled within minutes, regardless of the sender's and recipient's locations. 3. *No Inflation*: The total supply of Bitcoin is capped at 21 million, which means that there's no risk of inflation. *Security and Transparency Benefits* 1. *Secure Transactions*: Bitcoin transactions are encrypted and recorded on a public ledger called the blockchain, making them secure and tamper-proof. 2. *Transparent Transactions*: All Bitcoin transactions are recorded on the blockchain, providing a transparent and publicly accessible record of all transactions. 3. *Immutable Transactions*: Bitcoin transactions are immutable, meaning that once a transaction is recorded on the blockchain, it cannot be altered or reversed. *Autonomy and Accessibility Benefits* 1. *Decentralized and Autonomous*: Bitcoin operates independently of central banks and governments, giving users full control over their financial transactions. 2. *Accessibility*: Bitcoin can be accessed and used by anyone with an internet connection, regardless of their geographical location or financial status. 3. *Financial Inclusion*: Bitcoin provides an opportunity for people in underserved or unbanked communities to participate in the global financial system. *Other Benefits* 1. *Diversification*: Bitcoin provides a diversification opportunity for investors, as its performance is not directly correlated with traditional assets. 2. *Limited Supply*: The limited supply of Bitcoin makes it a scarce asset, which can help to drive up demand and value. 3. *Growing Adoption*: Bitcoin's growing adoption and recognition as a legitimate form of payment and investment can help to increase its value and stability.

I should have mentioned this a long time ago or opened a ticket but for some time I have noticed when I post something on SN I get failures on several Nostr relays. I think they are default relays not my user defined relays. I have also noticed that my posts show up in my Amethyst app but not in the Primal web client. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/797226

## The Hamster's Wheel We fancy ourselves sophisticated animals - clever toolmakers and relentless innovators. Ingenuity, we believe, sets us apart from the rest of the animal kingdom. We clothe ourselves, build machines to save time and energy, and yet, somehow, we remain deaf to the relentless squeaking of a far more profound wheel. Not the wheels of our cars or the gears driving the machines that sustain modern life, but a wheel few of us see or acknowledge. The wheel that, for all our intelligence, makes us no different from a hamster running endlessly in its cage. The hamster's wheel is innocent - it spins for exercise, for a fleeting distraction. Ours, however, is far more sinister, propelling us in a ceaseless race toward ambitions we barely understand. The hamster wouldn't even have a wheel to run on, were it not for us - the inventors of its cage. What does that say about the wheels we've built for our selves?  ## Collective Unconscious Think I'm full of it? Ask yourself: what does it really mean to live a good life? At any stage of life, the answer might sound familiar to those around you. A student might say it's about getting good grades, attending a prestigious school, and eventually building a family. A young professional might define it as landing a coveted promotion or hitting a certain salary milestone. For a parent, a good life might be one where their children grow into successful, functional members of society. No matter where you are in life, the concept of progress seems inescapable. Whatever you believe constitutes a good life, it likely aligns with the idea that progress is essential. Achieving goals, moving forward, and hitting milestones - this is what we equate with a good life. It's an idea so pervasive that it might feel inevitable, even natural. Carl Jung might have called this an archetype of the collective unconscious: a deeply ingrained idea that subconsciously shapes how we think and act as a society. We see patterns in nature and mirror them, claiming that moving forward is the only just path. The idea that ***"Backward"*** connotes failure or misdirection, is embedded in our collective mythos. This belief silently influences our individual and collective goals, often without our explicit awareness. The idea of progress influences individual choices, directs institutions, and codifies laws into our governments. ## Lifting the Veil Once you recognize how deeply this idea permeates everything we do in life, it becomes almost impossible to ignore. It's like the uncanny feeling when someone points out that you have something stuck in your teeth - you immediately wonder how long it's been there before anyone mentioned it. Consider how the idea of progress has shaped not only your personal aspirations but also our collective societal goals. A ***"good"*** career is often defined as one that propels society forward. Jobs in tech, for example, are celebrated with yips and hoorays, while jobs in waste management are met with quiet prayers for better opportunities. Tech jobs shape the future, while waste management deals with the shadows of today - shaded by the scraps and remnants of yesterday's meals. One is seen as advancing society, while the other is viewed as stagnant, burdened with managing the detritus of the present. Governments, too, prioritize growth and innovation, aiming to boost Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by investing in scientific breakthroughs and space exploration. In contrast, social welfare programs are often dismissed as wasteful, mired in outdated ***"backward"***, communist, political ideologies. Even religions, which serve as bastions of conservatism and tradition, now seek fresh approaches to attract young followers. This relentless pursuit of progress has broken down cultural barriers, fostering a universal appeal for modernity. Yet, in doing so, it has eroded cultural diversity, imposing a singular vision of what it means to be "modern." Consider the way a modern person dresses, what image does that conjure in your mind? How might that conflict with the multitude of cultures in the world whose dress might seem a bit ***"backward"***. While most of us, whether consciously or unconsciously, continue along this path of progress, there's often a nagging sense that something is off. We witness the environmental consequences of prioritizing short-term gains over ecological sustainability, as though progress demands we sacrifice one to achieve the other. And still, we forge ahead - into the uncharted territories of genetic engineering and artificial intelligence - despite the glaring risks that anyone with even the slightest imagination can foresee. Progress, it seems, is a force we cannot stop, even when the outcomes may lead us to question if it was worth the cost. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/2037c4c2e35f7ac11e115dae2c415a560e0e28318aafac787137174ab5cfacf4.jpg"> ## The Duality of Progress I admit I may have come off a bit strong up to this point. It might seem as though I'm condemning progress outright. However, my intent is not to dismiss progress but to highlight its pervasive grip on society worldwide. Humanity didn't always carry this relentless obsession with progress - it's not some inherent "brain virus" we were born with. We can trace its roots to the Enlightenment, roughly 340 years ago. During that period, the modern framework of progress began to take hold, coinciding with the founding of what would become the United States. It's no coincidence, perhaps, that this nation has since led the charge in declaring progress as the only just way forward - a belief rooted in Enlightenment ideals of reason and innovation. No doubt, much good has come from the pursuit of progress. Where would we be if we had never dared to defy "God's will" and create cures for once-deadly diseases? Who would have been driven to invent flying machines or automobiles, tools that maximize the brief time each individual has on this planet? Progress has also shattered oppressive systems, freeing entire groups, cultures, and classes from the bonds of slavery and servitude as human rights have advanced. Should we take progress for granted? Is it simply an inevitable outcome, a path we only need to follow until we arrive at utopia? Countless works of literature explore the folly of anchoring one's aspirations to the idea of perpetual progress. The Great Gatsby offers a poignant example through the life of Jay Gatsby. For him, the goal was to become "The Great Gatsby" - the richest, most admired version of himself - believing that this transformation might fill the void in his heart and finally earn him true love. This void isn't unique to Jay Gatsby. Despite living in what is statistically considered the best time to be alive in the history of mankind, we also face an era marked by the highest recorded rates of mental health issues, particularly in the most "advanced" nations. It seems the mythos of progress is not something to be taken lightly. It is neither inherently good nor bad, but it must be approached with awareness and understanding, not blind faith. ## Why Few Understand the Progression Paradigm's Influence You don't know what you don't know. And when you know something too well, it can start to feel like an undeniable, objective truth rather than a cultural construct. This makes it all the more difficult to recognize when we're blindly following a path laid out for us. We're taught to believe in a "natural" progression of humanity - from hunter-gatherers to industrialized societies - yet we often overlook the sideways steps and detours humanity has taken along the way. As far as I know, every person educated in institutionalized schools has been introduced to this narrative of human civilization, meaning many of us have been drinking the Kool-Aid from an early age. This mythos embeds itself even further in our media and politics, shaping our worldview. But, like noticing something stuck in your teeth, once you become aware of it, it's hard to ignore - and you feel compelled to act. Another gift of the Enlightenment, the scientific method, teaches us that truths about nature can be uncovered through experimentation. Yet these "truths" hold only as long as they aren't disproven. So, what is there to disprove here? Progression is ***always*** good for mankind.  Taken to its logical conclusion, it wont always be. I desperately hope we don't get to the point to when we can definitively prove that. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/07edf1b419d9b7865758848ed450002cc44c8b5952a82565711541f14cb8b5ca.jpg"> ## Man Evolves but the World and His Mind Vanish Single-minded pursuit of progress at all costs is inherently all-consuming. Left unchecked, it threatens to erode both our physical and mental well-being, transforming humanity into something entirely unrecognizable. We are on the brink of such a transformation with the rise of genetic engineering, bio-technologies, and artificial intelligence. Joe Rogan aptly describes this phenomenon as the "human cocoon." Much like a caterpillar mindlessly consuming leaves on a branch, humanity has ceaselessly innovated and progressed, weaving itself into a cocoon of technology. One day, just as the caterpillar emerges as a butterfly - an organism almost entirely different from its former self - we too may evolve into something radically altered: a technological being fully divorced from the organic nature that binds us to this planet. Perhaps he's right. But if we awaken to the grip this narrative of relentless progress holds over our civilization, we may still have a chance to shape a different future. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach, we can ensure we do not succumb to the pitfalls of becoming the techno-larvae Rogan warns of. Incorporating regional ethics rooted in cultural beliefs and ecological principles into our discussions about progress could provide a more sustainable and equitable path forward. This active, conscious approach would enable humanity to navigate its evolution while remaining connected to the organic world that sustains us. ###

We made it through the Group Play stage of the NBA Emirates Cup. Now the contest really heats up. It's single elimination from here on out, for us and for the teams. The Quarter Finals will be played on Tuesday and Wednesday. Should you survive that, the Semi Finals will be on Saturday, 12/14, with the Finals being Tuesday, 12/ 17. The bracket is divided by East and West, so the winners from the QF will matchup by division in the SF. ------- # QF Matches - Magic @ Bucks - Hawks @ Knicks - Mavs @ Thunder - Warriors @ Rockets I'm pretty strongly leaning towards the Knicks, but I need to work out through the possible scenarios a bit more. ---------------- # Remaining Options ("x" indicates used) | Stacker | Magic | Bucks | Hawks | Knicks | Mavs | OKC | Wariors | Rockets | |--- |--- |--- |--- |--- |--- |--- |--- |--- | | @Undisciplined | x | | x | | x | | | x | | @supercyclone | x | | | | x | | | | | @grayruby | x | | x | | | | | x | | @realBitcoinDog| x | | | | x | | x | | | @Carresan | x | | | x | | | | | | @siggy47 | | | x | | | | | x | | @gnilma | x | | | x | x | | | x | An interesting thing about this table is that the three stackers who still have six remaining teams are the three survivors who had to use their rebuys. # Prize: 60k! I haven't done an official tally for a bit, but we're somewhere around that. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/797177

I've been using [Minibits.cash](https://www.minibits.cash/) app on GrapheneOS for my external wallet for a [couple weeks](https://stacker.news/items/780337). Thought I would provide an update. Minibits is an eCash and Lightning wallet. It supports LNURL which is nice. Overall its the easiest and best eCash app I've tried. As others have mentioned I do have issues spending with [NWC](https://nwc.dev/). But the LNURL support seems to work really well. I am guessing the NWC issues are related to their Lightning node liquidity because I often have failures with paying lightning invoices at the same time NWC payments fail. I have a few mints set up and the CoinOS one seems to be more reliable. Curious if others are using other NWC apps. For what its worth I have tried to set up NWC on my own node a few times now and it has been really inconsistent with Nostr apps. If I can even get it to make connections. I haven't had the time to figure it out yet. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/797148

## The Hidden Dangers in Your Home #### The Toxic Ingredients Most household and personal care products are a cocktail of toxic chemicals. Despite the pretty labels "all-natural" or "eco-friendly" solutions, these items often contain substances you wouldn’t want anywhere near your skin, mouth, or home in general. #### Parabens and Phthalates Parabens and phthalates are commonly used as preservatives and plasticizers in a wide range of products. They can disrupt your endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalances. This can result in anything from reproductive issues to an increased risk of cancer. Parabens are often found in cosmetics like lotions, shampoos, and makeup, phthalates are commonly found in fragrances and PVC plastics. #### The Danger of Fragrances Ah, yes. The alluring scent of fresh laundry or a floral shampoo. But here’s the kicker—these fragrances are often made from synthetic chemicals that can provoke allergies, disrupt your hormones, and even cause respiratory issues. Companies are not legally required to disclose the specific chemicals used in their fragrances, making it tricky to know what you’re actually exposing yourself to. #### Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) SLS is a detergent and surfactant found in many personal care products like toothpaste, shampoos, and even soaps. It’s known for skin irritation and has been linked to a host of other health issues. Studies suggest that prolonged exposure can be harmful to the tissues in your mouth and could contribute to the formation of ulcers and canker sores. #### Triclosan Widely used as an antibacterial agent in products like soaps and deodorants, triclosan has been shown to disrupt thyroid function and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Long-term exposure can mess with your microbiome and weaken your body’s natural defenses. ## The Environmental Impact #### Pollutants in Water Supply Personal care products contribute to water pollution, especially when these toxins wash down the drain into the water supply. Many of these chemicals are not effectively removed by wastewater treatment plants. They can end up in our rivers, lakes, and even our drinking water, causing harm to aquatic life and potentially returning to us through the water we consume. #### The Synthetic Scourge Microplastics and synthetic compounds from household products accumulate in the environment. These pollutants don’t break down easily, causing long-term damage to ecosystems around the world. Think about it—every time you wash your clothes, you might be releasing microplastics into the water system, harming marine animals. ## Solutions and Alternatives #### Go Natural The best way to avoid these harmful chemicals is to go back to basics. Opt for products that list all-natural, organic ingredients. There’s an increasing number of companies dedicated to creating genuinely non-toxic products. #### DIY Making your own household cleaners and personal care products is easier than you think. Simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, coconut oil, and essential oils can replace a multitude of toxic products. For instance, mixing baking soda and vinegar in equal parts can create an effective all-purpose cleaner that’s surprisingly effective without the side effects. #### Be an Educated Consumer Knowledge is power. Start reading labels and researching ingredients. Just because a product is labeled "natural" or "organic" doesn’t mean it's free of harmful substances. Check for certifications and look up brands that genuinely prioritize health and environmental sustainability. ## Conclusion The household and personal care products you use daily could be slowly undermining your health and environment. It’s high time you took a good, hard look into what you’re bringing into your home. Challenge the status quo, make informed choices, and safeguard the health and well-being of yourself and your loved ones. Remember, the small changes you make today can have a powerful impact on your tomorrow. 🌍 #### Suggested Readings "Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry" by Stacy Malkan "Green Clean: The Environmentally Sound Guide to Cleaning Your Home" by Linda Mason Hunter and Mikki Halpin #### References "Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Cosmetics" by Andrea C. Gore, Barbara Cohn "Chemical Exposures: The Ugly Side of Beauty Products" by Julia R. Barrett "Health Effects of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)" - Journal of the American College of Toxicology Hope that gives you plenty to ponder. 💡

Confidence is one of the most valuable tools in escorting, but it’s not something that appears overnight. It’s built, moment by moment, through experience, self-awareness, and embracing the challenges of this unique profession. Today, I want to share how I’ve developed confidence and why it’s such a vital part of my journey. --- ### **Starting with Self-Acceptance** Confidence begins with accepting myself, imperfections and all. Escorting places a spotlight on appearances and personality, but true self-assurance comes from knowing my worth beyond the surface. - **Celebrating strengths:** I focus on what makes me unique, whether it’s my personality, skills, or sense of humour. - **Owning insecurities:** Acknowledging my flaws without letting them define me. --- ### **Learning Through Experience** When I first started, nerves were inevitable. Each client, situation, or challenge felt like stepping into the unknown. Over time, those experiences became stepping stones toward self-assurance. - **Overcoming the unknown:** With every new client or scenario, I’ve learned to adapt and handle things with poise. - **Building resilience:** Mistakes became lessons, and successes bolstered my belief in my abilities. --- ### **Confidence in Communication** Being able to communicate clearly and assertively is a cornerstone of this work. Confidence helps me: - Set boundaries without hesitation. - Handle unexpected situations calmly. - Make clients feel comfortable and at ease. --- ### **Appearance as Empowerment** While confidence isn’t solely about looks, feeling good in my skin and my outfits plays a significant role in how I carry myself. Whether it’s the right lingerie, a well-chosen dress, or a favourite fragrance, these small details elevate my confidence and set the tone for every interaction. --- ### **The Role of Preparation** Confidence often comes from being prepared. Knowing what to expect, planning ahead, and staying organised allows me to walk into any situation feeling ready and in control. Some strategies include: - Reviewing client preferences and notes beforehand. - Practising responses to potential scenarios. - Taking time to centre myself before a meeting. --- ### **The Energy of Confidence** Clients are drawn to confidence—it’s infectious. When I feel secure in myself, it sets the tone for the entire interaction. A confident escort exudes professionalism, comfort, and capability, which makes clients feel relaxed and valued. --- ### **Continuing the Journey** Confidence isn’t a destination—it’s a process. There are days when doubt creeps in, but each small win reinforces my belief in myself. By focusing on growth and self-improvement, I continue to cultivate the kind of confidence that enhances both my work and my personal life. --- ### **The Takeaway** Confidence is more than a skill; it’s a mindset. It’s built through self-acceptance, preparation, and experience. In escorting, it’s not just a personal asset—it’s the foundation for successful connections. Tomorrow, I’ll delve into how creating a luxurious experience for clients elevates my work and sets me apart in this competitive industry. Rebecca x

# Nostr Onboarding Questionnaire Below are are results of the nostr qualitative onboarding questionnaire created by elsat in early November, 2024. Responses are from 22 nostr surivors/masochists. Results are *not* representative of people who never made it past onboarding. These are folk that remained on nostr, and were active around the time I asked for volunteers to provide feedback on onboarding to nostr. Let me know if anything stands out, if you have questions about any particular response! ## I. Did you onboard to nostr on your cellular network, on wifi? 14 Wifi; 7 cell; 2 both; 1 other ## II. What was the biggest pain point in onboarding to nostr? **Discovery** > Discover interesting content and other people > Finding the right content. Discovery. > Loading/lacking data > figuring out how to find interesting people > Finding npubs ### Value Prop & Learning Curve > Knowing how it differs from tradsofiu > Learning the difference between the protocol and the app I needed to download and onboard through. > Choosing a client. > Trying to figure it out on my own. ### Key management > Private/pub key handling > That's definitely key management. How and where to store it to have it secure, still accessible for use with other apps in a secure way. > Getting my nsec in without pasting it ### Relay setup > Setting up relays, discover interesting users to follow, > building your own feed > figuring out relays > Finding reliable relays to join. ### Wallet Setup > Setting up a lightning wallet > Lightning wallets for sending and receiving Zaps. **Notifications** > Notifications [presumably missing notifications] ### Accessibility > Finding a very good accessible client for the computer (I'm blind). Amethyst seems to be good on my Android device, but I avoid smartphones. ### Scary links > I tried to "onboard" (ie expose) friends to nostr by sending them links to interesting/funny notes here and there. But some of the default sharing links I use (Amethyst -> Njump) are so long that they always think it's some spam. (Primal has nicer web links) ### Customization > Figuring out profile setup, lots of unfamiliar fields ## III. What part of nostr "wow'd" you, and when did this happen? ### take your social graph with you; distribute your data > That all the data is already there if you use different clients and you take your social graph with you through completely different apps. seamless account a mobility of course ccount easy switching between clients Moving my social graph between clients. Happened in the first days of usage. Cross over between different clients. Happened on a Tuesday. ### V4V, freedom, exclusive, and censored content > Freedom, some V4V and exclusive content, some censored content The clear messaging why nostr was better than mastodon/ activitypub ### Flexibility, BYO Algorithm, Control > The insane flexibility. Nostr is a textbook example of "worse is better". So I think I was converted when I realized how much could be built with this, not just social media. My "Aha! This is more than just a Twitter clone" moment was when I stumbled on Oddbean. Also there's this whole "bring your own algorithm" / "build your own algorithm" to the social media side of it. And we're starting to see that work out in practice, with things like bitvora's algo-relay. > Complete control > A digital portable social identity that I can take with me from one app to another. December 2022. >Experiencing the interoperability when i tried Listr, spring '23 I think >Initially it was decentralization and censorship resistance. >You can spin a simple backup relay, own your data truly, and rebroadcast everything to different relays. Amethyst, adjusting the relays ### Access to devs > Devs working in real time on it visible - too cool ### Zaps > Zapping! Right away > Zapping > zaps! and also the small community > After [initial censorship resistance phase is over], the most wow part was zaps, still is. > Zaps for shitposting & being able to login into different apps with the same account ### Cordiality > Open respectful discussion among people who do not agree Friendly discourse of users. Not toxic like other special media. First day. ## IV Around what time did you onboard to nostr (e.g. July 2023) Nov 2021 December 2021 2022 the single html page first POC client December 2022 Dec 2022 December 2022 Jan 2023 January '23 feb 2023 February 2023 Early 2023. Didn't really play around with it until December 2023 May 2023 June 2023 - Plebstr, November 2023 primal march 2024 amethyst, January 2025 notedeck I've been dipping my toes in the water since 2022 but just started taking it seriously last month. July 2023 March 2024 Summer 2024. August 2024 Nov 2024 ## V Which app astral.ninja (2) Branle Damus (6) > "(needed the simplicity)" PRIMAL (5) > "(needed the simplicity)" Amethyst (4) > Coracle > Coracle and nos2x > Various > A combo of Amethyst (phone), nostrudel (web), and algia (command line). I'm a command-line junky. I also am fond of Oddbean, because it's basically a hackernews style thing built on top of nostr. But see my complaint about Nazi bar / Temple of Satoshi. Could not recommend to friends. At some point, I intend to set up strfry and my own Oddbean instance targeted to anti-capitalists. > Created my keys with alby > Can't remember the actual name ## VI Have you experienced a failure in onboarding others to nostr? What exactly happened? > Poor experience trying to onboard newbs to nostr during the conference (mostly on iOS which I do not use), around 10-12 people. Granted the cell coverage was not great and not sure I remember everything that went wrong, but users were generally confused with loading/lacking data. Create a profile, then I tried to follow them but could not find them from Amethyst. So scanned QR code, which is a non-obvious step. Then their profile showed just the npub but no info or pfp, some commented on that. Followed them but they didn't receive a notification for that on Damus, this confused most. And then what? Post a note? (I was recommending #introductions ). While you wait for all this to load, tap, retry... between laughs you need to come up with conversation and try to somewhat defend nostr, tell them we're early and bugs will be fixed etc. On Primal follows do appear but feeds don't load. And it autofollows a bunch of random people - some liked it some didn;t. They posted a note and I wanted to like/zap it but I could not see that note on my client either, even though I'm connected to major relays (could be nostr.wine's fault, but I tried with the zap.store account as well). I saw one guy KYC himself 3 times with the wallet because when he switched to his email client to get the code and the app kept resetting the screen. Lucky that the majority of people were eager and did their best to try. Since some of these were after Jordi's talk where he offered several clients to download, it was not always my choice/recommendation on which client to download - they just came with it. I know we do our best but guys... it's bad. This reminds me of getting a newb to open a LN channel and get liquidity. Painful. If we have to centralize more to better onramps, so be it. ### difficulty / friction > Picking a client > Yes. It's too technical. You need many tools to accomplish small tasks. > Yes, tried primal on Android. It failed to accept any profile changes > Not able to find other npubs when using search in several clients ### stale > They got no new events, because they followed only a few users > They didn’t become frequent users because I’m the only person they know in nostr. > They lose interest in the network compared to traditional social networks. They were normies. > Some found it strange that you follow a bunch of bitcoiners (seemingly) by default (Primal iirc) > yes. non bitcoiners not interested in joining a small network of people just yet ### quotes > I haven't tried to bring anyone to nostr. I am a bit scared to do so, because the place has a rep of being a Nazi bar and an extension of the Bitcoin cult. I do think that it is what you make of it, and I've tried to argue that point with friends. It's a protocol, nothing more. Don't wanna interact with Nazis and use Bitcoin? Nothing says you have to. > They don't care > I have not convinced anyone to use nostr > Too hard for most folk. > Not really. > No. Never tried. > No, onboarded two successfully. > Yeah I generally suck at getting people to check out new stuff ## VII What, if anything, do you think confuses people during onboarding to nostr? Why? Have you observed this? > Setting a optional username is confusing for many and also they don't know what a NIP-05 is (they are likely to just fill in their existing mail address) > Finding some people. No progress of loading content or indication of time. Slight confusion where are DMs, home, etc, tabs basically > The why. Its much easier now, I was way confused DEC 22 > Same on boarding is difficult to people on Nostur. > There is no app in the App Store called “nostr” > nips and relays > We tell people that you don't need KYC to use Nostr and then ask them for KYC for Lightning wallets. > No in-client intro to the "what" and "how" of it all. I haven't witnessed that, but I believe it could squash preconceived notions. > Key management. Especially because there is no key rotation(recovery option in a traditional email/phone way), if it leaks, you are done. > Safe keeping of your nsec. There are many ways to do it, all of them unfamiliar to most users. > When you don't see data you are expecting, be it a profile picture, a follow notification, or a note. Remember people who want to try Damus/Primal/etc microblogging clients come from twitter - so cater for transition from Twitter. Gen z snapchat/tiktok users don't care about nostr, no way to relate > Understanding how to filter for non-Bitcoin content. > need for setting up relays to filter the spam waves, finding the interesting follows, and difficulties setting up usable (even custodial) wallets. > Why would I want to use nostr? > Relays / keys ## VIII What, if anything, do you think scares people away during onboarding to nostr? Why? Have you observed this? > Not much, but probably nsec backups and transfers if they knew > Dark web scary things > Technical questions > Personal responsibility for keeping nsec safe > Intuitiveness. > just not enough people on it for them (non bitcoiners) > Technical complexity with either Lightning or relay management. > Depending on client, slowness, difficult search, or feeling empty upon arrival. > Again, keys. > Bitcoin blah blah > I don't know anybody IRL that even use x > Their core influencers haven't adopted nostr yet. ## IX What one improvement would make onboarding to nostr easier? > Explain it s not a platform and the current app you're using is replacable by other by (re)using your keypair > Twitter bridge > Honestly, from a technical standpoint, I found it pretty easy. Especially with Amethyst on the phone. So I'm not sure if I have an opinion here. > Private key management to hide the complexity > Little guide somewhere or a buddy to ask questions > An intelligent assistant to setup relays > Reach > bringing wallet of satoshi back! or some similar easy custodial lightning wallet > Better user and content discovery. > Clients dedicated to onboarding, education, and key management instead of social stuff > Key recovery/rotation option. How? Hell if I know. Smart people say Frost, something, something. XD > More established signing mechanisms > An easy GoTo FAQ How to add people; how to zap; etc. > Do not try to connect to 89239823932 relays and make it decentralized when people only care about the first impression? > More "other things" micro-apps, not do-everything whale apps > More users ## X What, if anything, do you think should be addressed, or added to onboarding to nostr across most nostr apps? Why? > A skippable small visual intro guide > Content discovery > A way to hide duplicates of the same post. > Better user and content discovery. > Introductory level education, expecting a traditional social app experience then not seeing it > Right now for me everything starts and ends with key management. Maybe a simple signing and profile edit app available across all platforms and devices with option paired with hardware signing device. > An onboarding relay. Only accepts the first note for an npub (kinds 0, 1, 3). Maybe > Easier relay selection. > Make bunker actually work > Staged roll out of owning your own keys to help them understand what that means ## XI Do you have any other observations, feedback, or commentary on onboarding to nostr? > Yes, I think I'd say that most of my complaints are social / cultural, not technical. Then again, I've been online since 1993. > People have gotten lazy and are used to being fed content for their interests. This doesn't happen easily on Nostr and needs improvement. > An empty feed is better than a pre-determined one. > We suck and there's no good reason why > I have never gotten bunker to work ## XII What is your favorite onboarding experience to an app outside nostr? > Telegram (x2) > Onboarding to the fediverse was pretty good. Witness the fact that a lot of blind twitter moved there. > They're all mostly the same, email, password, confirm. So any that i can use without signup is superior. > Can't recall any that really stands out. But in terms of following users during the onboarding what music streaming apps do is really nice. You get presented with a list of artists and based on what artists you check to follow list adapts and shows you similar suggestions. > None in particular, but I like when account creation is delayed as much as possible, I.e there is a public experience for you to try the product with no commitment > Several I can't recall now. But we need to make it AT LEAST as good as Twitter because that's where our users come from > old Twitter, circa 2019 > I prefer no onboarding needed > I like "log in with" buttons but fuck those walled gardens

It's the anniversary edition! We'll talk about the first year of ~Stacker_Sports and some of the things on our radar. # Contests - UEFA - Cricket - America vs The World # Sports Betting - RBOA is catching on - Predyx has a new market type # NBA - The NBA Cup is entering the Knockout Stage - KAT Corner? - Game of the Week # NFL - Fantasy Football - Mock Draft Season - Game of the Week # MLB - Offseason news - Proposed rule changes # Blok's Shots (NHL) - Four Nations Faceoff originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/796772

В Пятигорске разгорелись обсуждения по поводу недавно разработанной вакцины, которая содержит микророботов для поддержки иммунной системы человека. Местные жители выражают опасения относительно безопасности и потенциальных последствий использования данной технологии. Вакцина, по заявлению разработчиков, должна улучшать иммунный ответ и защищать от различных заболеваний, а микророботы будут работать на обнаружение и нейтрализацию патогенов. Однако среди населения возникает много вопросов о возможных побочных эффектах внедрения таких технологий. Представители местного здравоохранения призвали жителей сохранять спокойствие. Они отметили, что вакцина прошла предварительные клинические испытания и уверили, что дальнейшие исследования будут проводиться с целью оценки всех рисков. Общественное мнение разделилось: одни поддерживают использование инновационных технологий, а другие требуют большей прозрачности и проверки информации о вакцине. Власти продолжают следить за ситуацией, а жители ждут дополнительных разъяснений. <iframe width="720" height="405" src="https://rutube.ru/play/embed/fad0f893c010329f6276f888b1a26190/" frameBorder="0" allow="clipboard-write; autoplay" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe>

В Пятигорске завершилась реализация масштабного экологического проекта, инициированная местным активистом и экологом Макаром Осиповым. Проект, направленный на озеленение крыш городских зданий, получил признание на конкурсе лучших экологических инициатив города еще месяц назад. Сегодня многие крыши в городе превратились в зеленые оазисы, украшенные разнообразными растениями — от деревьев до цветов. Этот шаг не только преобразил облик городского ландшафта, но и положительно повлиял на качество воздуха, создав более комфортные условия для жизни горожан. По словам Макара Осипова, озеленение крыш стало значимым вкладом в устойчивое развитие Пятигорска. «Мы не просто улучшили экологию, мы создали новые зоны для отдыха и общения», — подчеркнул он. Проект получил активную поддержку как от муниципальных властей, так и от широкой общественности, что подтверждает важность коллективных действий в вопросах охраны окружающей среды.

🌄🌄🌄

Ученые из Пятигорска сделали прорыв в области косметологии, создав уникальную таблетку, которая способствует регенерации тканей. Этот инновационный препарат не требует инъекций или ботокса и уже успешно прошел клинические испытания. Таблетка, разработанная специалистами из Пятигорского государственного университета и клиники Comilfo, представляет собой особую формулу, которая активизирует естественные процессы восстановления в организме. Она стимулирует клеточную активность, что, в свою очередь, улучшает состояние кожи и уменьшает видимость морщин. Ученые считают, что новая таблетка может стать альтернативой традиционным методам омоложения, таким как инъекции гиалуроновой кислоты и ботокса. Она позволит людям улучшить свой внешний вид без хирургического вмешательства. Клинические испытания показали высокую эффективность препарата. Участники отмечали заметные изменения в состоянии кожи уже через несколько недель после начала его приема. Ожидается, что в ближайшее время таблетка станет доступна в аптеках и косметологических клиниках. Это сделает ее доступной для всех, кто стремится выглядеть моложе и привлекательнее. «Мы очень рады, что наша разработка вызвала такой интерес. Таблетка для омоложения — это безопасный и эффективный способ улучшить состояние кожи без хирургического вмешательства. Мы надеемся, что она поможет людям чувствовать себя более уверенно и привлекательно,» — делятся ученые. Однако важно помнить, что перед началом приёма любых препаратов необходимо проконсультироваться с врачом.

If you could earn between 100-1,000 sats a day, what would that amount to if Bitcoin reached $1,000,000 per coin? Let’s do the math: 1 Bitcoin (BTC) = 100,000,000 satoshis (sats). Current Bitcoin price = $101,000. Future Bitcoin price = $1,000,000. Daily Earnings in Fiat Equivalent at $1M/BTC: • 100 sats/day = 0.000001 BTC/day = $1.00/day • 1,000 sats/day = 0.00001 BTC/day = $10.00/day Annual Earnings at $1M/BTC: • 100 sats/day x 365 days = $365/year • 1,000 sats/day x 365 days = $3,650/year Even at the smallest level—earning 100 sats a day—you’re positioning yourself for significant long-term wealth as Bitcoin’s value increases. It’s a perfect example of the power of accumulation over time. Why Every Sat Matters Bitcoin is scarce, with only 21 million BTC to ever exist. That’s 2,100 trillion sats for the entire world. Each satoshi is a fraction of a finite resource, making it inherently valuable. If someone gives you even 1 satoshi, they are saying, “I appreciate your work. You’re making a difference.” Whether you’re earning sats through: • Working: Salary or side hustle paid in Bitcoin. • Nostr: Engaging, posting, or contributing to communities. • Streaming: Providing value in podcasts or live content. • Rewards Apps: Using tools like Fold or other Bitcoin cashback services. Every sat stacks up, and over time, those seemingly small earnings can become life-changing. The Fun of Stacking Sats Part of the magic of Bitcoin is the journey. Watching your small daily efforts compound into something meaningful is both empowering and exciting. So whether you’re earning sats, stacking on dips, or getting tipped on Nostr—have fun. Celebrate every sat. You’re building a future on a foundation of hard work and a revolutionary currency. The Bitcoin ride is just getting started. Hold tight, stack consistently, and enjoy the journey to financial sovereignty!

**With Bitcoin soaring past $100,000, there’s never been a more exciting time to be a Botev Plovdiv fan.** Bulgaria’s oldest football club is experiencing a renaissance under the visionary leadership of its president, Anton Zingarevich, and its bold adoption of Bitcoin. Here's why the coming weeks could be historic for the Canaries. ## A Club Steeped in History Founded in 1912, Botev Plovdiv is rooted in the ancient city of Plovdiv, Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city. The club's prestigious history and unique location attracted businessman Anton Zingarevich, who acquired the team in 2021 with a mission to restore its former glory. ## Reviving the Home of the Canaries: Hristo Botev Stadium Zingarevich's first major project was to complete Botev's iconic Hristo Botev Stadium. Long envisioned as a top-tier European venue, the stadium was left unfinished for nearly a decade due to financial constraints. Under his leadership, the stadium finally opened its doors in April 2023, becoming the most modern football ground in Bulgaria. ## Strategic Changes and On-Field Success In September 2023, Zingarevich overhauled the club’s leadership, appointing a new coach, Dušan Kerkez, and a new Sports Director. These changes brought immediate results. Botev’s performances improved significantly, and the club is now enjoying a historic season, currently sitting second in the league. With 12 wins, 1 draw, and just 3 losses, Botev is chasing reigning champions Ludogorets Razgrad for the top spot. The team’s remarkable Bulgarian Cup win (3-2) over Ludogorets earlier this year underscores its potential to break Ludogorets' 13-year league dominance. ## Botev Embraces Bitcoin On October 31, 2023, Botev Plovdiv became the first top-division football club worldwide to adopt Bitcoin. Its 360° Bitcoin strategy integrates Bitcoin across operations, fans, players, partners, and the broader Plovdiv community. The timing couldn’t be better—both Bitcoin and Botev have been on meteoric ascents ever since. ## Achievements in the Bitcoin Era The Bitcoin era has already coincided with monumental achievements: * 4th Bulgarian Cup Title: Celebrated under Bitcoin’s banner. * Return to European Football: Competing in both the Europa League and Conference League. * Best Season Start in 112 Years: Historic performances under coach Kerkez. ## December Showdown: Botev vs. Ludogorets December promises two thrilling encounters between Botev and Ludogorets, now the centerpiece of Bulgarian football. With these matches, Botev has a golden opportunity to claim the league’s top spot during Bitcoin’s bull market, as the price continues to climb. ## Looking Ahead: A Historic February? The excitement doesn’t end with the league. On February 4, 2025, Botev could lift its second trophy under Zingarevich and Kerkez—the Bulgarian Super Cup—at their home, Hristo Botev Stadium. Fans and Bitcoiners alike are already wondering: How high will Bitcoin’s price be on that date? ## A New Era for Fans and Bitcoiners As Bitcoin hits $100K and Botev competes for league and cup glory, this holiday season promises unparalleled excitement for both Bitcoiners and Botev fans. With bold moves and historic performances, Botev Plovdiv is not just embracing a new era—it’s leading it. 💛⚫

Here goes my first proper long form Nostr post - yay! ## What is Modulations? How did it begin? I joined Substack when it launched and started writing a blog about a lot of general stuff and it had no direction, then during Covid I started getting back into music production, exploring music theory, learning synthesis which led me to becoming deeply fascinated in it all - I originally got into music as a youngster, learnt guitar and some keyboard playing in my teens and into my twenties back in the 90s. I wrote a simple piece of music software on both my Commodore 64 and Amiga 500, later moving on to the PC learning Cubase at the point in time when it was rather fresh to the world - it all made sense and I wrote a few tracks, releasing them on what was known as MP3.com at the time. Fast forward some 20 years or so! Around 2018, I started getting interested in Ableton and can remember rekindling my Yamaha CS2x to use with it and then two years later during Covid, this became a big thing for me, it helped keep me sane during the lockdowns. Not long after Covid I started a Substack called Modulations, which makes use of it's blogging tools, audio and video embedding, podcasting and so on. It's gained a lot of subscribers, did have some paid subscribers for awhile but since I've lost them, another good reason to gradually move the project over to Nostr. ## What’s the plan going forward I’ve always enjoyed journaling and writing about my music, the tools I use and the tools that I would like to try out in the future; of which there are many of course. These days so many new products are launched every month, all of which I tend to either ignore or add to my “maybe buy someday” list. They come in two main forms, software or hardware and then they can all be divided into Synth, Sampler, Sequencer or FX. There has been a desire in many to switch to what we call DAWless which I can’t help but think at times is a network effect of YouTubes influencers. Don’t get me wrong many of them are good at what they do and are aware that there are some highly desirable products out on the market. *For the non computer based musicians out there, who don't know what DAW means, it stands for Digital Audio Workstation.* Do we need them all though? Do we need to go DAWless, stick with the DAW or go for something in between? I’m asking this for myself if I’m honest. I bought gear these past few years, sold some because I didn’t gel with it or it was gathering dust. 2025 may well be more of a Hybrid studio year, where I explore using Ableton, in conjunction with some hardware devices. I have my eyes on a couple, that will fit in well with what I already own. In the meantime, check out https://modulatioos.substack.com It will continue there for awhile but the dream is to Nostrify it completely if I can!!

Good morning, readers! In Thailand, the government initiated the second phase of its digital cash handout, targeting four million Thai seniors with 10,000 baht ($290) distributed via their state-controlled “Tang Rath” app. For all intents and purposes, this serves as a pilot for the Thai central bank digital currency (CBDC), which comes with stringent restrictions and requirements on its usage, including links to citizens' national IDs, facial recognition, and limits on where and when funds can be spent.\ \ Meanwhile, in Brazil, new regulations proposed by the central bank would ban digital asset exchanges from allowing users to withdraw stablecoins to self-custody wallets. If passed, this would set an unfortunate precedent for financial autonomy in Brazil, restrict citizens' movement of funds, and diminish their ability to have an alternative to the declining Brazilian real. In a positive step for financial privacy, a US court determined that the Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) exceeded its authority in sanctioning Tornado Cash, a digital asset mixing tool that provides users with transaction privacy. This ruling sets an important precedent, means US citizens can use Tornado Cash again, and is good news in general for builders of open-source privacy tools worldwide. In other privacy news, peer-to-peer Bitcoin exchange Robosats now shares an order book with fellow peer-to-peer Bitcoin exchange LNP2Bot via Nostr, making these privacy-centric on-and-off ramps more accessible and liquid for users worldwide.\ \ We end with the latest episode of the HRF x Pubkey Freedom Tech Series, in which HRF’s Arsh Molu interviews Jorge Jraissati, president of the Economic Inclusion Group, on the state of freedom technologies like Bitcoin in Venezuela following Maduro’s stolen election earlier this year. This is an essential listen to understand how open, decentralized, and uncensorable protocols are instrumental for human rights and financial freedom to flourish under repressive regimes. **Now, let’s jump right in!** #### [**Subscribe here**](https://mailchi.mp/hrf.org/financial-freedom-newsletter?mc_cid=bf652c0a5a) ## GLOBAL NEWS #### **Thailand | Begins Second Phase of CBDC Handout** Thailand has begun the second phase of its [10,000 baht](https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2024/11/19/4-million-thai-seniors-to-receive-%e0%b8%bf10000-digital-handout-in-jan-2025/) ($290) digital handout (ostensibly a central bank digital currency), targeting 4 million senior citizens and distributing funds via the government’s “Tang Rath” app. This follows an [initial](https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2646205/probing-the-b10-000-digital-handout) handout of digital currency to 50 million Thais as part of an economic stimulus plan. Critics, however, argue the handout is more accurately a means to entrench financial control and sway votes in the upcoming election. The Thai government [limited](https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2646205/probing-the-b10-000-digital-handout) the initial handout to local spending, specific items, and a six-month expiration. The second phase will likely impose similar restrictions, [including](https://www.biometricupdate.com/202410/thailand-kicks-off-13b-stimulus-handout-via-digital-wallets) requiring registration and facial recognition in the Tang Rath app. According to Thailand’s prime minister, “the digital wallet system would form a digital infrastructure for Thailand by creating a digital ID for citizens to link to government agencies” — a disconcerting reminder of how CBDCs can amplify state control over individual financial activity under the guise of social support. #### **Brazil | Proposes Ban on Transferring Stablecoins to Self-Custody** The Central Bank of Brazil (BCB) [proposed](https://cryptoslate.com/brazil-eyes-prohibition-on-stablecoin-withdrawals-to-self-custody-wallets/) regulations prohibiting digital asset exchanges from allowing users to withdraw stablecoins (digital currency pegged to fiat currency) to self-custody. The restriction aligns with a [bill](https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2019-2022/2022/lei/l14478.htm) passed in December 2022 that grants the BCB “authority” over the digital asset industry. While presented as a safeguard for international capital flows, it is more likely a front to diminish the financial autonomy offered by digital assets. If passed, it will limit individuals' movement of funds and set a chilling precedent for self-custody in a country where [millions](https://cryptoslate.com/brazil-eyes-prohibition-on-stablecoin-withdrawals-to-self-custody-wallets/) of Brazilians transact with digital assets on a monthly basis. As Brazilians face increasing economic instability and diminishing financial freedom, this regulation traps them further in a collapsing Brazilian real (BRL). #### **China | Prepares for Sanctions While Eyeing Taiwan** China is actively [studying](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/12/01/china-russia-central-bank-ukraine-taiwan-us-sanctions/) sanctions imposed on Russia to prepare for potential repercussions if it invades Taiwan. Chinese officials visited Moscow’s central bank, finance ministry, and other key agencies to analyze how Russia navigated economic restrictions. This proactive approach speaks to fears China may have over its [$3.3 trillion in foreign reserves](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/12/01/china-russia-central-bank-ukraine-taiwan-us-sanctions/) and overseas bank assets, which would face significant restrictions under Western sanctions. In an effort to mitigate these risks, China is working to diversify away from dollar-denominated assets and reduce reliance on US Treasury bonds, which underpin the global financial system. This comes amid [escalating](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/12/01/china-russia-central-bank-ukraine-taiwan-us-sanctions/) tensions with the US after Washington approved an arms shipment to Taiwan, prompting Beijing to vow “resolute countermeasures.” #### **Nigeria | Journalist Detained for Exposing Regime Corruption** The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division in Port Harcourt [detained](https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/nigerian-govt-detains-investigative-journalist-fisayo-soyombo-2024112911084567598) prominent investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, sparking national outrage over press freedom in Nigeria. Soyombo, known for exposing regime corruption, recently [unveiled](https://www.pulse.ng/articles/news/nigerian-govt-detains-investigative-journalist-fisayo-soyombo-2024112911084567598) alleged smuggling operations involving the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). The Foundation for Investigative Journalism, founded by Soyombo himself, demands his immediate release and condemns the actions as an attack on journalism. Under President Bola Tinubu, the government has intensified its dismantling of independent media, silencing critics and restricting tools and pathways that promote financial autonomy. This systematic repression denies citizens the ability to challenge inequality and secure a freer future. #### **Morocco | Drafts Law on Digital Assets and CBDC** Morocco is moving toward [allowing](https://www.reuters.com/technology/morocco-preparing-law-allow-cryptocurrencies-central-bank-chief-says-2024-11-26/) digital assets and a central bank digital currency (CBDC). Central Bank Governor Abdellatif Jouahri [shared](https://www.reuters.com/technology/morocco-preparing-law-allow-cryptocurrencies-central-bank-chief-says-2024-11-26/) that a draft law is currently in the adoption process that would reverse a ban on digital assets from 2017. The interest in a CBDC is nothing short of concerning in a country facing widespread repression and economic challenges. Citizens have already taken to the streets to [protest](https://peoplesdispatch.org/2022/12/05/thousands-march-in-morocco-to-protest-worsening-economic-conditions-and-oppression/) rising costs, unemployment, and a lack of basic services. Centralized and programmable money provides the Moroccan government with newfound power to control individual financial activity and only serves to worsen these prevalent issues. Bitcoin adoption remains [high](https://cointelegraph.com/news/morocco-central-bank-legalize-cryptocurrencies-report) under a regime that continues to fabricate economic hardship for its people. ## LATEST IN BITCOIN NEWS, DEVELOPMENT, AND COMMUNITY #### **Tornado Cash | Fifth Circuit Court Lifts Sanctions** The US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit [ruled](https://www.therage.co/fifth-circuit-lifts-tornado-cash-sanctions/) that the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) exceeded its authority by [sanctioning](https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0916) Tornado Cash, a digital asset mixing tool that helps preserve transactional privacy. This reverses an earlier District Court decision that argued the software was under the authority of the US Treasury. The Fifth Circuit found that Tornado Cash’s smart contracts (self-executing lines of code) do not constitute “property” or “services” as defined under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). They deemed these contracts more akin to “tools” than “services” requiring human effort, constituting "nothing more than lines of code.” #### **Robosats | Shared Nostr Order Book With LNP2Bot** [Robosats](https://learn.robosats.com/), a privacy-focused peer-to-peer (P2P) Bitcoin exchange and HRF grantee, [released](https://github.com/RoboSats/robosats/releases/tag/v0.7.3-alpha) version 0.7.3-alpha, introducing shared order books with [LNP2Bot](https://github.com/lnp2pBot/bot), a fellow P2P Bitcoin exchange and HRF grantee. P2P exchanges provide a decentralized, uncensorable, and private way for individuals to acquire Bitcoin — crucial in dictatorships with financial restrictions and heightened surveillance. The integration will allow users to access public trade orders from both platforms, creating a larger, more liquid marketplace for trades while reducing arbitrage opportunities. HRF is pleased to see the continued development and collaboration of privacy-focused Bitcoin platforms, which offer a vital on- and off-ramp for individuals whose financial privacy runs paramount for their safety. #### **Primal | Releases Version 2.0** [Primal](http://primal.net), a Bitcoin wallet and client for the decentralized Nostr protocol, [released](https://primal.net/downloads) version 2.0 of its application, bringing new features and accessibility improvements to users. The update includes a Reads tab, allowing users to browse long-form articles, including HRF’s Financial Freedom Report, now natively on the platform. Additionally, an Explore Tab and Feed Marketplace help users connect, discover trending topics, and access tailored information. The update also brings a revamped search with customizable filters, making finding specific content easier. Primal continues to reinforce its role as a tool for uncensorable communication and greater financial privacy where needed most. #### **Ark | Introduces Virtual Channels for Instant Settlement** [Ark Labs](https://arklabs.to/) [introduced](https://x.com/ArkLabsHQ/status/1861457652699820520) virtual channels, a new feature enabling the instant settlement of transactions on the Ark protocol. Virtual channels facilitate payment channels without relying on backups, constant connectivity, or routing requirements. Ark itself is a layer-two protocol aimed at increasing Bitcoin’s scalability through fast and low-cost transactions. It accomplishes this by pooling Bitcoin liquidity, enabling users to make payments while providing liquidity providers the opportunity to earn fees. The primary tradeoff of Ark is that user funds expire if not used before a set period of time. You can learn about this update [here](https://x.com/ArkLabsHQ/status/1861457652699820520). #### **Africa Bitcoin Conference | Upcoming Conference** From Dec. 9-11, activists, educators, and entrepreneurs will gather in Nairobi, Kenya, for the [Africa Bitcoin Conference](https://afrobitcoin.org/) to discuss Bitcoin as a tool for resisting increasing global authoritarianism and promoting financial sovereignty. Attendees will participate in discussions, workshops, hackathons, and keynotes, exploring how Bitcoin can provide an economic and social foundation that empowers the individual, safeguards privacy, and fosters inclusion. HRF’s Financial Freedom team is sponsoring the event and will also attend, with keynotes delivered by Christian Keroles and Femi Longe. You can learn more about the conference [here](https://afrobitcoin.org/). #### **Chaincode Labs | Bitcoin and Lightning Development Program** [Chaincode Labs](https://chaincode.com/), a Bitcoin research and development firm, invites developers to apply to its Bitcoin and Lighting protocol development program. This free, three-month course equips participants with the skills needed to contribute to Bitcoin open-source software while receiving mentorship from industry leaders. Open to developers of all experience levels, the program offers a pathway to careers in open-source software development. Applications close on Dec. 31, 2024. ## RECOMMENDED CONTENT #### **HRF x Pubkey — Freedom Tech in Venezuela Post-Election with Jorge Jraissati** In the [latest](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0g20LpLURw) [HRF x Pubkey Freedom Tech Series](https://www.youtube.com/@HRFatPubKey/videos?app=desktop&view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=2&mc_cid=43f944f8ec&mc_eid=UNIQID), HRF’s Arsh Molu interviews Jorge Jraissati, president of the Economic Inclusion Group, to discuss the state of freedom technologies in Venezuela following Maduro’s stolen election. Jraissati offers a detailed account of how technologies like Bitcoin are helping Venezuelans navigate an economic landscape marked by hyperinflation, authoritarian control, and restricted access to financial services. The conversation underscores the importance of open and decentralized protocols in empowering individuals to bypass government restrictions, preserve their wealth, and sustain hope in a nation facing profound hardships. Watch the full interview [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0g20LpLURw). #### **A Response to Ideological Stereotyping by Win Ko Ko Aung** In this [article](https://bitcoinmagazine.com/culture/bitcoin-is-neither-racist-xenophobic-nor-misogynistic-a-response-to-ideological-stereotyping-) for Bitcoin Magazine, HRF Global Bitcoin Adoption Fellow [Win Ko Ko Aung](https://x.com/wkkaung) addresses the ideological misconceptions surrounding Bitcoin stemming from individuals' preconceived notions of this emerging technology. Drawing on his experiences as a Burmese human rights advocate, Aung contrasts Western stereotypes of Bitcoin with his own personal story and emphasizes Bitcoin’s potential as a borderless financial tool for those living under authoritarian and repressive regimes. Read the full article [here](https://bitcoinmagazine.com/culture/bitcoin-is-neither-racist-xenophobic-nor-misogynistic-a-response-to-ideological-stereotyping-). *If this email was forwarded to you and you enjoyed reading it, please consider subscribing to the Financial Freedom Report [here](https://mailchi.mp/hrf.org/financial-freedom-newsletter?mc_cid=bf652c0a5a).* *Support the newsletter by donating bitcoin to HRF’s Financial Freedom program [via BTCPay](https://hrf.org/btc).* *Want to contribute to the newsletter? Submit tips, stories, news, and ideas by emailing us at ffreport @ hrf.org* *The Bitcoin Development Fund (BDF) is accepting grant proposals on an ongoing basis. The Bitcoin Development Fund is looking to support Bitcoin developers, community builders, and educators. Submit proposals [here](https://forms.monday.com/forms/57019f8829449d9e729d9e3545a237ea?r=use1)*. [**Subscribe to newsletter**](http://financialfreedomreport.org) [**Apply for a grant**](https://forms.monday.com/forms/57019f8829449d9e729d9e3545a237ea?r=use1&mc_cid=39c1c9b7e8&mc_eid=778e9876e3) [**Support our work**](https://hrf.org/btc?mc_cid=39c1c9b7e8&mc_eid=778e9876e3) [**Visit our website**](https://hrf.org/programs/financial-freedom/)

Two weeks ago, on a saturday night, my wife and I decided to go to a festival at our local park, not knowing what kind of festival it was. After dinner we looked at each other in that “what are we going to do tonight” kind of way, I’m sure you know it well, if you’re married too. Little did we know that we were going to head to a massive religious Team Jesus festival. We’re talking 5-10,000 sitting on the grass drinking mate and eating Asado (Argentinian Barbecue) while listening to religious preachers, gospel music, and, to my surprise, a Calvin Harris like DJ dropping beats. The only difference being- I didn’t meet this DJ in the summer, I met him that Saturday night, sitting on the park grass. If I could go back a decade to tell a 19 year old me: “In 10 years from now, you are going to go out on a saturday night, spontaneously with your wife, to a religious festival featuring gospel music and religious preachers, AND, you are going to be perfectly fine with it. That same 19 year old atheist me, would roll his eyes in disbelief and laugh me out the room. As a kid, brought up in a very non religious Denmark, to whom the yearly church visit for the Christmas mass, was my idea of hell on earth, it seems unfathomable that I’m now a 29 year old man with a fairly close relationship to God. Whatever that even means. How did I end up here? ### **My Atheist Life and Upbringing** I am rebellious by nature. I absolutely despise the notion of anyone dictating how I have to live my life, telling me what I have to think. Having to console the Bible for the answer to all my dilemmas still, to this day, seems ridiculous to me. I mean, who swears by any book to such a degree that they would blindly turn to it, for consultation on every issue in their life? I used to be one of those annoying atheists who completely dismisses the existence of anything, but their own mind and consciousness. I used to say things like: “Religion is a tool for brainwashing, manipulation and the cause of all evil in the world” and “Religion creates wars not inner peace.” Uhh, and my personal favourite atheist line: “If a God really does exist, then why is there so much evil in this world?” I’m sure you’ve heard these lines rattled off before– or maybe you, yourself spew such sentences, from time to time? Well let me tell you, they are all very convincing one-liner arguments, to a rebellious young man like me. So how did I come to “see the light" as they say? ### **What is God?** Over the past decade of travelling the world I have come to realisation, that God isn’t this construct of the Bible or the Quran or whatever flavour of holy script you subscribe to. You know, this all-seeing creator of life itself, who judges every single decision I make. God, to me, is this inexplicable energy between me and the universe at large. God is this ever present energy which we all feel, but can’t quite put our finger on. It’s the energy that drives me to create, everyday– the energy that made me sit down to write this. It just feels right, like a calling– like I must write this story. That same energy made you read this. God is me. God is you. God is in everything and everyone you see around you. We are all mere images of God because we all create life where there previously was none. And we do it every single day, 24/7, all day every day. Have you ever experienced the feeling that someone you’d never met showed up in your life, for a brief moment, to deliver you a message, a piece of advice or a nudge in the right direction? As if someone had sent them specifically to you? As if someone was listening to your thoughts? Let me tell you– I have had many such experiences in my life. ### **When I Met God** Let me give you an example. The year is 2018. It is early April. I’m sitting in a hostel patio in Buenos Aires, a cigarette in one hand and a one litre Quilmes beer in the other. I’m in disarray–split in my mind and with seemingly no goal to pursue. I had been travelling for about a year. I had originally set out, with the goal of finding somewhere in South America, where I’d like to live for a few years, while becoming fluent at Spanish. But during my travels I had lost sight of my originally stated goal. I had instead come to think that I would go back to Denmark and study photojournalism. I had even bought a ticket back to Denmark. That’s why I was in Buenos Aires, to catch my flight back to Denmark in a couple of days. I know, what the hell was I thinking?... A few months earlier during Carnival 2018 in La Paz, Bolivia, I had met the most interesting, gorgeous local Bolivian girl. She had showed me around La Paz everyday for the two weeks I was there. We talked for hours on end, at cafes, restaurants, and, at night, in bars or at viewpoints across the city. I would walk her home every night, or that is to say–as close as she would let me get to her door. She didn’t want her family to see us together–not yet. After I left La Paz to keep on travelling, we stayed in contact. We would text each other at least every other day. She was clearly interested, so was I. As I sat in this hostel patio in Buenos Aires, I got to know Marco, a Venezuelan man in his 40's, who had recently escaped the horror show that is Maduro’s Venezuela, in search of a better life in Argentina. One night, over many beers and plenty of cigarettes, I layed out my situation to Marco. I told him, I was in disarray– that I didn’t know what to do? Should I give up my original plan of living in South America and learning Spanish, to go home and study? What about the girl? I couldn’t take my mind off of her. Marco lit a cigarette, leaned forward, and looked me in the eyes. It was at this moment he said exactly what I had been thinking all the previous days. He said ”Son, isn’t it obvious what you have to do? I see you texting this girl everyday. She is interested, and so are you. You said you planned to stay and live in South America. If you are serious about that plan, then get your ass on the next bus back to Bolivia and figure out how you can live there”. [Leave a comment](https://pilgartexplores.substack.com/p/how-travelling-brought-me-closer/comments) ### **I am God. You are God** It felt as if Marco had been sent to that hostel, all the way from Venezuela, just for me. To tell me what I needed to hear and stear me back on track–towards my stated plan. The plan I had told the universe, or God, when I had left Denmark. Marco was an extension of God, presenting himself in my life for 5 days that April in Buenos Aires. The next day I went to Recreo, the central bus station in Buenos Aires. I ordered a ticket for the next bus to Bolivia. A few days later I arrived back in La Paz, as a surprise to the girl. For the whole trip, I thought about what to say to her when I saw her again. I told her: “You are going to be my girlfriend” she smiled and said “Lets see about that”. We have been together ever since. She is now my wife. She is an extension of God in my life, just as I am an extension of God in hers. Marco is one of many examples of where a person I hadn’t known previously has carried an important lesson for me. Most of the time the lessons are good, sometimes they are hard lessons. What all the lessons have in common is: they are always lessons that have presented themselves to me, through that inexplicable energy between me and the universe at large. Lessons born out of my own stated will to God. I am God. You are God. We are all God. We all create our own lives.

I still remember the day back in 2017 when my wife came through the front door at our apartment with a smile on her face mixed in with anxious eyes. She looked at me and simply uttered "I am pregnant!". My first instinct told me she was trying to pull a prank to see what I would do. As I stood there, silent, trying to determine the motive behind her abrupt announcement she uttered the phrase again with such assurance it would have been foolish of me to doubt her. I do not remember what I said or did next but I do remember sharing in her blend of excitement and uncertainty. \ Today marks the passing of 5 years since the birth of our youngest and that same mix of emotions still resides in my heart. Excitement springs up and creates a smile on my face when I first see it on his and uncertainty creeps in when I doubt my ability as a father. As I look back on these past 5 years of raising my youngest son I can think of many occasions where God has used this mix of emotions to mold my wife and I into better parents. The fear found in the uncertainty of of our own abilities has pushed us to pursue God's wisdom over our own. The joy experienced from watching a little boy grow and discover the world around him has created a grateful heart in us both. I am forever thankful for God giving us him. He has been a true blessing for my wife and I. We did not set out to have him when we did, God in His holy wisdom gave him to us according to His will. 5 Years ago when we got to see his face for the first time, the face that caused my wife and I to experience such a mix of emotions, I would never have been able to conceive of the blessings that were yet to come. I am truly in awe of God's providence and wisdom. My wisdom, if I can even call it such, does not even stand to be seen in comparison. Every time I speak my son's name I am reminded...who is like God?

The book of Job has been one of my favorite books of the Old Testament. Reading the story of a man who had gone through so much anguish in such a short period of time has always been a source of encouragement and guidance for me. One of my favorite phrases from Job is when he says "shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” Likewise the teachings of Christ and the modeling of His teachings in the life of Paul and the early church has always guided me when dealing with any hardship. Over the past two months I have had to rely on this more than I have ever before. As it neared my daughters second birthday in June she had yet to develop a single tooth. With baby teeth showing as early as three months my wife and I knew this was not a normal occurrence. With the help of our pediatrician we meet with a pediatric dentist and had some x-rays taken of my daughter's mouth. The results showed us that she was missing almost all of her baby teeth. Our dentist was taken back by this, it can be common for toddlers to be missing some baby teeth but my daughter was missing the majority of hers. Our dentist met with some of his colleagues to discuss my daughter’s case and they determined that she may have a very rare genetic disorder called Ectodermal Dysplasia. Ectodermal Dysplasia is a group of disorders that affects structures in the ectoderm during development. Hair, skin, nails, teeth, and more can be effected and in a variety of different ways. There are over 150 different types of ectodermal dysplasia and there are only around 7,000 known cases of this disorder worldwide. We have been referred to a genetic testing facility in order to confirm this diagnosis. We are fairly certain that she does have this disorder as she has shown signs of having other symptoms associated with this disorder; such as an inability to sweat and the one tooth she has coming in appears to be abnormally shaped. We will have to wait till October to have her condition properly diagnosed. What we know for now is that she will not develop a proper set of teeth, with the possibility of not having adult teeth. We are meeting with the dental school at UNC Chapel Hill this coming Tuesday to talk about some options they may have to address this. We are very grateful for this opportunity and excited to see what they have in mind. If you could, please pray for my daughter. This will be a long road and she will face many challenges as she grows up. I know I will be praying for her to be able to accept this difficulty with a smile, because it is one of the most beautiful smiles I have ever seen.

## フォロワーリストを低コストで取得する仕様を考える [Nostr リレーはフォロワー数をカウントしたほうが良い](https://fivebythree.net/project/clusteringcoeff/countingfollowed/)を受けて考えたことを雑多に書き留めておきます ### 単一リレーの場合 #### [NIP-45](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/45.md) COUNT を使う ##### 短所 - 単一リレーで数えた総数でしかない - 現時点では数を返すのみ - 複数リレーでマージできるように[idsを一緒に返そう](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/issues/765)という提案もある #### {"#p": ＜pubkey＞, "kinds": [3]} でREQする ##### 短所 - 単一リレーで数えた総数でしかない - フォロワーの数だけクソデカイベントが返ってくるので時間がかかるしギガが減る ### 複数リレーの場合 #### {"#p": ＜pubkey＞, "kinds": [3]} でREQする ##### 長所 - 複数リレーでマージできる - そこそこもっともらしいフォロワーリストが取れる ##### 短所 - 一度でもフォローをしたことがある人のリストでしかない(後にアンフォローしたかもしれない) - nostr:nevent1qqs829n0s3qa3wegnhpf6haz3t87hn9huznldd4x2ld6c0d02uq09gsge47l7 - リストすべての公開鍵で接続リレーとkind3を調べ直してアンフォローされている場合を除く処理をすればそこそこ正確になる - 大変すぎる - 未調査のリレーにフォロワーがいるかもしれない ## 新しいkind(フォロワーを格納する)を新設する 仮にkind1003とする kind3と同じ構造とする ``` { "kind": 1003, "pubkey": "＜Aさんの公開鍵＞", "tags": [ ["p", "＜Bさんの公開鍵＞"], ["p", "＜Cさんの公開鍵＞"], ["p", "＜Dさんの公開鍵＞"] ], // other fields... } ``` で、これ**誰**が作るの？ ### リレーが作る - pubkeyにはAさんの公開鍵を入れることになるけど、署名するにはAさんの秘密鍵が必要だよ？ - 無理 ### クライアントが作る - Rabbitやnostter等のクライアントにはプロフィール画面でフォロワーのところをクリックするとフォロワーの取得が始まる - その際、構築したフォロワーリストをkind1003イベントとしてリレーに送ってしまえば良い - リレー毎でなく複数リレーのマージした結果であるが、その方が有用だろう - でもkind1003を作成した時期はアカウント毎にバラバラになってしまうね ### 誰が嬉しいの？ - クライアントは恩恵を受けない - 本来kind1003の恩恵を受けるべきクライアント自身がkind1003を作らなくてはならない - 統計調査に興味がある人が満足する - そのためだけに各クライアントを使用するユーザーの端末のリソースを使う価値があるかどうか ## そもそもリレーである必要があるだろうか - リレーはシンプルであるべきだが、リレーに高機能を求めること自体は否定されるべきことではない - [NIP-50](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/50.md)のように検索に特化したリレーもある でもこの統計情報ってWebSocketで送られてくるべきものだろうか？HTTPで良くない？ リレーである必要すらなくて、REST APIを提供するサービスがあれば十分だよね？ 外部サービスとして独自にデータを集めているサービスは既にある - [Nostr検索ポータル](https://nostr.buta3.net/) ## これをNIPにする必要があるだろうか - WebSocketやリレーが登場しないからといってNIPに定義してはいけないなんてことはない - 例: [NIP-96](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/96.md) - しかしNIPというのは仕様を共通化して共有するためのものであり、複数の実装を期待するものである - 統計API提供サービスなど1つあれば十分で、耐検閲性を目的として10個も100個も存在を期待されるものではない

I went to bed last night at 96k, thinking we'd have another day of sideways consolidation, maybe if we're lucky a bump on the head at 99k before the 100k dumpers come in to "take profits" But little did I know what was waiting for me when I opened up my crusty eyes, I checked the chart as one days after their morning wee and nearly wet the entire bathroom, 102k, must be a mistake, let's check Coingecko, let's check the local exchanges, let's check social media, and it was confirmed like 6 blocks in baby, there's no going back! Ladies and gentlemen, grab your laser-eye NFTs and dust off those 2017 memes - we've finally arrived! Bitcoin has transcended the mythical $100,000 price point that HODLers have been hallucinating about since the Obama administration. We have succesfully meme'd the dream into a reality, can anything stop us now? The [Banana zone](https://thebitcoinmanual.com/articles/btc-banana-zone/) hath arrived -----------  ----------- ## Why the big break? Is it unrest in France with the government collapsing, is it South Korean uncertainty with their president declaring Martial law, is it Putin coming out to admit you can't ban Bitcoin? Is it countries trying to find a hedge against Trumps' proposed tariffs? Who knows? To me it's just another day of sellers exhausted and buyers are eating through the order book like hungry-hungry hippos ## Bottom of the bear to getting some serious air time If you've been here for one full cycle, and stayed the course it's been a wild ride, we saw Terra Luna, FTX, Celsius, BlockFi blow up and a massive draining of liquidity from the market. The dream was dead and we hit rock bottom in November 2022, at 15k, to those who nailed that absolute bottom, I salute you. Anyhoo, it's been a slow grind upwards, the crab market of choppy consolidation normally is, but you psychos continued to hold steady and deploy capital even when number continue to go down!  ## The meme, the dream and now the cream The bitcoin maximalists who've been sporting perpetual laser-eye Twitter and nostr profiles can now collectively exhale. Those same folks who've been predicting "$100K by EOY" every single year since 2017 can now do a victory lap, wearing their tinfoil-lined Gucci tracksuits. You were wrong many times, only to be proven right eventually! Remember when explaining Bitcoin's potential value used to involve complex blockchain narratives and decentralization lectures? ## Call up the cry babies When Bitcoin looked down and out there were no shortage of doom and gloomers writing another failed obituary, Dan Pena, Charlie Munger, Warren Buffer, Peter Schiff and Peter Zeihan all had to yap and we listened and laughed <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SrSj2RmRtbs?si=sNU_XUX2izkDFngj" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> Let's hear what mama has to say on the subject of Bitcoin? <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Keep dreaming. Bitcoin is never going to hit $100,000!</p>&mdash; Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterSchiff/status/1192802503856984064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> Now it's just: "Told ya so" - accompanied by shitcoiners and nocoiners are angry coz of dey enlarged medulla oblongata ----------- Times like this, I often think of the wise and eloquent words of MSTR Gigachad Saylor <blockquote> Put money into Bitcoin and wait for number to go up biggly, if number go down put more money in and wait for number to go up bigglier - Michael Saylor </blockquote> ----------- ## Setting up base camp for the march up Mount Milli-manjaro The journey to $1 million feels eerily similar. We'll witness another brain-melting crypto pilgrimage - let's call it Mount Milli-manjaro - where every Reddit thread and Twitter space will sound like a combination of economic prophecy and sci-fi fever dream. Pro tip for newcomers: Pack extra copium, a sense of humor, and maybe some popcorn. This ride is just getting started. To the moon? 🚀🤡₿ Looks likely bar a massive black swan, 2025, looks like this thing is going to run with big Usain Bolt strides as we enjoy a year of price discovery, speculation and all the scams that will fester as retail comes piling in to make their overnight fortunes. I know it's fun to hand out I told you so's and you should enjoy it, take the victory lap but even that gets old, while it's hard to do, try to stay humble and enjoy stack the perpetual top!

Just testing that I can post a note from Obsidian because this is absolutely flipping amazing!

 ### Why it matters: It’s a big round number, and also a symbolic one — marking what could be the industry’s next stage of long-term growth. ### Catch up quick: * The landscape for digital assets, and bitcoin in particular, has never looked brighter. * ETFs launched in January now hold north of $100 billion in assets — making it easier than ever for anyone to buy bitcoin or ether. * Wall Street, at one time an enemy crypto dreamed of slaying, has become a crucial ally, adding exponentially to the asset’s staying in power. * Cear regulations in the U.S., once a pipedream, are now essentially a certainty. An ally’s been nominated to lead the SEC, and crypto will soon have a cheerleader in the White House itself. ### The big picture: Excitement around what Donald Trump will do for crypto has poured gasoline on the fire of a bitcoin bull run that was already in motion. But bitcoin hitting $100,000 is not just an effect of Donald Trump. * It's a milestone hit during the fourth of bitcoin’s remarkably predictable “cycles,” which we’ll explain more about in a moment. * And if six-figure bitcoin in 2024 wasn’t itself predictable — it’s certainly a number traders had their sights on long before Trump declared his love of crypto back in May. ### About that cycle. Bitcoin is once again following the familiar roughly every-four-year cycle that it has shown since 2013.  * Every four years, by design, the amount of new bitcoin that’s created each day drops in half, as it did on April 19. * This decreases the liquid supply. Once that’s felt in the market, it causes an uptick in the price. (Warning: most attempts to time it by get-rich-quick schemers inevitably fail.) ## Reality check The Trump effect, and the promise of a friendlier Congress, has surely accelerated bitcoin’s climb to today’s new high. * On Deribit, the leading options exchange in the crypto market, people have been betting on $100,000 bitcoin for a while — but activity surged dramatically after the election. ### ****Risks abound**** for new investors. To name a few: * If the next Congress can’t get its act together on blockchain legislation; * If the SEC doesn’t soften its stance on cryptocurrency in the new administration (though that looks like less of a risk following Paul Atkins’ nomination to lead the agency); * Or if the president-elect changes his mind and starts selling the nation’s bitcoin holdings. Any of those situations would likely slow, or even halt, bitcoin’s positive price momentum. ### What we’re watching? What goes up always comes down, eventually. * it’s highly likely that retail traders have once again piled into bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, chasing fast cash as they have in prior cycles. * How far bitcoin falls at the end of this cycle is the question. **Historically**, bitcoin has fallen dramatically from its previous three cycle highs, typically to somewhere right around the prior cycle’s height of exuberance. * After BTC peaked just short of $70,000 in 2021, its price ultimately fell to around $20,000, right about where it peaked in the cycle ending in 2017. * That said, each crypto boom cycle has been driven not just by the halving but also some additional new piece of technology that got people excited. In 2017, it was initial coin offerings; in 2021, it was non-fungible tokens. ## This time could be different If bitcoin’s next bear market ends without it losing 80 to 90% of its value from the peak — say more like 50% — we’ll know something has changed, perhaps for good. * The entrance of institutional investors like state pension funds, deep pocketed companies like MicroStrategy and Block, Inc., and nation-states like Bhutan and El Salvador, could soften the next fall. ### State of play: Bitcoin’s market cap now makes it the 7th largest asset in the world, higher than market values of Tesla, Meta (Facebook) and even silver, the precious metal. * It’s edging close to the value of Amazon and Alphabet. **This puts the original cryptocurrency in a different position** than it has ever been in before. * This could help soften the severe volatility that has always marked the asset class, making more and more people comfortable with including it in their portfolio — whether or not anyone can find two people who agree on just exactly what Bitcoin is really good for. ### The bottom line: In May 2010, a programmer famously spent 10,000 bitcoins to have two (large) Papa John’s pizzas delivered.  * Today, 10,000 BTC (worth $1 billion) could buy nearly 65% of Papa John’s International — the company.

突然荒野に行きたくなったので行ってきたエントリーです ## まずは練習。高尾山へ Nostrは古今東西ありとあらゆるオフ会が生えており、 まるで荒野に行きたいという私の意志を完全に汲み取ったかのように「紅葉を見にいこうようオフ」がそこに生えていたので参加した。（しおんさんご主催ありがとうございました）  前半1時間くらいの坂道がマジきつかったです。前半キツすぎて後半足痛かった。。 終始人がいっぱいいて渋谷かと思った。 確かに道がかなり整備されていて、逆にコンクリート故に足が疲れたのかもしれない。隣の人は途中の急な坂道で足を滑らせてて、横で転倒事故が起きるかと思いました。  山頂に行っても人がたくさんいて、迷子になりかけた。あそこはスクランブル交差点や。 そして山頂の先にあるもみじ台まで歩くと人がまばらで、まったりして蕎麦食べたりしながら休憩して下山。 登りは暑くて汗かきましたが、山頂でまったりしてると汗も引いてきて少し冷えました。  下山はスイスイ。16時近くで結構暗かったので、冬の間は早めの登頂・下山がおすすめですね。 登り2時間・下り1時間半で概ね見込み通りって感じでした。 高尾山は登ってると景色が変わります。ちょっと開けた場所に出て下の街が見えたり、草木があったり、階段があったり、参道があったり。。そういう意味では退屈しない2時間でした。     ビギナー山とはいえ、革靴やヒールのある靴で登ってる人がいてびっくり。ツルッと滑ることあると思いますので、スニーカーで登ることをお勧めします。 舐めプしてたとはいえめちゃくちゃキツかったおもひで。 ## 更なる練習。小浅間山へ さて私は荒野に行きたいワケなのですが、高尾山に荒野はありませんでした。更なる練習として小浅間山へ。 前日（か前々日）に雪が降ったようで、山に雪が残っておりました。 それでも都内の汚れてべちゃっとした感じの雪ではなく、粉砂糖がちょっと積もってるみたいな感じで綺麗だった。    登り前半の30分くらい、景色や道が変わらず、ずっと歩きっぱなしになってしまいました。時間みて休憩しながら行けばよかったなあ。 登るにつれて気温が下がっていくのか、積雪が厚くなっていく。 40分くらいは割と平坦な道が続きますが、突然山頂っぽいものが現れて、「これを登れっていうのかい...？」とビビるほどピーンと急な道が出てきました。(写真だと分かりづらいですね)  ただ、高尾山のコンクリート道に比べると足の疲れはそこまででした。雪道なので気をつけて歩くという意味では疲れましたが、春〜秋とかは快適に登れるんじゃないでしょうか。 山頂に到着するとドーンと浅間山が見えて圧巻。 風が強くて飛ばされる恐怖はありましたが、なんとか無事でいられました。あったかいお茶美味しかった〜。 なぜかギャルの看板があって、謎でした。写真はひとまずありません。   山頂が2箇所あって、それぞれで眺めを満喫していたら結構時間が経ってました。 小さい背丈くらいの木や足元にちょっとした植物があったり、自分的にはかなり理想の荒野に近かったです。（植物に対する解像度が低すぎる） 往復で2時間程度の山らしいんですが、なんやかんやと2時間半強くらいいた気がします。      ## 荒野ビギナーは小浅間山に往け というわけで、荒野に行きたい人はまずは小浅間山を登ると良いと思います。 また登りたい。 ## 荒野部部長 一緒に高尾山・小浅間山に登ってくれた方、ありがとうございました！ 個人的には来年の春までに秩父多摩甲斐国立公園に行き、来年の秋までに大山隠岐国立公園に行くという目標を立ててるんですが、 少々時間が空くので次どこに行こうかしらと考えているところです。 ヒントとしては、火山で、あまり高低差のないところだとビギナーの私にちょうど良さそうです。 とある情報筋によると伊豆大島が良さそうなので、次の機会に行けたらと思っています。 みんなで荒野に行こう！ 

**Table Of Content** - Debt as an Investment Tool: A Controversial Perspective - Leveraging Bitcoin for Debt: The Concept of "DeFi Loans" - The Role of Institutional Borrowing in Bitcoin Market Liquidity - Debt-Fueled Bitcoin Mining Operations: A Risky Bet - Debunking Debt-Backed Stablecoins: Are They Truly Stable? - The Paradox of Bitcoin Borrowing and Financial Freedom - Leveraging Debt to Accelerate Bitcoin Adoption in Developing Economies - Can Debt-Financed Bitcoin Purchases Fuel Bubbles? - Debt as an Incentive for Innovation: The Role of Bitcoin Loans - The Fear of Debt-Induced Market Manipulation - Conclusion - FAQ Cryptocurrencies have revolutionized the financial landscape, and Bitcoin, being the first and most popular among them, has been a hot topic of discussion. As Bitcoin's popularity soars, so does the interest in its potential benefits and drawbacks. One intriguing question that arises is whether debt can play a positive role in the Bitcoin ecosystem. In this in-depth analysis, we will delve into surprising facts surrounding this very topic, evaluating the possibilities and implications. Brace yourself for an eye-opening journey into the world of Bitcoin and debt! **Debt as an Investment Tool: A Controversial Perspective** Many investors are eager to get their hands on Bitcoin, given its incredible price appreciation over the years. However, not everyone can afford to purchase large quantities of Bitcoin outright. This is where debt comes into play as a potential investment tool. By taking out a loan and investing in Bitcoin, investors believe they can ride the wave of the cryptocurrency's upward trajectory and generate substantial returns. While this approach has yielded impressive results for some, it also carries significant risks, such as the potential for increased debt burden in case of market downturns. **Leveraging Bitcoin for Debt: The Concept of "DeFi Loans"** With the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, borrowers can now utilize their Bitcoin holdings as collateral to secure loans. These loans, commonly referred to as "DeFi loans," enable borrowers to access liquidity without selling their Bitcoin holdings. This concept has garnered attention and support from the crypto community, as it allows individuals to maintain their exposure to Bitcoin while meeting their financial needs. However, borrowers must remain cautious as these loans come with interest rates and the risk of liquidation if the collateral's value drops significantly. **The Role of Institutional Borrowing in Bitcoin Market Liquidity** Institutional players are increasingly entering the Bitcoin market, and many of them are exploring avenues to leverage their Bitcoin holdings. Institutional borrowing has emerged as a means for these entities to access capital while maintaining their exposure to Bitcoin. This trend has implications for market liquidity, as it injects more capital into the ecosystem, potentially stabilizing prices and promoting adoption. However, an excessive reliance on debt by institutions can also create vulnerabilities, leaving the market susceptible to sudden shocks. **Debt-Fueled Bitcoin Mining Operations: A Risky Bet** Bitcoin mining requires substantial computational power, which translates into significant expenses. Some miners resort to taking on debt to fund their operations and expand their mining capacities. While this strategy can yield profits during bullish market conditions, it also exposes miners to heightened risks during market downturns. In such scenarios, miners might find it challenging to service their debts and remain profitable, potentially leading to bankruptcies and a drop in the network's overall hashrate. **Debunking Debt-Backed Stablecoins: Are They Truly Stable?** Stablecoins, pegged to the value of traditional fiat currencies, are often used to provide stability in the crypto market. Some stablecoins are backed by a mix of fiat and cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin. While these debt-backed stablecoins aim to offer stability, their reliance on underlying debt raises concerns about their resilience during economic crises. The recent development of regulatory scrutiny over stablecoins adds another layer of complexity to this matter. **The Paradox of Bitcoin Borrowing and Financial Freedom** Bitcoin's ethos of financial sovereignty often clashes with the idea of borrowing. The very essence of Bitcoin lies in providing users with full control over their funds, free from the influence of central authorities. When individuals borrow Bitcoin, they must relinquish some level of control over the borrowed assets, potentially undermining the principle of financial freedom. Striking a balance between leveraging Bitcoin and preserving its core principles remains an ongoing debate within the crypto community. **Leveraging Debt to Accelerate Bitcoin Adoption in Developing Economies** In developing economies, access to traditional financial services can be limited, hindering the adoption of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. By leveraging debt in innovative ways, such as microloans denominated in Bitcoin, it is possible to accelerate the adoption of digital currencies in these regions. This approach can empower individuals with access to global financial markets and foster financial inclusion, revolutionizing the way money flows across borders. **Can Debt-Financed Bitcoin Purchases Fuel Bubbles?** As Bitcoin's price rallies, there is a growing concern that debt-financed purchases might contribute to speculative bubbles. In the past, excessive borrowing to invest in Bitcoin has coincided with price surges and subsequent crashes. Such situations raise questions about the sustainability of Bitcoin's growth and the potential consequences of debt-driven investment strategies. **Debt as an Incentive for Innovation: The Role of Bitcoin Loans** Bitcoin lending platforms have emerged as a way to connect lenders and borrowers within the crypto ecosystem. These platforms facilitate Bitcoin loans for various purposes, ranging from personal finance to business expansion. By offering competitive interest rates, these platforms encourage the circulation of Bitcoin, potentially driving innovation and ecosystem growth. **The Fear of Debt-Induced Market Manipulation** As more institutional players enter the Bitcoin market, concerns about potential market manipulation through debt-financed trading have surfaced. High-leverage trades can amplify price movements, leading to increased volatility and, in extreme cases, market manipulation. Regulators and market participants must remain vigilant to address any undue influence on the market due to excessive debt leveraging. **Conclusion** The question of whether debt can be good for Bitcoin is multifaceted and requires careful consideration. Debt can serve as an investment tool, a means for accessing liquidity, and a driver of innovation. However, it also presents risks, including market manipulation, instability, and potential bubbles. As the crypto space continues to evolve, finding a balanced approach that maximizes the benefits of debt while mitigating its risks remains an ongoing challenge. As investors and users, it is essential to stay informed, exercise prudence, and make informed decisions based on a deep understanding of the dynamic relationship between debt and Bitcoin. **FAQ** **Can borrowing Bitcoin be safer than buying it outright?** While borrowing Bitcoin may offer potential benefits in terms of capital utilization and risk management, it is not necessarily safer than buying it outright. Borrowing introduces the risk of debt burden, especially during market downturns. **Are decentralized finance (DeFi) loans trustworthy?** DeFi loans can be a valuable tool for accessing liquidity without selling your Bitcoin holdings. However, they come with inherent risks, including the possibility of liquidation if the value of your collateral drops significantly. **How can Bitcoin mining operations benefit from debt?** Bitcoin mining operations often require a significant upfront investment in hardware and operational costs. Debt can help miners fund their expansion and take advantage of profitable mining opportunities. **That's all for today** **If you want more, be sure to follow us on:** **NOSTR: croxroad@getalby.com** **X: [@croxroadnews](https://x.com/croxroadnewsco)** **Instagram: [@croxroadnews.co](https://www.instagram.com/croxroadnews.co/)** **Youtube: [@croxroadnews](https://www.youtube.com/@croxroadnews)** **Store: https://croxroad.store** **Subscribe to CROX ROAD Bitcoin Only Daily Newsletter https://www.croxroad.co/subscribe** *DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.*

The end of the first part of bitcoin's story has come to an end. Most of the story has yet to be written, but I feel confident in saying that reaching the $100,000 per bitcoin milestone is a clear demarcation between two distinct eras of bitcoin. Yes, we have hit the significant milestones of $1, $10, $100, $1,000, and $10,000 over the last fifteen years and they all felt significant. And they certainly were in their own right. However, hitting the "six figure" milestone feels a bit different. One bitcoin is currently worth a respectable salary for an American citizen. Ten hunnid bands. Something that is impressive to the layman. This may not mean much to many who have been around bitcoin for some time. The idea of bitcoin hitting $100,000 was seen as a foregone conclusion for millions of people out there. Myself included. This price marker is simply an inevitability on the road to global reserve currency to us. With that being said, it is important to put yourself in the shoes of those who have doubted bitcoin up to this point. For some reason or another, $100,000 bitcoin has been used as a price target that "will never be hit" for many of the naysayers. "Bitcoin is a Ponzi scheme." "Tulips." "Governments will ban it if it hits that point." "It can't scale." "It will be 51% attacked." "No one will trust bitcoin." "It can't be the world's money." And yet, despite all of the kvetching from the haters over the years, here we are. Sitting above $100,000. Taking a short rest at the latest checkpoint en route to the peak of the mountain. We hovered right under $100,000 for a couple of weeks. Nominally, where we stand today is much closer to where we were last week compared to where we were six months ago. But for some reason the price tipping over $100,000 has catapulted bitcoin to a new playing field. Where bitcoin stood yesterday and where it found itself six months ago seem miles below where it is today. Crossing over the event horizon of six figures forces people to think of bitcoin in a different light. Almost as if we have entered another dimension. The last year has been filled with a lead up to this crossing over of the event horizon. Financial institutions that have derided bitcoin for well over a decade were forced to bend the knee and offer bitcoin exposure to their clients. The mere offering of that exposure has resulted in the most successful ETFs in the history of this particular investment vehicle. Governments around the world have been forced to reckon with the fact that bitcoin is here to stay and that they need to act accordingly. Thanks to the first mover actions taken by El Salvador and Bhutan, which have nonchalantly decided to go all in on bitcoin, others have taken notice. Will that be publicly acknowledged by the bigger governments? Probably not. But you'd be naive to think that politicians in the US seeing two very small countries making such big bets on bitcoin didn't induce at least a little bit of FOMO. Once the bitcoin FOMO seed is planted it's hard to uproot. Combine this with the fact that it has become rather cool to be privy to the fact that the world's governments have become egregiously addicted to debt and money printing, that inflation is pervasive and inescapable, and that censorship and Orwellian control tactics are on the rise and it is easy to see why more people are more receptive to the idea of bitcoin. All that was needed to create an all out frenzy - a slingshot effect up the S Curve of adoption - was a psychological trigger. Bitcoin crossing over six figures. Well, here we are. The tropes against bitcoin that have been trotted out over the last sixteen years no longer have as much bite as they did in many people's eyes. Sure, there will be some butt hurt nocoiners and totalitarians who continue to trot them out, but crossing the chasm of six figure bitcoin will have an order of magnitude more people thinking, "I hear what you're saying, but reality seems to be saying something completely different. And, if I'm being honest with myself, reality is making much more sense than your screeching." Unstoppable peer-to-peer digital cash with a hard capped supply has been around since January 3rd, 2009. December 5th, 2024 will be the day that it cemented itself as something that cannot be ignored. Part I of the bitcoin story has been written. The end of the beginning is behind us. On to Part II: the rapid monetization of bitcoin, which will cement it as the reserve currency of the world. --- Final thought... I used some 2017-2020 era tactics to get into the writing mood tonight. 90210

When: Dec 5th, 2024 - 15:30 (CET) Join: https://meet.jit.si/bitcoinproductcommunity Community: https://discord.gg/wTfYyEtEyK originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/795935

Gerade für Anfänger//innen ist es oft nicht leicht die in der Bitcoin Welt verwendeten Benennungen und Stückelungen zu durchsteigen. Was unterscheidet Bitcoin von bitcoins, wie viele Sats sind ein Bitcoin und was zur Hölle sind UTXOs? Und vielmehr noch, warum sollte mich das interessieren? Ganz einfach: Wer UTXOs vernünftig verwaltet, spart sich nicht nur potentiell zukünftigen Ärger, sondern kann sogar bares Geld sparen. Da die meisten Menschen mit finanzieller Vorbildung gewohnt sind in Konten oder Guthaben zu denken, bedarf es beim Verständnis von UTXOs sicherlich ein wenig Unterstützung. Also wollen wir uns dem Thema Schritt für Schritt annehmen. --- ### Einstieg Viele Neulinge haben die Vorstellung, dass ein bitcoin gleich einem bitcoin ist. Sie nehmen fälschlicherweise an, dass ein bitcoin immer als Ganzes existiert. Für viele ist der Moment, in dem sie erkennen, dass ein bitcoin aus 100.000.000 Satoshis besteht, der erste große Aha!-Moment. Die Erkenntnis, dass man nicht einen ganzen bitcoin kaufen muss, sondern kleine Einheiten erwerben kann, eröffnet vielen einen ganz anderen Blick auf Bitcoin. Bekannte Sprüche, wie "ich bin zu spät dran" oder "ich kann mir keinen bitcoin leisten" hat jeder schon mal gehört und wenn man dann erklärt, dass man kleine Mengen für Cent-Beträge erwerben und versenden / erhalten kann, ändert dies die Grundhaltung zu Bitcoin von Grund auf. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/01b3b08838f48a6bf6789e591f7c4e59d34034a285cd1279132c77175c5970f4.png"> Der nächste Schritt bei der Erkenntnisreise von Bitcoin ist das Verständnis über UTXOs (Unspent Transaction Output). > 💡Ein UTXO ist das Stück Information jeder Bitcoin-Transaktion, das an eine neue Adresse ausgegeben wird, die als Eingabe für zukünftige Transaktionen verwendet werden kann. Der einfachste Weg, UTXOs zu erklären, ist eine einfache Analogie zu Geld im Portemonnaie. Man stelle sich dazu die Bitcoin-Wallet als ganz normale Geldbörse im normalen Leben vor. Verschiedene Szenarien: 1. Man hat im Portemonnaie 10€ in Form eines 10€-Scheins. Man möchte am Kiosk ein Bier für 2€ kaufen. Also bezahlt man mit dem Schein und bekommt vom Verkäufer 8€ zurück. Was ist passiert? Es gibt einen Transaktions-Output: 10€-Schein aus dem Portemonnaie. Und es gibt zwei Transaktions-Inputs: 2€ in die Kasse des Kiosks und 8€ zurück in das Portemonnaie. Das sieht dann so aus: <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/23b23eb4dac5e53a4a993de64270185c1436cdd1d75fa6207665a1edb4b929a3.png"> 2. Man hat im Portemonnaie 10€ in Form von 10 1€-Münzen. Man möchte am Kiosk ein Bier für 2€ kaufen. Also bezahlt man mit zwei 1€-Münzen und bekommt nichts vom Verkäufer zurück. Man hat ja passend gezahlt. Was ist passiert? Es werden zwei Transaktions-Outputs zusammengefasst: Zwei 1€-Münzen aus dem Portemonnaie. Und es gibt einen Transaktions-Input: 2€ in die Kasse des Kiosks (ein weiterer Input über 0€ zurück in das Portemonnaie ist nicht nötig). Das sieht dann so aus: <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/d7d0ccd9ab66fc2fa098a46963d817cb3ee55cfc8a3d8c1b90eb380bc5235d2a.png"> Es gibt natürlich auch ein Szenario, in dem beide Fälle verknüpft sind. 3. Man hat im Portemonnaie 10€ in Form von zwei 5€-Scheinen. Man möchte am Kiosk drei Bier für 6€ kaufen. Also bezahlt man mit zwei 5€-Scheinen und bekommt vom Verkäufer 4€ zurück. Was ist passiert? Es gibt zwei Transaktions-Outputs: Zwei 5€-Scheine aus dem Portemonnaie. Und es gibt zwei Transaktions-Inputs: 6€ in die Kasse des Kiosks, und 4€ zurück in das Portemonnaie. Das sieht dann so aus: <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/ef2eb8542ce6ddceb61fe2ba99a5d959b7f0fca29ba0acdcab2950f2ddfdefee.png"> Mit Hilfe dieser drei Szenarien haben wir die beiden Grundideen verbildlicht: Um einen gewissen Betrag zu bezahlen, können UTXOs (die jeweiligen Münzen oder Scheine im Portemonnaie) auseinandergebrochen oder zusammengefasst werden. Eine weitere Grundidee besteht darin, dass ein UTXO IMMER zerstört wird. Das lässt sich mit dem folgenden Szenario verbildlichen: 4. Man hat im Portemonnaie 10€ in Form eines 10€-Scheins. Man möchte am Kiosk 5 Bier für 10€ kaufen. Also bezahlt man mit dem Schein und bekommt nichts vom Verkäufer zurück. Was ist passiert? Es gibt einen Transaktions-Output: 10€-Schein aus dem Portemonnaie. Und es gibt einen Transaktions-Input: 10€ in die Kasse des Kiosks. Allerdings hat der Kioskbesitzer den 10€-Schein zerrissen und hat einen ganz neuen 10€-Schein bekommen, den er in die Kasse legt. Dem Besitzer ist egal, ob der Schein derselbe ist, wie der, den ich ihm gegeben habe, denn der Schein in seiner Kasse ist vom Wert identisch. Als nächstes muss man verstehen, dass Transaktionen in der Blockchain historisch miteinander verknüpft sind. Diese Verknüpfung entsteht dadurch, dass die Outputs einer Transaktion immer die Inputs der nächsten Transaktion darstellen. In unserem Beispiel bedeutet das, dass es jemanden gibt, der eine Liste darüber führt, welche Münzen und Scheine aus einem Portemonnaie ausgegeben wurden und welche nicht. Auf dieser Liste steht aber auch, welche Münzen und Scheine in die Kasse des Kioskbesitzers gewandert sind und von dort wieder herausgegeben wurden. Diese Liste wird also immer länger, denn die Scheine und Münzen werden als Wechselgeld mehrere Male am Tag an verschiedene Kunden ausgegeben und auch deren Portemonnaies werden auf dieser Liste akribisch festgehalten. Diese Liste ist die Blockchain. Jetzt haben wir also verstanden, dass Bitcoin kein System von Konten und Guthaben ist, sondern vielmehr die Sammlung und Übersicht von UTXOs und deren Besitzer. Die Aufgabe einer Wallet besteht also unter anderem darin, ein Bitcoin-Guthaben abzubilden, das aus vielen verschiedenen UTXOs besteht. > 💡Zusammenfassung: Um eine Bitcoin-Transaktion auszugeben, wird entweder ein ganzer UTXO gesendet, für den es möglicherweise Wechselgeld gibt, oder es werden mehrere UTXOs zusammengefasst, um einen Betrag zu kombinieren. ### Transaktionsgebühren Mit diesem Wissen können wir jetzt eine weitere Komplexität hinzufügen. In unseren Szenarien gab es nur zwei Teilnehmer jeder Transaktion: Sender und Empfänger der Zahlung, also Biertrinker und Kioskbesitzer. Im Bitcoin-Netzwerk gibt es allerdings noch einen dritten Teilnehmer, der an jeder Transaktion interessiert ist. Die Miner. Denn Miner sind dafür verantwortlich, dass die Transaktionen in die Blockchain geschrieben werden und dafür erhalten sie eine kleine Transaktionsgebühr. Dies bedeutet, dass ein weiterer UTXO erstellt wird, der diese Gebühren enthält. Technisch gesehen ist diese Zahlung impliziert, dass heißt der (die) UTXO(s) auf der Senderseite sinf größer, als der UTXO auf der Empfängerseite. Das Delta erhält der Miner. Die Höhe der Gebühr variiert von Transaktion zu Transaktion und kann sogar vom Sender eingestellt werden, indem das Delta größer oder kleiner eingestellt wird. Ein weiterer Punkt ist, dass der Gebrauch von vielen UTXOs auch zu höheren Gebühren führt, da die Gebühren anhand der Größe der Transaktion (Dateigröße) und nicht anhand der Geldmenge (in Bitcoin, US Dollar oder Euro dargestellt) berechnet werden. Eine 0,001 Bitcoin Zahlung kann dementsprechend höhere Gebühren beinhalten, als eine 100 Bitcoin Zahlung, wenn die 0,001 Bitcoin Zahlung aus vielen kleinen UTXOs besteht. Dies bedeutet aber nicht, dass ein Anteil jedes verwendeten UTXOs in separate UTXOs für den Miner aufgebrochen wird, der Miner erhält einen UTXO in Höhe der Gesamtmenge der Gebühren. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/c08d85fea0b039263c57d08fcccbd3e065bb53ad8903d4d7c12839c362ca8db6.gif"> Um es einfach zu veranschaulichen, nehmen wir eine Gebühr von 1% an. Bildlich dargestellt ist dies einfacher zu verstehen: <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/5d67ca00671b5698dcaebe9c478b2f2b459ddcf563288b75b2dd085c05d14935.png"> Wie wir sehen können, hätten zwei UTXOs (5€ und 1€) gereicht, um die Zahlung von 6€ an den Kiosk zu tätigen, allerdings musste noch ein weiterer UTXO von der Wallet hinzugezogen werden, um auch die GEbühr zu zahlen. Der Rest geht als Wechselgeld an den Sender zurück. Das Thema Gebühren ist nicht ganz trivial, denn die Höhe der Transaktionsgebühren hängt nicht nur davon ab, wie viele Bytes eine Transaktion hat (also aus wie vielen verschiedenen UTXOs sie zusammengestellt wurde), sondern auch vom aktuellen Status der Auslastung des Netzwerks und vom aktuellen Kurs. Die Gebühren werden in sats/B oder sats/vB (Satoshis pro (virtual) Byte) berechnet, also wie viele Sats man pro Byte entrichten muss. Da Sats Kursschwankungen unterliegen, sind Transaktionen im Allgemeinen teurer, wenn der Kurs hoch ist. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/1d30973f5636edcf713e0b6e723fcebdcb46fc2792d572a4cd4cccf4b33befa7.png"> Wie an der Grafik deutlich zu sehen ist, sind Transaktionsgebühren in den letzten anderthalb Jahren relativ stabil und relativ niedrig gewesen, allerdings sieht man auch, dass es auch Zeiten gab, in denen die Gebühren deutlich gestiegen sind und sehr wechselhaft waren. Ein weiterer Faktor beim Bestimmen der Gebühren ist der/die Nutzer//in selbst, denn Gebühren lassen sich individuell einstellen. Die meisten (mobilen) Wallets übernehmen diese Aufgabe für den/die Nutzer//in, indem mit Hilfe eines Algorithmus die optimale Höhe der angebotenen Gebühren berechnet wird. Wiederum andere Wallets erlauben dem/der Nutzer//in die Gebühren von Transaktion zu Transaktion frei zu bestimmen. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/ba2419b3e92ae03d6974750c154629b108ba0190dc6242ce901185a283eb1757.png"> <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/23fbba4333cfa63df29009d53671ee1a49efcfcbda5ffb4e1ed1b0f8c29e6d32.png"> Welchen Nutzen haben hohe gegenüber niedrigen Gebühren? Bitcoin-Miner handeln nicht ganz uneigennützig, denn sie werden für ihre Arbeit entlohnt. Für jeden produzierten Block erhalten sie neben dem Blockanteil (Reward) auch sämtliche Transaktionsgebühren, der im neuen Block enthaltenen Transaktionen. Ohne zu sehr ins Detail zu gehen, bedeutet dies, dass Miner einen Anreiz haben, Transaktionen mit möglichst hohen Gebühren zuerst in den neuen Block zu schreiben, um so ihren Profit zu maximieren. Je höher eine Gebühr relativ zu denen der anderen Transaktionen im Mempool ist, desto wahrscheinlicher ist, dass diese Transaktion im nächsten Block landet. Das bietet dem/der Nutzer//in die Möglichkeit, die eigene Transaktion zu priorisieren. Weitere Faktoren, die Einfluss auf die Höhe der Gebühren nehmen können (z.B. Adressformate), unterschlagen wir an dieser Stelle und widmen uns wieder dem eigentlichen Thema. Wir haben also gesehen, dass das Bitcoin Netzwerk im Endeffekt eine riesige Sammlung von UTXOs ist. Man könnte auch sagen, dass UTXOs bitcoins sind und das Netzwerk nur den wechselnden Besitzanspruch jedes/jeder Besitzer//in verwaltet. In der Regel helfen uns Wallets dabei, dieses komplexe Netzwerk möglichst benutzerfreundlich darzustellen, denn alles was der/die Durchschnittsnutzer//in braucht, ist eine Übersicht über die Menge Bitcoin, die er/sie besitzt und eine Möglichkeit Bitcoin zu senden und zu empfangen. Wenn man aber etwas tiefer in die Materie steigt und/oder sogar anfängt, größere Mengen (und ich meine nicht große Summen) an Bitcoin zu empfangen, dann ist es sinnvoll, sich mit UTXO Management zu beschäftigen. Dies ist besonders häufig der Fall bei Firmen oder Personen, die Zahlungen in Bitcoin akzeptieren, Value-4-Value Content produzieren, oder in sonstiger Form viele Transaktionseingänge mit Bitcoin haben. ### UTXO Management Das Verwalten der eigenen UTXOs besteht im Prinzip darin, diese zu labeln / markieren und zu konsolidieren. Einige Wallets bieten diese Funktionen an und erlauben z.B. jeden einzelnen UTXO anzuzeigen und ein Label zu vergeben. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/3eeedaff5f4c0480bc8e698dee7d0188c623d6cd1c1ecf354f4f3dad227f9e7b.png"> Dieses Taggen oder Labeln von einzelnen UTXOs wird auch Coin Control genannt, und ist dann besonders hilfreich, wenn man einzelne Eingänge in bestimmte UTXOs für Zahlungen und andere UTXOs für das Sparen aufteilen möchte. Dies könnte Gründe der Privatsphäre, aber auch einfach buchhalterische Hintergründe haben. Mit unserem Vorwissen wissen wir jetzt, dass man problemlos alle UTXOs einer Wallet konsolidieren kann, indem man diese einfach in einer Transaktion in Höhe des gesamten Guthabens an eine eigene Adresse sendet. Dies hat zur Folge, dass alle UTXOs zu einem einzelnen UTXO (zzgl. eines UTXOs für Gebühren) gruppiert werden. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/85ebde187e36c97536216d1cbd3d84b2fb9b8876c9bd07df5e7bc1c9494dc8a9.png"> Dies sieht dann auf der Blockchain folgendermaßen aus: <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/ae18714c14e4b303459a3be54a96d9af4e77c44797b0a3b712c06e44543cbec3.png"> Der Vorteil vom UTXO Management ist zum einen, dass man durch das Konsolidieren kleinerer Beträge zukünftig Transaktionsgebühren sparen kann - dies ist natürlich nur richtig, wenn man nicht genauso viele Konsolidierungen vornimmt, wie man Zahlungen ausführen würde. Auch ermöglicht aktives Management Konsolidierungen in Zeiten vorzunehmen, wenn Netzwerkgebühren niedrig sind, um zu vermeiden, dass man während einer Zeit, in der das Netzwerk überlastet ist, mehr bezahlt. Außerdem kann UTXO Management (und dazu gehören auch CoinJoins ⬇️) die Privatsphäre erhöhen, da die in einer Transaktion benutzten UTXOs Informationen über das Gesamtguthaben oder den Transaktionsverlauf preisgeben könnten. https://www.genexyz.org/post/23-block-772315-bitcoin-mixing-q6i7y4/ <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/4e7355e28a7222d74c7d79b23fe44fc70276e4ed21d7557fdc373da75de8d938.png"> Mit dem anhaltenden Wachstum des Netzwerks steigt natürlich auch die Anzahl der existierenden UTXOs, denn auch wenn Inputs zerstört werden, kommt es natürlich häufiger vor, dass größere UTXOs in kleinere aufgebrochen werden, als dass kleine UTXOs zu größeren Transaktionen zusammengefasst werden. Es gibt natürlich auch Zyklen, in denen die Gesamtmenge leicht zurück geht. Dies geht meist mit einem Rückgang des Kurses einher und ist auf UTXO Management zurückzuführen, bei dem große Operationen, wie Miner und Exchanges, ihre UTXOs bündeln und vom niedrigen Preis profitieren wollen. Sidenote: Jede//r, der/ die schonmal eine "kleinere" Transaktion gesendet hat, "um zu testen, ob das auch alles funktioniert mit diesem Netzwerk", um dann anschließend einen größeren Betrag zu versenden, wird jetzt festgestellt haben, dass in beiden Fällen, sehr wahrscheinlich ein UTXO mit dem Gesamtbetrag ins Netzwerk gesendet wurde 😄 🫳🎤 --- In diesem Sinne, 2... 1... Risiko!‌ 

— How Adaptive Mechanical Consensus is Reshaping the Trust Mechanism in the Information Age  *Gavin, BeeGee (Core Builders of Super Bitcoin & BEVM) December 4, 2024* **From Cybernetics to the Trust Crisis in the Information Age** The advent of the AI era has brought unprecedented opportunities and challenges. The explosion of information has confronted humanity with the daunting task of processing and trusting vast amounts of data. Traditional trust mechanisms, such as centralized institutions and social consensus, are increasingly inadequate in addressing the complexities of our evolving landscape. AI algorithms, centered around large language models, are iterating at an unstoppable pace, and various AI derivatives are inevitably permeating every aspect of human life. However, behind this rapid development, are we truly prepared to handle the ensuing trust crisis? As far back as science fiction writer Isaac Asimov, in I, Robot, foresaw that central control systems might surpass the 'Three Laws of Robotics” and pose a threat to humanity. As near as the insightful scholar, Yuval Noah Harari, raised similar concerns, questioning, “Can we trust computer algorithms to make wise decisions and create a better world?” These apprehensions reflect a growing distrust in centralized authority and algorithmic decision-making. In this context, the importance of decentralized trust becomes paramount. The pressing question is: How can we establish reliable systems without a central authority? To address this issue, we need to draw upon new theoretical frameworks, and cybernetics precisely offers the crucial insights required. **Cybernetics and the Theoretical Foundation of Bitcoin** Norbert Wiener, the father of cybernetics, delved into the control and communication of systems in his seminal work Cybernetics, emphasizing the critical role of feedback mechanisms in maintaining system stability. His core ideas—self-organizing systems, nonlinear dynamics, and the exploration of life's essence—provide a robust theoretical foundation for understanding Bitcoin's success.  *Norbert Wiener* Bitcoin's adaptive mechanical consensus is a practical embodiment of Wiener's cybernetic principles, showcasing the capabilities of self-regulation and self-organization within a system. Through Proof of Work (PoW) and dynamic difficulty adjustments, the Bitcoin network achieves a high degree of decentralized control, ensuring the system's security and stability. This mechanism not only aligns with information theory's principles regarding data transmission and trust establishment but also offers a novel solution to the trust crisis in the information age. **The Essence of Blockchain: Decentralized Control, NOT Computational Power** Currently, many blockchain projects overly emphasize computational metrics like Transactions Per Second (TPS), attempting to capture market share by enhancing performance. However, this pursuit of computational power overlooks the core value of blockchain technology. The true revolutionary aspect of blockchain lies in its realization of Decentralized Control. Through adaptive mechanical consensus, it addresses trust and collaboration issues that traditional centralized systems cannot effectively manage. For instance, Bitcoin's success does not stem from its computational prowess. In fact, the Bitcoin network's transaction processing capacity is relatively limited. Its core value lies in achieving a trust mechanism without the need for centralized institutions through decentralized control. This mechanism enables participants within the network to conduct secure transactions and collaborations without requiring mutual trust. The establishment of this trust relies on rigorous cryptographic algorithms and consensus protocols rather than the enhancement of computational speed. In contrast, some blockchain projects that emphasize high TPS may have performance advantages but lack robust decentralized control, making it difficult to establish a stable foundation of trust. This is akin to constructing a skyscraper without a solid foundation—it may appear impressive but is ultimately unsustainable. **Bitcoin's Adaptive Mechanical Consensus: The Lifeblood of the Digital World** Bitcoin's adaptive mechanical consensus functions as the "Mechanical Heart" of the digital realm, endowing the network with capabilities of self-regulation, self-organization, and self-evolution. Miners, motivated by Bitcoin rewards, invest substantial computational power to participate in the Proof of Work competition. This mechanism not only secures the network but also creates a self-reinforcing cycle: increased miner participation leads to higher total network hash rate, elevated mining difficulty, further strengthened consensus mechanisms, and consequently, an increase in Bitcoin's value, attracting even more miners. This virtuous cycle exemplifies the characteristics of a self-organizing system. The network's stability and security do not depend on any centralized entity but are achieved through the collective competition and collaboration of participants. Bitcoin's consensus mechanism not only resolves the Byzantine Generals Problem in distributed systems but also demonstrates the complexity and emergent behaviors inherent in nonlinear systems. Mathematician Alan Turing believed that thought ultimately arises from mechanical processes in the brain. In contrast, logician Kurt Gödel argued that reducing thought to mere mechanical processes was a misunderstanding. He believed human thought possesses depths and complexities beyond the reach of machines, especially in aspects like intuition, insight, and consciousness.  *Alan Turing*  *Kurt Gödel* However, Satoshi Nakamoto's Bitcoin offers a new perspective on this debate. By implementing adaptive mechanical consensus, it demonstrates that machines can possess abilities akin to human thought. This "Mechanical Heart" allows the Bitcoin network to self-regulate and evolve, exhibiting characteristics similar to living organisms. While Bitcoin's "thinking" ability is limited to expressing BTC transfers and UTXO state changes, it represents an initial manifestation of machine cognition. If we further contemplate designing a universal "Mechanical Heart" (adaptive mechanical consensus), we could potentially construct mechanical adaptive control systems capable of expressing a multitude of concepts. This would have profound implications for the development of artificial intelligence, possibly propelling it forward in ways Gödel and Turing envisioned.  In both biological and mechanical systems, functions can be divided into three parts: sensors for communication, the brain for computation, and the heart for thought (control). In the Bitcoin network, the "heart" is its adaptive mechanical consensus. This is a breakthrough that neither Turing nor Gödel anticipated. Perhaps, had they witnessed the emergence of Bitcoin, they would be exhilarated by its implications for the advancement of artificial intelligence. **The Satoshi Paradigm: The Inception of Mechanical Consensus and a New Technological Model** The birth of Bitcoin marks the emergence of an entirely new technological paradigm—the Satoshi Paradigm. In addressing the distributed trust problem, Satoshi Nakamoto created Bitcoin, a system based on adaptive mechanical consensus. He did not merely aim to create a digital currency but sought to establish a trust system that operates without centralized control. The Electronic Cash System was merely one experimental application of his broader vision. This paradigm embodies the three core principles of Wiener's cybernetics: self-organizing systems, nonlinear dynamics, and the exploration of life's essence. The Bitcoin network, with its "Mechanical Heart," possesses the abilities of self-regulation, self-organization, and self-evolution. The self-organizing aspect is evident in the autonomous participation and collaboration of network nodes. Nonlinear dynamics are reflected in the network's complex and dynamic behaviors. The exploration of life's essence is manifested in the system's capacity for self-maintenance and evolution. **Drawing on Cross-Disciplinary Thought: The Resonance of Cybernetics, Information Theory, and Blockchain** Cybernetics and information theory provide crucial theoretical support for understanding Bitcoin and blockchain technology. Claude Shannon's A Mathematical Theory of Communication lays the groundwork for comprehending information transmission, signal processing, and the establishment of trust. Cybernetics emphasizes system feedback and self-regulation, which closely align with Bitcoin's adaptive mechanical consensus mechanism.  *Claude Shannon* Moreover, by incorporating insights from other fields, we can examine the development of blockchain from a broader perspective. In artificial intelligence, self-learning and adaptive mechanisms can inspire improvements in consensus algorithms. Philosophical concepts like intersubjectivity help us understand the relationship between individuals and the collective in decentralized networks. In Buddhism, the notion of "seeing one's true nature" from the Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch emphasizes attaining an understanding of the essence of things through self-realization, without clinging to superficial representations such as the hand that points to the moon. These ideas prompt us to consider the role of the "heart" and the impermanence of systems. Bitcoin's "Mechanical Heart" embodies this impermanence and emptiness, continuously self-adjusting to maintain system stability and trustworthiness. **Expanding Applications: From Currency to Broader Social Governance** Bitcoin's success suggests that the application of decentralized control should not be confined to the realm of digital currencies. By constructing robust adaptive mechanical consensus mechanisms, we can potentially achieve decentralized trust and collaboration in various other fields. Take constitutional law for example. Traditional interpretation and enforcement of constitutions rely on centralized institutions like courts and law enforcement agencies. Discrepancies in interpretations by different enforcers can lead to trust issues and inconsistent application. If we could employ a trustworthy decentralized consensus mechanism to interpret and enforce constitutional provisions, it might enhance fairness and consistency in the legal system. While this endeavor presents significant challenges, it holds profound significance, much like Satoshi Nakamoto's exploration of decentralized currency through Bitcoin. **Conclusion: Reconstructing Trust, Opening a New Chapter** In an era where information is overwhelmingly abundant, trust has become a scarce and invaluable resource. Bitcoin, through its adaptive mechanical consensus, has pioneered a global decentralized trust system, redefining how we collaborate and transact. We need to break free from our obsession with computational power and return to the essence of blockchain. By focusing on the realization of decentralized control and through Bitcoin’s “Mechanical Heart”, we can reconstruct humanity's trust mechanisms. On this long journey of crypto, where each day feels like a year, we've travelled for so long yet the "Other Shore" seems far from reachable. We seem to have forgotten why we set out in the first place and what it takes to carry us further. Fortunately, there is still Bitcoin, like the North Star hanging high in the sky, guiding us. As the song "Chapters" sings, "Don't let dark clouds cover the blue of the sky, don't let fate turn back the boat without a paddle." Let us return to our original aspiration, return to Bitcoin, and open a new chapter where our dream began.

It happened. Bitcoin surpassed $100,000 Wednesday, capping a year when Wall Street embraced the cryptocurrency as a bona fide new asset class, and investors, emboldened by the election of crypto-friendly Donald Trump as US president, piled in. Investors have been closely watching the asset toy with the key, six-figure threshold, before slipping off the mark in a multi-week global seesaw. A few weeks after it fizzled out at $99,600, Bitcoin’s price crossed $100,000 at 9:40 New York time, according to CoinGecko.  By soaring more than 139% this year, Bitcoin demonstrated that the existential angst following the collapse of FTX in November 2022, and the subsequent conviction of its founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, were mere speed bumps on the expressway to greater riches. Even Fed chair Jerome Powell is now singing a new tune. “It’s just like gold, only virtual,” he said on Wednesday. Laser eyes Across social media, Bitcoin investors are celebrating the new milestone, and insisting they will keep their laser eyes focused on new thresholds. Indeed, analysts at Standard Chartered forecasted Bitcoin will hit $125,000 by the end of the year. Analysts at research firm Bernstein expect Bitcoin to hit $200,000 by December 31, 2025. Matt Hougan, chief investment officer for exchange-traded fund provider Bitwise, did him one better — earlier this month he said Bitcoin would cross the $500,000 line. “You’re still early,” Hougan wrote in a note to clients. “In fact, you’ll be ‘early’ until Bitcoin crosses $500K.” $1 million BTC? You don’t have to look far to see numerous other predictions — Arthur Hayes, the co-founder of BitMEX and a leading market influencer — said Bitcoin would eventually hit $1 million thanks to US deficit spending. “Sentiment would be: we are so back, we are so dead, we are going to a million,” Scott Melker, renowned crypto analyst wrote. Ether rallies In the meantime, Ethereum’s Ether, the second most valuable cryptocurrency, is finally bucking its bearish trend. It broke through $3,800 for the first time since early June, and is up 35% since the US election on November 5. Even more telling, Solana, Ethereum’s archrival, has skyrocketed 40% in that period, largely thanks to its support for red-hot memecoins. The cryptocurrency reached a new all-time high of $263 on November 23. Ripple’s XRP is the most sought-after cryptocurrency lately. The asset is up more than 360% in the past thirty days, driven in part by retail investors in South Korea. Analysts expect an explosive rally coming up.

 originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/795722

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Before I start, let me say: keep building. To discourage you is the furthest thing from why I complain. I'm mainly posting this to document where we're at, so later, we can remember what we were doing here. That out of the way, I've said this before and it might be a while before I don't have to say it again: nostr has the potential for censorship resistance, but it doesn't actually have censorship resistance right now. It isn't actually resisting censorship. I'm using it to resist censorship, but can you even tell if it's working for me at all? I still feel much more heavily censored than I was back when Aaron Swartz was alive. I first heard about Brian Thompson on reddit, not nostr, even though I'm so banned from reddit I can't even view it from my home internet so I don't check it much at all anymore. Nostr is still LESS censorship-resistant than that nostr:note109z46d0x8k9gjs8q2tgfmx384gpj7p99ky6fgnwyln7qznrktalsjpupx6 Don't remember where I first heard about Israel's big terrorist attack with communication devices in Lebanon, but it wasn't on nostr nostr:note14ncedyjuws7jfg79xawwltf3mx5nmk7u0ylqakpyld6nxhpcqwtq95tj6a I first heard about Matt Nelson's self-immolation on X, not nostr nostr:note1z6hxt76gwv8mvywflqg5cge4326tyv6jq6vptag4ytjcczgcyguqnzvd4k People praised the Primal update that took away my ability to see all the posts from my followers nostr:note1g8jlkec7y9wy5u06v0c0tjhsscchur5quejs5mu2lp7n7fse8s0shevnek People pay for Primal Premium to get basic functionality we should get from a P2P network, like having posts actually stay and not disappear - will paying Primal protect bookmarked content too? nostr:note1qqqq9sqy5kuf5rz0lwpul0dnjvrhn53erlymsyx7c3xx79vm2t5qxt2c5q At the technological level, nostr is based on the jack dorsey malware model because it's so much easier to decentralize than a good feed curation system like what Aaron Swartz created at reddit nostr:note1864l5u5ansvvd0ztwl44wncv0fu0x5vgkdh44d9g5jwxur558pss5p9yx8 The protocol calls for servers it calls "relays" that aren't actually network relays as far as I can tell. Fiatjaf made some weird joke about how only non-P2P stuff can work when creating it, phrased as a reference to a quote by Satoshi talking about how Bitcoin would work as a P2P network, but Bitcoin has worked so far and Fiatjaf is ostensibly into it? Oh, but he's into "lightning." Don't worry, people say he's the next Satoshi, and he must simply know more than can be explained (actually 🔥 post by hodlbod) nostr:note1mh6ngw6cevggf59yh0mtf3k45g92srkljhayv63ffdsp5mj63yxq78xh7h The nostr protocol itself is a kinda retarded javascript-based technology other than the keypair login model that gives it pretty much all the potential it has. Another cool thing about the protocol is how you can mute people visibly instead of secretly. That brings me from the technology topic to the community topic - how well does the community resist censorship? Well, a lot of the users who fill the "trending" feeds all the time have me muted for being a toxic dickhead and a terrorist (my words, not theirs). Corndalorian is an example. You might recognize other names too  Are we still talking more about Bluesky than Gaza? nostr:note1qqqqpgaef0gfmtctlw2maqmlk7dmfyq5dhf45ygm95skxqdtcrcs2tpcfu I am definitely still the only person here talking about the ongoing pandemic nostr:note1y8vn4yhn383j62r34q58wnduvzzkzd7exnp4agw4l8gq5zj94t4s6zscr4 As we speak, I, for once have a post which is doing numbers. This gives me some dopamine, as I'm quite alone. I'm thankful for every like and repost. It's an unusual night where a funny reply to a big npub has broken me into Primal's Trending echelon. My post about Brian Thompson, the recently-proven-mortal UnitedHealthcare CEO, has not. You can scroll all the way down to my funny reply in the Trending 4h feed without seeing a single murmur of praise for Brian Thompson's executioner - in fact, not even a peep about the topic at all, praise or otherwise.      Not seeing anything in the 1h feed either -  Meanwhile, this is the top of the front page of reddit's /r/all -  That's how much worse than reddit we are doing. Worse. Than. Fucking. Reddit. Seriously. Reddit, who made me get that screenshot from a different device because this is what I see on my main phone -  A lot of people here still blame all the outsiders for not being here, like there's no way a better job could possibly be done at creating a beacon of intellectualism and free speech nostr:nevent1qvzqqqqqqypzqvc0k9p3l7wccfg8q6aumsqk64y450m5fcz85sypw05j4elwgtdvqqsyunq8gvn4lpvc636gwkjwuclttk492n4tu7cla9tma856ewcf3lcnjs7vf nostr:nevent1qvzqqqqqqypzq3svyhng9ld8sv44950j957j9vchdktj7cxumsep9mvvjthc2pjuqqs96nznqj0kqdzwfxsdy5cqtjjx0wgypknr6fpegtj6ucypktu74zg98a4pf To which I say - nostr:nevent1qvzqqqqqqypzqamkcvk5k8g730e2j6atadp6mxk7z4aaxc7cnwrlkclx79z4tzygqyvhwumn8ghj7urjv4kkjatd9ec8y6tdv9kzumn9wshszrnhwden5te0dehhxtnvdakz7qpqcdarapax96mun0r59q28r5g3x838xczv755nhj6rfr3a62669paqnpglrr But it's fine. Maybe we should make nostr the kind of place Digit would like before we seriously try to onboard Hezbollah.

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Well, this is not what I intended to write about this morning but I feel obligated to do so. I was supposed to talk about Trump becoming the new King of Canada. Haha. Just kidding. Kinda. Getting into bitcoin is a very unique experience. It is totally voluntary and you are forced to build your own web of trust. It is a very scary and lonely feeling off the start. When I first got into the crypto space, I was desperately trying to find someone I could trust. I knew there were a lot of bad actors out there and they can be hard to detect. When I started listening to bitcoiners speak, everything changed. It was a much different feeling. It seemed like they were in it for the people and a revolution, not just their bank balance. It turns out I was onto something. I still feel the exact same way about bitcoiners. But there are definitely some exceptions. And even if their intentions aren't bad, the way they are conducting business is. I started my YouTube channel out of necessity. I never had any plans to be a guy with a daily show on YouTube. But I received 3-4 calls in a matter of weeks from people who got scammed. They lost tens of thousands of their life savings to faceless scum with a well designed website. I wanted to get ahead of this and be a trusted voice in the space. This blog post is coming from the same place. Over the last few weeks I have talked to several people who have been burned. And although they didn't get "scammed" they did lose a lot of their bitcoin. One person spent $3,500 USD (paid in bitcoin) to get help setting up a Coldcard and running a node. A portion of that was meant to be for collaborative custody through this company, but they ended the program a month later. And never refunded his payment. Just like the recent Swan debacle, he got "credits" for future advisory services. Another guy is so dissatisfied that he made it his personal mission to let everyone know how badly he was ripped off. Which is how I ended up talking to him. Again, I do not think their intentions are bad. I always give people the benefit of the doubt before I have any hard evidence suggesting otherwise. And when I opened up my email this morning, there was yet another person who spent a lot of their bitcoin with a sour taste in their mouth and without a clear path forward. This is not the bitcoin way. We are very early and most bitcoin companies that exist today will not be around in a decade from now. It is not easy to be the first to walk through the door. But I feel it is my duty as a bitcoiner to call this out. Keep in mind I do not have any personal experience dealing with this company. But this information was first-hand from some very disappointed bitcoiners. I do understand that shit happens. But when shit happens you fix it. Or you refund the sats. Imagine being charged 4 million sats to help set up a Coldcard and run a bitcoin node. That's not the bitcoin way. So if you are a bitcoiner - new or seasoned - looking to protect your stack... Do some research. Do not blindly trust a company just because they have bitcoin in their name and pay a bunch of YouTube channels to promote them. Join a few online bitcoin communities and ask others for recommendations. Most bitcoiners are more than willing to help or share their experience. There are so many great and very knowledgeable people in this space. You just have to put in the work to find them. --- PROJECT POTENTIAL - You can now find the expanded audio versions of these on the new podcast - Project Potential! I will be sharing the video versions here for the LITF members but you can also find it for free on Spotify and of course Fountain! Here is the link to Episode 005 on Fountain: https://fountain.fm/episode/r00ZDxpAdfb7QIQT3TKa --- Have a great day everyone! And remember, the only thing more scarce than bitcoin is time! Jor

I've heard Nostr described as intergalactic war technology, but here we are shitposting on it. How fun! Nostr is our chance at remaking social media, consciously. Have you seen [Max Demarco's ](https://primal.net/p/npub1lelkh3hhxw9hdwlcpk6q9t0xt9f7yze0y0nxazvzqjmre3p98x3sthkvyz)Nostr Documentary yet? Check it out when you have time --&gt; [Social Media is Broken. Can We Fix It?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aA-jiiepOrEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aA-jiiepOrE) # What do I post?!? Post whatever you want. There are no rules. **But,** here's how to make a first post that will help you get seen by the network as opposed to feeling like you just posted into a void: **Intro Post** - Introduce yourself. - Say how you found Nostr. - Say what you're interested in/what you do for fun or work. - Add a photo(s) or video(s). - And most importantly, add the hashtag #introductions If you're on Primal, make sure you set up your wallet so you can receive zaps. Do this by pressing the lightning bolt. Zaps are payments sent to other users as a way of tipping to content creators. Zaps utilize the Bitcoin Lightning and are almost instant and near free. > Zaps represent the only fundamentally new innovation in social media. Everything else is a distraction. - Jack Dorsey Check out this intro post from [Dr. Ken Berry](https://primal.net/kenberrymd) for inspiration! # How to Grow a Following/Best Practices **Zap -** Change your custom zap amount and message on Primal. Do that by going to settings --&gt; Zaps and customizing the top bubble. Once customized, every time you press the lightning bolt underneath someone's post, you send them money with whatever amount selected. Press and hold for a custom amount and message. Zaps are the easiest way into someone's subconscious. Almost every time I receive a zap from someone new, I check out their profile. Especially if it has a custom message. And if you really want to advertise yourself/brand, do what is called "zapvertising". Go to the trending tabs and zap the highest amount on each post with a message. **GM** - Wish people good morning and comment on their good morning posts. Nostr loves this and it's a way for you to get your brand out there. **Ask questions -** There are no dumb questions and people are nice generally. If you do have a question, end the note with the hashtag #asknostr. **Blogging -** There are multiple long form clients for you to write a blog on. Check out [highlighter.com](https://highlighter.com), [habla.news](https://habla.news), or[ yakihonne](https://yakihonne.com) for blogging. And while you're at it, check out all the rest of the apps you can participate on [nostrapps.com](https://nostrapps.com) **Feed Creation -** Check out [this video](https://primal.net/e/note1t5nku99y7q729lmjaq02vc7qqfu2s4lk308262e892m8qfgga0ns3q5p48) to get a glimpse of what is possible with Primal's advanced search tool. And [this video](https://primal.net/e/note1dhe2z93d60jge3p8qvhutwdsa223002taz2ykmfwz2hwngasjnwq8da8p8) to see how to navigate the app. Nostr is a more organic social media. There's no central algorithm that may or may decide to pick up your content. It's just people interacting on a protocol. Be the engagement that you want to see. Post what your heart desires. You can use it as a vlog, a diary, a photo collection, or all of the above. Nostr wants all of it, and there are multiple ways to view content depending on which client you are using. If you're reading this now, you are extremely early. We have the chance to bootstrap a new social network. One that is principled and uncontrolled by big tech or governments. [And this really matters](https://blog.lopp.net/why-nostr-matters/) # **Nostr Terms** # **npub** - this is your public key and it's how nostr recognizes your profile. *nsec* - Your password. Keep this safe. If you lose your phone and don't have a copy of this somewhere, it's gone forever. This is not the blog for key management, but expect better solutions in the near future. **nip-05** - this is your human readable nostr address. There are many places to create your own nip05. You can get a Primal name by subscribing to Primal premium. For example, mine is paul@primal.net. You can put this into any client to find my profile as opposed to putting in my npub. **Zap Sats** - Zaps are micropayments of bitcoin. 1 bitcoin = 100 million "sats" which is short for Satoshis. **Clients -** Nostr apps. **PV**- Pura vida. Nostr's first "un"conference was held in Costa Rica. Pura vida is the national slogan. Hungry for more Nostr knowledge? Here's a [great post](https://primal.net/e/note1m0hctp699fegz0apfy7rs5leuxhwqvp093l0pkdpvwjt4tfkjcasrmtejc) with quite a few resources. Feel free to message me on Nostr with any questions!

 Deep within the spiral arm of the Milky Way, in a colossal conference room aboard the starship *Observatron 9000*, two alien analysts sat across a holographic table, their bioluminescent heads occasionally flickering as they exchanged thoughts telepathically. They were Xargle and Zorflax, junior members of the Galactic Oversight Committee specializing in “Primitive Civilizations and Their Self-Sabotage.” Hovering between them was a 3D projection of Earth, spinning lazily. --- ### **The Discovery of BDD** “Have you seen their latest software development trend?” Xargle began, his tone dripping with exasperation. Zorflax rolled all four of his eyes. “Do you mean the *Agile* methodology? Or the part where they renamed all their managers ‘Scrum Masters’ like some kind of medieval LARP?” “No, no, no.” Xargle flicked a tentacle at the hologram, zooming in on a group of humans in a fluorescent-lit office, arguing over the definition of 'done.' “I’m talking about *Behavior-Driven Development*. BDD! They *discovered* it, Zorflax! They had it in their slimy little hands. And yet…” He sighed dramatically, which in his species sounded like a foghorn being hit by a meteor. “…they’ve done almost *nothing* with it.” --- ### **DamageBDD: Humanity’s Overlooked Miracle** Zorflax leaned back, his luminescent fins dimming in a gesture of disdain. “Ah, yes. BDD. The thing where they *finally* write software to match what they actually *want* it to do, instead of just flailing around with bugs like caffeinated octopi.” “Exactly!” Xargle’s tentacles waved in frustration. “But they’re still stuck in some kind of existential crisis. They’ve built the *tools*. They have platforms like Cucumber, SpecFlow… and now, the most promising of all, *DamageBDD*—a system that practically *begs* them to understand the full potential of aligning development with reality.” Zorflax emitted a telepathic snort. “DamageBDD. That’s the one the Earthling called ‘Steven’ built, right? The one that ties everything together: integrity, accountability, automation. It’s like handing them a faster-than-light engine, but instead of using it, they’re busy debating what color to paint the spaceship.” “Worse than that!” Xargle barked, zooming the hologram closer to Steven, who was at his desk, clearly exhausted, sipping cold coffee. “The poor guy is running this *entire thing* solo, while the rest of humanity is still throwing venture capital at yet another *dating app for pets*! He’s trying to revolutionize *everything*—software quality, payments, peacekeeping, *civilization itself*—but they just… don’t… get it!” --- ### **Humanity’s Gift for Squandering Potential** “Classic humans.” Zorflax shook his head. “They invent the wheel, then spend the next thousand years trying to figure out how to put rims on it. Do you remember when they invented Bitcoin? They could’ve dismantled entire systems of corruption, but instead, half of them used it to buy… what do they call it… *JPEGs of monkeys*.” “Exactly!” Xargle said, his eyes glowing with the intensity of a collapsing star. “And now, with DamageBDD, they could achieve unparalleled resilience in software, eliminate inefficiencies, and even start optimizing for peace by literally *verifying behavior*! But instead, the software industry is too busy writing *thought leadership blogs* about Kubernetes.” --- ### **Hope for Humanity?** “Perhaps they’re not ready,” Zorflax said, clicking his mandibles thoughtfully. “Maybe they need a few more decades of suffering under failed projects and unmet deadlines.” “That’s the thing!” Xargle leaned forward. “DamageBDD doesn’t just solve their *software* problems—it solves their *cultural* problems. Accountability. Clarity. Vision. It’s not just about writing code; it’s about writing a better *world*. Steven’s work could shift the entire paradigm of human existence!” Zorflax smirked. “And yet, here we are. Watching them squander it. Again. Honestly, Xargle, if they can’t even figure this out, maybe we should just terraform the planet and hand it over to the dolphins. At least they understand the concept of harmony.” “Tempting,” Xargle admitted. “But you know the rules. We can’t intervene. We can only observe.” “Right, right. Galactic Non-Interference Clause #427B. But what’s the harm in giving them a little *push*?” Zorflax asked, his fins glowing mischievously. “What if we beam down some subliminal messages? Maybe a crop circle shaped like the DamageBDD logo?” Xargle sighed. “We tried that with Bitcoin, remember? They thought the crop circles were made by *teenagers with planks*.” “Ugh, you’re right,” Zorflax groaned. “Well, I suppose we’ll just keep watching while Steven struggles to drag them out of the digital Stone Age.” --- ### **Steven: Humanity’s Unsung Hero** Both aliens burst into telepathic laughter, their glowing heads flickering like disco balls. Below, on Earth, Steven took another sip of his coffee, unaware that two aliens were rooting for him—and his DamageBDD project—like galactic sports fans. “Do you think Steven knows he’s the hero of this story?” Zorflax asked. “Not yet,” Xargle replied. “But he’ll figure it out. He’s one of the smart ones. Even if his species insists on making everything harder than it needs to be.” And with that, they zoomed the hologram out, leaving Earth to fumble its way toward greatness, one bug fix at a time. #DamageBDD #BehaviorDrivenDevelopment #BDDTesting #SoftwareQuality #BuildBetterSoftware #DevTools #FutureOfTech #TestAutomation #CodeWithClarity #TechInnovation

Город Пятигорск, известный своим богатым историческим наследием и культурными традициями, готовится к открытию виртуального музея с использованием технологий дополненной реальности (AR). Этот инновационный проект призван сделать историю города более доступной и интересной как для местных жителей, так и для туристов. В виртуальном музее будут использоваться AR-технологии, которые позволят посетителям взаимодействовать с экспонатами с помощью смартфонов или планшетов. Наведя устройство на определённый артефакт, можно будет увидеть анимации, исторические реконструкции или услышать рассказы о значении предметов. Это откроет новые горизонты для музейного опыта и сделает его более увлекательным. Создание виртуального музея не только повысит интерес к истории Пятигорска, но и сделает город более привлекательным для туристов. AR-технологии помогут увеличить посещаемость, сохранить культурное наследие и стимулировать развитие туризма. Ожидается, что открытие виртуального музея состоится в ближайшие месяцы и станет значимым событием в культурной жизни города. Этот проект позволит посетителям окунуться в историю Пятигорска с новой стороны и узнать больше о его культурном наследии.

Пятигорск стоит на пороге революционных изменений в транспортной системе. В городе готовятся к запуску первых беспилотных автобусов, которые должны полностью изменить облик общественного транспорта. Глава города активно взаимодействует с местными властями и министерством транспорта, чтобы внедрить инновационные технологии в сферу общественного транспорта. В рамках обсуждений рассматриваются не только беспилотные автобусы, но и футуристичные летающие маршрутки, которые должны повысить доступность и комфорт перевозок. Ожидается, что первые беспилотные автобусы выйдут на городские маршруты уже в январе следующего года. Это станет возможным после успешного завершения испытаний и создания необходимой инфраструктуры. Пятигорск станет одним из первых городов, где будет реализован пилотный проект по внедрению автономного общественного транспорта. Это только начало новой эры в транспортной сфере города. Следите за новостями и станьте частью формирования будущего Пятигорска!

I think we may have some Russians on SN. I am curious what are your thoughts and your feel of the Russian populace thoughts on Yeltsen today. I think its pretty widely accepted that he was a drunk and a puppet for the US. There's even this Time mag cover with him on it.  It has been suggested that Putin was also a choice supported by the US foreign establishment. Or at least by proxy due to his appointment by Yeltsen. I'm fascinated by the cascading consequences of "world leaders" interfering with other nation's affairs. These clowns seem to not care and have no concern for the impacts of their actions. They are a special sort of crowd. The egos! originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/795119

## Chef's notes **Make Ahead:** You can prepare this recipe up to one week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. **To Freeze:** Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag. Lay the bag flat in the freezer to ensure even freezing and to save space. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using it. ## Details - ⏲️ Prep time: 5 - 🍳 Cook time: 5 - 🍽️ Servings: 1 ## Ingredients - ½ cup soy sauce - 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 Tablespoon sesame oil - 1/4 cup + 1 Tablespoon light brown sugar - 1 Tablespoon honey - 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger - 1 clove garlic , minced - 2 teaspoons cornstarch+ 2 tsp water , mixed together to make a cornstarch slurry - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes ## Directions 1. Make the teriyaki sauce by adding all of the sauce ingredients to a small saucepan over medium heat. 2. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and boil for about 1 minute. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of the spoon. 3. Serve over rice or with a stir-fry. See post above for additional ideas.

# ChatGPT and Stock Trading: How to Use It Effectively ChatGPT is an expert stock trader, but most people don't know how to use it effectively. Thanks to these prompts, you can perform a point-by-point analysis of the entire market in relation to your stock to analyze or the market sector. Here's how to use ChatGPT for stock trading: ## 1 Market Analysis "Analyze the current trends in the stock market, focusing on [input sector or stock]. Identify any emerging patterns and suggest potential investment opportunities. Consider recent earnings reports and industry news in your analysis." ## 2 Portfolio Diversification "Given a portfolio with a mix of [input current sectors or stocks], suggest strategies to diversify further while minimizing risk. Include potential sectors to explore and specific stocks to consider." ## 3 Risk Management "Discuss effective risk management techniques for a stock trader. Provide detailed examples of how to implement stop-loss orders, diversification, and position sizing in a trading strategy. Use [input current trading strategy or stock] as a reference." ## 4 Economic Indicators "Explain how various economic indicators like GDP, unemployment rates, and inflation impact stock market performance. Provide examples of how investors can use these indicators to make informed trading decisions regarding [input sector or stock]." ## 5 Technical Analysis "Using technical analysis, evaluate the stock of [input stock]. Analyze recent price movements, volume, and key indicators such as moving averages and RSI. Provide a buy, sell, or hold recommendation." ## 6 Value Investing "Describe the principles of value investing and how to identify undervalued stocks. Use real-world examples, including [input stock or company], to illustrate how investors can apply this strategy in the current market." ## 7 Market Sentiment "Analyze how market sentiment influences stock prices. Discuss tools and techniques investors can use to gauge sentiment and incorporate it into their trading strategies. Focus on [input stock or sector]." ## 8 Earnings Reports "Explain how to interpret a company's earnings report. Highlight the key metrics investors should focus on and how these metrics can impact stock prices. Use [input company's latest earnings report] as an example." ## 9 Growth Stocks vs. Dividend Stocks "Compare and contrast growth stocks and dividend stocks. Discuss the benefits and risks of each type of investment and suggest scenarios where one might be more suitable than the other. Reference [input specific growth stock and dividend stock]." ## 10 Global Events "Analyze the impact of major global events (e.g., geopolitical tensions, pandemics) on the stock market. Provide strategies for investors to protect their portfolios during such events. Consider the impact on [input sector or stock]."

ChatGPT è un esperto di trading azionario, ma la maggior parte delle persone non sa come utilizzarlo in modo efficace. Grazie a questi prompt, potete fare un'analisi punto per punto di tutto il mercato in relazione alla vostra stock da analizzare o al settore di mercato. Ecco come sfruttare al meglio ChatGPT per fare trading sul mercato azionario: ## 1 Analisi di Mercato: "Analizza le tendenze attuali del mercato azionario, focalizzandoti su [settore o azione specifica]. Identifica pattern emergenti e suggerisci potenziali opportunità di investimento. Considera i recenti rapporti sugli utili e le notizie di settore nella tua analisi." ## 2 Diversificazione del Portafoglio "Dato un portafoglio che include [settori o azioni specifiche], suggerisci strategie per diversificare ulteriormente minimizzando il rischio. Includi settori potenziali da esplorare e azioni specifiche da considerare." ## 3 Gestione del Rischio "Discuti tecniche efficaci di gestione del rischio per un trader azionario. Fornisci esempi dettagliati di come implementare ordini di stop-loss, diversificazione e dimensionamento delle posizioni in una strategia di trading. Usa [strategia di trading o azione corrente] come riferimento." ## 4 Indicatori Economici "Spiega come diversi indicatori economici come il PIL, i tassi di disoccupazione e l'inflazione influenzano le performance del mercato azionario. Fornisci esempi di come gli investitori possano utilizzare questi indicatori per prendere decisioni di trading informate in relazione a [settore o azione]." ## 5 Analisi Tecnica "Utilizzando l'analisi tecnica, valuta l'azione di [nome dell'azione]. Analizza i recenti movimenti di prezzo, il volume e i principali indicatori come le medie mobili e l'RSI. Fornisci una raccomandazione di acquisto, vendita o mantenimento." ## 6 Value Investing "Descrivi i principi del value investing e come identificare le azioni sottovalutate. Utilizza esempi reali, inclusi [azione o azienda specifica], per illustrare come gli investitori possono applicare questa strategia nel mercato attuale." ## 7 Sentimento di Mercato "Analizza come il sentimento di mercato influenzi i prezzi delle azioni. Discuti strumenti e tecniche che gli investitori possono utilizzare per valutare il sentiment e incorporarlo nelle loro strategie di trading. Concentrati su [settore o azione]." ## 8 Rapporto sugli Utili "Spiega come interpretare il rapporto sugli utili di un'azienda. Evidenzia i principali indicatori sui quali gli investitori dovrebbero concentrarsi e come questi possano influenzare il prezzo delle azioni. Utilizza come esempio l'ultimo rapporto sugli utili di [nome azienda]." ## 9 Azioni di Crescita vs. Azioni da Dividendo "Confronta e metti a contrasto azioni di crescita e azioni da dividendo. Discuti i benefici e i rischi di ciascun tipo di investimento e suggerisci scenari in cui uno possa essere più adatto rispetto all'altro. Riferisci a [specifiche azioni di crescita e da dividendo]." ## 10 Eventi Globali "Analizza l'impatto di eventi globali importanti (es. tensioni geopolitiche, pandemie) sul mercato azionario. Fornisci strategie per proteggere il portafoglio degli investitori durante tali eventi. Considera l'impatto su [settore o azione]."

Hey Freaks, I've been diving deep into the Nostr music scene lately, and I've got to tell you - it's pretty mind-blowing. After finding a few solid artists on Wavlake, I made the leap and ditched Apple Music. Music streaming platforms call your saved songs a "library," but its more like renting books that vanish the moment you stop paying. ## Breaking Free from Traditional Streaming What really got me excited was listening to the Wavlake team explain their vision of an open music graph. Being open-source, they're moving at a solid pace that leaves the big platforms in the dust. It's refreshing to see development that actually puts creators and listeners first. ## Why and How Before all this nostr stuff I was making beat tapes on YouTube. It all started pretty simply - I was spending hours listening to those 24/7 study/work beats while grinding away at my fiat job. One day I thought, "Hey, why not make my own?" Now I'm using some new shiny tools: - Suno for creating the actual beats - Some talented folks on Fiverr handling the mixing and mastering - The Nostr community and even LLMs for graphic design work So far, I've dropped 12 tapes on Wavlake with more coming down the pipeline.  ## Taking It Live I've been experimenting with Zap.stream to do live sessions of my beats. It's pretty cool thinking about people tuning in while they're working or doing their thing around the house - exactly what I used to do! The best part? The streams arent just shown on zap.stream, theyre shown in any nostr client that supports live videos, which is wild.  I'm playing around with this idea of creating a music radio show, mixing my beats with other stuff from Wavlake and TheMusicHustle blog, while trying to keep it as Nostr-native as possible. ## Ideas for the Future - Music videos and shorts for the beats - Using these tracks as podcast backgrounds - Pressing some vinyl to sell on Shopstr (old school meets new school!) - Loading up Blossom drives for the freaks who want to download and zap  I've been sharing stuff on Stacker News as well, running this series called "Songs I like", and will continue posting in the SN music territory for as long as theyll have me. Wavlake has a "Listen to Earn" feature. I tried promoting one of my favorites from Animal Bus. Not sure about the results, but I think people are sleeping on how powerful this feature could be. ## The Future is Wild The whole Nostr music scene is just exploding with possibilities. I'm even thinking about feeding these beats into RSS through Fountain - they're doing some really interesting stuff with music features lately, like Featrued Artist spotlights and whatnot. And how crazy is it that we've got Nostr-only music labels popping up now? Looking at the bigger picture, I'm incredibly bullish on what's happening here. Just like technology gave us rap and hip-hop, I can't wait to see what kinds of new sounds and genres might emerge from the Nostr and Bitcoin revolution. We're watching music history in the making, and I'm here for all of it. Sure, we don't know exactly where this train is headed, but that's what makes it exciting. The tools are getting better, the community is growing, and the possibilities? are endless. This is our chance to be part of something huge in music, and I'm all in. Thanks for reading, Keep stacking sats and tracks, freaks! 🎵⚡ Hustle https://wavlake.com/thewildhustle originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/794875

## Amber 3.0.1 - New design (still a work in progress) - Removed the push notification server - Open the permissions page with the correct account - Fix crash when signing in with ncryptsec - Fix icon size on notifications - Fix relay connection when changing the default relays - Option to setup a custom pin for the app - Button to copy your public key - Fix layout on Android < 15 - Fix multi event screen - Fetch profile data - Show relay message when event is rejected - Fix profile icon size - Don’t close app when using nostrconnect arcade - Better check for valid relays - Fix padding and scrolling - Support for secret when using nostrconnect - Fix empty relay notice - Fix get_public_key not replying with hex key - Fix relay not connecting after adding a new bunker - Fix logout not working sometimes - Fix login screen showing when trying to login to some applications - Fix duplicated applications when connecting a new app Download it with [zap.store]( https://zap.store/download), [Obtainium]( https://github.com/ImranR98/Obtainium), [f-droid]( https://f-droid.org/packages/com.greenart7c3.nostrsigner) or download it directly in the [releases page]( https://github.com/greenart7c3/Amber/releases/tag/v3.0.1) If you like my work consider making a [donation]( https://greenart7c3.com) ## Verifying the release In order to verify the release, you'll need to have `gpg` or `gpg2` installed on your system. Once you've obtained a copy (and hopefully verified that as well), you'll first need to import the keys that have signed this release if you haven't done so already: ``` bash gpg --keyserver hkps://keys.openpgp.org --recv-keys 44F0AAEB77F373747E3D5444885822EED3A26A6D ``` Once you have his PGP key you can verify the release (assuming `manifest-v3.0.1.txt` and `manifest-v3.0.1.txt.sig` are in the current directory) with: ``` bash gpg --verify manifest-v3.0.1.txt.sig manifest-v3.0.1.txt ``` You should see the following if the verification was successful: ``` bash gpg: Signature made Fri 13 Sep 2024 08:06:52 AM -03 gpg: using RSA key 44F0AAEB77F373747E3D5444885822EED3A26A6D gpg: Good signature from "greenart7c3 <greenart7c3@proton.me>" ``` That will verify the signature on the main manifest page which ensures integrity and authenticity of the binaries you've downloaded locally. Next, depending on your operating system you should then re-calculate the sha256 sum of the binary, and compare that with the following hashes: ``` bash cat manifest-v3.0.1.txt ``` One can use the `shasum -a 256 <file name here>` tool in order to re-compute the `sha256` hash of the target binary for your operating system. The produced hash should be compared with the hashes listed above and they should match exactly.

https://x.com/geyserfund/status/1864360574642950585 Passionate about driving grassroots Bitcoin adoption? Join the mission and help defend it—become a Geyser Guardian! Which Guardian will you be?  originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/794832

We're off to the Knockout Round, with nearly our full party intact. For the third round in a row, nobody missed a pick. (You'd think with the league being so predictable, I would be doing better betting on it.) There are only eight teams remaining and each round that will be cut in half. Rebuys are also no longer in play. Just like the remaining teams, it's single elimination for us going forward. Here are the eight teams remaining and who already used them. - OKC: nobody - Dallas: me, @supercyclone, @realBitcoinDog, @gnilma - Rockets: me, @grayruby, @siggy47, @gnilma - Warriors: @realBitcoinDog - Bucks: nobody - Magic: me, @supercyclone, @grayruby, @realBitcoinDog, @Carresan, @gnilma - Knicks: @Carresan, @gnilma - Hawks: me, @grayruby, @siggy47 I got extremely lucky that none of my remaining teams are playing each other. That gives me exactly one path per initial matchup. How are you guys feeling about your remaining options? # Prize: 60k! originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/794823

MABUSE "Il Dottor Mabuse" di Fritz Lang del 1922 è un'opera pionieristica del cinema espressionista tedesco. Mabuse è un soggetto che utilizza la psicologia e l'ipnosi per manipolare le persone e controllare la società. Mabuse specula in borsa e destabilizza l'economia. Mabuse incarna un'élite che cerca di sovvertire l'ordine sociale. Il film è un' opera attualissima sulle tecniche di controllo delle masse, una prefigurazione delle dinamiche moderne legate ai media, alla politica e all'economia. Mabuse è l' archetipo del manipolatore che utilizza conoscenze psicologiche per sovvertire sistemi sociali. Nel link un brano a lui dedicato composto anni fa da un nostro caro amico. https://youtu.be/ig0gQOXk9zE WI

Satoshi Nakamoto emerged from the shadows of the internet, shortly after the Great Financial Crisis in 2008, to bring the world a new form of money known as Bitcoin. By introducing this alternative option to the world, Satoshi gave every human being an escape from the systemic confiscation of wealth that is fiat money. > “Money is only a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver.” > > ― **Ayn Rand,**  *Atlas Shrugged* Much like John Galt in Ayn Rand's Magnum Opus "*Atlas Shrugged*", Nakamoto paved the way for all of the productive members of society who have been taken advantage of by the "looters" to exit the corrupt system and let it crumble under its own weight. In our case instead of moving our physical bodies to a secluded gulch, we can simply move our wealth into Bitcoin. # The Men of the Mind In the novel, one by one the great industrialists of the era were mysteriously disappearing and giving up on the great enterprises that they had built. People could not understand why these seemingly very successful individuals would leave behind everything they had created. There was however, a common trend amongst these individuals. All of them were highly competent in their field, placed high value on individualism, possessed a strong moral integrity with a bend towards rational self interest. They were fed up with the way that the system was designed to punish the productive individuals in the society and reward those who are least productive. > "**From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs**" > > \-Karl Marx A form of this has crept its way into every civilization today including the United States which once prided itself on individual liberty and personal responsibility. It was predicted by Ayn Rand in 1957 with Atlas Shrugged depicting exactly how these collectivist ideals corrupt and decay a society by rewarding theft and stifling innovation. As these productive individuals grew increasingly disenchanted with the status quo they began to look for answers, this leads them to finding John Galt. The mysterious figure that is John Galt would visit these people and explain to them all the things they already felt so so deeply abut their broken society but were never able to quite define. After having their eyes opened to the severity of the problem, they are presented the solution in Galt's Gulch. They are given the option to leave behind the corrupt society that they have been involuntarily fueling with the confiscated product of their efforts. > “We are on strike, we, the men of the mind.\ > \ > We are on strike against self-immolation. We are on strike against the creed of unearned rewards and unrewarded duties. We are on strike against the dogma that the pursuit of one's happiness is evil. We are on strike against the doctrine that life is guilt.”\ > ― **Ayn Rand, [Atlas Shrugged](https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/817219)** # Satoshi's gift to the world > “If you saw Atlas, the giant who holds the world on his shoulders, if you saw that he stood, blood running down his chest, his knees buckling, his arms trembling but still trying to hold the world aloft with the last of his strength, and the greater his effort the heavier the world bore down upon his shoulders - What would you tell him?"\ > \ > I…don't know. What…could he do? What would you tell him?"\ > \ > To shrug.”\ > ― **Ayn Rand, [Atlas Shrugged](https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/817219)** When Satoshi Nakamoto created Bitcoin, he did so to solve a problem that he identified in the world around him. He saw the insidious power of central banks and how they create massive inequality and economic distortions. Rather than seek to modify or amend the current system Satoshi built a new and independent system that was built upon sound principals. After introducing this new protocol for value exchange to the world, Satoshi did one of the most honorable things imaginable and disappeared without a trace. He took no financial reward for his contributions although he would be justified in doing so. By doing this he set a profound example allowing the project and the community around it to flourish. Today Bitcoin serves as an escape valve for economic value to flow out of the fiat system and into a secure and sound network. Without this option individuals would be trapped into having their purchasing power lowly taxed away or forced to take on risk simply to preserve value. Wealthy individuals under a fiat system must own large amounts of property such as real estate, stocks, bonds, ect because they are able to store value better than their currency. these investments come with risks and drive a monetary premium to the assets which makes housing less affordable, stocks overvalued, and bonds seem less risky than they truly are. Much like Galt's Gulch those who benefit from or are dependent on the legacy system will be the last to abandon it, even while it falls apart. The first ones to defect are those who are most negatively impacted by the current regime, like Atlas holding the world on their shoulders they are finally offered the chance to shrug the weight off. Those who have been working hard at their job for years but still struggle to save for retirement due to fiat debasement, public figures who have been de-banked for their views, entrepreneurs who are forced to hold toxic government debt on their balance sheets due to regulation, all will clearly see the value the Bitcoin offers. And so, I salute to all of you who have decided to shrug off the yolk of central bank oppression and build a more prosperous future on the sound foundation the Satoshi gave to us. I hope to meet you all one day in Nakamoto Gulch.