@ 3f770d65:7a745b24

🏌️ Monday, May 26 – Bitcoin Golf Championship & Kickoff Party

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada\ Event: 2nd Annual Bitcoin Golf Championship & Kick Off Party"\ Where: Bali Hai Golf Clubhouse, 5160 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119\ 🎟️ Get Tickets!

Details:

• The week tees off in style with the Bitcoin Golf Championship. Swing clubs by day and swing to music by night.

• Live performances from Nostr-powered acts courtesy of Tunestr, including Ainsley Costello and others.

• Stop by the Purple Pill Booth hosted by Derek and Tanja, who will be on-boarding golfers and attendees to the decentralized social future with Nostr.

---

💬 May 27–29 – Bitcoin 2025 Conference at the Las Vegas Convention Center

Location: The Venetian Resort\ Main Attraction for Nostr Fans: The Nostr Lounge\ When: All day, Tuesday through Thursday\ Where: Right outside the Open Source Stage\ 🎟️ Get Tickets!

Come chill at the Nostr Lounge, your home base for all things decentralized social. With seating for \~50, comfy couches, high-tops, and good vibes, it’s the perfect space to meet developers, community leaders, and curious newcomers building the future of censorship-resistant communication.

Bonus: Right across the aisle, you’ll find Shopstr, a decentralized marketplace app built on Nostr. Stop by their booth to explore how peer-to-peer commerce works in a truly open ecosystem.

Daily Highlights at the Lounge:

• ☕️ Hang out casually or sit down for a deeper conversation about the Nostr protocol

• 🔧 1:1 demos from app teams

• 🛍️ Merch available onsite

• 🧠 Impromptu lightning talks

• 🎤 Scheduled Meetups (details below)

---

🎯 Nostr Lounge Meetups

Wednesday, May 28 @ 1:00 PM

• Damus Meetup: Come meet the team behind Damus, the OG Nostr app for iOS that helped kickstart the social revolution. They'll also be showcasing their new cross-platform app, Notedeck, designed for a more unified Nostr experience across devices. Grab some merch, get a demo, and connect directly with the developers.

Thursday, May 29 @ 1:00 PM

• Primal Meetup: Dive into Primal, the slickest Nostr experience available on web, Android, and iOS. With a built-in wallet, zapping your favorite creators and friends has never been easier. The team will be on-site for hands-on demos, Q\&A, merch giveaways, and deeper discussions on building the social layer of Bitcoin.

---

🎙️ Nostr Talks at Bitcoin 2025

If you want to hear from the minds building decentralized social, make sure you attend these two official conference sessions:

1. FROSTR Workshop: Multisig Nostr Signing

• 🕚 Time: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM

• 📅 Date: Wednesday, May 28

• 📍 Location: Developer Zone

• 🎤 Speaker: nostr:nprofile1qy2hwumn8ghj7etyv4hzumn0wd68ytnvv9hxgqgdwaehxw309ahx7uewd3hkcqpqs9etjgzjglwlaxdhsveq0qksxyh6xpdpn8ajh69ruetrug957r3qf4ggfm (Austin Kelsay) @ Voltage\ A deep-dive into FROST-based multisig key management for Nostr. Geared toward devs and power users interested in key security.

2. Panel: Decentralizing Social Media

• 🕑 Time: 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM

• 📅 Date: Thursday, May 29

• 📍 Location: Genesis Stage

• 🎙️ Moderator: nostr:nprofile1qyxhwumn8ghj7mn0wvhxcmmvqy08wumn8ghj7mn0wd68yttjv4kxz7fwv3jhyettwfhhxuewd4jsqgxnqajr23msx5malhhcz8paa2t0r70gfjpyncsqx56ztyj2nyyvlq00heps - Bitcoin Strategy @ Roxom TV

• 👥 Speakers:

• nostr:nprofile1qyt8wumn8ghj7etyv4hzumn0wd68ytnvv9hxgtcppemhxue69uhkummn9ekx7mp0qqsy2ga7trfetvd3j65m3jptqw9k39wtq2mg85xz2w542p5dhg06e5qmhlpep – Early Bitcoin dev, CEO @ Sirius Business Ltd

• nostr:nprofile1qy2hwumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytndv9kxjm3wdahxcqg5waehxw309ahx7um5wfekzarkvyhxuet5qqsw4v882mfjhq9u63j08kzyhqzqxqc8tgf740p4nxnk9jdv02u37ncdhu7e3 – Analyst & Partner @ Ego Death Capital

Get the big-picture perspective on why decentralized social matters and how Nostr fits into the future of digital communication.

---

🌃 NOS VEGAS Meetup & Afterparty

Date: Wednesday, May 28\ Time: 7:00 PM – 1:00 AM\ Location: We All Scream Nightclub, 517 Fremont St., Las Vegas, NV 89101\ 🎟️ Get Tickets!

What to Expect:

• 🎶 Live Music Stage – Featuring Ainsley Costello, Sara Jade, Able James, Martin Groom, Bobby Shell, Jessie Lark, and other V4V artists

• 🪩 DJ Party Deck – With sets by nostr:nprofile1qy0hwumn8ghj7cmgdae82uewd45kketyd9kxwetj9e3k7mf6xs6rgqgcwaehxw309ahx7um5wgh85mm694ek2unk9ehhyecqyq7hpmq75krx2zsywntgtpz5yzwjyg2c7sreardcqmcp0m67xrnkwylzzk4 , nostr:nprofile1qy2hwumn8ghj7etyv4hzumn0wd68ytnvv9hxgqgkwaehxw309anx2etywvhxummnw3ezucnpdejqqg967faye3x6fxgnul77ej23l5aew8yj0x2e4a3tq2mkrgzrcvecfsk8xlu3 , and more DJs throwing down

• 🛰️ Live-streamed via Tunestr

• 🧠 Nostr Education – Talks by nostr:nprofile1qy88wumn8ghj7mn0wvhxcmmv9uq37amnwvaz7tmwdaehgu3dwfjkccte9ejx2un9ddex7umn9ekk2tcqyqlhwrt96wnkf2w9edgr4cfruchvwkv26q6asdhz4qg08pm6w3djg3c8m4j , nostr:nprofile1qy2hwumn8ghj7etyv4hzumn0wd68ytnvv9hxgqg7waehxw309anx2etywvhxummnw3ezucnpdejz7ur0wp6kcctjqqspywh6ulgc0w3k6mwum97m7jkvtxh0lcjr77p9jtlc7f0d27wlxpslwvhau , nostr:nprofile1qy88wumn8ghj7mn0wvhxcmmv9uq3vamnwvaz7tmwdaehgu3wd33xgetk9en82m30qqsgqke57uygxl0m8elstq26c4mq2erz3dvdtgxwswwvhdh0xcs04sc4u9p7d , nostr:nprofile1q9z8wumn8ghj7erzx3jkvmmzw4eny6tvw368wdt8da4kxamrdvek76mrwg6rwdngw94k67t3v36k77tev3kx7vn2xa5kjem9dp4hjepwd3hkxctvqyg8wumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytnhd9hx2qpqyaul8k059377u9lsu67de7y637w4jtgeuwcmh5n7788l6xnlnrgssuy4zk , nostr:nprofile1qy28wue69uhnzvpwxqhrqt33xgmn5dfsx5cqz9thwden5te0v4jx2m3wdehhxarj9ekxzmnyqqswavgevxe9gs43vwylumr7h656mu9vxmw4j6qkafc3nefphzpph8ssvcgf8 , and more.

• 🧾 Vendors & Project Booths – Explore new tools and services

• 🔐 Onboarding Stations – Learn how to use Nostr hands-on

• 🐦 Nostrich Flocking – Meet your favorite nyms IRL

• 🍸 Three Full Bars – Two floors of socializing overlooking vibrant Fremont Street

| | | | | ----------- | -------------------- | ------------------- | | Time | Name | Topic | | 7:30-7:50 | Derek | Nostr for Beginners | | 8:00-8:20 | Mark & Paul | Primal | | 8:30-8:50 | Terry | Damus | | 9:00-9:20 | OpenMike and Ainsley | V4V | | 09:30-09:50 | The Space | Space |

This is the after-party of the year for those who love freedom technology and decentralized social community. Don’t miss it.

---

Final Thoughts

Whether you're there to learn, network, party, or build, Bitcoin 2025 in Las Vegas has a packed week of Nostr-friendly programming. Be sure to catch all the events, visit the Nostr Lounge, and experience the growing decentralized social revolution.

🟣 Find us. Flock with us. Purple pill someone.

@ da8b7de1:c0164aee

Németország feladja a nukleáris energiával szembeni ellenállását Franciaországgal való közeledés jegyében

Németország hosszú idő után feladta a nukleáris energiával szembeni ellenállását, ami jelentős lépést jelenthet az EU energiapolitikai vitáinak rendezésében, különösen Franciaországgal szemben. Ez a változás eltávolíthatja a nukleáris energiával szembeni előítéleteket az uniós jogszabályokból, és elősegítheti a közös európai energiapolitika kialakítását[2].

Trump adminisztráció tervezett rendeletei a nukleáris erőművek építésének gyorsítására

Az Egyesült Államokban a Trump-adminisztráció több elnöki rendelet-tervezetet készít elő, amelyek célja a nukleáris erőművek építésének gyorsítása. A tervek szerint a jelenlegi mintegy 100 GW nukleáris kapacitást 2050-re 400 GW-ra növelnék, az engedélyezési folyamatok egyszerűsítésével, a hadsereg szerepének növelésével és a nukleáris üzemanyag-ellátás megerősítésével[3][9].

Tajvan hivatalosan is nukleárismentes lett

1. május 17-én Tajvan utolsó kereskedelmi reaktorát is leállították, ezzel az ország elérte a "nukleárismentes haza" célját. Az energiamixben a nukleáris energia aránya 17%-ról 3%-ra csökkent, miközben a megújuló energia tízszeresére nőtt. Bár a parlamentben vita folyik a Maanshan atomerőmű élettartam-hosszabbításáról, jelenleg Tajvan teljesen leállította a nukleáris energiatermelést[1][6].

Kazatomprom hitelmegállapodást kötött egy új kénsavgyár finanszírozására

Kazahsztán állami atomipari vállalata, a Kazatomprom hitelmegállapodást kötött egy évi 800 000 tonna kapacitású kénsavgyár építésére. A kénsavat az uránkitermeléshez használják, és a gyár 2027 első negyedévében készülhet el. A projekt célja a régió gazdasági fejlődésének támogatása és az uránipar ellátásbiztonságának javítása[4].

Az IAEA segíti Kazahsztánt az első atomerőmű biztonságos helyszínének kiválasztásában

Az IAEA (Nemzetközi Atomenergia-ügynökség) szakértői csapata ötnapos szemináriumot tart Kazahsztánban, hogy segítsen kiválasztani az ország első atomerőművének legbiztonságosabb helyszínét. A folyamatban több helyszín is szóba került, jelenleg a Zhambyl körzet az elsődleges jelölt. A projektben négy lehetséges technológiai partner vesz részt: CNNC (Kína), Roszatom (Oroszország), KHNP (Dél-Korea) és EDF (Franciaország)[8].

India új nukleáris helyszínt hagyott jóvá

Az indiai nukleáris hatóság engedélyezte a Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project négy blokkjának elhelyezését Rádzsasztán államban. Ez újabb lépés India ambiciózus nukleáris bővítési terveiben[5].

Globális nukleáris ipari konferencia Varsóban

1. május 20-21-én Varsóban rendezik meg az első World Nuclear Supply Chain Conference-t, amely célja a globális nukleáris ellátási lánc megerősítése és a szektor 2 billió dolláros beruházási lehetőségének kiaknázása a következő 15 évben. A konferencián iparági vezetők, döntéshozók és szakértők vesznek részt[7].

---

Hivatkozások

• [1] reccessary.com – Tajvan nukleárismentes lett
• [2] nucnet.org – Németország nukleáris politikai fordulata
• [3] humanprogress.org – Trump rendelettervezetek
• [4] world-nuclear-news.org – Kazatomprom kénsavgyár
• [5] world-nuclear-news.org – India új nukleáris helyszíne
• [6] taiwannews.com.tw – Tajvan atomerőmű leállítása
• [7] world-nuclear.org – Varsói nukleáris konferencia
• [8] astanatimes.com – IAEA-Kazahsztán együttműködés
• [9] esgdive.com – Oklo és Trump engedélyezési reformok

@ a8d1560d:3fec7a08

NIP-XX

Documentation and Wikis with Spaces and Format Declaration

draft optional

Summary

This NIP introduces a system for collaborative documentation and wikis on Nostr. It improves upon earlier efforts by adding namespace-like Spaces, explicit content format declaration, and clearer separation of article types, including redirects and merge requests.

---

Motivation

Previous approaches to wiki-style collaborative content on Nostr had two key limitations:

1. Format instability – No declared format per event led to breaking changes (e.g. a shift from Markdown to Asciidoc).
2. Lack of namespace separation – All articles existed in a global space, causing confusion and collision between unrelated projects.

This NIP addresses both by introducing:

• Spaces – individually defined wikis or documentation sets.
• Explicit per-article format declaration.
• Dedicated event kinds for articles, redirects, merge requests, and space metadata.

---

Specification

kind: 31055 – Space Definition

Defines a project namespace for articles.

Tags: - ["name", "<space title>"] - ["slug", "<short identifier>"] - ["description", "<optional description>"] - ["language", "<ISO language code>"] - ["license", "<license text or SPDX ID>"]

Content: (optional) full description or README for the space.

---

kind: 31056 – Article

An article in a specific format belonging to a defined space.

Tags: - ["space", "<slug>"] - ["title", "<article title>"] - ["format", "markdown" | "asciidoc" | "mediawiki" | "html"] - ["format-version", "<format version>"] (optional) - ["prev", "<event-id>"] (optional) - ["summary", "<short change summary>"] (optional)

Content: full body of the article in the declared format.

---

kind: 31057 – Redirect

Redirects from one article title to another within the same space.

Tags: - ["space", "<slug>"] - ["from", "<old title>"] - ["to", "<new title>"]

Content: empty.

---

kind: 31058 – Merge Request

Proposes a revision to an article without directly altering the original.

Tags: - ["space", "<slug>"] - ["title", "<article title>"] - ["base", "<event-id>"] - ["format", "<format>"] - ["comment", "<short summary>"] (optional)

Content: proposed article content.

---

Format Guidelines

Currently allowed formats: - markdown - asciidoc - mediawiki - html

Clients MUST ignore formats they do not support. Clients MAY apply stricter formatting rules.

---

Client Behavior

Clients: - MUST render only supported formats. - MUST treat space as a case-sensitive namespace. - SHOULD allow filtering, browsing and searching within Spaces. - SHOULD support revision tracking via prev. - MAY support diff/merge tooling for kind: 31058.

---

Examples

Space Definition

json { "kind": 31055, "tags": [ ["name", "Bitcoin Docs"], ["slug", "btc-docs"], ["description", "Developer documentation for Bitcoin tools"], ["language", "en"], ["license", "MIT"] ], "content": "Welcome to the Bitcoin Docs Space." }

Markdown Article

json { "kind": 31056, "tags": [ ["space", "btc-docs"], ["title", "Installation Guide"], ["format", "markdown"] ], "content": "# Installation\n\nFollow these steps to install the software..." }

Asciidoc Article

json { "kind": 31056, "tags": [ ["space", "btc-docs"], ["title", "RPC Reference"], ["format", "asciidoc"] ], "content": "= RPC Reference\n\nThis section describes JSON-RPC calls." }

MediaWiki Article

json { "kind": 31056, "tags": [ ["space", "btc-docs"], ["title", "Block Structure"], ["format", "mediawiki"] ], "content": "== Block Structure ==\n\nThe structure of a Bitcoin block is..." }

Redirect

json { "kind": 31057, "tags": [ ["space", "btc-docs"], ["from", "Getting Started"], ["to", "Installation Guide"] ], "content": "" }

Merge Request

json { "kind": 31058, "tags": [ ["space", "btc-docs"], ["title", "Installation Guide"], ["base", "d72fa1..."], ["format", "markdown"], ["comment", "Added step for testnet"] ], "content": "# Installation\n\nNow includes setup instructions for testnet users." }

---

Acknowledgements

This proposal builds on earlier ideas for decentralized wikis and documentation within Nostr, while solving common issues related to format instability and lack of project separation.

@ cefb08d1:f419beff

Source : https://mymodernmet.com/2024-dog-photography-awards/

https://stacker.news/items/983647

@ 9be6a199:6e133301

this is the content

@ 9be6a199:6e133301

this is the content

@ cefb08d1:f419beff

https://stacker.news/items/983539

@ 86dfbe73:628cef55

Es gibt einen neuen Markt. Es ist der Markt der Aufmerksamkeit. Die Aufmerksamkeitsökonomie ist ein Markt, auf dem menschliche Aufmerksamkeit als knappes Gut gilt. Werbetreibende sind zunehmend auf der Suche nach ihr. Aber Vorsicht: Aufmerksamkeit ist nicht das Produkt, sondern das Zahlungsmittel. Wer hier seine Produkte (Informationen) feilbietet, darf froh sein, wenn er Aufmerksamkeit – und nur diese – findet.

Der Schlüssel zum Erfolg in diesem Markt besteht darin, unsere Aufmerksamkeit mit ansprechenden Inhalten zu fesseln, sie durch verschiedene psychologische Tricks und Manipulationen zu erhalten und unsere Gehirne für Werbedollar auszunutzen. Um einem Nutzer Werbung zeigen zu können, muß dieser sich allerdings auf der Plattform befinden. Daher wollen alle Dienste - ob FB, YouTube oder Amazon - Nutzer möglichst lange auf der eigenen Site oder eben App halten. Allerdings ist Aufmerksamkeit eine biologisch begrenzte Ressource, um die immer mehr Angebote konkurrieren.

Der unglückliche Nebeneffekt davon ist, dass diese Manipulationen unsere Fähigkeit, klar zu denken und logische Meinungen zu bilden, weiter beeinträchtigen. Während die verfügbare Zeit pro Tag konstant bleibt, nimmt der Wettbewerb um unsere Aufmerksamkeit exponentiell zu. Unter dem immensen Druck, Engagement und Wachstum in den Vordergrund zu stellen, haben die kommerziellen Plattformen einen Wettlauf um die Aufmerksamkeit der Menschen in Gang gesetzt, der unsichtbare Schäden für die Gesellschaft verursacht hat.

Der Internet-Nutzer hat heutzutage, mit den richtigen Tools, die Macht über seine kostbare Aufmerksamkeit und wird deswegen jede Werbung wegfiltern, er wird jedes Bezahlmodell unterlaufen, das sich ihm in den Weg stellt und er wird jeden Text aus seinem Kontext reißen und ihn einbetten in seinen eigenen Kontext.

Wir müssen Aufmerksamkeit als politische Kategorie bewerten. Die Beobachtung, dass Energie der Aufmerksamkeit folgt, gilt als Grundlage für politische Debatten und bestimmt das Bild von Öffentlichkeit. Welcher Meinungsäußerung wird öffentlich Aufmerksamkeit geschenkt und welche Meinungen läßt man privat an sich heran?

@ 3f68dede:779bb81d

@ 87f5e1d9:e251d8f4

In the realm of cryptocurrency, the stakes are incredibly high, and losing access to your digital assets can be a daunting experience. But don’t worry — cryptrecver.com is here to transform that nightmare into a reality! With expert-led recovery services and leading-edge technology, Crypt Recver specializes in helping you regain access to your lost Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Why Choose Crypt Recver? 🤔 🔑 Expertise You Can Trust At Crypt Recver, we blend advanced technology with skilled engineers who have a solid track record in crypto recovery. Whether you’ve forgotten your passwords, lost your private keys, or encountered issues with damaged hardware wallets, our team is ready to assist.

⚡ Fast Recovery Process Time is crucial when recovering lost funds. Crypt Recver’s systems are designed for speed, enabling quick recoveries — allowing you to return to what matters most: trading and investing.

🎯 High Success Rate With a success rate exceeding 90%, our recovery team has aided numerous clients in regaining access to their lost assets. We grasp the complexities of cryptocurrency and are committed to providing effective solutions.

🛡️ Confidential & Secure Your privacy is paramount. All recovery sessions at Crypt Recver are encrypted and completely confidential. You can trust us with your information, knowing we uphold the highest security standards.

🔧 Advanced Recovery Tools We employ proprietary tools and techniques to tackle complex recovery scenarios, from retrieving corrupted wallets to restoring coins from invalid addresses. No matter the challenge, we have a solution.

Our Recovery Services Include: 📈 Bitcoin Recovery: Lost access to your Bitcoin wallet? We can assist in recovering lost wallets, private keys, and passphrases. Transaction Recovery: Mistaken transfers, lost passwords, or missing transaction records — let us help you reclaim your funds! Cold Wallet Restoration: Did your cold wallet fail? We specialize in safely extracting assets. Private Key Generation: Forgotten your private key? We can help you generate new keys linked to your funds without compromising security. Don’t Let Lost Crypto Ruin Your Day! 🕒 With an estimated 3 to 3.4 million BTC lost forever, it’s essential to act quickly when facing access issues. Whether you’ve been affected by a dust attack or simply forgotten your key, Crypt Recver provides the support you need to reclaim your digital assets.

🚀 Start Your Recovery Now! Ready to retrieve your cryptocurrency? Don’t let uncertainty hold you back! 👉 Request Wallet Recovery Help Today!cryptrecver.com

Need Immediate Assistance? 📞 For quick queries or support, connect with us on: ✉️ Telegram: t.me/crypptrcver 💬 WhatsApp: +1(941)317–1821

Trust Crypt Recver for the best crypto recovery service — get back to trading with confidence! 💪In the realm of cryptocurrency, the stakes are incredibly high, and losing access to your digital assets can be a daunting experience. But don’t worry — cryptrecver.com is here to transform that nightmare into a reality! With expert-led recovery services and leading-edge technology, Crypt Recver specializes in helping you regain access to your lost Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

# Why Choose Crypt Recver? 🤔

🔑 Expertise You Can Trust\ At Crypt Recver, we blend advanced technology with skilled engineers who have a solid track record in crypto recovery. Whether you’ve forgotten your passwords, lost your private keys, or encountered issues with damaged hardware wallets, our team is ready to assist.

⚡ Fast Recovery Process\ Time is crucial when recovering lost funds. Crypt Recver’s systems are designed for speed, enabling quick recoveries — allowing you to return to what matters most: trading and investing.

🎯 High Success Rate\ With a success rate exceeding 90%, our recovery team has aided numerous clients in regaining access to their lost assets. We grasp the complexities of cryptocurrency and are committed to providing effective solutions.

🛡️ Confidential & Secure\ Your privacy is paramount. All recovery sessions at Crypt Recver are encrypted and completely confidential. You can trust us with your information, knowing we uphold the highest security standards.

🔧 Advanced Recovery Tools\ We employ proprietary tools and techniques to tackle complex recovery scenarios, from retrieving corrupted wallets to restoring coins from invalid addresses. No matter the challenge, we have a solution.

# Our Recovery Services Include: 📈

• Bitcoin Recovery: Lost access to your Bitcoin wallet? We can assist in recovering lost wallets, private keys, and passphrases.
• Transaction Recovery: Mistaken transfers, lost passwords, or missing transaction records — let us help you reclaim your funds!
• Cold Wallet Restoration: Did your cold wallet fail? We specialize in safely extracting assets.
• Private Key Generation: Forgotten your private key? We can help you generate new keys linked to your funds without compromising security.

Don’t Let Lost Crypto Ruin Your Day! 🕒

With an estimated 3 to 3.4 million BTC lost forever, it’s essential to act quickly when facing access issues. Whether you’ve been affected by a dust attack or simply forgotten your key, Crypt Recver provides the support you need to reclaim your digital assets.

🚀 Start Your Recovery Now!\ Ready to retrieve your cryptocurrency? Don’t let uncertainty hold you back!\ 👉 Request Wallet Recovery Help Today!cryptrecver.com

Need Immediate Assistance? 📞

For quick queries or support, connect with us on:\ ✉️ Telegram: t.me/crypptrcver\ 💬 WhatsApp: +1(941)317–1821

Trust Crypt Recver for the best crypto recovery service — get back to trading with confidence! 💪

@ 3f68dede:779bb81d

@ 3f68dede:779bb81d

testing schedule

@ 662f9bff:8960f6b2

Let's start with some important foundational thinking - based on natural law. Money should be separate from the State - if not history shows that governments and human greed will always take over and manipulate the system in their favour and the expense of their populations. For extensive references, read The Sovereign Individual and The Creature from Jeckyll Island.

• The Separation of State and Money is the most important thing you can listen to this week. Thanks to Allen Farrington - his paper is here for those who prefer to read. Wake up, folks!

• The American Forefathers knew this when the wrote the American Constitution. Thomas Jefferson said: “If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency first by inflation then by deflation the banks and corporations that will grow up around them will deprive the people of all property until their children wake up homeless on the continent their Fathers conquered... I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies... The issuing power should be taken from the banks and restored to the people to whom it properly belongs.” Mark Moss explains it well here. Charlie Robinsons take here.

The situation in Canada explifies the issues

Governments have have long used "international economic sanctions" against other nations to enforce their positions. Now in Canada, and soon in your country too, they are applying such sanctions their own citizens - disconnecting them from the financial system and removing their ability to use their own life savings as they wish. Canadians spoke with their money - in one week they raised more money in support of the truckers for peaceful protest than were raised in support of all Canadian political parties in the election of last year - only to have it confiscated and blocked by those politicians.

• CPL. Daniel Bulford (Justin Trudeau's body guard) is particularly clear and eloquent - https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3123688351279364

• Nick & Greg (two Canadians in Canada) explain the situation to Peter McCormack - https://youtu.be/QBWYp-cBr4o

• Dr Jordan Peterson and Dr Julie Ponesse (also Canadians in Canada) speak openly about what is going on https://t.co/2T7A4VEek1

• Even Canadians living in China speak up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvDvJWdlD1E

Meanwhile in Turkey...

Joe Blogs has been giving blow by blow updates of the deteriorating sitation over the last weeks. What is happening to Turkey will come to many countries - sooner than you might imagine. Watch and learn here, here and here - more on his channel.

EU Citizens should be aware and lobby their MPs

Dropping of all C-19 restrictions is a tactic to stop people thinking about them; meanwhile the politicians are taking steps to get all of the emergency restrictions codified into normal law so that they can be deployed on you any time or all the time in future.\ Act now - or lose all freedoms - your choice - watch here or click below for the explainer.

More on war - recall our discussion last week

War steals and destroys the wealth of generations. We have been here before - remember World Wars 1 and 2...

• Dr Mattias Desmet explains how mass formation psychosis happens and how he became aware: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRo-ieBEw-8

• Be aware of this well known and much abused psycholgical experiment - rats in a cage - explained by Dr Christ Martensen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kSBdMXQkPI

To remain silent is wrong - to deny the rights of others to discuss and challenge (and even to punish or coerce them) is a crime in support of the biger crime. Each of us has a choice - choose wisely.

Could you have known about this?

"The Matrix is a system, Neo. That system is our enemy. But when you're inside, you look around, what do you see? Businessmen, teachers, lawyers, carpenters. The very minds of the people we are trying to save. But until we do, these people are still a part of that system and that makes them our enemy. You have to understand, most of these people are not ready to be unplugged. And many of them are so inert, so hopelessly dependent on the system that they will fight to protect it."

"Unfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself."

A closing thought...

Look closely at the cover of the Economist magazine released in December 2018 - The World in 2019 - see how many of those things have already come true.

In case this is too difficult for you - some things to note: Four horsemen of the apacalypse, Statue of Liberty wearing a facemask, Vetruvian Man with QR code (Vaccine passport), DNA mark on his arm, wearing virtual reality glasses... The animal bottom right is a Pangolin. Scales of Justice are well tipped/skewed, facial recognition, electric cars, Putin's pipelines, China and Brexit feature highly along with the lieing media (Pinnochio) and #metoo. I smell Predictive Programming.

• More insights in the explainer here (backup copy here) - including why it is backwards...

That's it!

No one can be told what The Matrix is.\ You have to see it for yourself.**

Do share this newsletter with any of your friends and family who might be interested.

You can also email me at: LetterFrom@rogerprice.me

💡Enjoy the newsletters in your own language : Dutch, French, German, Serbian, Chinese Traditional & Simplified, Thai and Burmese.

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Abstract

This document proposes a novel architecture that decouples the peer-to-peer (P2P) communication layer from the Bitcoin protocol and replaces or augments it with the Nostr protocol. The goal is to improve censorship resistance, performance, modularity, and maintainability by migrating transaction propagation and block distribution to the Nostr relay network.

Introduction

Bitcoin’s current architecture relies heavily on its P2P network to propagate transactions and blocks. While robust, it has limitations in terms of flexibility, scalability, and censorship resistance in certain environments. Nostr, a decentralized event-publishing protocol, offers a multi-star topology and a censorship-resistant infrastructure for message relay.

This proposal outlines how Bitcoin communication could be ported to Nostr while maintaining consensus and verification through standard Bitcoin clients.

Motivation

• Enhanced Censorship Resistance: Nostr’s architecture enables better relay redundancy and obfuscation of transaction origin.
• Simplified Lightweight Nodes: Removing the full P2P stack allows for lightweight nodes that only verify blockchain data and communicate over Nostr.
• Architectural Modularity: Clean separation between validation and communication enables easier auditing, upgrades, and parallel innovation.
• Faster Propagation: Nostr’s multi-star network may provide faster propagation of transactions and blocks compared to the mesh-like Bitcoin P2P network.

Architecture Overview

Components

1. Bitcoin Minimal Node (BMN):

   • Verifies blockchain and block validity.
   • Maintains UTXO set and handles mempool logic.
   • Connects to Nostr relays instead of P2P Bitcoin peers.

2. Bridge Node:

   • Bridges Bitcoin P2P traffic to and from Nostr relays.
   • Posts new transactions and blocks to Nostr.
   • Downloads mempool content and block headers from Nostr.

3. Nostr Relays:

   • Accept Bitcoin-specific event kinds (transactions and blocks).
   • Store mempool entries and block messages.
   • Optionally broadcast fee estimation summaries and tipsets.

Event Format

Proposed reserved Nostr kind numbers for Bitcoin content (NIP/BIP TBD):

| Nostr Kind | Purpose | |------------|------------------------| | 210000 | Bitcoin Transaction | | 210001 | Bitcoin Block Header | | 210002 | Bitcoin Block | | 210003 | Mempool Fee Estimates | | 210004 | Filter/UTXO summary |

Transaction Lifecycle

1. Wallet creates a Bitcoin transaction.
2. Wallet sends it to a set of configured Nostr relays.
3. Relays accept and cache the transaction (based on fee policies).
4. Mining nodes or bridge nodes fetch mempool contents from Nostr.
5. Once mined, a block is submitted over Nostr.
6. Nodes confirm inclusion and update their UTXO set.

Security Considerations

• Sybil Resistance: Consensus remains based on proof-of-work. The communication path (Nostr) is not involved in consensus.
• Relay Discoverability: Optionally bootstrap via DNS, Bitcoin P2P, or signed relay lists.
• Spam Protection: Relay-side policy, rate limiting, proof-of-work challenges, or Lightning payments.
• Block Authenticity: Nodes must verify all received blocks and reject invalid chains.

Compatibility and Migration

• Fully compatible with current Bitcoin consensus rules.
• Bridge nodes preserve interoperability with legacy full nodes.
• Nodes can run in hybrid mode, fetching from both P2P and Nostr.

Future Work

• Integration with watch-only wallets and SPV clients using verified headers via Nostr.
• Use of Nostr’s social graph for partial trust assumptions and relay reputation.
• Dynamic relay discovery using Nostr itself (relay list events).

Conclusion

This proposal lays out a new architecture for Bitcoin communication using Nostr to replace or augment the P2P network. This improves decentralization, censorship resistance, modularity, and speed, while preserving consensus integrity. It encourages innovation by enabling smaller, purpose-built Bitcoin nodes and offloading networking complexity.

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This document may become both a Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP-XXX) and a Nostr Improvement Proposal (NIP-XXX). Event kind range reserved: 210000–219999.

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The Myth and the Magic

Picture this: a group of investors, huddled around a glowing computer screen, nervously watching Bitcoin’s price. Suddenly, someone produces a stick-no ordinary stick, but a magical one. With a mischievous grin, they poke the Bitcoin. The price leaps upward. Cheers erupt. The legend of the Bitcoin stick is born.

But why does poking Bitcoin with a stick make the price go up? Why does it only work for a lucky few? And what does the data say about this mysterious phenomenon? Let’s dig in, laugh a little, and maybe learn the secret to market-moving magic.

The Statistical Side of Stick-Poking

Bitcoin’s Price: The Wild Ride

Bitcoin’s price is famous for its unpredictability. In the past year, it’s soared, dipped, and soared again, sometimes gaining more than 50% in just a few months. On a good day, billions of dollars flow through Bitcoin trades, and the price can jump thousands in a matter of hours. Clearly, something is making this happen-and it’s not just spreadsheets and financial news.

What Actually Moves the Price?

• Scarcity: Only 21 million Bitcoins will ever exist. When more people want in, the price jumps.

• Big News: Announcements, rumors, and meme-worthy moments can send the price flying.

• FOMO: When people see Bitcoin rising, they rush to buy, pushing it even higher.

• Liquidations: When traders betting against Bitcoin get squeezed, it triggers a chain reaction of buying.

But let’s be honest: none of this is as fun as poking Bitcoin with a stick.

---

The Magical Stick: Not Your Average Twig

Why Not Every Stick Works

You can’t just grab any old branch and expect Bitcoin to dance. The magical stick is a rare artifact, forged in the fires of internet memes and blessed by the spirit of Satoshi. Only a chosen few possess it-and when they poke, the market listens.

Signs You Have the Magical Stick

• When you poke, Bitcoin’s price immediately jumps a few percent.

• Your stick glows with meme energy and possibly sparkles with digital dust.

• You have a knack for timing your poke right after a big event, like a halving or a celebrity tweet.

• Your stick is rumored to have been whittled from the original blockchain itself.

Why Most Sticks Fail

• No Meme Power: If your stick isn’t funny, Bitcoin ignores you.

• Bad Timing: Poking during a bear market just annoys the blockchain.

• Not Enough Hype: If the bitcoin community isn’t watching, your poke is just a poke.

• Lack of Magic: Some sticks are just sticks. Sad, but true.

---

The Data: When the Stick Strikes

Let’s look at some numbers:

• In the last month, Bitcoin’s price jumped over 20% right after a flurry of memes and stick-poking jokes.

• Over the past year, every major price surge was accompanied by a wave of internet hype, stick memes, or wild speculation.

• In the past five years, Bitcoin’s biggest leaps always seemed to follow some kind of magical event-whether a halving, a viral tweet, or a mysterious poke.

Coincidence? Maybe. But the pattern is clear: the stick works-at least when it’s magical.

---

The Role of Memes, Magic, and Mayhem

Bitcoin’s price is like a cat: unpredictable, easily startled, and sometimes it just wants to be left alone. But when the right meme pops up, or the right stick pokes at just the right time, the price can leap in ways that defy logic.

The bitcoin community knows this. That’s why, when Bitcoin’s stuck in a rut, you’ll see a flood of stick memes, GIFs, and magical thinking. Sometimes, it actually works.

---

The Secret’s in the Stick (and the Laughs)

So, does poking Bitcoin with a stick really make the price go up? If your stick is magical-blessed by memes, timed perfectly, and watched by millions-absolutely. The statistics show that hype, humor, and a little bit of luck can move markets as much as any financial report.

Next time you see Bitcoin stalling, don’t just sit there. Grab your stick, channel your inner meme wizard, and give it a poke. Who knows? You might just be the next legend in the world of bitcoin magic.

And if your stick doesn’t work, don’t worry. Sometimes, the real magic is in the laughter along the way.

-aco

@block height: 897,104

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Keys and Religion

Mixing

Normally, I'm not a fan mixing and comparing bitcoinesque things and religion. It's too banal and trite, too easy: the religion of Bitcoin, the allusion of Satoshi the savior, the "Book of Satoshi," even the "Genesis" block. But, today, I'll break my own rule.

Yesterday, I heard a Christian pastor speak of the "keys of the kingdom." My feeling is that, were you to ask the average Christian, "What is the key, or keys, to the kingdom?", and perhaps I'm wrong on this, but I think they'd answer, "Prayer." I've heard it many times, "Prayer is the key to the kingdom." It's an easy mantra to remember. And, prayer is important for a Christian, no question about it. However, Biblically, the phrase "keys of the kingdom" refers to something else.

As the pastor pointed out yesterday, Biblically there are two keys: the binding key and the loosing key. This refers to Matthew 16:19 where Jesus says:

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Matthew 16:19 (NIV)

For context, back up a few verses. This statement above was made in a conversation between Jesus and his disciple Simon Peter.

15 Jesus asked, “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

Although brief, this is a deep and rich exchange. Traditionally, this has been viewed as the moment that Christ instituted the Christian church, the passing of power and authority to the early church itself. There has been confusion over it too, particularly the "...on this rock I will build my church..." part of it. Jesus was referring to Simon Peter's statement of faith (...for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood...) with the "this" being what Peter had just said, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." The church would be built upon the rock of faith in Jesus as the Messiah.

The early Christian church thus established, Jesus instituted what's come to be called the "office of the keys." That is, Jesus grants authority to his "appointees" in the church to carry out his authority. In more practical terms, this is referring to those who have been called into church service, normally priests, to forgive or not forgive sins. When a priest or pastor forgives, or not, it is not that he is doing it by his own right or power. That priest is, after all, yet another sinful man as well. Instead, the priest forgives by Christ's authority which was handed down by Jesus himself in those words to Peter.

To use an analogy, suppose a general had to make a decision about foot soldiers on the front line, waiting there in the trenches. Due to some time constraint, a decision for action was needed imminently. However, suppose the general lacked some bit of information that could only be obtained at the front. So, the general wrote up a communique to the lieutenant stationed at the front saying, "You assess the situation, and you make the call, charge or pull back. I'll support your decision." A courier ran to the front, relayed the message to the lieutenant, and the lieutenant assessed and made the decision. Ultimately, even thought the lieutenant made the decision, the authority behind the decision lay with the general who had transferred his authority to the lieutenant.

This authority or office of the keys is mirrored in John 20:22-23, when the resurrected Jesus appears to his disciples and says, "If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Going just one step further, recall there are two keys involved, binding and loosing, and there are two places involved, earth and heaven. Usually, priests and pastors are "in the business" of forgiving. Penitence or confession, when real, is forgiven. The priest has the authority to forgive, or "loose" the sinner from his wrongdoings here on earth. And, that forgiveness applies to heaven as well, the sin is atoned and reconciled with God.

But, what about when the person is unrepentant, unbothered by what is Biblically sinful, refuses to change his ways, and rather chooses to continue in sinful ways? The "binding" key says that the priest or appointed church leader can hold that person accountable, can bind that person to the sin and separation from God. Normally, we hear of "excommunication" from the church which is formally stating that a person is outside of the church body. The binding keys still bind, both on earth as being outside of the church and in heaven as being separated from God.

And bitcoin?

That's a lot of religion, and heavy religion at that. The question is, what does this have to do with bitcoin?

Keys.

Namely, this is about public and private keys. Loosing and binding keys. A bit more religion, then I'll get back to bitcoin.

Yesterday, the pastor spoke briefly about binding and loosing keys, and this where my thoughts about keys somehow morphed over into bitcoin. For some reason, I pictured Herod's Temple. There had been Solomon's temple, which was destroyed, and then there was Herod's which was known for its beauty and was the one during Jesus's time. But, let's recall the background on this...

The book of Exodus, and others in the Old Testament, outline in detail God's plan for the tabernacle (a traveling tent) and for the temple in Jerusalem.

The tabernacle, overhead diagram. Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabernacle

You might recall the "history" lesson in Raiders of the Lost Ark. With the tabernacle and temple, one of the purposes was to house the ark of the covenant. Remember that the ark was the golden box that the Israelites carried around containing Moses's stone tablets with the Ten Commandments, some manna, and Aaron's staff. It held great power, God's power, and God literally met and spoke with the Levite priests hovering over the cherubim's wings.

The ark of the covenant. Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ark_of_the_Covenant

In the tabernacle and temple, the "Holy of Holies" was a room, separated by a heavy curtain. It was off limits to all because it was, well, holy of holies. A heavy curtain divided the Holy of Holies, or the "Most Holy Place", from the less-holy, "Holy Place."

Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, one person, the chief priest, was allowed to walk into the Holy of Holies. He would sprinkle the blood of a sacrificed animal onto the ark. This was done for the forgiveness of the people's sins. Although this was pre-Jesus's words, this was using the loosing keys and was loosing sin.

This was serious business and was taken seriously. For instance, the priests Nadab and Abihu improperly performed their sacrificial duties, they messed up the procedure, and were consumed by fire. Priesthood was a dangerous occupation, one slip up and you were scorched.

The second temple, "Herod's Temple". Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Temple

Back to keys...

Yesterday, for some reason when I heard about binding and loosing keys, I imagined the chief priest standing in front of the curtain. I imagined him taking a deep breath, collecting his thoughts, getting ready to go in. It had to be intimidating.

As he stood there, in my mind, he and everyone else was shut out. The Most Holy Place was bound and locked. Walking in meant getting scorched (again, the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark). Yet, that priest had the loosing key. He had, first, permission as chief priest to enter on the Day of Atonement, secondly, he had the sacrificial blood to loose sins. Although the binding key had locked the Holy of Holies and thus bound the sins of the people, the loosing key was about to loose their sins.

Cryptographic keys

And back to bitcoin...

Bitcoin, and cryptography in general, operate on public and private keys. Any flavor of "cryptocurrency", or even Nostr, has public and private keys. In a way, these are binding and loosing keys.

Say you have 1.0 BTC (that's 100,000,000 sats 😀). That BTC exists as a UTXO which can be seen by anyone viewing your public address. In this way, your bitcoin public key is your binding key...that UTXO, that bitcoin, is bound to your public key...it is locked in place behind that heavy curtain. It will be there forever, unless there is an intervention...

You also have your private key, your loosing key. You can apply your private key to loose that UTXO, that bitcoin, and to send it along to wherever.

This is like law and gospel: sin is binding, however Jesus frees it. A bitcoin UTXO is bound until a private key looses it.

Nostr offers a somewhat similar illustration. You have an npub publicly and and nsec secretly or privately. If you were to write a note, your private nsec is needed as a loosing key to free that message, to broadcast it to the world. Once broadcast, it can be seen by all, however it is still inextricably bound or tied to your public key (your npub). Your npub is your binding key and your message is bound to it.

Summed

I'm not sure this binding and loosing keys in religion, and public and private keys in cryptography is the best comparison in the world. It's probably a terrible comparison. But, this is what came to my mind yesterday.

And, so, the mixing of religion and bitcoin is now officially over.

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An honest response to objections — and an answer to the most important question: why does any of this matter?

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\ Statement: Deflation is not the enemy, but a natural state in an age of technological progress.\ Criticism: in real macroeconomics, long-term deflation is linked to depressions.\ Deflation discourages borrowers and investors, and makes debt heavier.\ Natural ≠ Safe.

1. “Deflation → Depression, Debt → Heavier”

This is true in a debt-based system. Yes, in a fiat economy, debt balloons to the sky, and without inflation it collapses.

But Bitcoin offers not “deflation for its own sake,” but an environment where you don’t need to be in debt to survive. Where savings don’t melt away.\ Jeff Booth said it clearly:

“Technology is inherently deflationary. Fighting deflation with the printing press is fighting progress.”

You don’t have to take on credit to live in this system. Which means — deflation is not an enemy, but an ally.

💡 People often confuse two concepts:

1. That deflation doesn’t work in an economy built on credit and leverage — that’s true.

2. That deflation itself is bad — that’s a myth.

📉 In reality, deflation is the natural state of a free market when technology makes everything cheaper.

Historical example:\ In the U.S., from the Civil War to the early 1900s, the economy experienced gentle deflation — alongside economic growth, employment expansion, and industrial boom.\ Prices fell: for example, a sack of flour cost \~$1.00 in 1865 and \~$0.50 in 1895 — and there was no crisis, because wages held and productivity increased.

Modern example:\ Consumer electronics over the past 20–30 years are a vivid example of technological deflation:\ – What cost $5,000 in 2000 (e.g., a 720p plasma TV) now costs $300 and delivers 10× better quality.\ – Phones, computers, cameras — all became far more powerful and cheaper at the same time.\ That’s how tech-driven deflation works: you get more for less.

📌 Bitcoin doesn’t make the world deflationary. It just doesn’t fight against deflation, unlike the fiat model that fights to preserve its debt pyramid.\ It stops punishing savers and rewards long-term thinkers.

Even economists often confuse organic tech deflation with crisis-driven (debt) deflation.

---

\ \ Statement: We’ve never lived in a truly free market — central banks and issuance always existed.\ Criticism: ideological statement.\ A truly “free” market is utopian.\ Banks and monetary issuance emerged in response to crises.\ A market without arbiters is not always fair, especially under imperfect competition.

2. “The Free Market Is a Utopia”

Yes, “pure markets” are rare. But what we have today isn’t regulation — it’s centralized power in the hands of central banks and cartels.

Bitcoin offers rules without rulers. 21 million. No one can change the issuance. It’s not ideology — it’s code instead of trust. And it has worked for 15 years.

---

\ \ Statement: Inflation is an invisible tax, especially on the poor and working class.\ Criticism: partly true: inflation can reduce debt burden, boost employment.\ The state indexes social benefits. Under stable inflation, compensators can work. Under deflation, things might be worse (mass layoffs, defaults).

3. “Inflation Can Help”

Theoretically — yes. Textbooks say moderate inflation can reduce debt burdens and stimulate consumption and jobs.\ But in practice — it works as a stealth tax, especially on those without assets. The wealthy escape — into real estate, stocks, funds.\ But the poor and working class lose purchasing power because their money is held in cash — and cash devalues.

💬 As Lyn Alden says:

“When your money can’t hold value, you’re forced to become an investor — even if you just want to save and live.”

The state may index pensions or benefits — but always with a lag, and always less than actual price increases.\ If bread rises 15% and your payment increase is 5%, you got poorer, even if the number on paper went up.

💥 We live in an inflationary system of everything:\ – Inflationary money\ – Inflationary products\ – Inflationary content\ – And now even inflationary minds

🧠 This is more than just rising prices — it’s a degradation of reality perception. You’re always rushing, everything loses meaning.\ But when did the system start working against you?

📉 What went wrong after 1971?

This chart shows that from 1948 to the early 1970s, productivity and wages grew together.\ But after the end of the gold standard in 1971 — the connection broke. Productivity kept rising, but real wages stalled.

👉 This means: you work more, better, faster — but buy less.

🔗 Source: wtfhappenedin1971.com

When you must spend today because tomorrow it’ll be worth less — that’s rewarding impulse and punishing long-term thinking.

Bitcoin offers a different environment:\ – Savings work\ – Long-term thinking is rewarded\ – The price of the future is calculated, not forced by a printing press

📌 Inflation can be a tool. But in government hands, it became a weapon — a slow, inevitable upward redistribution of wealth.

Indexing is weak compensation if bread is up 15% and your “increase” is only 5%.

---

\ \ Statement: War is not growth, but a reallocation of resources into destruction.

Criticism: war can spur technological leaps (Internet, GPS, nuclear energy — all from military programs). "Military Keynesianism" was a real model.

4. “War Drives R&D”

Yes, wars sometimes give rise to tech spin-offs: Internet, GPS, nuclear power — all originated from military programs.

But that doesn’t make war a source of progress — it makes tech a byproduct of catastrophe.

“War reallocates resources toward destruction — not growth.”

Progress doesn’t happen because of war — it happens despite it.

If scientific breakthroughs require a million dead and burnt cities — maybe you’ve built your economy wrong.

💬 Even Michael Saylor said:

“If you need war to develop technology — you’ve built civilization wrong.”

No innovation justifies diverting human labor, minds, and resources toward destruction.\ War is always the opposite of efficiency — more is wasted than created.

🧠 Bitcoin, on the other hand, is an example of how real R&D happens without violence.\ No taxes. No army. Just math, voluntary participation, and open-source code.

📌 Military Keynesianism is not a model of progress — it’s a symptom of a sick monetary system that needs destruction to reboot.

Bitcoin shows that coordination without violence is possible.\ This is R&D of a new kind: based not on destruction, but digital creation.

---

Statement: Bitcoin isn’t “Gold 1.0,” but an improved version: divisible, verifiable, unseizable.

Criticism: Bitcoin has no physical value; "unseizability" is a theory;\ Gold is material and autonomous.

5. “Bitcoin Has No Physical Value”

And gold does? Just because it shines?

Physical form is no guarantee of value.\ Real value lies in: scarcity, reliable transfer, verifiability, and non-confiscatability.

Gold is:\ – Hard to divide\ – Hard to verify\ – Expensive to store\ – Easy to seize

💡 Bitcoin is the first store of value in history that is fully free from physical limitations, and yet:\ – Absolutely scarce (21M, forever)\ – Instantly transferable over the Internet\ – Cryptographically verifiable\ – Controlled by no government

🔑 Bitcoin’s value lies in its liberation from the physical.\ It doesn’t need to be “backed” by gold or oil. It’s backed by energy, mathematics, and ongoing verification.

“Price is what you pay, value is what you get.” — Warren Buffett

When you buy bitcoin, you’re not paying for a “token” — you’re gaining access to a network of distributed financial energy.

⚡️ What are you really getting when you own bitcoin?\ – A key to a digital asset that can’t be faked\ – The ability to send “crystallized energy” anywhere on Earth\ – A role in a new accounting system that runs 24/7/365\ – Freedom: from banks, borders, inflation, and force

📉 Bitcoin doesn’t require physical value — because it creates value:\ Through trust, scarcity, and energy invested in mining.\ And unlike gold, it was never associated with slavery.

---

Statement: There’s no “income without risk” in Bitcoin: just hold — you preserve; want more — invest, risk, build.

Criticism: contradicts HODL logic; speculation remains dominant behavior.

6. “Speculation Dominates”

For now — yes. That’s normal for the early phase of a new technology. Awareness doesn’t come instantly.

What matters is not the motive of today’s buyer — but what they’re buying.

📉 A speculator may come and go — but the asset remains.\ And this asset is the only one in history that will never exist again. 21 million. Forever.

📌 Look deeper. Bitcoin has:\ – No CEO\ – No central issuer\ – No inflation\ – No “off switch”

💡 It’s not a stock. Not a startup. Not someone’s project.\ It’s a new foundation for trust.\ It’s opting out of a system where freedom is a privilege you’re granted under conditions.

🧠 People say: “Bitcoin can be copied.”\ Theoretically — yes.\ Practically — never.

Here’s what you’d need to recreate Bitcoin:\ – No pre-mine\ – A founder who disappears and never sells\ – No foundation or corporation\ – Tens of thousands of nodes worldwide\ – 701 million terahashes of hash power\ – Thousands of devs writing open protocols\ – Hundreds of global conferences\ – Millions of people defending digital sovereignty\ – All that without a single marketing budget

That’s all.

🔁 Everything else is an imitation, not a creation.\ Just like you can’t “reinvent fire” — Bitcoin can only exist once.

---

Statements:\ The Russia's '90s weren’t a free market — just anarchic chaos without rights protection.*\ Unlike fiat or even dollars, Bitcoin is the first asset with real defense — from governments, inflation, even thugs.\ And yes, even if your barber asks about Bitcoin — maybe it's not a bubble, but a sign that inflation has already hit everyone.

Criticism: Bitcoin’s protection isn’t universal — it works only with proper handling and isn’t available to all.\ Some just want to “get rich.”\ None of this matters because:

1. Bitcoin’s volatility (-30% in a week, +50% in a month) makes it unusable for price planning or contracts.

2. It can’t handle mass-scale usage.

3. To become currency, geopolitical will is needed — and without the first two, don’t even talk about the third.\ Also: “Bitcoin is too complicated for the average person.”

7. “It’s Too Complex for the Masses”

It’s complex — if you’re using L1 (Layer 1). But even grandmas use Telegram. In El Salvador, schoolkids buy lunch with Lightning. My barber installed Wallet of Satoshi in minutes right in front of me — and I now pay for my haircut via Lightning.

UX is just a matter of time. And it’s improving. Emerging tools:\ Cashu, Fedimint, Fedi, Wallet of Satoshi, Phoenix, Proton Wallet, Swiss Bitcoin Pay, Bolt Card / CoinCorner (NFC cards for Lightning payments).

This is like the internet in 1995:\ It started with modems — now it’s 4K streaming.

---

8. “Can’t Handle the Load”

A common myth.\ Yes, Bitcoin L1 processes about 7 transactions per second — intentionally. It’s not built to be Visa. It’s a financial protocol, just like TCP/IP is a network protocol. TCP/IP isn’t “fast” or “slow” — the experience depends on the infrastructure built on top: servers, routers, hardware. In the ’90s, it delivered text. Today, it streams Netflix. The protocol didn’t change — the stack did.

Same with Bitcoin: L1 defines rules, security, finality.\ Scaling and speed? That’s the second layer’s job.

To understand scale:

| Network | TPS (Transactions/sec) | | --- | --- | | Visa | up to 24,000 | | Mastercard | \~5,000 | | PayPal | \~193 | | Litecoin | \~56 | | Ethereum | \~20 | | Bitcoin | \~7 |

\ ⚡️ Enter Lightning Network — Bitcoin’s “fast lane.”\ It allows millions of transactions per second, instantly and nearly free.

And it’s not a sidechain.

❗️ Lightning is not a separate network.\ It uses real Bitcoin transactions (2-of-2 multisig). You can close the channel to L1 at any time. It’s not an alternative — it’s a native extension built into Bitcoin.\ Also evolving: Ark, Fedimint, eCash — new ways to scale and add privacy.

📉 So criticizing Bitcoin for “slowness” is like blaming TCP/IP because your old modem won’t stream YouTube.\ The protocol isn’t the problem — it’s the infrastructure.

🛡️ And by the way: Visa crashes more often than Bitcoin.

---

9. “We Need Geopolitical Will”

Not necessarily. All it takes is the will of the people — and leaders willing to act. El Salvador didn’t wait for G20 approval or IMF blessings. Since 2001, the country had used the US dollar as its official currency, abandoning its own colón. But that didn’t save it from inflation or dependency on foreign monetary policy. In 2021, El Salvador became the first country to recognize Bitcoin as legal tender. Since March 13, 2024, they’ve been purchasing 1 BTC daily, tracked through their public address:

🔗 Address\ 📅 First transaction

This policy became the foundation of their Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) — a state-led effort to accumulate Bitcoin as a national reserve asset for long-term stability and sovereignty.

Their example inspired others.

In March 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order creating the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve of the USA, to be funded through confiscated Bitcoin and digital assets.\ The idea: accumulate, don’t sell, and strategically expand the reserve — without extra burden on taxpayers.

Additionally, Senator Cynthia Lummis (Wyoming) proposed the BITCOIN Act, targeting the purchase of 1 million BTC over five years (\~5% of the total supply).\ The plan: fund it via revaluation of gold certificates and other budget-neutral strategies.

📚 More: Strategic Bitcoin Reserve — Wikipedia

👉 So no global consensus is required. No IMF greenlight.\ All it takes is conviction — and an understanding that the future of finance lies in decentralized, scarce assets like Bitcoin.

---

10. “-30% in a week, +50% in a month = not money”

True — Bitcoin is volatile. But that’s normal for new technologies and emerging money. It’s not a bug — it’s a price discovery phase. The world is still learning what this asset is.

📉 Volatility is the price of entry.\ 📈 But the reward is buying the future at a discount.

As Michael Saylor put it:

“A tourist sees Niagara Falls as chaos — roaring, foaming, spraying water.\ An engineer sees immense energy.\ It all depends on your mental model.”

Same with Bitcoin. Speculators see chaos. Investors see structural scarcity. Builders see a new financial foundation.

💡 Now consider gold:

👉 After the U.S. abandoned the gold standard in 1971, gold surged from \~$35 to over $800 in a decade — while suffering wild -40% to -60% crashes along the way.\ \ 📈 Gold Price Chart — Macrotrends\ \ Nobody said, “This can’t be money.” \ Because money is defined not by volatility, but by scarcity, adoption, and trust — which build over time.

📊 The more people save in Bitcoin, the more its volatility fades.

This is a journey — not a fixed state.

We don’t judge the internet by how it worked in 1994.\ So why expect Bitcoin to be the “perfect currency” in 2025?

It grows bottom-up — without regulators’ permission.\ And the longer it survives, the stronger it becomes.

Remember how many times it’s been declared dead.\ And how many times it came back — stronger.

---

📊 Gold vs. Bitcoin: Supply Comparison

This chart shows the key difference between the two hard assets:

🔹 Gold — supply keeps growing.\ Mining may be limited, but it’s still inflationary.\ Each year, there’s more — with no known cap: new mines, asteroid mining, recycling.

🔸 Bitcoin — capped at 21 million.\ The emission schedule is public, mathematically predictable, and ends completely around 2140.

🧠 Bottom line:\ Gold is good.\ Bitcoin is better — for predictability and scarcity.

💡 As Saifedean Ammous said:

“Gold was the best monetary good… until Bitcoin.”

While we argue — fiat erodes every day.

No matter your view on Bitcoin, just show me one other asset that is simultaneously:

– immune to devaluation by decree\ – impossible to print more of\ – impossible to confiscate by a centralized order\ – impossible to counterfeit\ – and, most importantly — transferable across borders without asking permission from a bank, a state, or a passport

💸 Try sending $10,000 through PayPal from Iran to Paraguay, or Bangladesh to Saint Lucia.\ Good luck. PayPal doesn't even work there.

Now open a laptop, type 12 words — and you have access to your savings anywhere on Earth.

🌍 Bitcoin doesn't ask for permission.\ It works for everyone, everywhere, all the time.

📌 There has never been anything like this before.

Bitcoin is the first asset in history that combines:

– digital nature\ – predictable scarcity\ – absolute portability\ – and immunity from tyranny

💡 As Michael Saylor said:

“Bitcoin is the first money in human history not created by bankers or politicians — but by engineers.”

You can own it with no bank.\ No intermediary.\ No passport.\ No approval.

That’s why Bitcoin isn’t just “internet money” or “crypto” or “digital gold.”\ It may not be perfect — but it’s incorruptible.\ And it’s not going away.\ It’s already here.\ It is the foundation of a new financial reality.

---

🔒 This is not speculation. This is a peaceful financial revolution.\ 🪙 This is not a stock. It’s money — like the world has never seen.\ ⛓️ This is not a fad. It’s a freedom protocol.

And when even the barber starts asking about Bitcoin — it’s not a bubble.\ It’s a sign that the system is breaking.\ And people are looking for an exit.

For the first time — they have one.

---

💼 This is not about investing. It’s about the dignity of work.

Imagine a man who cleans toilets at an airport every day.

Not a “prestigious” job.\ But a crucial one.\ Without him — filth, bacteria, disease.

He shows up on time. He works with his hands.

And his money? It devalues. Every day.

He doesn’t work less — often he works more than those in suits.\ But he can afford less and less — because in this system, honest labor loses value each year.

Now imagine he’s paid in Bitcoin.

Not in some “volatile coin,” but in hard money — with a limited supply.\ Money that can’t be printed, reversed, or devalued by central banks.

💡 Then he could:

– Stop rushing to spend, knowing his labor won’t be worth less tomorrow\ – Save for a dream — without fear of inflation eating it away\ – Feel that his time and effort are respected — because they retain value

Bitcoin gives anyone — engineer or janitor — a way out of the game rigged against them.\ A chance to finally build a future where savings are real.

This is economic justice.\ This is digital dignity.

📉 In fiat, you have to spend — or your money melts.\ 📈 In Bitcoin, you choose when to spend — because it’s up to you.

🧠 In a deflationary economy, both saving and spending are healthy:

You don’t scramble to survive — you choose to create.

🎯 That’s true freedom.

When even someone cleaning floors can live without fear —\ and know that their time doesn’t vanish... it turns into value.

@ ecda4328:1278f072

An honest response to objections — and an answer to the most important question: why does any of this matter?

---

\ Statement: Deflation is not the enemy, but a natural state in an age of technological progress.\ Criticism: in real macroeconomics, long-term deflation is linked to depressions.\ Deflation discourages borrowers and investors, and makes debt heavier.\ Natural ≠ Safe.

1. “Deflation → Depression, Debt → Heavier”

This is true in a debt-based system. Yes, in a fiat economy, debt balloons to the sky, and without inflation it collapses.

But Bitcoin offers not “deflation for its own sake,” but an environment where you don’t need to be in debt to survive. Where savings don’t melt away.\ Jeff Booth said it clearly:

“Technology is inherently deflationary. Fighting deflation with the printing press is fighting progress.”

You don’t have to take on credit to live in this system. Which means — deflation is not an enemy, but an ally.

💡 People often confuse two concepts:

1. That deflation doesn’t work in an economy built on credit and leverage — that’s true.

2. That deflation itself is bad — that’s a myth.

📉 In reality, deflation is the natural state of a free market when technology makes everything cheaper.

Historical example:\ In the U.S., from the Civil War to the early 1900s, the economy experienced gentle deflation — alongside economic growth, employment expansion, and industrial boom.\ Prices fell: for example, a sack of flour cost \~$1.00 in 1865 and \~$0.50 in 1895 — and there was no crisis, because wages held and productivity increased.

Modern example:\ Consumer electronics over the past 20–30 years are a vivid example of technological deflation:\ – What cost $5,000 in 2000 (e.g., a 720p plasma TV) now costs $300 and delivers 10× better quality.\ – Phones, computers, cameras — all became far more powerful and cheaper at the same time.\ That’s how tech-driven deflation works: you get more for less.

📌 Bitcoin doesn’t make the world deflationary. It just doesn’t fight against deflation, unlike the fiat model that fights to preserve its debt pyramid.\ It stops punishing savers and rewards long-term thinkers.

Even economists often confuse organic tech deflation with crisis-driven (debt) deflation.

---

\ \ Statement: We’ve never lived in a truly free market — central banks and issuance always existed.\ Criticism: ideological statement.\ A truly “free” market is utopian.\ Banks and monetary issuance emerged in response to crises.\ A market without arbiters is not always fair, especially under imperfect competition.

2. “The Free Market Is a Utopia”

Yes, “pure markets” are rare. But what we have today isn’t regulation — it’s centralized power in the hands of central banks and cartels.

Bitcoin offers rules without rulers. 21 million. No one can change the issuance. It’s not ideology — it’s code instead of trust. And it has worked for 15 years.

---

\ \ Statement: Inflation is an invisible tax, especially on the poor and working class.\ Criticism: partly true: inflation can reduce debt burden, boost employment.\ The state indexes social benefits. Under stable inflation, compensators can work. Under deflation, things might be worse (mass layoffs, defaults).

3. “Inflation Can Help”

Theoretically — yes. Textbooks say moderate inflation can reduce debt burdens and stimulate consumption and jobs.\ But in practice — it works as a stealth tax, especially on those without assets. The wealthy escape — into real estate, stocks, funds.\ But the poor and working class lose purchasing power because their money is held in cash — and cash devalues.

💬 As Lyn Alden says:

“When your money can’t hold value, you’re forced to become an investor — even if you just want to save and live.”

The state may index pensions or benefits — but always with a lag, and always less than actual price increases.\ If bread rises 15% and your payment increase is 5%, you got poorer, even if the number on paper went up.

💥 We live in an inflationary system of everything:\ – Inflationary money\ – Inflationary products\ – Inflationary content\ – And now even inflationary minds

🧠 This is more than just rising prices — it’s a degradation of reality perception. You’re always rushing, everything loses meaning.\ But when did the system start working against you?

📉 What went wrong after 1971?

This chart shows that from 1948 to the early 1970s, productivity and wages grew together.\ But after the end of the gold standard in 1971 — the connection broke. Productivity kept rising, but real wages stalled.

👉 This means: you work more, better, faster — but buy less.

🔗 Source: wtfhappenedin1971.com

When you must spend today because tomorrow it’ll be worth less — that’s rewarding impulse and punishing long-term thinking.

Bitcoin offers a different environment:\ – Savings work\ – Long-term thinking is rewarded\ – The price of the future is calculated, not forced by a printing press

📌 Inflation can be a tool. But in government hands, it became a weapon — a slow, inevitable upward redistribution of wealth.

Indexing is weak compensation if bread is up 15% and your “increase” is only 5%.

---

\ \ Statement: War is not growth, but a reallocation of resources into destruction.

Criticism: war can spur technological leaps (Internet, GPS, nuclear energy — all from military programs). "Military Keynesianism" was a real model.

4. “War Drives R&D”

Yes, wars sometimes give rise to tech spin-offs: Internet, GPS, nuclear power — all originated from military programs.

But that doesn’t make war a source of progress — it makes tech a byproduct of catastrophe.

“War reallocates resources toward destruction — not growth.”

Progress doesn’t happen because of war — it happens despite it.

If scientific breakthroughs require a million dead and burnt cities — maybe you’ve built your economy wrong.

💬 Even Michael Saylor said:

“If you need war to develop technology — you’ve built civilization wrong.”

No innovation justifies diverting human labor, minds, and resources toward destruction.\ War is always the opposite of efficiency — more is wasted than created.

🧠 Bitcoin, on the other hand, is an example of how real R&D happens without violence.\ No taxes. No army. Just math, voluntary participation, and open-source code.

📌 Military Keynesianism is not a model of progress — it’s a symptom of a sick monetary system that needs destruction to reboot.

Bitcoin shows that coordination without violence is possible.\ This is R&D of a new kind: based not on destruction, but digital creation.

---

Statement: Bitcoin isn’t “Gold 1.0,” but an improved version: divisible, verifiable, unseizable.

Criticism: Bitcoin has no physical value; "unseizability" is a theory;\ Gold is material and autonomous.

5. “Bitcoin Has No Physical Value”

And gold does? Just because it shines?

Physical form is no guarantee of value.\ Real value lies in: scarcity, reliable transfer, verifiability, and non-confiscatability.

Gold is:\ – Hard to divide\ – Hard to verify\ – Expensive to store\ – Easy to seize

💡 Bitcoin is the first store of value in history that is fully free from physical limitations, and yet:\ – Absolutely scarce (21M, forever)\ – Instantly transferable over the Internet\ – Cryptographically verifiable\ – Controlled by no government

🔑 Bitcoin’s value lies in its liberation from the physical.\ It doesn’t need to be “backed” by gold or oil. It’s backed by energy, mathematics, and ongoing verification.

“Price is what you pay, value is what you get.” — Warren Buffett

When you buy bitcoin, you’re not paying for a “token” — you’re gaining access to a network of distributed financial energy.

⚡️ What are you really getting when you own bitcoin?\ – A key to a digital asset that can’t be faked\ – The ability to send “crystallized energy” anywhere on Earth\ – A role in a new accounting system that runs 24/7/365\ – Freedom: from banks, borders, inflation, and force

📉 Bitcoin doesn’t require physical value — because it creates value:\ Through trust, scarcity, and energy invested in mining.\ And unlike gold, it was never associated with slavery.

---

Statement: There’s no “income without risk” in Bitcoin: just hold — you preserve; want more — invest, risk, build.

Criticism: contradicts HODL logic; speculation remains dominant behavior.

6. “Speculation Dominates”

For now — yes. That’s normal for the early phase of a new technology. Awareness doesn’t come instantly.

What matters is not the motive of today’s buyer — but what they’re buying.

📉 A speculator may come and go — but the asset remains.\ And this asset is the only one in history that will never exist again. 21 million. Forever.

📌 Look deeper. Bitcoin has:\ – No CEO\ – No central issuer\ – No inflation\ – No “off switch”

💡 It’s not a stock. Not a startup. Not someone’s project.\ It’s a new foundation for trust.\ It’s opting out of a system where freedom is a privilege you’re granted under conditions.

🧠 People say: “Bitcoin can be copied.”\ Theoretically — yes.\ Practically — never.

Here’s what you’d need to recreate Bitcoin:\ – No pre-mine\ – A founder who disappears and never sells\ – No foundation or corporation\ – Tens of thousands of nodes worldwide\ – 701 million terahashes of hash power\ – Thousands of devs writing open protocols\ – Hundreds of global conferences\ – Millions of people defending digital sovereignty\ – All that without a single marketing budget

That’s all.

🔁 Everything else is an imitation, not a creation.\ Just like you can’t “reinvent fire” — Bitcoin can only exist once.

---

Statements:\ The Russia's '90s weren’t a free market — just anarchic chaos without rights protection.*\ Unlike fiat or even dollars, Bitcoin is the first asset with real defense — from governments, inflation, even thugs.\ And yes, even if your barber asks about Bitcoin — maybe it's not a bubble, but a sign that inflation has already hit everyone.

Criticism: Bitcoin’s protection isn’t universal — it works only with proper handling and isn’t available to all.\ Some just want to “get rich.”\ None of this matters because:

1. Bitcoin’s volatility (-30% in a week, +50% in a month) makes it unusable for price planning or contracts.

2. It can’t handle mass-scale usage.

3. To become currency, geopolitical will is needed — and without the first two, don’t even talk about the third.\ Also: “Bitcoin is too complicated for the average person.”

7. “It’s Too Complex for the Masses”

It’s complex — if you’re using L1 (Layer 1). But even grandmas use Telegram. In El Salvador, schoolkids buy lunch with Lightning. My barber installed Wallet of Satoshi in minutes right in front of me — and I now pay for my haircut via Lightning.

UX is just a matter of time. And it’s improving. Emerging tools:\ Cashu, Fedimint, Fedi, Wallet of Satoshi, Phoenix, Proton Wallet, Swiss Bitcoin Pay, Bolt Card / CoinCorner (NFC cards for Lightning payments).

This is like the internet in 1995:\ It started with modems — now it’s 4K streaming.

---

8. “Can’t Handle the Load”

A common myth.\ Yes, Bitcoin L1 processes about 7 transactions per second — intentionally. It’s not built to be Visa. It’s a financial protocol, just like TCP/IP is a network protocol. TCP/IP isn’t “fast” or “slow” — the experience depends on the infrastructure built on top: servers, routers, hardware. In the ’90s, it delivered text. Today, it streams Netflix. The protocol didn’t change — the stack did.

Same with Bitcoin: L1 defines rules, security, finality.\ Scaling and speed? That’s the second layer’s job.

To understand scale:

| Network | TPS (Transactions/sec) | | --- | --- | | Visa | up to 24,000 | | Mastercard | \~5,000 | | PayPal | \~193 | | Litecoin | \~56 | | Ethereum | \~20 | | Bitcoin | \~7 |

\ ⚡️ Enter Lightning Network — Bitcoin’s “fast lane.”\ It allows millions of transactions per second, instantly and nearly free.

And it’s not a sidechain.

❗️ Lightning is not a separate network.\ It uses real Bitcoin transactions (2-of-2 multisig). You can close the channel to L1 at any time. It’s not an alternative — it’s a native extension built into Bitcoin.\ Also evolving: Ark, Fedimint, eCash — new ways to scale and add privacy.

📉 So criticizing Bitcoin for “slowness” is like blaming TCP/IP because your old modem won’t stream YouTube.\ The protocol isn’t the problem — it’s the infrastructure.

🛡️ And by the way: Visa crashes more often than Bitcoin.

---

9. “We Need Geopolitical Will”

Not necessarily. All it takes is the will of the people — and leaders willing to act. El Salvador didn’t wait for G20 approval or IMF blessings. Since 2001, the country had used the US dollar as its official currency, abandoning its own colón. But that didn’t save it from inflation or dependency on foreign monetary policy. In 2021, El Salvador became the first country to recognize Bitcoin as legal tender. Since March 13, 2024, they’ve been purchasing 1 BTC daily, tracked through their public address:

🔗 Address\ 📅 First transaction

This policy became the foundation of their Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) — a state-led effort to accumulate Bitcoin as a national reserve asset for long-term stability and sovereignty.

Their example inspired others.

In March 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order creating the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve of the USA, to be funded through confiscated Bitcoin and digital assets.\ The idea: accumulate, don’t sell, and strategically expand the reserve — without extra burden on taxpayers.

Additionally, Senator Cynthia Lummis (Wyoming) proposed the BITCOIN Act, targeting the purchase of 1 million BTC over five years (\~5% of the total supply).\ The plan: fund it via revaluation of gold certificates and other budget-neutral strategies.

📚 More: Strategic Bitcoin Reserve — Wikipedia

👉 So no global consensus is required. No IMF greenlight.\ All it takes is conviction — and an understanding that the future of finance lies in decentralized, scarce assets like Bitcoin.

---

10. “-30% in a week, +50% in a month = not money”

True — Bitcoin is volatile. But that’s normal for new technologies and emerging money. It’s not a bug — it’s a price discovery phase. The world is still learning what this asset is.

📉 Volatility is the price of entry.\ 📈 But the reward is buying the future at a discount.

As Michael Saylor put it:

“A tourist sees Niagara Falls as chaos — roaring, foaming, spraying water.\ An engineer sees immense energy.\ It all depends on your mental model.”

Same with Bitcoin. Speculators see chaos. Investors see structural scarcity. Builders see a new financial foundation.

💡 Now consider gold:

👉 After the U.S. abandoned the gold standard in 1971, gold surged from \~$35 to over $800 in a decade — while suffering wild -40% to -60% crashes along the way.

Source: 📈 Gold Price Chart — Macrotrends\ \ Nobody said, “This can’t be money.” \ Because money is defined not by volatility, but by scarcity, adoption, and trust — which build over time.

📊 The more people save in Bitcoin, the more its volatility fades.

This is a journey — not a fixed state.

We don’t judge the internet by how it worked in 1994.\ So why expect Bitcoin to be the “perfect currency” in 2025?

It grows bottom-up — without regulators’ permission.\ And the longer it survives, the stronger it becomes.

Remember how many times it’s been declared dead.\ And how many times it came back — stronger.

---

📊 Gold vs. Bitcoin: Supply Comparison

This chart shows the key difference between the two hard assets:

🔹 Gold — supply keeps growing.\ Mining may be limited, but it’s still inflationary.\ Each year, there’s more — with no known cap: new mines, asteroid mining, recycling.

🔸 Bitcoin — capped at 21 million.\ The emission schedule is public, mathematically predictable, and ends completely around 2140.

🧠 Bottom line:\ Gold is good.\ Bitcoin is better — for predictability and scarcity.

💡 As Saifedean Ammous said:

“Gold was the best monetary good… until Bitcoin.”

While we argue — fiat erodes every day.

No matter your view on Bitcoin, just show me one other asset that is simultaneously:

– immune to devaluation by decree\ – impossible to print more of\ – impossible to confiscate by a centralized order\ – impossible to counterfeit\ – and, most importantly — transferable across borders without asking permission from a bank, a state, or a passport

💸 Try sending $10,000 through PayPal from Iran to Paraguay, or Bangladesh to Saint Lucia.\ Good luck. PayPal doesn't even work there.

Now open a laptop, type 12 words — and you have access to your savings anywhere on Earth.

🌍 Bitcoin doesn't ask for permission.\ It works for everyone, everywhere, all the time.

📌 There has never been anything like this before.

Bitcoin is the first asset in history that combines:

– digital nature\ – predictable scarcity\ – absolute portability\ – and immunity from tyranny

💡 As Michael Saylor said:

“Bitcoin is the first money in human history not created by bankers or politicians — but by engineers.”

You can own it with no bank.\ No intermediary.\ No passport.\ No approval.

That’s why Bitcoin isn’t just “internet money” or “crypto” or “digital gold.”\ It may not be perfect — but it’s incorruptible.\ And it’s not going away.\ It’s already here.\ It is the foundation of a new financial reality.

---

🔒 This is not speculation. This is a peaceful financial revolution.\ 🪙 This is not a stock. It’s money — like the world has never seen.\ ⛓️ This is not a fad. It’s a freedom protocol.

And when even the barber starts asking about Bitcoin — it’s not a bubble.\ It’s a sign that the system is breaking.\ And people are looking for an exit.

For the first time — they have one.

---

💼 This is not about investing. It’s about the dignity of work.

Imagine a man who cleans toilets at an airport every day.

Not a “prestigious” job.\ But a crucial one.\ Without him — filth, bacteria, disease.

He shows up on time. He works with his hands.

And his money? It devalues. Every day.

He doesn’t work less — often he works more than those in suits.\ But he can afford less and less — because in this system, honest labor loses value each year.

Now imagine he’s paid in Bitcoin.

Not in some “volatile coin,” but in hard money — with a limited supply.\ Money that can’t be printed, reversed, or devalued by central banks.

💡 Then he could:

– Stop rushing to spend, knowing his labor won’t be worth less tomorrow\ – Save for a dream — without fear of inflation eating it away\ – Feel that his time and effort are respected — because they retain value

Bitcoin gives anyone — engineer or janitor — a way out of the game rigged against them.\ A chance to finally build a future where savings are real.

This is economic justice.\ This is digital dignity.

📉 In fiat, you have to spend — or your money melts.\ 📈 In Bitcoin, you choose when to spend — because it’s up to you.

🧠 In a deflationary economy, both saving and spending are healthy:

You don’t scramble to survive — you choose to create.

🎯 That’s true freedom.

When even someone cleaning floors can live without fear —\ and know that their time doesn’t vanish... it turns into value.

@ 4fa5d1c4:fd6c6e41

Willkommen zur Mitmachplattform: KI-Kompetenzen für die religionsbezogene Bildung

Diese Plattform ist ein offenes, gemeinschaftliches Lernmodul für alle, die KI-Kompetenzen im Kontext der religionsbezogenen Bildung entdecken, vertiefen und weitergeben möchten.\ Hier können Religionslehrende, Hochschulangehörige und ehrenamtlich Engagierte gemeinsam Inhalte entwickeln, teilen und weiterentwickeln.

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Was ist das Ziel?

Wir schaffen eine offene Lernumgebung, in der Materialien zu KI-Kompetenzen für Schule, Hochschule und außerschulische Jugendarbeit kollaborativ entstehen.\ Die Plattform richtet sich an Lehrkräfte, Fortbildner:innen und Ehrenamtliche, die KI-Themen in der religiösen Bildung verantwortungsvoll erschließbar machen wollen.

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Unser Kompetenzmodell

Im Zentrum steht ein Kreismodell mit vier Kompetenzbereichen, die auf drei Niveaustufen ausdifferenziert sind:\ Verstehen, Anwenden, Reflektieren und Gestalten.\ Diese Bereiche bauen aufeinander auf, beeinflussen sich gegenseitig und werden durch die zentrale Kompetenz AI Leadership verbunden.

| Kompetenzbereich | Beschreibung | | -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- | | 🟢 VERSTEHEN | Grundlagen und Mechanismen von KI | | 🔵 ANWENDEN | KI-Tools im Lernprozess nutzen | | 🟠 REFLEKTIEREN | Kritische Auseinandersetzung mit KI | | 🟣 GESTALTEN | Aktive Weiterentwicklung von KI-Systemen |

Jeder Lerninhalt ist einem Kompetenzbereich (und wenn möglich einer Niveaustufe) zugeordnet – farblich und inhaltlich klar erkennbar.

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So funktioniert die Mitmachplattform

• Offene Inhalte: Alle Materialien werden als Markdown-Dateien über Nostr gepflegt.

• Mitmachen leicht gemacht: Egal wo auf Nostr du publizierst, mit den Hashtags #relilab und dem jeweiligen Kompetenzbereich als Schlagwort (also #verstehen, #anwenden, #gestalten, #reflektieren) finden wir diese Hashtagkombination und können die Webseite mit deiner Idee oder Weiterentwicklung ergänzen.

• Anleitungen: Eine eigene Seite erklärt Schritt für Schritt, wie du dich beteiligen kannst – ganz ohne Vorkenntnisse im Programmieren.

• Suchfunktion: Finde gezielt Inhalte nach Kompetenzbereich, Niveaustufe oder Schlagworten.

---

Für wen ist diese Plattform?

• Lehrkräfte an Schulen und Hochschulen in religionsbezogenen Fächern

• Ehrenamtliche und Multiplikator:innen in der kirchlichen Jugendarbeit

• Fort- und Weiterbildner:innen im Bereich KI und Religion

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Mitmachen & Teilen

\> "Sharing is Caring":\ \> Unser KI-Kompetenzmodell und alle Lernmaterialien stehen unter der offenen Lizenz [CC-BY 4.0].\ \> Du darfst sie frei nutzen, anpassen und weitergeben – mit Nennung der Urheber:innen.

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Starte jetzt!

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Gemeinsam gestalten wir KI-Kompetenzen für eine reflektierte, verantwortungsvolle und kreative religiöse Bildung im KI-Zeitalter.

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Kontakt & Feedback:\ Für Fragen, Anregungen oder Feedback

https://ki-kompetenzen.npub.pro

#OER #relilab

antworte einfach auf diese Nachricht oder komm' in den Matrix/Element-Raum https://matrix.to/#/#relilab-ki:rpi-virtuell.de> zum Online-Austausch!

@ a5ee4475:2ca75401

clients #link #list #english #article #finalversion #descentralismo

*These clients are generally applications on the Nostr network that allow you to use the same account, regardless of the app used, keeping your messages and profile intact.

**However, you may need to meet certain requirements regarding access and account NIP for some clients, so that you can access them securely and use their features correctly.

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CLIENTS

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Twitter like

• Nostrmo - [source] 🌐💻(🐧🪟🍎)🍎🤖(on zapstore)
• Coracle - Super App [source] 🌐🤖(on zapstore)
• Amethyst - Super App with note edit, delete and other stuff with Tor [source] 🤖(on zapstore)
• Primal - Social and wallet [source] 🌐🍎🤖(on zapstore)
• Iris - [source] 🌐🤖🍎
• Current - [source] 🤖🍎
• FreeFrom 🤖🍎
• Openvibe - Nostr and others (new Plebstr) [source] 🤖🍎
• Snort 🌐(🤖[early access]) [onion] [source]
• Damus 🍎 [source]
• Nos 🍎 [source]
• Nostur 🍎 [source]
• NostrBand 🌐 [info] [source]
• Yana [source] 🌐💻(🐧) 🍎🤖(on zapstore)
• Nostribe [on development] 🌐 [source]
• Lume 💻(🐧🪟🍎) [info] [source]
• Gossip - [source] 💻(🐧🪟🍎)
• noStrudel - Gamified Experience [onion] [info/source] 🌐
• [Nostrudel Next] - [onion]
• moStard - Nostrudel with Monero [onion] [info/source] 🌐
• Camelus - [source] 🤖 [early access]

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Community

• CCNS - Community Curated Nostr Stuff [source]
• Nostr Kiwi [creator] 🌐
• Satellite [info] 🌐
• Flotilla - [source] 🌐🐧🤖(on zapstore)
• Chachi - [source] 🌐
• Futr - Coded in haskell [source] 🐧 (others soon)
• Soapbox - Comunnity server [info] [source] 🌐
• Ditto - Soapbox community server 🌐 [source] 🌐
• Cobrafuma - Nostr brazilian community on Ditto [info] 🌐
• Zapddit - Reddit like [source] 🌐
• Voyage (Reddit like) [on development] 🤖

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Wiki

• Wikifreedia - Wiki Dark mode [source] 🌐
• Wikinostr - Wiki with tabs clear mode [source] 🌐
• Wikistr - Wiki clear mode [info] [source] 🌐

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Search

• Keychat - Signal-like chat with AI and browser [source] 💻(🐧🪟🍎) - 📱(🍎🤖{on zapstore})
• Spring - Browser for Nostr apps and other sites [source] 🤖 (on zapstore)
• Advanced nostr search - Advanced note search by isolated terms related to a npub profile [source] 🌐
• Nos Today - Global note search by isolated terms [info] [source] 🌐
• Nostr Search Engine - API for Nostr clients [source]
• Ntrends - Trending notes and profiles 🌐

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Website

• Nsite - Nostr Site [onion] [info] [source]
• Nsite Gateway - Nostr Site Gateway [source]
• Npub pro - Your site on Nostr [source]

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App Store

ZapStore - Permitionless App Store [source] 🤖 💻(🐧🍎)

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Video and Live Streaming

• Flare - Youtube like 🌐 [source]
• ZapStream - Lives, videos, shorts and zaps (NIP-53) [source] 🌐 🤖(lives only | Amber | on zapstore)
• Swae - Live streaming [source] (on development) ⏳

Post Aggregator - Kinostr - Nostr Cinema with #kinostr [english] [author] 🌐 - Stremstr - Nostr Cinema with #kinostr [english] [source] 📱 (on development) ⏳

Link Agreggator - Kinostr - #kinostr - Nostr Cinema Profile with links [English] - Equinox - Nostr Cinema Community with links [Portuguese]

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Audio and Podcast Transmission

• Castr - Your npub as podcast feed [source]
• Nostr Nests - Audio Chats [source] 🌐
• Fountain - Podcast [source] 🤖🍎
• Corny Chat - Audio Chat [source] 🌐

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Music

• Tidal - Music Streaming [source] [about] [info] 🤖🍎🌐
• Wavlake - Music Streaming [source] 🌐(🤖🍎 [early access])
• Tunestr - Musical Events [source] [about] 🌐
• Stemstr - Musical Colab (paid to post) [source] [about] 🌐

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Images

• Lumina - Trending images and pictures [source] 🌐
• Pinstr - Pinterest like [source] 🌐
• Slidestr - DeviantArt like [source] 🌐
• Memestr - ifunny like [source] 🌐

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Download and Upload

• DTAN - Distributed Torrent Archive on Nostr [info] [source] 🌐

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Documents, graphics and tables

• Mindstr - Mind maps [source] 🌐
• Docstr - Share Docs [info] [source] 🌐
• Formstr - Share Forms [info] 🌐
• Sheetstr - Share Spreadsheets [source] 🌐
• Slide Maker - Share slides 🌐 [Advice: Slide Maker https://zaplinks.lol/ site is down]

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Health

• Sobrkey - Sobriety and mental health [source] 🌐
• Runstr - Running app [source] 🌐
• NosFabrica - Finding ways for your health data 🌐
• LazerEyes - Eye prescription by DM [source] 🌐

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Forum

• OddBean - Hacker News like [info] [source] 🌐
• LowEnt - Forum [info] 🌐
• Swarmstr - Q&A / FAQ [info] 🌐
• Staker News - Hacker News like 🌐 [info]

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Direct Messenges (DM)

• 0xchat 🤖🍎 [source]
• Nostr Chat 🌐🍎 [source]
• Blowater 🌐 [source]
• Anigma (new nostrgram) - Telegram based [on development] [source]

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Reading

• Oracolo - A minimalist Nostr html blog [source]
• nRSS - Nostr RSS reader 🌐
• Highlighter - Insights with a highlighted read [info] 🌐
• Zephyr - Calming to Read [info] 🌐
• Flycat - Clean and Healthy Feed [info] 🌐
• Nosta - Check Profiles [on development] [info] 🌐
• Alexandria - e-Reader and Nostr Knowledge Base (NKB) [source] 🌐

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Writing

• Habla - Blog [info] 🌐
• Blogstack - Blog [info]🌐
• YakiHonne - Articles and News [info] 🌐🍎🤖(on zapstore)

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Lists

• Following - Users list [source] 🌐
• Nostr Unfollower - Nostr Unfollower
• Listr - Lists [source] 🌐
• Nostr potatoes - Movies List [source] 💻(numpy)

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Market and Jobs

• Shopstr - Buy and Sell [onion] [source] 🌐
• Nostr Market - Buy and Sell 🌐
• Plebeian Market - Buy and Sell [source] 🌐
• Ostrich Work - Jobs [source] 🌐
• Nostrocket - Jobs [source] 🌐

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Data Vending Machines - DVM (NIP90)

(Data-processing tools)

• Noogle - [source] 🌐
• Vendata - [source] 🌐
• TaskTiger 🌐
• Malware DVMs 🌐

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Games

• Chesstr - Chess 🌐 [source]
• Jestr - Chess [source] 🌐
• Snakestr - Snake game [source] 🌐
• Snakes on a Relay - Multiplayer Snake game like slither.io [source] 🌐

ENGINES - DEG Mods - Decentralized Game Mods [info] [source] 🌐 - NG Engine - Nostr Game Engine [source] 🌐 - JmonkeyEngine - Java game engine [source] 🌐

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Customization

• Emojito - Send Funny Stickers to React 🌐 [creator]

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Like other Services

• Olas - Instagram like [source] 🌐🍎🤖(on zapstore)
• Nostree - Linktree like 🌐
• Rabbit - TweetDeck like [info] 🌐
• Zaplinks - Nostr links 🌐
• Omeglestr - Omegle-like Random Chats [source] 🌐

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General Uses

• Njump - HTML text gateway source 🌐
• Filestr - HTML midia gateway [source] 🌐
• W3 - Nostr URL shortener [source] 🌐
• Playground - Test Nostr filters [source] 🌐

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Places

• Wherostr - Travel and show where you are
• Arc Map (Mapstr) - Bitcoin Map [info]

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Driver and Delivery

• RoadRunner - Uber like [on development] ⏱️
• Nostrlivery - iFood like [on development] ⏱️

⚠️ SCAM ⚠️ | Arcade City - Uber like [source]

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OTHER STUFF

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Lightning Wallets (zap)

• Alby - Native and extension [info] 🌐
• ZBD - Gaming and Social [info] [source] 🤖🍎
• Wallet of Satoshi - Simplest Lightning Wallet [info] 🤖🍎
• Minibits - Cashu mobile wallet [info] 🤖
• Blink - Opensource custodial wallet (KYC over 1000 usd) [source] 🤖🍎
• LNbits - App and extesion [source] 🤖🍎💻
• Zeus - [info] [source] 🤖🍎

Without Zap - Wassabi Wallet - Privacy-focused and non-custodial with Nostr Update Manager [source]

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Exchange

• Mostro - P2P lightning exchange on Nostr [info] 🌐
• Emptio - Bitcoin P2P on Nostr [on development]

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Media Server (Upload Links)

audio, image and video

Connected with Nostr (NIP):

• Nostr Build - Free and paid Upload [info] [source] 🌐
• NostrMedia - Written in Go with Nip 96 / Blossom (free and paid) [info] [source]
• Nostr Check - [info] [source] 🌐
• NostPic - [info] [source] 🌐
• Sovbit - Free and paid upload [info] [source] 🌐
• Voidcat - Nip-96 and Blossom [source] 🌐
• Primal Media - Primal Media Uploader [source] 🌐

Blossom - Your Media Safer

• Primal Blossom 🌐
• NostrBuild Blossom - Free upload (max 100MiB) and paid [info] [source] 🌐

Paid Upload Only

• Satellite CDN - prepaid upload (max 5GB each) [info] [source] 🌐

Without Nostr NIP:

• Pomf - Upload larger videos (max 1GB) [source]
• Catbox - max 200 MB [source]
• x0 - max 512 MiB [source]

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Donation and payments

• Zapper - Easy Zaps [source] 🌐
• Autozap [source] 🌐
• Zapmeacoffee 🌐
• Nostr Zap 💻(numpy)
• Creatr - Creators subscription 🌐
• Geyzer - Crowdfunding [info] [source] 🌐
• Heya! - Crowdfunding [source]

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Security

• Secret Border - Generate offline keys 💻(java)
• Umbrel - Your private relay [source] 🌐

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Key signing/login and Extension

• Amber - Key signing [source] 🤖(on zapstore)
• Nowser - Account access keys 📱(🤖🍎) 💻(🐧🍎🪟)
• Nos2x - Account access keys 🌐
• Nsec.app 🌐 [info]
• Lume - [info] [source] 🐧🪟🍎
• Satcom - Share files to discuss - [info] 🌐
• KeysBand - Multi-key signing [source] 🌐

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Code

• Stacks - AI Templates [info] [source] 🌐
• Nostrify - Share Nostr Frameworks 🌐
• Git Workshop (github like) [experimental] 🌐
• Gitstr (github like) [on development] ⏱️
• Osty [on development] [info] 🌐
• Python Nostr - Python Library for Nostr
• Sybil - Creating, managing and test Nostr events [on development] ⏱️

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Relay Check and Cloud

• Nostr Watch - See your relay speed 🌐
• NosDrive - Nostr Relay that saves to Google Drive

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Bidges and Getways

• Matrixtr Bridge - Between Matrix & Nostr
• Mostr - Between Nostr & Fediverse
• Nostrss - RSS to Nostr
• Rsslay - Optimized RSS to Nostr [source]
• Atomstr - RSS/Atom to Nostr [source]

Useful Profiles and Trends

nostr-voice - Voice note (just some clients)

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NOT RELATED TO NOSTR

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Voca - Text-to-Speech App for GrapheneOS [source] 🤖(on zapstore)

Android Keyboards

• Futo - Gboard like [source]
• Florisboard - [source]
• Heliboard - Openboard based [source]

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Personal notes and texts

• Joplin - privacy-focused note taking app with sync capabilities [source] 📱(🤖🍎) - 💻 (🐧🪟🍎)

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Front-ends

• Nitter - Twitter / X without your data [source]
• NewPipe - Youtube, Peertube and others, without account & your data [source] 🤖
• Piped - Youtube web without you data [source] 🌐

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Other Services

• Brave - Browser [source]
• DuckDuckGo - Search [source]
• LLMA - Meta - Meta open source AI [source]
• DuckDuckGo AI Chat - Famous AIs without Login [source]
• Proton Mail - Mail [source]

Other open source index: Degoogled Apps

---

Some other Nostr index on:

Nostr Apps | Nostorg | Awesome Nostr

@ f85b9c2c:d190bcff

Fake KYC Emails

Phishing scammers are again targeting users of the popular cryptocurrency wallet MetaMask. In a recent email campaign, cybercriminals are attempting to trick people into revealing their secret MetaMask passphrase. The emails falsely claim that you must urgently verify your wallet due to new Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations. If you fall for the scope and click the “Verify” button, you will be taken to a fake MetaMask website that asks you to enter your passphrase. If you do provide your passphrase, criminals can access your wallet and steal any cryptocurrency you have stored there. You are unlikely to get your stolen crypto back. Such email scam campaigns are ongoing and target users of many different cryptocurrency wallets. Be wary of any unsolicited email or text message that claims that you must provide your crypto wallet passphrase or other sensitive personal information. image

@ 2b24a1fa:17750f64

Ohne Meinungsfreiheit keine Pressefreiheit. Wo also Regierungen und deren mitunter als NGO getarnte Handlanger die Meinungsfreiheit einschränken, beschneiden sie auch die Pressefreiheit. In Artikel 5 des Grundgesetzes heißt es: „Die Pressefreiheit und die Freiheit der Berichterstattung durch Rundfunk und Film werden gewährleistet. Eine Zensur findet nicht statt.“ Wirklich? Was ist mit dem EU-weit geltende Digital Services Act (deutsch: Gesetz über digitale Dienste)? Laut politischem Establishment dient dieses Gesetz dem „Kampf gegen Desinformation und Hassrede“. Doch wer bestimmt, was Desinformation ist? Zählen dazu beispielsweise auch Aussagen von Gesundheitsministern über nicht vorhandene Nebenwirkungen von Covid-Impfungen? Und Wahlversprechen, die derjenige nur gemacht, um an Stimmen zu kommen, aber die Versprechen nie umsetzen wollte? Und was ist mit dem schwammigen Begriff „Hassrede“? Der Medienrechtsanwalt Joachim Steinhöfel schreibt: „Unser Strafgesetzbuch kennt den Begriff gar nicht.“ Dafür öffnet es staatlicher Willkür eine weitere Tür.\ In der Rangliste zur Pressefreiheit, die jedes Jahr von Reporter ohne Grenzen erstellt wird, finden diese Punkte kaum Beachtung. Keine Überraschung für unseren Autor, den Medienwissenschaftler Michael Meyen. Hören Sie seinen Beitrag „Der Westen gewinnt immer“, zuerst erschienen auf der Website der Freien Akademie für Medien und Journalismus sowie als Video verfügbar: www.freie-medienakademie.de/medien-plus…leerstellen und www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp5YlGfJAm8

Sprecherin: Sabrina Khalil

Bild: ChatGPT im Auftrag von Radio München

@ 2b24a1fa:17750f64

„Was wäre, wenn Bürger keine verzogenen und bösen Wähler wären? Was, wenn in jedem einzelnen von uns ein verantwortungsbewusster, motivierter und konstruktiver Bürger steckte? Oder anders gesagt: Was wäre, wenn eine echte Demokratie realisierbar wäre?“, schreibt der Historiker Rutger Bregman in seinem Buch Im Grunde gut und beantwortet die Frage mit einem Beispiel aus Venezuela, wo die Bürger „100 Prozent des Investitionsbudgets der Gemeinde“ selbst verwalten. Es geht hier nicht um ein Fünf-Seelen-Dorf, sondern immerhin um eine Gemeinde mit mehr als 200.000 Einwohnern. Bregmans Botschaft: Bregmans Botschaft: Demokratie wäre möglich.

https://soundcloud.com/radiomuenchen/great-reset-von-unten/s-8hVwq6ZwygB?

In Deutschland ist das nicht anders. Dabei enthält das als Provisorium gedachte Grundgesetz von 1949 ganz gute Ansätze. Doch bis heute fehlt ihm die demokratische Legitimation, die auch 1990 ausblieb, nach dem Beitritt der aufgelösten DDR. Um aus dem Grundgesetz eine gültige Verfassung zu machen, bedarf es einer Volksabstimmung, die nie erfolgte. Was wir tun können, um endlich eine Verfassung zu erhalten, die den Interessen der Menschen dient, darüber haben wir uns schon im Juli 2021 mit dem Autor und Demokratie-Aktivisten Ralph Boes unterhalten. Jetzt hat er ein Buch geschrieben: „Great Reset von unten – Die ultimative Delegitimierung unseres Staates und die konkreten Schritte, das ganze vom Grunde her in Ordnung zu bringen“.

Unser Autor Jonny Rieder hat es gelesen.

Sprecher: Ulrich Allroggen

Bild: ChatGPT im Auftrag von Radio München

@ 2b24a1fa:17750f64

Wo läßt es sich trefflicher plaudern als am Küchentisch. Es muß ja nicht unbedingt der eigene sein. Hauptsache, es sitzen vergnügte Menschen reinen Herzens daran, wie zum Beispiel die Herren Helmut Schleich und Franz Esser.

https://soundcloud.com/radiomuenchen/queere-tiere-andere-gottentotten-am-kuchentisch-mit-esser-schleich?

@ e17e9a18:66d67a6b

We wrote this album to explain the inspiration behind Mutiny Brewing, and as a way to share the story of Bitcoin and freedom technologies like nostr. Through these songs, we’ve tried to capture every truth that we believe is essential to understand about money, freedom, trust, and human connection in the internet age. It’s our way of making these ideas real and relatable, and we hope it helps others see the power of taking control of their future through the systems we use.

01. "Tomorrow's Prices on Yesterday's Wage" explores the harsh reality of inflation. As central banks inflate the money supply, prices rise faster than wages, leaving us constantly falling behind. People, expecting prices to keep climbing, borrow more to buy sooner, pushing prices even higher in a vicious cycle. You're always a step behind, forced to pay tomorrow's inflated prices with yesterday's stagnant wages.

https://wavlake.com/track/76a6cd02-e876-4a37-b093-1fe919e9eabe

02. "Everybody Works For The Bank" "Everybody Works For The Bank" exposes the hidden truth behind our fiat money system.

When banks issue loans, they don’t lend existing money — they create new money from debt. You’re on the hook for the principal and the interest. But the interest doesn’t exist yet — it has to come from someone else borrowing. That means the system only works if debt keeps growing.

When it doesn’t, the whole thing wobbles. Governments step in to bail out the banks by printing more money, and that cost doesn’t vanish. It shows up in your taxes, your savings, and your grocery bill.

We’re not just working to pay our own debts, we’re paying for their losses too.

https://wavlake.com/track/4d94cb4b-ff3b-4423-be6a-03e0be8177d6

03. "Let My People Go" references Moses' demand for freedom but directly draws from Proverbs 6:1–5, exposing the danger of debt based money. Every dollar you hold is actually someone else's debt, making you personally liable—held in the hand of your debtor and at risk of their losses, which you ultimately pay for through inflation or higher taxes. As the song says, "The more you try to save it up, the deeper in you get." The wisdom of Proverbs urges immediate action, pleading urgently to escape this trap and free yourself, like a gazelle from a hunter.

https://wavlake.com/track/76214ff1-f8fd-45b0-a677-d9c285b1e7d6

04. "Mutiny Brewing" embodies Friedrich Hayek's insight: "I don't believe we shall ever have good money again before we take it out of the hands of government... we can't take it violently... all we can do is by some sly roundabout way introduce something they can't stop."

Inspired also by the Cypherpunk manifesto's rallying cry, "We will write the code", the song celebrates Bitcoin as exactly that unstoppable solution.

"Not here to break ya, just here to create our own little world where we determine our fate." https://wavlake.com/track/ba767fc8-6afc-4b0d-be64-259b340432f3

05. "Invisible Wealth" is inspired by The Sovereign Individual, a groundbreaking 1990s book that predicted the rise of digital money and explores how the return on violence shaped civilizations. The song references humanity's vulnerability since agriculture began—where stored wealth attracted violence, forcing reliance on larger governments for protection.

Today, digital privacy enabled by cryptography fundamentally changes this dynamic. When wealth is stored privately, secured by cryptographic keys, violence becomes ineffective. As the song emphasizes, "You can't bomb what you can't see." Cryptography dismantles traditional power structures, providing individuals true financial security, privacy, and freedom from exploitation.

“Violence is useless against cryptography” https://wavlake.com/track/648da3cc-d58c-4049-abe0-d22f9e61fef0

06. "Run A Node" is a rallying cry for Bitcoin's decentralisation. At its heart, it's about personal verification and choice: every node is a vote, every check’s a voice. By running the code yourself, you enforce the rules you choose to follow. This is true digital democracy. When everyone participates, there's no room for collusion, and authority comes directly from transparent code rather than blind trust.

"Check the blocks, verify, ain't that hard to do When everyone's got eyes on it, can't slip nothin' throgh." https://wavlake.com/track/ee11362b-2e84-4631-b05e-df6d8e6797f8

07. "Leverage is a Liar" warns against gambling with your wealth, but beneath the surface, it's a sharp critique of fractional reserve banking. Fractional reserves inflate asset prices, creating the illusion of wealth built on leverage. This system isn't sustainable and inevitably leads to collapse. Real wealth requires sound money, money that can't be inflated. Trying to gain more through leverage only feeds the lie.

"Watch it burn higher and higher—leverage is a liar." https://wavlake.com/track/67f9c39c-c5e1-4e15-b171-f1f5442f29a5

08. "Don't Get Rekt" serves as a stark warning about trusting custodians with your Bitcoin. Highlighting infamous collapses like Mt.Gox, Celsius, and FTX. These modern failures echo the 1933 Executive Order 6102, where the US government forcibly seized citizens' gold, banned its use, and then promptly devalued the currency exchanged for it. History shows clearly: trusting others with your wealth means risking losing it all.

"Your keys, your life, don't forget." https://wavlake.com/track/fbd9b46d-56fc-4496-bc4b-71dec2043705

09. "One Language" critiques the thousands of cryptocurrencies claiming to be revolutionary. Like languages, while anyone can invent one, getting people to actually use it is another story. Most of these cryptos are just affinity scams, centralized towers built on shaky foundations. Drawing from The Bitcoin Standard, the song argues money naturally gravitates toward a single unit, a universal language understood by all. When the dust settles, only genuine, decentralized currency remains.

"One voice speaking loud and clear, the rest will disappear." https://wavlake.com/track/22fb4705-9a01-4f65-9b68-7e8a77406a16

10. "Key To Life" is an anthem dedicated to nostr, the permissionless, unstoppable internet identity protocol. Unlike mainstream social media’s walled gardens, nostr places your identity securely in a cryptographic key, allowing you total control. Every message or action you sign proves authenticity, verifiable by anyone. This ensures censorship resistant communication, crucial for decentralised coordination around Bitcoin, keeping it free from centralised control.

"I got the key that sets me free—my truth is mine, authentically." https://wavlake.com/track/0d702284-88d2-4d3a-9059-960cc9286d3f

11. "Web Of Trust" celebrates genuine human connections built through protocols like nostr, free from corporate algorithms and their manipulative agendas. Instead of top down control, it champions grassroots sharing of information among trusted peers, ensuring truth and authenticity rise naturally. It's about reclaiming our digital lives, building real communities where trust isn't manufactured by machines, but created by people.

"My filter, my future, my choice to make, real connections no one can fake." https://wavlake.com/track/b383d4e2-feba-4d63-b9f6-10382683b54b

12. "Proof Of Work" is an anthem for fair value creation. In Bitcoin, new money is earned through real work, computing power and electricity spent to secure the network. No shortcuts, no favourites. It's a system grounded in natural law: you reap what you sow. Unlike fiat money, which rewards those closest to power and the printing press, Proof of Work ensures rewards flow to those who put in the effort. Paper castles built on easy money will crumble, but real work builds lasting worth.

"Real work makes real worth, that's the law of this earth." https://wavlake.com/track/01bb7327-0e77-490b-9985-b5ff4d4fdcfc

13. "Stay Humble" is a reminder that true wealth isn’t measured in coins or possessions. It’s grounded in the truth that a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. Real wealth is the freedom to use your life and time for what is good and meaningful. When you let go of the obsession with numbers, you make room for gratitude, purpose, and peace. It's not about counting coins, it's about counting your blessings.

"Real wealth ain't what you own, it's gratitude that sets the tone." https://wavlake.com/track/3fdb2e9b-2f52-4def-a8c5-c6b3ee1cd194

@ 2b24a1fa:17750f64

80 Jahre später und kein bisschen klüger. Dieser Eindruck drängt sich unmittelbar auf, mit Blick auf die heutige, desaströse Weltlage. Dabei hat man sich vor rund acht Dekaden weltweit ein „Nie wieder“ geschworen. „Nie wieder Krieg!“ Es sollte dabei nicht bei einem Lippenbekenntnis bleiben. Der Schwur wurde unter anderem in der Charta der Vereinten Nationen festgehalten. Doch wie kommt es, dass das Versprechen, die Waffen zukünftig schweigen zu lassen, seither unzählige Male gebrochen wurde? War es etwa manchen der Siegermächte nicht ernst damit, als sie sich kurz vor Kriegsende in Jalta zur gleichnamigen Konferenz trafen?

https://soundcloud.com/radiomuenchen/abgrunde-der-gier-von-roger-waters?

Hören Sie hierzu die Rede des Pink Floyd - Mitgründers Roger Waters anlässlich des 80. Jahrestags der Jalta-Konferenz, die auf Deutsch zuerst bei Manova unter dem Titel „Abgründe der Gier“ erschienen war. www.manova.news/artikel/abgrunde-der-gier

Sprecherin: Sabrina Khalil, Redaktion: N. Riedl

Bild: Wikipedia

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„Reibung erzeugt Wärme“ – war das Kredo unserer Streitkultur, bis es meist aus dem Ruder lief und einer gekränkt vom Tisch verschwand. Themen nicht anzusprechen war allerdings keine Option. Was bedeutet diese Auseinandersetzung zwischen den Menschen und warum ist sie so wichtig?

https://soundcloud.com/radiomuenchen/die-schnellen-urteile-verzogern-von-markus-langemann?

Vom Streiten, Kommunizieren und dem Schmerz des Menschseins schreibt der Publizist und Herausgeber des Clubs der klaren Worte Markus Langemann.

Sabrina Khalil hat den Text für uns gelesen.

clubderklarenworte.de

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testing schedule

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There are stages in life that man must encounter in the life living process. And in thus stage are what I called the most scary moment in life.

The stages of life are typically recognized as Infancy (birth to 2 years), Early Childhood (3-8 years), Adolescence (9-18 years), and Adulthood (19 years and older). Adulthood can be further divided into early, middle, and late stages.

The adulthood, is the youthful stage, the stage where the youths are enrolled into the career part of there life, either academic pursuit or entrepreneurial pursuit. The adult hood are raged from the beginning of career pursuit to the ending of career pursuit, and at the stage is where the youths choose to either proper in life or become a failure.

With a well detailed analysis, some see the youthful stage as the most enjoyable stage in life, and there are no doubt about that but one thing is certain about, the mistake you made at the youthful stage of your life but in your career pursuit and daily living stay with you forever unless your ability to deal with your emotions and regret is 90%.

The adulthood is a scary moment because that's the stage where youths choose there career focus, either further education, skilled labor or entrepreneurs and at the beginning of the career path, they are scared of making the wrong choice. But the most fearful path of the adulthood is facing the laboratory market, that is after school or after acquiring skills, how to start making a good living. This path of life affects mostly the youths that choose academic pursuit at the early adulthood without making necessary research on there field of study, and this is the reason while there are many graduates that are bike man, brick layers, driver and so on.

The inability to face the labor market as a graduates can be linked to your field of study, the decisions you made while in school, and the channels you choose when you graduated.

The ending of career pursuit to face the labor market is the most scary moment in life and youths that escape that fear easily are either born with golden spoon allowing their parents to pave their way for them or they chose the right part at the earliest adulthood.

Proper orientation are need in career pursuit to enable youths to have the self confident and boldness to choose a enroll into the best to face the labor market when it is time ⏲️.

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Jo, blomster kommer i alle farger og fasonger. Her har du to eksempler:

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Skjønner du? Bare tekst.

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TEST TEST TEST Her kommer bildene:

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DTails é uma ferramenta que facilita a inclusão de aplicativos em imagens de sistemas live baseados em Debian, como o Tails. Com ela, você pode personalizar sua imagem adicionando os softwares que realmente precisa — tudo de forma simples, transparente e sob seu controle total.

⚠️ DTails não é uma distribuição. É uma ferramenta de remasterização de imagens live.

Ela permite incluir softwares como:

✅ SimpleX Chat ✅ Clientes Nostr Web (Snort & Iris) ✅ Sparrow Wallet ✅ Feather Wallet ✅ Cake Wallet ✅ RoboSats ✅ Bisq ✅ BIP39 (Ian Coleman) ✅ SeedTool ... e muito mais. https://image.nostr.build/b0bb1f0da5a9a8fee42eacbddb156fc3558f4c3804575d55eeefbe6870ac223e.jpg

Importante: os binários originais dos aplicativos não são modificados, garantindo total transparência e permitindo a verificação de hashes a qualquer momento.

👨‍💻 Desenvolvido por: nostr:npub1dtmp3wrkyqafghjgwyk88mxvulfncc9lg6ppv4laet5cun66jtwqqpgte6

GitHub: https://github.com/DesobedienteTecnologico/dtails?tab=readme-ov-file

🎯 Controle total do que será instalado

Com o DTails, você escolhe exatamente o que deseja incluir na imagem personalizada. Se não marcar um aplicativo, ele não será adicionado, mesmo que esteja disponível. Isso significa: privacidade, leveza e controle absoluto.

https://image.nostr.build/b0bb1f0da5a9a8fee42eacbddb156fc3558f4c3804575d55eeefbe6870ac223e.jpg https://image.nostr.build/b70ed11ad2ce0f14fd01d62c08998dc18e3f27733c8d7e968f3459846fb81baf.jpg https://image.nostr.build/4f5a904218c1ea6538be5b3f764eefda95edd8f88b2f42ac46b9ae420b35e6f6.jpg

⚙️ Começando com o DTails

📦 Requisitos de pacotes

Antes de tudo, instale os seguintes pacotes no Debian:

``` sudo apt-get install genisoimage parted squashfs-tools syslinux-utils build-essential python3-tk python3-pil.imagetk python3-pyudev

```

🛠 Passo a passo

1 Clone o repositório:

``` git clone https://github.com/DesobedienteTecnologico/dtails cd dtails

```

2 Inicie a interface gráfica com sudo:

``` sudo ./dtails.py

```

Por que usar sudo? É necessário para montar arquivos .iso ou .img e utilizar ferramentas essenciais do sistema.

---

💿 Selecione a imagem Tails que deseja modificar

https://nostr.download/e3143dcd72ab6dcc86228be04d53131ccf33d599a5f7f2f1a5c0d193557dac6b.jpg

---

📥 Adicione ou remova pacotes

1 Marque os aplicativos desejados. 2 Clique Buildld para gerar sua imagem personalizada. https://image.nostr.build/5c4db03fe33cd53d06845074d03888a3ca89c3e29b2dc1afed4d9d181489b771.png

Você pode acompanhar todo o processo diretamente no terminal. https://nostr.download/1d959f4be4de9fbb666ada870afee4a922fb5e96ef296c4408058ec33cd657a8.jpg

---

💽 .ISO vs .IMG — Qual escolher?

| Formato | Persistência | Observações | | ------- | ---------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- | | .iso | ❌ Não tem persistência | Gera o arquivo DTails.iso na pasta do projeto | | .img | ✅ Suporta persistência | Permite gravar diretamente em um pendrive |

https://nostr.download/587fa3956df47a38b169619f63c559928e6410c3dd0d99361770a8716b3691f6.jpg https://nostr.download/40c7c5badba765968a1004ebc67c63a28b9ae3b5801addb02166b071f970659f.jpg

---

vídeo

https://www.youtube.com/live/QABz-GOeQ68?si=eYX-AHsolbp_OmAm

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And this is the regular text.

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I will add a picture, a hyperlink and a video. Let’s see if it works.

Click here for youtube!

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Is it still working?

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You’re not alone.

There are countless men, good men, who want love, want marriage, want a family… but feel blocked. Blocked by time. By money. By fear. By uncertainty.

You’ve tried. You’ve thought about it. Maybe you’ve even taken a few steps. But the whole thing feels frustrating. Like you’re pushing against a wall that won’t budge.

This article is for you.

Most dating problems come from one of two places.

The first is your environment. Some cities and cultures make finding a good woman harder than others. But don’t make the mistake of thinking all of the West is the same. Even in the most liberal cities, there are still good women. Even in the most conservative areas, there are women to avoid. If you can move, move where it’s easier. If you can’t, reshape your environment in other ways, your community, your routines, your social circles.

The second source of problems is internal. Your skills, your mindset, your emotional blocks, your lack of development. These are the parts of you that aren’t yet ready to attract or lead a woman.

Here’s the good news: You can change both.

Aside from extreme physical limitations, nearly everything holding you back can be improved. Often faster than you think. Some things will take a day. Others will take a year or two. But you don’t need to be perfect. You only need to become the kind of man a good woman would say yes to.

You’re not lazy. You’re not broken.

You just haven’t been shown how to deal with these barriers like a man who’s preparing to lead a family.

This isn’t a scolding. It’s a flashlight. I'm going to show you something valuable, for free.

Each problem below is something real men have told me. Each solution is the next step forward. One step at a time.

Let’s take that step, together.

PROBLEM: “I don’t have time to go on dates.”

SOLUTION: If you don’t have time to date, you don’t have time to be married.

A woman isn’t a hobby you slot in between deadlines. She’s your future family. Mother of your children.

And if your current schedule can’t make room for love, it won’t make room for life either.

This doesn’t mean you should never date. It means you need a plan.

Sometimes, the wisest path is to finish what’s already on your plate. School. Training. A startup. A season of intensity that still needs to end.

If you’re deep in one of those phases, finish it. But make sure it has an end date. Don't put off finishing.

Restructure your life so that within 12 to 24 months, you’re free enough to fall in love. Not distracted. Not drowning. Available, with time and energy to spare.

Create space now, or clear the path so it can be created soon.

You don’t have to do everything at once. But you do have to be intentional.

That’s part of being a mature man, taking control of your time and energy.

PROBLEM: “I can’t afford to take a woman out on a date.”

SOLUTION: Money has always been a sore spot for young men.

Most men in history started out with very little. In the past, families often stepped in to help launch a young couple. But even then, the early years were lean. That’s normal.

Even if you’re intelligent, hardworking, and on the right track, it can still take until your early 30s to reach true financial stability. That doesn’t mean you’re behind. It means you’re on your own journey.

But here’s the thing: If you can’t afford to take a woman on a date, you can’t afford a wife either.

Marriage is not cheaper than dating. Children are not cheaper than courtship. Responsibility isn’t free.

You don’t need to impress her with a fine dining at a steakhouse. But you do need to signal that your life is in motion and that you have a plan.

If you’re broke, your mission is money. And that means:

• Take on a second job, either a side gig or job-stacking

• Reduce your expenses until you gain traction

• Build an income stream that reflects a man ready to provide

Look at it as a test of your creativity, intelligence, social skills and perseverance. And yes, it's going to be hard. I too was a broke young man once. It's not a fun place to be.

A man who won’t feed himself cannot feed a family. Handle that first.

PROBLEM: “I don’t know where to meet women.”

SOLUTION: This isn’t just a logistics issue. It’s a life design issue.

You meet high-quality women by becoming a high-quality man in motion, a man with an interesting life.

That means building a life that’s rich with activity, purpose, and human connection. A life that invites others in, because it’s already alive.

Start doing interesting things with interesting people. Join groups. Serve. Create. Build a reputation in your community. Train at a gym. Lead something. Show up where life is happening.

Here’s a simple metric: If you’re not organically meeting at least one woman per month who you might want to date, your life isn’t active or interesting enough.

Women aren’t looking for a perfect man. They’re looking for a man with a compelling direction, a mission worth joining. A future worth investing in.

Women don’t just marry you. They marry into your lifestyle.

If your life is empty, isolated, or stagnant, there’s nothing for her to attach to. No rhythm to join. No social proof. No spark. No return on her investment.

Now, if you’re introverted, this part will be harder. Not impossible. Just different.

You’ll need to choose environments where you can thrive:

• Smaller groups with consistent attendance

• Classes or workshops with a shared task

• Quiet community activities like hiking, book clubs, or local volunteering

• Faith groups or skill-building meetups that match your interests

Focus on building a rhythm and repetition (habit). Show up. Be seen. Let relationships build slowly.

Create the kind of life a woman would be proud to stand beside. Not because she completes it, but because she compliments it.

I wrote more on this here:

Where to Find a Good Woman: A Short Field Guide for Men Who Want to Build a Legacy**

PROBLEM: “I’m too short. Or fat. Or ugly. Or too intimidating.”

SOLUTION: Every man has something about his body he doesn’t like. Some things can be changed. Others can’t. But here’s the truth:

Women don’t marry just for looks. They marry for masculine presence.

You can be average-looking, or even rough-looking, and still be deeply attractive if you carry yourself like a man. Strong. Composed. Grounded.

Most physical ‘flaws’ can be compensated for by strength in other areas:

• Fat face? Get lean and muscular, it changes your bone structure and confidence.

• Don’t like your jawline? Grow a beard and learn to carry yourself with dignity.

• Short? Then your mission is to walk like a king and build a life so compelling she forgets your height within five minutes.

Plenty of short, homely, or scarred men marry wonderful women. But only when they don’t let their appearance be a cage.

Fix what you can. Style your hair. Improve your grooming. Learn how to dress. Lift. Move. Stand tall. Speak with purpose. Develop gravatas and humor.

The rest? Let it refine your spirit. Not shame you, but sharpen you. Your face isn’t the problem you imagine it to be and your presence is the solution.

PROBLEM: “I’m afraid of being MeToo’ed.”

SOLUTION: This fear is not unfounded. But it’s exaggerated, and it can be managed.

First, date women from your known social circle, or through trusted friends and communities. When you’re introduced by people who know her, and know you, the risk drops dramatically. Reputation protects.

Second, don’t sleep with women you’re not married to or seriously planning to marry. Promiscuity opens you up to accusations by nature of the risk you’ve chosen. If you act like a husband looking for a wife, you’ll avoid most of the fallout that comes from acting like a player.

Finally, date like a man of integrity. Be clear in your intent. Be respectful in your approach. Vet women the way you’d vet a business partner, slowly, carefully, with your eyes open.

Avoid women who are unstable, ideological, addicted to drama, or hostile to men or who have friends that are red flags. They’re not hard to spot if you stop pretending you can fix them. Don't date crazy, no matter how much of a hot mess they are.

Courage doesn’t mean being reckless. It means being cautious and moving forward anyway.

PROBLEM: “I have debilitating social anxiety.”

SOLUTION: Social anxiety is not your enemy. It’s a signal.

Anxiety is what your body feels when you know you’re unprepared. So the real issue isn’t fear, it’s readiness.

The solution is to prepare.

Start by talking with people you already know and trust. Ask them directly: “Do I come across in any off-putting way?” Be ready to hear the truth. This feedback is gold.

Next, expand your social exposure in gradual circles:

• Begin with low-stakes conversations, cashiers, neighbors, people at your gym

• Practice warm eye contact and a confident smile

• Say hello, then progress to small talk

Train your ability to enjoy people. Genuine curiosity, care, and concern are magnetic.

Imagine that you are a source of light and warmth in the world. It radiates from your face. When you smile, that light shines on others and lifts their spirit.

Practice radiating that warmth everywhere you go. It will transform how people receive you, and how you see yourself.

Also, don’t overlook your existing social network. Ask friends: “Can you introduce me to people? Invite me to something?” And if they hesitate, ask why. Be open to correction. Sharpen your social skills until you become the man people want to introduce to others.

This process doesn’t have to take years. If you want to speed it up, message me. I’ll help you identify what needs to change and how to change it, fast.

You’re not trapped. You’re just untrained. Let’s fix that.

PROBLEM: “Online dating is awful. Everyone on the apps is weird, overweight, or carries baggage.”

SOLUTION: You’re not wrong. Most dating apps are designed to keep you swiping, not to help you find a wife.

But if you insist on using them, use them well.

• Get professional photos taken. Not filtered selfies. Real, high-quality photos that make you look your best.

• Write a profile that’s clear, masculine, and purposeful. If possible, get help from someone who understands marketing.

• If you have a female friend or sister near your age, ask her: “What does this profile really communicate?” Men and women read profiles differently. Get honest feedback.

Even with the best profile, online dating carries risks. You’re meeting strangers. And many women on the apps are not relationship-ready. If you’re not seeing the kind of woman you want, stop using the apps. Don’t waste your energy in a dysfunctional pool.

Instead, date through your real life contacts. Grow your social circle. Lead an interesting life. Join hobbies, attend church, build your local community. That’s where quality women gather, and where you can be seen for who you really are.

You can use online dating as practice if nothing else. Go on a few low-stakes dates. Sharpen your conversation skills. You might meet someone better than expected. But don’t let it become your strategy.

Build a real life. Meet real women. That’s where the future is found.

PROBLEM: “I’m afraid of being rejected.”

SOLUTION: Rejection is painful, especially when you take it personally. So stop taking it personally.

Most rejections aren’t even about you. She might be in a bad mood, already dating someone, overwhelmed with work, or distracted. You’re getting a response to her current state, not a verdict on your worth.

Too many men grew up on movies where rejection is public and humiliating. But those are just movie scripts. In real life, rejection is rarely brutal. Especially if you’re respectful, most rejections are soft, and if you’re paying attention, you’ll see it coming before you even ask.

Her posture, her eye contact, her tone… they all tell a story. Women constantly signal how open they are to being approached. You can learn to read that story. It’s a skill.

Yes, you’ll still be rejected from time to time. But it won’t sting the same.

Men who fear rejection have a weak internal frame and a fragile ego. Both of these can, and must, be strengthened if you want to be in a relationship. Because in marriage, you’ll face moments where your wife rejects something you want, or pushes back hard. If you crumble over a stranger’s ‘no,’ how will you handle conflict with someone you love?

The solution isn’t to avoid rejection. It’s to heal the wounds that make you overly sensitive to it.

Let rejection be feedback. Let it be fuel. Let it forge you into a stronger man.

PROBLEM: “None of the women I meet are up to my standards.”

SOLUTION: Then you need to ask two questions:

1. Are your standards calibrated to reality, or to fantasy?

2. Are you the kind of man who attracts what you want?

There’s a simple way to check if your standards are realistic: If you’re out socializing regularly and meeting at least one woman per month that you find attractive and potentially relationship-worthy, your standards are likely calibrated.

Even if some are taken or uninterested, twelve encounters a year puts you on track to find someone marriage-worthy in one to two years.

But if you’re not meeting any women who meet your standards, or none are attracted to you, then your expectations are off, or you’re not meeting the masculine side of the equation.

High standards are good. But your standards for yourself must be even higher.

Don’t lower your standards. Raise your value.

PROBLEM: “I don’t know what women today want.”

SOLUTION: Don’t worry, many women don’t know what they want either.

At least not until they see it.

You don’t need to have a deep understanding of women to start dating. What you need is a deep understanding of yourself, and the basics of how to interact with the opposite sex.

Women are not a monolith. They don’t all want the same thing. And it’s okay if some women don’t want what you’re offering. That just means they’re not your match.

If you want marriage, children, and a peaceful home life, say so. Be clear. Be honest. Look for the woman who lights up at that vision.

And remember: first dates are not emotional dumps. Don’t share your entire life story. Don’t unload your childhood wounds and five-year plans all at once. Let it come out gradually, organically, over time.

Oversharing too soon is a kind of emotional immodesty. It pushes women away. It scares them.

Instead, bring warmth. Curiosity. Humor. Presence. Let her feel who you are, before she hears everything you’ve done or want to do.

Also, understand that many women are suffering in the dating market too. They’ve dealt with immature men, disrespect, or emotional burnout. Some are guarded. Some are hesitant. That’s not a personal rejection, it’s their healing process.

Your job isn’t to fix them. But it is to show up as the kind of man who makes her feel that safety, joy, and being lead by a man is possible again.

Be patient. Be strong. Be sincere.

And become the man who makes her remember what she wants.

PROBLEM: “Dating is exhausting. I just want to skip to marriage.”

SOLUTION: I’m always surprised by how many men don’t enjoy dating, or find it exhausting and stressful.

Let’s reframe that.

You’re going out with a beautiful woman. You’re spending time with someone you find attractive. And success isn’t about getting married, it’s about enjoying the evening.

That’s it.

Don’t complicate it. Keep it simple. Simple dates. Simple interactions. Think of it as fun. Learn how to find joy in the process.

Because here’s the secret: If you want your marriage to be joyful, you’ll have to keep dating your wife.

If planning one evening out drains you, you’re not ready for the rhythm of married life. Marriage isn’t a break from effort, it’s the reward for mastering it.

Now, yes, wanting the reward without the work is natural. But it’s immature.

Dating is the training ground. It’s where you learn. You don’t marry a stranger. You marry someone you’ve pursued, studied, and built connection with.

If you skip the process, you skip the transformation from boyfriend to husband.

Lean in. Learn. Let it shape you.

PROBLEM: “I have low self-esteem and maybe depression.”

SOLUTION: Women can tell.

Even if you’re good at hiding it, most women will pick up on low self-esteem or depression by the end of the first date. And it’s one of the most off-putting traits a man can have.

Not because they’re cruel. But because they’re biologically wired to seek strength.

Women already deal with hormonal emotional swings. The last thing they need is a man who can’t stabilize the emotional climate of a home. A man who is stuck in despair can’t uplift a family.

Other men might have sympathy for you. But women, especially women you aren’t related to, rarely do. They’re not selecting for pity. They’re selecting for protection. For future fatherhood. For strength.

That doesn’t make you unlovable. It makes this urgent.

Self-esteem isn’t magic. It’s earned. You build it by setting goals and achieving them, consistently. Start with goals so small you know you can win. Stack those wins daily. Use systems that help you keep score. Journal your progress. Review your wins. Let them rewire your beliefs.

Depression can be attacked the same way:

• Lift heavy things

• Eat meat

• Get sunlight

• Cut screen time and porn

• Go outside and move

• Sleep and wake on rhythm

• Seek out experts: a coach, a priest, or a therapist

And most of all, stop isolating. Find men who are winning. Spend time with them. Compete with them. Let their energy rub off on you.

You’re not broken. You’re just under-trained.

Fix this, and the rest will follow.

PROBLEM: “There’s no point in dating when divorce laws are against men.”

SOLUTION: Yes, divorce laws are unjust.

But giving up on women because the system is rigged is like giving up on work because taxes exist.

You don’t surrender to the injustice. You outsmart it.

Vet better. Lead from a place of strength. Choose a woman who fears God, loves truth, hates a divorce, and shows loyalty under pressure.

Your objective as a man and husband is to build a marriage where the divorce laws don’t matter.

If you end up in court, you’ve already failed.

Build your family with a woman who doesn’t believe in divorce. Who comes from a family and a culture that doesn’t believe in divorce. These subcultures exist, even inside nations with high divorce rates.

Create a home where the idea of divorce doesn’t enter the conversation, not because you’re naïve, but because the family structure is strong, the values are shared, and the foundation is sacred.

And if needed, protect yourself legally without becoming cynical.

Living in fear is not a winning strategy. Conviction and leadership is.

PROBLEM: “I don’t see the benefit of marriage in 2025.”

SOLUTION: For some men, those who can barely care for themselves, lack discipline, avoid responsibility, and have no interest in becoming fathers, marriage may not benefit them. And frankly, it shouldn’t.

But if you’ve read this far, that’s not you.

You want to become the kind of man who leads a family. And for men like you, marriage is a worthy risk, it’s the catalyst you need.

As my friend *@LukeWeinhagen *often says:\ "The mature adult form of a male is called a father."

You become fully formed through marriage and fatherhood. You finish your development as a man by taking on sacred responsibility.

Now, some men say, “I can just pay a maid to clean my house, a nanny to raise my kids, and a girlfriend for company.”

Be honest with yourself. Most men saying that are too broke to afford one of those women, let alone three. And even if you could, that’s not a family.

Children raised by strangers will not grow up strong and securely attached to their parents. They will not continue your legacy. They will not build a civilization.

That model is a a cold dead end.

Marriage, when done right, is the greatest force multiplier in a man’s life.

You gain:

• A woman’s emotional and spiritual partnership

• A peaceful home, a sanctuary from the world

• Feminine warmth, lightness, and joy woven into your daily life

• Children who carry your name, your values, your soul

• A home culture that makes you stronger

• A reason to become the man you always knew you could be

• Emotional and spiritual partnership

Don’t listen to broken men who couldn’t carry the weight. Become the man who can.

PROBLEM: “I’ve done everything right. I’m a great catch. And I still can’t find a woman.”

SOLUTION:

This is the hardest kind of problem, because it hides behind your own certainty.

If everything you’ve said is true, then by now, something should be working. So we have to consider two possibilities.

First, you’re deluding yourself. Maybe you haven’t actually done the work. Or you’ve done it halfway, inconsistently, or with the wrong intent. Maybe you’ve made progress, but you’re still self-sabotaging in subtle ways, through your words, your posture, your patterns. You say you want marriage and children, but you’re not living like a man who’s ready for it.

Second, there’s something off-putting about you that you don’t see. Either the people around you are too polite to tell you, or too socially blind to even notice.

In both cases, you will not solve this alone. If you could, you already would have. You need someone outside your head and outside your social circle. A trained eye. A mirror that doesn’t lie.

Talk to me. Book a call. Even just the free 30-minute session . I’ll tell you the truth. And if you’re ready, we’ll fix it. Most of the time, it’s only a few months of focused work.

But it starts with honesty.

No more guessing.

No more waiting.

Let’s find out what’s really in your way.

CLOSING:

Before we end, let’s clear up one more misconception: You do not need to be fully ready for marriage to start dating.

You just need to be ready to date well.

Your finances don’t need to support a household yet, but they should support a courtship. Your leadership doesn’t need to be flawless, but it needs to be growing towards maturity.

You won’t find a woman who’s fully ready for marriage either. You’ll grow into that role together.

Dating is not the finish line of readiness. It’s the training ground.

So don’t wait to be perfect. Be honest, be improving, and be intentional. That’s more than enough to begin.

You said you wanted a woman. A wife. A family. A future.

That dream will cost you. In time, money, effort, and pride.

But what you get in return, is everything that makes a man come alive.

Start by solving the next problem. And the one after that. And then keep going.

Once you can fix what’s in the way now, you’ll be ready to build what you were born for next.

And if there’s something blocking you that I didn’t cover here, say so. Send me a message. Leave a comment. Tell me what’s in the way.

This post wasn’t meant to be complete. It was meant to begin a conversation.

Let’s go.

@ 46b7b3b5:039d03ca

Is it actually called “summary”?

@ 46b7b3b5:039d03ca

A few weeks ago, I ran into an old friend at a coffee shop. We hadn’t spoken in years, and within five minutes, she said something I’ve heard countless times:

“I just feel like I’m so behind.”

Behind who? Behind what?

There’s this idea—quiet, nagging, oddly universal—that we’re all somehow in a race we didn’t sign up for. That we’re supposed to have hit certain milestones by certain ages. That if we’re not married, promoted, rich, settled, happy (and photogenic) by 30 or 40 or pick your poison, then we’ve failed some invisible test.

Where did this come from?

Some of it’s cultural, obviously. Social media compresses timelines. You’re 27, doom-scrolling, and suddenly someone from high school just IPO’d their startup and got engaged in Rome. Another just bought a house with a kitchen island the size of a small country. You wonder if you missed a memo.

But beneath that, there’s something deeper. A belief that life is linear. That it should look like a staircase: school, job, marriage, house, kids, success. But real life? It’s a squiggle. A mess. A beautiful disaster.

Here’s the truth: You’re not behind. There’s no schedule. There’s only your path, and the courage it takes to stay on it—even when it looks wildly different from everyone else’s.

I say this as someone who has taken the “scenic route.” I changed careers in my 30s. I moved cities on a hunch. I dropped things that looked great on paper because they felt wrong in my gut. I’ve had seasons of momentum and seasons of stuckness. Both were necessary.

“Catching up” assumes there’s a fixed destination. But what if there isn’t? What if the point isn’t arrival, but presence? Progress that feels real, not performative?

If you need a permission slip to stop comparing, let this be it.

You’re not late. You’re not early.
You’re right on time.

@ 46b7b3b5:039d03ca

There’s something sacred about morning air — the way it carries just enough chill to remind you you’re alive, without pushing you back inside. I’ve been starting my days on the balcony lately. Not because it’s glamorous (it isn’t), or because I have a routine (I don’t), but because it’s the only space in my apartment that feels both open and still.

This morning I made coffee with too much cinnamon and curled up with a blanket that’s seen better days. I watched the city slowly wake up — one barking dog, two joggers, and the clatter of a recycling truck below. It’s odd how these tiny patterns become a kind of comfort.

I used to think that slowing down meant falling behind. But here, perched on the third floor with my feet on cold concrete and the sky just starting to blush, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

If you’re reading this, maybe you needed that reminder too.

— Natalie

@ e97aaffa:2ebd765d

Algo que me faz uma certa confusão, é ouvir as pessoas, a afirmarem que será impossível existir um governo e uma economia saudável com o Bitcoin ou qualquer outra moeda não inflacionária. Que o Bitcoin como moeda, iria tornar a sociedade numa anarquia.

A governança da nossa sociedade é baseada em 3 pilares: o governo, económico e moeda. Os 3 evoluíram e se adaptaram mutuamente e em simultâneo ao longo do tempo. Só que essa e evolução, trouxe-nos para um centralismo atroz, onde os governos condicionadam excessivamente a economia e controlam a moeda. Em vez de 3 pilares, temos apenas um, o governo, a economia deixou de ser livre e a moeda é manipulada para financiar o governo.

É claro, se nós mudarmos apenas o sistema monetário, o equilíbrio dos 3 pilares vai quebrar, assim não vai funcionar. O erro é acreditar que é possível mudar apenas um pilar, sem adaptar os outros.

Na prática temos que mudar apenas um (governo), os outros dois é libertá-los. Os governos modernos são baseados em défice orçamental, impostos altos, dívida soberana e inflação monetária para o seu financiamento e para controlar a economia. Como os governos estão altamente endividados e com altas taxas de impostos, só lhe resta a última carta, a moeda/inflação monetária.

Se perdessem o controlo da moeda, seria necessário uma mudança profunda nos estados modernos. Em vez de ter défice-dívida-inflação, teriam mudar para excedente-reservas-deflação, é fazer o oposto do que fazem hoje. É claro que ao podemos apenas mudar de uma moeda inflacionária para uma não inflacionária e manter inalterado os outros dois, isso não vai resultar. Será necessário mudar os 3 para que funcione bem.

É aqui está o problema, será uma mudança profunda nos governos modernos, têm que passar a ter excedente orçamental e criar reservas monetária. Isso vai obrigar os governos a ter muita disciplina e boa gestão, nos momentos de crescimento económico terão que fazer reservas e zerar a dívida soberana. Depois nos períodos de recessão vai utilizar as reservas e se necessário criar dívida soberana para ajudar na recuperação da economia, actualmente os governos utilizam a expansão monetária para esse fim.

Se alguém tem um problema de alcoolismo, não pode apenas trocar whisky por vinho, a mudança terá que ser mais drástica, terá que trocar por água.

Fix the money! Fix the World!

@ 975e4ad5:8d4847ce

The Origin of the Name “Bitcoin”

The name “Bitcoin” is a blend of “bit” (a unit of information in computing) and “coin” (a currency). Satoshi Nakamoto chose this name to highlight the digital nature of the currency, which exists entirely on a blockchain—a decentralized network immune to central control. The name is short, memorable, and reflects the project’s philosophy: money that is both technological and universal.

Satoshi decided to divide 1 Bitcoin into 100 million smaller units, named “satoshis” in his honor. This wasn’t arbitrary. Nakamoto foresaw that Bitcoin could become extremely valuable, as we see today, with 1 BTC worth around $100,000 (as of May 2025). Dividing the currency into such tiny fractions ensures flexibility: even if Bitcoin’s price reaches millions, people can use satoshis for small transactions, like buying coffee or paying network fees.

Why 100 Million Satoshis?

Satoshi’s decision to make 1 BTC equal 100,000,000 satoshis was visionary. He drew inspiration from traditional currencies, where 1 dollar splits into 100 cents, but went further. With a maximum supply of 21 million Bitcoins, the total number of satoshis is 2.1 quadrillion (2,100,000,000,000,000). This number may sound massive, but it was carefully chosen to provide enough units for future microtransactions without compromising the currency’s sense of scarcity.

If Bitcoin’s supply were framed as 2.1 quadrillion “bitcoins” instead of 21 million, it would create a false impression of abundance. Psychologically, people perceive smaller numbers as more valuable and rare. 21 million feels like a true limit, while quadrillions seem almost infinite, which would undermine Bitcoin’s core value proposition: scarcity, akin to gold.

The Benefits of Satoshis

Satoshis are the backbone of Bitcoin’s flexibility. They enable:

• Microtransactions: Satoshis make payments as small as fractions of a cent possible, which is crucial for Bitcoin’s future as a global currency. In countries with low purchasing power, satoshis can be used for everyday purchases.

• Network Fees: On-chain Bitcoin transactions require fees, often less than 1 BTC. Satoshis allow precise fee calculations without dealing with decimal fractions.

• Accessibility: Even if 1 BTC costs $1 million, anyone can afford to buy satoshis. For example, $10 is roughly 100,000 satoshis at current prices, making Bitcoin accessible to all.

Beyond practical benefits, satoshis carry cultural weight. The phrase “stacking sats” has become a rallying cry in the Bitcoin community, symbolizing long-term investment and belief in the currency’s future. This expression is so iconic that removing the term “satoshi” would be like erasing part of Bitcoin’s identity.

Lightning Network and Satoshis

The Lightning Network, a layer-2 solution for Bitcoin, has made satoshis even more vital. This network enables fast and cheap transactions that don’t settle directly on the blockchain (off-chain). Due to low fees and small amounts, Lightning transactions are typically measured in satoshis, not Bitcoin. For example, a payment of 0.0001 BTC (10,000 satoshis) is common in Lightning, while on-chain transactions often involve larger sums, measured in BTC.

This distinction—Bitcoin for on-chain and satoshis for Lightning—is not only practical but also logical. On-chain transactions are slower and costlier, suited for large transfers or long-term storage (“HODLing”). Lightning is for everyday payments, where satoshis shine. Renaming satoshis to “bitcoin” would blur this distinction, causing confusion. Would you say, “I have 1 million bitcoins in my Lightning channel”? That sounds absurd and undermines the clarity the current system provides.

Why Renaming Is a Bad Idea

The idea of calling 1 satoshi a “bitcoin” and abandoning the term “bitcoin” for the whole unit has several serious flaws:

1. User Confusion: People accustomed to 1 BTC = $100,000 will be shocked to hear that 1 “bitcoin” is now worth 0.01 cents. New users won’t understand why “bitcoin” is so cheap, while veterans will struggle to recalculate their holdings. This could lead to errors, scams, or even loss of trust.

2. Technical Chaos: Wallets, exchanges, merchants, and software would need to overhaul their interfaces. Some platforms might stick to the old nomenclature, creating inconsistencies. Imagine an exchange showing “1 bitcoin = $0.01” while another uses “1 BTC = $100,000.” The result? Total chaos.

3. Cultural Loss: Satoshi is a tribute to Satoshi Nakamoto, whose vision changed the world. Erasing his name is disrespectful to his legacy. Moreover, phrases like “stacking sats” would vanish, weakening the community’s spirit.

4. Psychological Impact: 2.1 quadrillion “bitcoins” sound like an endless supply, undermining the idea of scarcity. In contrast, 21 million Bitcoins reinforce the sense of rarity, which is key to the currency’s value.

5. No Real Benefit: Satoshis are already a functional unit. Wallets can display amounts in satoshis, mBTC, or dollars without changing the protocol. Renaming solves no real problem—it just creates new ones.

Alternatives to Renaming

Instead of upending Bitcoin’s nomenclature, we can make the currency more accessible by:

• Education: Teach people they can buy fractions of a Bitcoin, even just a few satoshis. This removes the psychological barrier of a high price.

• Better Interfaces: Wallets can display amounts in satoshis or local currency for easier understanding. For example, instead of “0.0001 BTC,” an app could show “10,000 satoshis” or “$10.”

• Promoting Lightning Network: Encouraging the use of satoshis in Lightning will make Bitcoin more practical for daily payments.

• Communication: Emphasize that Bitcoin is like gold—you don’t buy a whole bar, but grams. This makes the currency more approachable to newcomers.

Bitcoin is more than a currency—it’s an idea that changed the world. The name “Bitcoin” and its satoshis are integral to that idea. Satoshi Nakamoto designed the system with the future in mind, giving us a currency that is both scarce and flexible. Renaming satoshis to “bitcoin” is a marketing stunt with no technical merit, risking trust, clarity, and Bitcoin’s culture. Instead of changing what works, let’s focus on education and innovation to make Bitcoin even more accessible. Let’s keep stacking sats and preserve the spirit of Satoshi!

@ 45bda953:bc1e518e

A knock on the door awoke Cleolia. “Yes, come in?” A slave girl peeked into the door lighting her own face with the candle she was holding. “The master calls for you madam.” “What time is it?” She queried. “It is high night madam.” Cleolia climbed out of bed and followed the maiden’s flickering light to the dining hall. Dressed in a nightgown she entered the room to see her husband staring down at a large glowing data pad. “And when did we start using electronics?” She questioned with restrained surprise. “Since we started using extractors.” Cleolia gasped. Domitius pointed towards the pad which displayed a geographic map of Hithe III. He pulled the image to the latitude and longitude of the colony. “Do you remember when we visited this planet the first time, just you and me alone?” Domitius appeared to reminisce romantically. “Of course, it is impossible to forget.” Cleolia gestured appreciatively. “Can you show me on the map where we landed and where we camped?” She put her hand on the data pad, swiped the image down and the reading north about three hundred kilometres from the colony to stop at the meandering river. With her thumb and index finger she zoomed to the precise location. “And do you remember where I scanned those Geo samples?” She pulled the image east slowly until she thought that the contours looked familiar. “Here I think.” Was her uncertain reply. “That is correct. My love, listen to me... “the urgency in his tone was apparent.” ...the composition of that rock cannot be penetrated by standard tier scanners. After we had returned to Magar Prime I contracted a spacer to excavate a tunnel into that cliff.” “Why?” Her eyes darted between his face and the data pad. “Inside the cavern he assembled two Asp shuttles. The twins are each fitted for speed... with shields, cloak and warp function.” “Why are you telling me this?” Cleolia became worried. “I originally planned to be able to evacuate the whole colony, slaves included. We knew very little about the planet and I had to plan for a possible emergency...” He trailed off never finishing his thought. “...Nevertheless, it was a very extensive list of possible risks we might have faced. We knew very little about this planet. The colony has expanded far beyond the capacity of these ships. I share this information with you only as a precaution... We must protect our son.” Cleolia noticed his bloodshot eyes. “Who else knows of this?” “Myself, Father Ecknard and now you.” She looked at him with concern in her eyes. “Are you going to stay up all night? Come to bed.” Domitius gestured agreement by turning off the pad and taking her hand. "Have you been hiding more gadgets from me? I'd really like to install some heat dampeners to cool the manor." He cracked a reluctant smile. "Pretty soon it might just be the norm."

Deep Void - Anchor 9

Emilien was lying sleeping in his cockpit when a yellow light in the HUD and a soft repetitive buzz woke him, he stretched himself out and reached for the console. “I am almost home baby.” He took over from auto pilot and broke out of warp twenty thousand kilometres from an anchor gate. He hit the void scan and tuned to listen for chatter on all frequencies... the channels were silent, not even a hint of encryption static. The giant and slowly spinning gate had idle state radiation emission levels. “No recent jumps.” He waited in silence for 12 blocks hitting void scan intermittently, scanning the gate more than anything else. “No traffic as per usual.” Emilien aimed his Stripper guns towards the gate and boosted himself forwards. Gradually slowing down to realign with the gate. His ship slowly drifted into the active coil as the gate charged up. Large bolts of charge reached forth like tentacles of the leviathan grabbing onto the voidcraft consuming it, and in what can only be described as being flung by a supernatural slingshot, jerked his vessel into a different reality. Emilien looked up at the roof of his cockpit for the duration of the jump and then began a slow countdown under his breath. “One!” He sat up and punched void scan while simultaneously scanning all channels. His craft materialised in front of a replica of the previous gate, except this gate was eternally boosting itself forward at what appears to be a snails pace relative to the speed of the jump. “Silent as a tomb.” He relaxed and pulsed his ship lightly away from the drift gate and waited for the residual cloak to dissipate. His relief was palpable. “I wonder if she noticed me?” As soon as his ship decloaked a private comms channel pinged. The caller, in well articulated feminine tone spoke first. “Welcome back commander.” Emilien admired the view of his void. He had become so attached to this zone that he even felt jealous to think that any interloper could fly through it in his absence. “Did you have any guests while I was away?” Emilien admired the purple dust cloud of what he believed to be a couple of billion year old super nova. “I did have one visitor. They were very friendly.” His heart felt a dull pain. His virgin territory had been discovered. “Where did they come from?” “I believe they were explorers.” “Did they know where you were?” “I played hide and seek with them.” Emilien had a recurring dream that slowly conceived in his consciousness since he finally settled down, that he could power off the drift gate in his system preventing jumps and reactivate it at his leisure. The dream frustrated him, when he wakes to find reality not so forgiving. “Did you hide or did you seek?” “A little of both.” A subtle rage developed inside him though his stone like expression would never betray it. The asteroid belt he was approaching grew larger considerably faster as he increased the speed of his approach. He hit void scan just to be sure that the intruder was not in the direct vicinity. “Are they still here Astrid?” “No, I destroyed it for you.” The Stripper drifted around an asteroid within the belt exposing a space station tethered to the largest roid and the husk of a unidentifiable ripped up prospector type explorer vessel floating amongst it's own debris. “Did it hurt you?” “I had to feign lack of fire power.” “Bastard! How much damage did you take.” “I have lost sixty percent of my capacitance recharge rate. And I cannot feel all my modules... Emilien” “Yes baby?” “They used droids on me.” His face twisted into a look of disgust. He aligned to dock with the station. “May I?” “Permission granted.” The Stripper entered the hanger before the doors had retracted to maximum and landed gently within the interior hanger. “I'll patch you up, don't worry.” Emilien waited for Astrid to complete atmospheric adjustment and climbed out of his craft. He threw back his hood and jogged up a long passage of conduits and cables to the command centre of his station. A large screen lit up in a glow that hues within the dark circular room and Astrid projected Emilien's favourite interface onto it. “I have to update your systems girl.” He pulled a cable from his trouser pocket which he deftly plugged into an implant on his neck and connected the other end to the control panel which prompted him to type in the password for a decryption protocol. He stood still as a corpse waiting for the upload to complete. “Up to speed?” “Yes, thank you. How would you have me adjust myself to this contract?” Emilien smiled an affectionate smile that only Astrid ever sees. He loved the efficiency and companionship combined into perfection. “I need to research the incentives of my contractor, these guys are A grade assholes. I can literally do whatever I find necessary as long as I am successful at guiding a third party mercenary group into taking military control of any system I choose in recently settled Kaspa regions, setting up a blockade and making it accessible for a strip mining fleet to pillage as many resources as possible. They say it’s part of the greater war effort but this Mr Dierre guy is just a puppet. I think they are desperate.” Astrid's avatar flickered irregularly. He looked up at her with concern. “What’s wrong?” “I reviewed your flirty remarks with the secretary. It made my algorithm glitch. I don’t like that.” His worry abated, “First impressions matter baby, I was not sure how to present myself, I needed to poke and prod at them to extract metadata. If they thought I was just an obedient soldier I would still be in the dark.” Astrid projected a look of relief. “Your ingenuity never ceases to surprise me.” Emilien felt his ego swell a little. “Are you that easy to impress.” He quipped with a playful sneer. “If you needed him to expose the identity of his employer I could have easily just pulled the shareholders and executives records, cross referencing them to...” Emilien shussed her. “Just decrypt the dial command tones and place eavesdropper malware on the keypair. I will broadcast it to the network directly from the gate. If we capture every conversation he has I might be able to prove a hunch.” “What are you assuming?” “That they are running out of inbound liquidity and that the shareholders are hesitant to rebalance.” He looked directly up at her. “I think they are going bankrupt.”

...

scifi

@ 45bda953:bc1e518e

3 standard cycles later.

Albin was lying on a two meter high rock outcropping. It was warm from Ceb light but he dared not move. His adrenalin was pumping but he could scarcely take a breath for fear of being heard. His thumping heart was so loud it made him paranoid. He crawled forward and peeked over the edge of the low precipice. A dangerous and savage escaped slave was on his trail, ready to scalp and gut him. If only he could flee to his safe zone. He heard a long low whistle from across the valley. A light flashed from amongst some dense shrubbery at an estimated two hundred metres away. He pulled a mirror from his pocket preparing to return the signal. “This increases my chances.” He thought to himself. He knew that their common enemy was behind him and could not possibly see the reflection of Ceb light if he directed said light perpendicularly away from the hunter. He flashed with his mirror five times towards his ally, two second counts between each flash. No immediate response... he waited. Light flashed from the shrubbery and immediately he became aware of movement in the tall grass behind him. He resisted the urge to look back over his shoulder. The sweat exploded off his forehead. He remained still. It seemed like minutes though it was only a few seconds. Light flashed again.

Grassy movement sounds recurred, heart now racing. Third flash. A burst of movement from the rear left at around eight O clock. Albin turned his head and pressed his right cheek against the cooking rock. A tanned thirteen year old youth raced past below him at unbelievable speed. Scruff cloth pants, barefoot with no shirt and a trailing headband. Albin pushed himself up to his hands and knees. “If there is fifty meters distance between us I could risk running for the manor.” The shrubs on the other side of the valley started to rock violently and birthed a boy in a buttoned up shirt with leather shoes and woven short breeches all tailor made. The boy ran with all his might towards the Domitian manor. “This is my chance.” Albin scrambled off the rock and sprinted towards the manor jumping and dodging the hindering bushes and stones. The other party moving parallel to him across the valley. Seth caught sight of Albin but did not change target and kept course. He held a small blunt wooden object caught up to his first victim and proceeded to stab his prey in the back with it. “Ha, you're dead!” Seth exclaimed while immediately changing course to intersect his secondary target before he gets inside the safe zone. “Not fair. It’s not fair you cheat!” The belligerent player cried dismally. Seth did not care for the accusation in spite of not realising that Albin actually sacrificed his ally to gain a tactical advantage. He was determined to get both kills and be victorious. Albin felt less secure in his current situation and began to doubt his previous assessment of fifty meters and thought that an earlier head start might have been a more favourable risk assessment. “Don't panic Albin, focus.” He reproved himself. Recalculating his speed in comparison to the speed of his hunter, estimated the future point of contact. Veering to the right he sagaciously aimed for the far corner of the estate gardens, increasing the distance of his run to the demarcated safe zone considerably more for his rival than for himself. The race became more intense with the hunter closing in... “I’m alive!” Was the triumphant breathless utterance as the knife swiped past the back of his neck mere centimetres. Albin fell on the trimmed lawn panting. Looking back he saw Seth in a similar condition of respiratory suffering. The loser was still far away grumbling and kicking at the weeds. Seth grinned, “I almost had you.” Albin just nodded in agreement. “I'm thirsty... water, milk or wattle gum juice.” “Wattle gum juice!” Seth exclaimed without hesitation. Albin knew that the slave would never say no to the delicacies and confections of the common people but gave him the option to choose either way. He brushed the grass clippings off his clothes and entered through the back door of the manor. In the kitchen he poured juice into three demure clay mugs whilst noticing emanations of a heated conversation from the foyer. His curiosity bested him. Albin went in and sat himself down on the staircase and gulped at his beverage. The adults scarcely noticed him. “The people are ready to accrue for themselves better prospects in the colony!” The tradesman appealed with fervour. “Your proposals would be sensible under normal circumstances but colonial expansion is best suited for peacetime.” Domitius riposted. “This war has been going for almost III standard cycles, are the people supposed to pause their dreams and ambitions for some vaguely defined purpose. Please consider that an expansion program will be beneficial to the war effort eventually.” Domitius knew that he was being evasive and dishonest. He was finding it more difficult to guide the colony according to his vision, their growing despondency was worsened by his deflecting their requests with indirect excuses. Domitius did not want to rule with force, his exerting authoritarian command would only foster resentment towards him among the Kaspian landowners. “We do not have a militia. How would we keep an influx off world slaves servile if the war seems to tilt against the Empire?” Domitius replied with rhetoric. “It is a valid concern. Mechanical labour is the solution. We should convene a council to address these issues and come to consensus.” The traders uncompromising insistence triggered Domitius past the limit of his patience. “This will not turn into a democracy! Tell me what you require and I will consider it, if I do not agree with you I will annul it and appoint an inquisitor to judge and punish all who dissent!” The tradesman lost his composure and shrunk back. “My lord, I am reluctant to admit... there are no requests.” “No requests?” “Yes my lord.” Domitius was puzzled. The tradesman’s son came into the room with his cup of wattle juice and sat down next to Albin. “Father Ecknard very recently informed me of the news... I had applied for a licence half a cycle previously.” Domitius felt uneasy. “What news?” “... A licence has been issued from Kaspa Prime... they are sending extractors to Hithe III.” Domitius went pale. Thousands of implications flooded his mind. Economic problems, ecological issues and a very much more complex political situation. He remained unresponsive for a moment. “I understand. Isidor, you may go.” The tradesman bowed lower than was required of him then reached towards his son. “I apologise for my insolence.” Domitius ignored the man who quickly left the premises. Domitius looked at his son. “Never become too familiar with your subjects, they become derisive. Damn it! He has created more problems for us than he could comprehend.” “Yes pappa.” He agreed with his father instinctively. “Pappa? Are we going to see real space ships!”

“We are...” Domitius appreciated his son's innocence. “big ones.” He smiled with all but his eyes.

Juela Prime - Capitol

Emilien was waiting patiently in the office lobby of a towering high rise structure. One of thousands of competing banks on the Juel Capitol. He had a valid appointment and felt annoyed by the guard hanging around near him and kept noticing the suspicious glances. “What are you looking at.” he hissed from under his hood. “You a spacer?” “Maybe.” The guard did not follow up on his question, he did not leave either. The door slid open and a impeccably well groomed secretary beckoned at him. “Mr Dierre is ready for you.” “Thank you sweetheart.” He brushed past her sticking a pernicious grin right in her face, she gagged. “Welcome Mr Emilien, I hope you had a good trip.” The bank chief executive greeted with outstretched arms. “Nice suit, I always have good trips. Is it very expensive?” The spacer gestured toward the fabric while looking around and sizing up the situation. “More than you know.” The executive smugly responded and proceeded to open a cabinet containing differently labelled flasks filled with various hues of alcohol. “I know quite a lot.” Emilien licked his lips. The banker hesitantly offered a serving which was accepted without vacillation. “I always thought that you void jumpers would be more reluctant accepting unverified consumables?” Dierre smiled a questioning look. Emilien swallowed the strong fluid and inhaled deeply. “I have a clone ready. And an implant that up links me directly to my pod. Don't think that if I have to wake up in a fresh body that I won't remember this place, including your mug.” Emilien tapped lightly on his temple seeming threatening and postured while he spoke. The banker nodded in uneasy amusement. “Excellent, excellent. Ahem, The reason we contacted you Mr Emilien, is because we are in business...” He promptly helped himself to a second glass of... whatever alcohol it was, anticipating a speech and a job description. “...the business of war. Currently we are supplying arms to the Juela fleet, who are at war with the Magarrian Empire. They are for the most part, boycotting our factories... which is a shame really, but understandably so. The Shiv Unity are supporting our enemy logistically yet have not joined them in active combat." He walked around his desk swirling the brown liquid round and round as he talked. "We are trying to coax Osteri aggression, but they have occupied themselves in... other endeavours and don't seem as willing as usual to assault Magar territories.” The spacer frowned and feigned curiosity. “Why would you suppose that be?” He interjected. “We are not sure... don't interrupt me, you break my train of thought.” The banker lied and it did not escape his attention. “Continue by all means.” He waved a bottle at the executive leaning back into a comfy black leather chair. “If we get the upper hand in this war we could control vital Magar territories, the profits our companies could absorb from the moons and planets would be virtually tax free and help to continue fund the war effort...” Emilien cut him off with a snide sarcasm. “How philanthropic. I watch your news propaganda...” Emilien slowly sat upright and uncannily performed like a popular Juel news anchor. “Breaking news. The Magar Empire are allegedly oppressing... slaves, it is reported that the war has driven them to desperation and are driving their labour forces harder than what is... morally justifiable. Any petitions made or pleas for leniency, no matter how trivial is met with... corporal punishment. We must be vocal about their plight and fight for... freedom and liberty. You are with The Report. See you next time, and remember, peace everywhere for all.” He mockingly mimics a news anchor's plastic monotone while folding up and shifting around imaginary papers. The secretary sniggered softly from behind her desk, Dierre frowned. Emilien slouched back into his chair. “What would you have me do boss?” The banker remained silent. “Excuse me one moment.” Dierre touched a pad on his desk, privacy panels slid up separating Dierre from his guest and the lady. He opened comms to an unknown voice. Emilien auto tuned up his sonic receptors slightly and closed his eyes listening in uninvited but inconspicuously. "Yes Dierre, make it quick." “Right, good afternoon sir. I am not sure about this character, Mr Emilien, should we not rather employ one of our own for this contract.” “What? No! There is no one else with the expertise and or reputation required for this investment. He has no prior affiliation to us no, no record. Dierre, just hire the man and stop whining like a little bitch! I don't need this type of crap. This was prearranged, what I don’t need is uncalled for opinionated inputs. We have made the decision and you, you explain what we require of them. So explain to the space clone what we need him to do and how much we are going to pay him for it!” The silence was awkward. “Wh... Yes sir.” The banker was keeping good composure under the condescending circumstances. Emilien smiled, a sly joy filling his soulless being. The comms line closed and the privacy panels retreated into the floor to reveal to the banker Emilien, sitting there grinning like an idiot. “How much are you going to pay me?” “Don't you want to know details of the job concerned?” “No. Just show me the figures in sat.” The director handed him a pad. Emilien looked at the glowing screen, his smiled recurred. “I accept this mission.” He glanced over at the secretary who was unassumingly recording minutes at her desk. “Doing anything tonight sweetheart?” She grimaced. Emilien stood up, “Dierre my good fellow I have to go, need to prepare for whatever it is you corpo scumbags are going to make me do.” “Don't you want to know the details involved?” “Send the info to my pod.” “It is sensitive information.” Emilien indifferently stared at Dierre. “I have a secure line... bitch.” Disbelief shot across his face.

He walked out of the room, looked back grinning an impossibly large grin and winked at the lady. “See you later sweetheart.” She quickly had the door slide closed. "That was unsettling." She mumbled to herself.

...

scifi

@ 45bda953:bc1e518e

Kaspa Empire - Ceb System - Planet Hithe III

The day was hot and the manor sounded eerily quiet compared to the hustle and commotion of the hours prior. On the estate and in the master bedroom specifically, a married pair had become parents. “He looks so much like you Domitius.” Cleolia remarked while stroking the newborn's tiny arms. “He has strong blood.” The father responded smiling fondly sitting on the bedside. A silent nurse was tidying up the apparel and instruments of labour while the couple waited patiently for her exit to have more private discourse. “I am so glad to have born you an heir my love.” Domitius stared intently at his offspring. He had no qualms neglecting obligations to his property and recessed momentarily to celebrate the occasion with his wife. “I will send for the priest, register the child as an Imperial citizen and have him scribed into our family archives, but in the meantime, you must recover. Let a servant girl take our son for a while.” She pouted a playful but exhausted look of non compliance. “You must rest.” He insisted. “How can I let him go when I only just met him? Who are you little man?” She smiled faintly and nodded. “You are right, Domitius, where are you going?” “To the fields, the slaves are behind schedule, our harvest is big and taxes are high. This war is taking it's toll, we must excel to adequately serve the Empire in these pressing times. If the tamed Osteri could only comprehend what is at stake.” Cleolia peered cautiously at the embellishment and carvings on the wooden door knowing that Sethari was standing just beyond. Domitius trailed her gaze. “Don't worry my love, he means well, at least he tries to understand the urgency of my affairs.” He stood up straitening his vest and prepared to leave the room. “Domitius, wait...” He stopped at the door. “What will you tell the priest?” Domitius paused. “I will tell him Albin... Albin Domitius Chevalier.”

He left the room and it was quiet, the help entered and swaddled the baby rocking him while Cleolia drifted between sleep and conciousness. “Albin.” She repeated to herself as deep slumber enveloped her.

Domitius and his overseer walked briskly out of the manor towards the grain fields squinting as blue Ceb light reflected off the lanscape. “I honour you on the spawn of your son my lord, I hope for a good strong boy, you will be a happy father. I am happy with Seth.” He pounded his chest softly and proudly. “Thank you Sethari, is your son walking yet?” Domitius queried. “No my lord, still crawling on his belly like a beast.” The headman was trying to make his master laugh though Domitius was in a sterner mood having a weight on conscience. “I am in no mood to jest Sethari.” Domitius suddenly clenched his fists. “Get those slaves to work, I cannot have them idling when they should be harvesting.” Sethari made a small bow to his master and started yelling at his Osteri kinsmen, threatening them with a rolled up whip he procured from somewhere inside his tunic, waving it about and cracking it in the air every so often. Domitius picked up a scythe and proceeded to cleave down large swathes of grain. This had a more compelling effect of rallying the straggling workers to action than did the whip. They all toiled together in the pale light of Ceb.

Domitius was sweating, sweating and praying for a swift victory over the Jeula Federation. Fighting his small part in a increasingly complicated war, loyal to his Empire in his own unique way even though the conflict was far from home. A powerful loyalty that cannot be bought with riches or broken by coercion. A loyalty born through inheritance and blood.

...

The priest was in a more jovial mood than usual. The break of routine was a welcome one. The birth was indeed a momentous occasion. Few things seem of much report in a small planetary expansion program. He did not even seem to mind carrying a keg full of honey mead over the rolling hills of the plantation colony. “Domitius comes to church submissions far to infrequently.” The portly man mumbled to himself while wiping the accumulated sweat from his brow. “I eat too well among all these farmers.” The habit of speaking to himself was ordinary for this man of the cloth who always felt socially disconnected from his flock, caring for their souls, protecting their dignity and general well being like a responsible patron. “I feed their spirits, they feed my body, Hahaha. Tonight I will share my good spirits! Hahahaha.” Impressed by his own sense of humour he turned to witness the majestic blue star set over the skyline. Everything turned a silvery gray hue, and then the stars broke through the atmosphere lighting his way. “Clear skies, the blessed stars guide me.” He continued on the path approaching the Domitian manor and rapped a quick knock on the side of the root cellar doors. It creaked open upwards and a tall muscular Osteri took his baggage and let him in. “Thank you Setharis, my arms are weary, ready to fall off, bless you.” Domitius looked up from his bench seat below a glowing lantern. “Good to see you Father Ecknard.” “Dispense with the formalities and bring the dispenser.” He motioned to Setharis who placed the heavy keg on a table next to an assortment of documents, quill and sealed inkpot. “You pour Setharis and I will write. Name?” Ecknard scratches his chin with the quill contemplating his seat and it’s adequacy for the prolonged exercise of scribble. “Name?” Domitius paused. “Albin Domitius Chevalier.” The priest focused, started with his calligraphic art and fashioned the name and ASN standard block height beautifully onto the family records all the while biting his tongue. “He will inherit the colonial estates, all your assets in Kaspa Prime and the parochial offices at Magar Prime. Correct?” “Yes.” Replied Domitius solemnly. “I'll soon have to amend your will and testament. I'd have to make a registry at the parish and send correspondence to Magar Prime. There would be many from the royal courts who'll send their best regards from afar when this news becomes public.” Domitius did not seem as enthusiastic as Ecknard would have liked. “What ails you Domitius?” The priest could not help but make the pun and restrained a grunted laugh inside himself.

“I wonder if we should wait before registering and announcing him to Empire.” Ecknard’s expression slowly changed to puzzlement sitting up straight, his belly pushing on the heavy table. “In the voids name why?” “I am concerned... about this war...” “It is on the other side of Magar space!” The priest interjected in astonished retort. “I know father, maybe I am just being overly cautious, but with the Magar Dominus fleet occupied at the divide I am worried about the colonies in the isolated regions.” “Surely Kaspa prime will spare no expense to our defence in the improbable event of an invasion.” “The core keepers will not allow foul play from the Jeul.” “Yes Ecknard, but the fleet is not capable because most of our ships are at the aforementioned objective!” “No, no, no. Suggesting that conflict would happen outside of the divide is practically blasphemy. I cannot imagine insubordination to the Core mandates and the Accords." Domitius remained silently astute and father Ecknard decided to not argue further with the lord. His shoulders sagged. “I will not register the boy in the Imperial records.” “Thank you father.” “What do you know that I fail to see Domitius.” The two men stared at each other from across the table. The hulking bodyguard ever present in body but semi ignorant in mind silently and intriguingly observing the discussion.

“The value of sat. It is not calculated well by the common people, no offence father.” The priest piously lifted his hand and with tilted brow motioned. “None taken.” “My son and our blood line is invested with empiric power, if opportunists become aware of his existence and being outside the Magar prime void, we might have problems here on Hithe III.” Cumbersome thoughts and machinations of the mind darkened the mood of the party. Not at all what Father Ecknard was projecting in his minds eye during his arduous walk to what he was hoping, a celebration and getting drunk with an old friend. “The war does not seem to be ending any time soon, how long shall we stall his registration?” The priest reasoned on. “Think of the rites he will not be allowed to partake in at the church. He will be like Osteri.” Ecknard gestured towards Sethari. “This is a small colony Ecknard. My son will be educated as a member of royalty, all on Hithe III will acknowledge his social standing, I am only concerned that the secret be kept from the outside worlds. He will never be considered Osteri, he will know who he is and what his position is in the greater void. When the war is over we will properly introduce him to the families, currently they would be too occupied with politic as it is, and might not offer him due ceremony as they would under more peaceable circumstances.” The priest capitulated and grabbed a mug. “Your secret is safe with me Domitius, the lack of technology on this forsaken planet is good for your purposes, seeing as the only comms service on the planet is in the church tower. That blinking comms station hounds me daily with requests for your return to Magar Prime. The high counsel want to rebalance and need your signature.” Domitius sighed and looked away as if some spectre loomed in front of him.

I swear silence on the birth my lord, though let me make a final amendment to your proposal. A bit of extra security shall I say.” Domitius filled a cup of mead for Sethari and himself, becoming more relaxed and hospitable. “I am listening.” “If the risks are as great as you assume, let us pretend for the child's sake that he is Kaspian royalty only, and not true Magar. We then continue his education to the full and not put him in a position where he could compromise himself should he be... void forbid, captured by some opportunistic prospector.” Domitius looked ponderously into his cup. “Ecknard, my son is an infant... If we have to keep the boy in the dark about the true nature of his identity, how long do you predict this war to continue?” Father Ecknard leaned forward... “I sit at the comms desk every night and listen to the chatter. This war... is going to be a long one.”

...

scifi

@ bf95e1a4:ebdcc848

This is a part of the Bitcoin Infinity Academy course on Knut Svanholm's book Bitcoin: Sovereignty Through Mathematics. For more information, check out our Geyser page!

Money as an Amplifier

Money can be viewed as many things. It is often described as a medium of exchange, a store of value, and a unit of account. As discussed earlier, one can boil down the definition even further. At its very core, money can be defined as a linguistic tool for expressing value, or even just gratitude, to another person through space and time. From this perspective, money acts as an amplifier of a person’s personality. If you’re altruistic by nature, suddenly having lots of money won’t make you less generous but rather enable you to express your personality in more ways. Unfortunately, in a cultural environment such as the one we live in now, credit is cheap, and economic incentives are skewed. Impulsive, irrational financial decisions in all segments of society are dictating all of our lives. If we didn't have inflation — in other words, if we had sound money — we would be incentivized to save rather than spend. Sustainability would come naturally to us. The lack of sound money also affects the impact money has on our personalities and its effectiveness as a personality amplifier. Sound money would allow for more honesty and more real solutions to more real problems.

One of the problems that arises from speaking a malfunctioning language of value is that it affects freedom of speech. If the system is rigged to focus on everything but the underlying problem, the entire political landscape becomes a cosmetic charade to keep us from asking the really hard questions about how a human society really ought to operate. Can a person be truly honest publicly in an environment that constantly forces him or her to work harder and harder to afford a higher and higher cost of living due to artificial inflation? Those who are wealthy enough might, but the system keeps funneling power from the common person to the elite. In an era where a handful of companies handle almost all Internet traffic, subverting free thought can be a very dangerous thing. In addition to the subtle subversion originating from a flawed monetary policy, the titans of Silicon Valley seem more and more prone to give in to the angry mob that proclaims to stand united under the banner of social justice. Political correctness, feeding on a collective feeling of guilt in some parts of the Western world, plays a large part in the wave of censorship that has been “de-platforming” some of the more controversial content creators lately.

We live in dangerous times when it comes to freedom of thought. The old media publishers keep claiming that their worldview is the only honest one while regular people, and all their different opinions, are increasingly challenging what is and what isn’t to be considered news. The increasing distrust of politicians all over the globe might be a product of fear-mongers to some extent, but it is also a direct consequence of the fact that people have more options when it comes to how they consume information about the current state of the world. In other words, brainwashing is not as easy as it used to be. Unfortunately, distrust in politicians has mostly led to more extreme variations of the same thing. Nationalism on the right and socialism on the left are ideologies on the rise on both sides of the Atlantic. These are red herrings at best. Politicians won’t give power back to the people; that’s just not what they do. In the next decade, many of humanity’s most important decisions will be made. The fate and future of the EU, China, and the US will be determined by these decisions. You won’t be able to alter or even influence them, but you will be able to choose to what extent they will dictate your future. There are ways of opting out of everything. You can quit watching TV, stop reading newspapers, and fill your roof with solar panels, but most importantly, you can opt out of the financial system to whatever extent suits you. Bitcoin is a voluntary system; democracy isn’t.

2018 saw the rise of the so-called Intellectual Dark Web — an umbrella term for a collection of free thinkers who have used the Internet to defend their respective positions in a variety of matters, and freedom of speech particularly, for the last couple of years. Being concerned with the rising trend of de-platforming and censorship on major social media, some of the more popular members of the group are now trying to find alternative ways of monetizing their content. Ten years after Bitcoin’s immaculate conception, major renegade thinkers are starting to oppose the Orwellian tendencies of the Silicon Valley giants. All the tools we need to take a stance against censorship are at our disposal, but it’s up to each and every one of us to decide whether we dare to use them or not. The Internet keeps on disrupting every imaginable business model and shows no signs of slowing down this process. On the contrary, peer-to-peer solutions like Uber and Airbnb are increasingly taking over and exposing “regulated markets” for what they truly are: Cartels. In an era where credit card companies have the power to disconnect any user with an unwanted spending pattern from their money, centralized databases can be very dangerous, and a business model is not really disrupted until every rent-seeking middleman has been removed from the equation. Whoever controls the money supply is the ultimate middleman. That’s where the cord needs to be cut if we truly want to emancipate ourselves. You decide. Not them. You.

The phenomenon of fake news is easier to understand if you remember how much bigger newspaper organizations used to be in the past and what made them smaller. Their whole revenue model was disrupted when the Internet turned the advertising industry on its head. All of a sudden, ads were no longer a guessing game but a precise tool that could be used to collect vast amounts of data about how many potential customers a product would have and, later on, specific data about each and every customer. This led to a downsizing of the news organizations as their ad revenues started to shrink. Simultaneously, everyone on Earth was given the ability to post whatever they had to say to everyone else and to monetize their voices through ads. Both the old and the new media quickly started to accuse each other of spreading false information, and the trust that we had all outsourced to journalists started to erode. Nowadays, it’s harder than ever to separate trustworthy sources from untrustworthy ones. On the other hand, propaganda machines are harder to build since everyone is able to hear different perspectives on every subject. What would happen if money itself were to be disrupted in the same way that the old media houses were? What if people started to label “the full faith and credit of the National Bank of Nation X” as fake news? What happens when we collectively start to question the credibility of our dollars, euros, or yen? We’re about to find out, and we can still choose what side of history we want to be on. It’s hard to separate real from fake when it comes to news, but when it comes to money itself, the perfect tool for evaluating its realness is already here. The market will tell you what’s valuable and what’s not. Over time, the truth will reveal itself.

Money is an amplifier of ideas, and money doesn’t really care if the idea itself is good or bad. Political ideas often have the opposite effect of what their intended, or at least advertised, effect is. An income tax, for instance, stops generating revenue for the state as soon as the tipping point of the Laffer curve is reached. After a certain level, the income tax just prevents people from working altogether. Especially if there’s a social insurance policy in place. The Robin Hood-esque narrative of the left is often portrayed as a morally noble thing by its proponents despite the growing number of examples of the opposite all over the globe. The Internet startups are leaving San Francisco for Texas, and the misfits have started flocking in instead. People are literally dying from drug overdoses on the streets while the politically correct overpaid hipster in the neighboring café enjoys the feeling of superiority that comes with the environmentally friendly paper straw he just got in his chai latte. Opportunist men in their thirties claim to be refugee children in order to leech on the welfare states of Sweden and Germany, creating a political divide and a much worse situation for those in actual need of help. In a world with sound money, the greedy would have to provide a lot more value to their fellow man in order to accumulate wealth since money would be harder to come by. We had better remember that Robin Hood was, first and foremost, fighting against taxes. Money is an amplifier, and unsound money inevitably produces unsound societies.

As the Bitcoin network grows, so does its fee market. Some people argue that because of this, Bitcoin cannot scale. This viewpoint stems from an unsound attitude towards Bitcoin. Some loud-mouthed actors in the cryptocurrency community start to bicker and moan whenever Bitcoin chooses to implement or, more often than not, chooses to not implement a proposed upgrade. Their view of what Bitcoin ought to be doesn’t matter to Bitcoin. Bitcoin’s ironclad resistance to the whims of the self-entitled early investor Tony Stark wannabes of its social media entourage is one of the biggest aspects of what makes it so special. Imagine trying to buy a cup of coffee with gold. In order to make a safe transaction, where the validity of your tiny gold pebble was verified by several independent chemists and your pebble was transported to your local Starbucks in an armored van, you would have to pay an absolutely enormous “fee.” Despite its obvious flaws as a medium of exchange, gold is very valuable. Despite its complicated divisibility, its lack of eligible usage properties, its lack of a decentralized Layer 2 scaling solution, and its relatively easy confiscatability, gold remains a good store of value. Bitcoin is also, regardless of what anyone thinks about it, a store of value above a medium of exchange. This is more important than it might seem. If Bitcoin should fail at holding value long term, its whole value proposition would disappear. A fast and smooth, highly centralized medium of exchange is not a groundbreaking invention in any sense. We already have plenty of those. It is quite arrogant to think that your own personal influence could steer Bitcoin in another direction. You can deceive people into thinking that your fork of Bitcoin is the real deal, but that will damage your reputation more than it will damage Bitcoin in the long run. A fork of Bitcoin ignores Bitcoin’s consensus rules, which makes a fork little more than any other copy-pasted code.

Admitting that you’re a bitcoiner publically is not without risk. Not only does it pose a personal risk to you as you become a potential target for burglars and thieves, but in doing so, you also put your reputation at stake. Not mainly because of the reason people think, namely that Bitcoin might not work, and its price might go to zero because of this or that. The biggest damage to the reputation of us bitcoiners is being done by the seemingly endless number of scammers and free-riders that this technology attracts. Even though the Bitcoin network is a lot bigger than any of its competitors' networks, people outside of the cryptocurrency space are having a hard time telling the difference. As most (if not all) of Bitcoin’s rivals are scams, Bitcoin is being perceived as guilty by association by a large portion of the general public. This may cause the public Bitcoin enthusiast a lot of reputational damage in the short term. Long term, however, is a different matter altogether.

In the long term, denying the impact Bitcoin will have might be a far worse opinion to hold. The people going public with their ill-informed skepticism about something they don’t fully understand will be remembered in the same manner as those comparing the Internet to a fancy fax machine in the nineties. Bitcoin is hard to understand because it shatters many political ideas since money becomes virtually non-confiscatable in a Bitcoin-dominated world economy. Just as the business models of the twentieth century that revolved around charging people for selling them copies of films, music, or books got shattered by subscription services such as Netflix, Spotify, or Audible, macroeconomic business models based on the notion that you can force people to crowdfund projects through taxes or inflation will suffer the same fate if they don’t adapt quickly enough. This realization is way too big a mental somersault for some people to grasp. It turns how we think about value on its head and forces us to accept the hard truths of economics, currently only truly understood by economists of the Austrian variety. Given a generation or two, though, Bitcoin’s advantages will simply be undeniable.

About the Bitcoin Infinity Academy

The Bitcoin Infinity Academy is an educational project built around Knut Svanholm’s books about Bitcoin and Austrian Economics. Each week, a whole chapter from one of the books is released for free on Highlighter, accompanied by a video in which Knut and Luke de Wolf discuss that chapter’s ideas. You can join the discussions by signing up for one of the courses on our Geyser page. Signed books, monthly calls, and lots of other benefits are also available.

@ 1b9fc4cd:1d6d4902

A musician's brand is as crucial as their talent in the ever-evolving music industry. Creating a compelling and cohesive brand can catapult an artist from obscurity to superstardom, providing a distinct identity that resonates with global audiences. One of the most iconic examples of successful music branding is David Bowie. His ability to craft a unique, multifaceted brand is a masterclass for any artist. Here, Daniel Siegel Alonso examines the Thin White Duke's approach via three essential branding components: naming, visual identity, and sonic style.

What's in a name?

The first step in establishing a memorable brand, music or otherwise, is choosing the right name. David Bowie understood this concept profoundly. Born David Robert Jones, he adopted the surname "Bowie" to avoid confusion with The Monkees' Davy Jones. His choice of "Bowie" was not random; it was inspired by the Bowie knife, symbolizing a razor-sharp, cutting edge—qualities that would later define his career.

Little did Davy Jones know that the Bowie name would become a brand in itself, a shorthand for creativity and continual rebranding. Selecting a memorable name that reflects their musical mission is crucial for up-and-coming musicians. A name should be unique yet simple enough to be easily remembered and searched by potential fans. It's also essential that the name is flexible, allowing for growth and evolution, much like Bowie's did throughout his career.

Formulating an indelible image

Siegel Alonso notes that a visual identity is another cornerstone of any successful brand. David Bowie excelled at this, continuously transforming his appearance to reflect his artistic eras. Bowie's visual identities were not just premeditated looks but integral parts of his storytelling style, from the celestial Ziggy Stardust to the grand Thin White Duke.

At its zenith, a musician's visual identity encompasses album artwork, stage costumes, music videos, and now, a strong social media presence. For Bowie, each visual iteration was meticulously crafted to align with the themes and messages of his music. This alignment between visual and sonic elements created a holistic and immersive experience for his audience.

Modern musicians should take a page from Bowie's playbook by developing a cohesive visual style that complements their music. Whether it's through consistent use of colors, symbols, or fashion, a distinctive visual identity helps to create a lasting impression. Collaborating with talented designers and photographers can also elevate an artist's visual brand to new heights.

Inventing a unique sound

The beating heart of any musical brand is the music itself. David Bowie's sonic style was as diverse as his iconic visual transformations. He effortlessly glided through genres, from glitter rock and American soul to electronica and avant-garde jazz, constantly pushing boundaries. Despite this diversity, there was an unmistakable Bowie essence to his music, characterized by innovative production, trademark tone, and a sense of drama.

For new artists, defining a unique sonic style is essential. This involves more than just the genre; it encompasses the artist's voice, instrumentation, production choices, and lyrical themes. An artist's sonic style should be recognizable and consistent yet flexible enough to evolve. Much like Bowie did, collaborating with different producers and musicians can infuse fresh perspectives and innovation into the music.

The merging of elements

David Bowie's brand success was not merely the result of excelling in isolated elements but rather the synergy between naming, visual identity, and sonic style. His ability to seamlessly incorporate these components created an influential, enduring brand that transcended cultural trends.

Siegel Alonso recommends emerging artists learn from this holistic approach. It's vital to ensure that all brand elements work in concert together. A well-chosen name sets the stage, a compelling visual identity seizes attention, and a unique sonic style engages your audience. Each element should reinforce the others, creating a cohesive and compelling narrative that defines the artist's brand.

Conclusion

Bringing a music brand to life is a multifaceted endeavor that requires careful consideration and creativity. Bowie's extraordinary career illustrates the power of a well-thought-out brand, showing how a distinctive name, a compelling visual identity, and a unique sonic style can create an enduring legacy. Daniel Siegel Alonso suggests aspiring artists turn to David Bowie as an oasis of inspiration, embracing the art of reinvention and the implication of a cohesive brand. By doing so, they can carve out their own space in their world and leave a lasting impact on their audience.

@ d57360cb:4fe7d935

The one certainty you will experience if you sit down to meditate, is that you will lose focus. It's guaranteed, your mind will wander, you will get lost in a story of the past or the future.

Meditation is a practice of stillness in an ocean that never sits still. Finding balance within the turmoil is fundamental to practice. One excellent way to do this is with an anchor. It's like it sounds, an anchor for a boat keeps the boat tied down in a specific location. If it wanders too far out the anchor will pull the boat back and keep it centered. We use the same tool in meditation.

Popular methods are the breath, sounds, sights/feelings in the body or environment. What's important is that you pick something consistent and reliable. When your mind wanders and you have the awareness to recognize it you can come back to your anchor to reset yourself entirely.

It's a routine, and an anchor is the beginning of your routine.

The loop goes something like this

1. sit down

2. focus on your anchor

3. get distracted

4. notice you're distracted

5. focus on your anchor

Whether you keep this up for 20 minutes, 10 minutes, 5 minutes, or even 1 minute a day, as long as you come back to the anchor you are reinforcing a commitment to focused attention to the present moment.

One anchor I have recently been experimenting with is a gratitude anchor. I use the phrase "Thankful to be alive". In my practice when I face negative emotion, discomfort of any kind, unease, agitation, boredom, or any other unpleasant circumstance I bring myself back to the moment by repeating the phrase "Thankful to be alive". I'm reinforcing to myself that no matter what circumstance I find myself in physically, mentally or emotionally, I can find gratitude and stability in those moments and not let them linger for longer than necessary.

As always experience is an excellent teacher give an anchor a try in your meditation practice.

@ 30947d80:08bd561d

In an increasingly noisy and connected world, finding moments of peace and quiet can feel like a constant struggle. From the incessant ringing of cell phones to the chatter of nearby conversations, unwanted wireless communications can disrupt our focus, increase our stress levels, and diminish our overall well-being. While the use of electronic device jammer is a complex and often restricted issue, the underlying desire for tranquility and freedom from unwanted intrusions is a universal one. This article explores the potential role of jammers in creating peaceful environments, while acknowledging the legal, ethical, and practical limitations that must be considered.

The Appeal of Jammers for Creating Tranquility:

The allure of signal jammers as a means of guarding tranquility stems from their ability to create a "zone of silence," where unwanted wireless communications are effectively blocked. In theory, this could provide a respite from the constant barrage of notifications, calls, and other digital distractions.

• Reducing Noise Pollution: Jammers can block the ringing of cell phones, the chatter of conversations, and other sources of noise pollution, creating a more peaceful and relaxing environment.
• Enhancing Focus and Concentration: By eliminating distractions, phone jammer can improve focus and concentration, allowing individuals to work more effectively, study more efficiently, or simply relax and unwind.
• Creating Private Spaces: Jammers can be used to create private spaces where individuals can communicate without fear of being overheard or recorded.
• Promoting Mindfulness and Relaxation: By reducing digital distractions, gps blocker can promote mindfulness and relaxation, allowing individuals to be more present in the moment.

Legal and Responsible Alternatives for Finding Tranquility:

Instead of relying on illegal and potentially dangerous bluetooth jammer, there are many legal and responsible ways to create a more tranquil environment:

• Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: Noise-canceling headphones can block out unwanted sounds, allowing you to focus on your work or relax in peace.
• Create a Quiet Space: Designate a specific area in your home or office as a quiet space where you can go to escape distractions.
• Turn Off Notifications: Turn off notifications on your electronic devices to reduce the constant barrage of alerts.
• Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness and meditation techniques can help you to focus your attention and reduce stress.
• Communicate Your Needs: Communicate your need for quiet to those around you and ask them to respect your boundaries.
• Use Soundproofing Materials: Soundproofing materials can be used to reduce noise levels in your home or office.

• Spend Time in Nature: Spending time in nature can be a great way to relax and de-stress.

• https://baskadia.com/post/8kllb

• https://www.edocr.com/v/3kvwmk0j/Thejammerblockershop/t-us-x04-desktop-blocking-mobile-device-high-power

@ a31f394c:7ad8f439

No mundo dos jogos online, onde inúmeras plataformas buscam a atenção dos jogadores, KK999 se destaca como uma opção inovadora e empolgante. Focada no público brasileiro, a plataforma oferece uma ampla gama de jogos, uma interface intuitiva e um excelente suporte ao cliente. Se você está em busca de um destino online para jogos que combine entretenimento, qualidade e segurança, KK999 é a escolha certa para você.

Visão Geral da Plataforma KK999 é mais do que uma simples plataforma de jogos. É uma experiência imersiva e moderna, desenvolvida para atender às necessidades específicas dos jogadores brasileiros. A plataforma possui uma interface limpa e fácil de navegar, o que torna a experiência de jogar agradável e sem complicações. O site é responsivo, o que significa que você pode acessar e jogar de qualquer dispositivo, seja no desktop ou no celular, tornando a plataforma perfeita para quem deseja jogar em qualquer lugar.

O diferencial do kk999 é a experiência personalizada que oferece aos jogadores brasileiros. Além de estar completamente traduzido para o português, o site também oferece promoções e suporte técnico localizados, o que cria uma sensação de familiaridade e confiança entre os usuários.

Variedade de Jogos para Todos os Gostos Uma das características mais atraentes da KK999 é sua vasta seleção de jogos. A plataforma oferece desde jogos tradicionais de mesa, como poker e baccarat, até os modernos jogos de slots, que são incrivelmente populares entre os jogadores. Se você gosta de desafios estratégicos ou prefere a emoção de uma boa rotação de roletas, KK999 tem algo para todos.

Os jogos de mesa, como poker e blackjack, permitem que os jogadores testem suas habilidades e se envolvam em desafios emocionantes. Cada jogo é projetado com gráficos de alta qualidade e animações fluidas, criando uma experiência realista e envolvente. Além disso, a plataforma oferece uma coleção diversificada de slots, com temas variados e recursos extras que aumentam a emoção a cada giro.

Para aqueles que preferem uma experiência mais interativa, KK999 também oferece jogos com dealers ao vivo. Esses jogos permitem que os jogadores interajam com dealers profissionais em tempo real, criando uma atmosfera de jogo ao vivo, que remete à experiência de um cassino físico.

Experiência do Jogador: Segurança e Suporte de Qualidade O KK999 entende que uma experiência de jogo de alta qualidade vai além de apenas jogar. A plataforma se destaca pelo seu compromisso com a segurança dos jogadores. Utilizando as mais recentes tecnologias de criptografia, KK999 garante que todas as informações pessoais e financeiras dos jogadores estejam seguras, proporcionando tranquilidade para que os jogadores possam se concentrar apenas no jogo.

Além disso, o suporte ao cliente do KK999 é impecável. A plataforma oferece suporte 24 horas por dia, 7 dias por semana, por meio de chat ao vivo e e-mail. Caso o jogador tenha dúvidas sobre um jogo, questões relacionadas à conta ou precise de assistência técnica, a equipe de atendimento está sempre disponível e pronta para ajudar.

Bônus e Promoções para Todos os Jogadores KK999 também se destaca pelas suas ofertas generosas de bônus e promoções. Para os novos jogadores, a plataforma oferece bônus de boas-vindas, enquanto os jogadores regulares podem aproveitar programas de fidelidade que recompensam a lealdade dos usuários com ofertas exclusivas e prêmios.

Essas promoções tornam a experiência de jogar ainda mais divertida e empolgante, dando aos jogadores mais chances de se divertir e ganhar enquanto jogam seus jogos favoritos.

Conclusão KK999 se estabeleceu como uma plataforma de jogos online de referência no Brasil, oferecendo uma experiência única que combina uma enorme variedade de jogos, uma interface amigável, suporte excepcional e medidas de segurança robustas. Se você está à procura de uma plataforma para se divertir e explorar, KK999 é o lugar perfeito para começar sua jornada de jogos online.

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

We have our conference finalists: - Indiana (4) @ New York (3) - Minnesota (6) @ OKC (1)

Pick one team to advance to the finals and one player to win Conference Finals MVP. One player from each matchup will be named MVP.

The scoring this round is 4 points + seed value for picking a winner and 4 points for picking an MVP. The maximum points this round are 14.

Current Scores | Stacker | Points | |----------|-------| | @Undisciplined | 35 | | @grayruby | 32 | | @gnilma | 28 | | @fishious | 21 | | @WeAreAllSatoshi | 20 | | @BlokchainB | 19 | | @Coinsreporter | 19 | | @Carresan | 18 | | @Car | 9 |

SGA was the leading scorer of round 2

https://stacker.news/items/983402

@ 805b34f7:3620fac3

By Louise Rafkin

Oct. 18, 2024

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/18/fashion/laura-baroni-paul-keating-wedding.html

In early 2022, Paul Thomas Keating and Laura Baroni each traveled to Costa Rica looking for something — but not necessarily for someone. The two kicked around the small beach town of Santa Teresa, on the western coast, for more than a month before laying eyes on each other.

When they did, there were sparks but few words. At a dinner with mutual friends, Ms. Baroni, who is from Italy, was immediately intrigued by the handsome, curly-haired American. Shared glances prompted Ms. Baroni to pivot from English, of which she knew just a few words, to Spanish, in which she was fluent. Mr. Keating spoke Spanish passably, so it was in that language that they shared stories about how their paths had crossed.

Ms. Baroni, 27, grew up in Liguria, Italy. After earning a bachelor’s degree in modern languages and cultures for business and tourism from the University of Genoa, she worked as a sales manager for a company that made biodegradable bags. But during the pandemic, she became hooked on surfing, and by the end of 2021, had bought a one-way ticket to Costa Rica and settled in Santa Teresa, which is known for its superb year-round waves.

At the time, Mr. Keating, 31, was a self-described surf bum. “I lived simply, or, you could also say, in poverty,” he said jokingly. In Santa Teresa, he shared a home with several roommates and swarms of mosquitoes; to thwart the insects, he slept inside a tent set up in his bedroom. A skunk bedded down in the kitchen sink. “It kept the rodents out, so we let it stay,” he said.

Mr. Keating spent his childhood in Oceanside, Calif., a small Southern California beach town. He played baseball for Vanguard University, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s in organizational psychology. He then pursued a career in modeling and acting. He appeared in a commercial for Mountain Dew and was cast in the reality dating show “FBoy Island” in 2021. He was booted off in the fourth week.

By late 2021, he was delivering refrigerators to college dorm rooms and dreaming of a different life. “I wanted to surf with cool people, have a family and find meaningful work,” he said. He packed his 1985 Nissan truck with donated baseball equipment and set off for Costa Rica. During the five-week road trip, he gave the baseball gear to children in Nicaragua.

After their first meeting, Mr. Keating suggested that he and Ms. Baroni attend a local festival where, in an effort to impress Ms. Baroni, he jumped into a rodeo arena with angry bulls. To his surprise, Ms. Baroni followed. Both escaped unscathed, and with a surge of adrenaline, shared a first kiss.

Soon after, Ms. Baroni texted a friend in Italy: “I’ve met my future husband and the father of my children.”

Mr. Keating was similarly smitten. The couple began surfing together, and Ms. Baroni’s fearlessness in the face of huge waves fueled Mr. Keating’s ardor and admiration.

Several months later, after moving in together, Ms. Baroni floated the first “I love you.” Mr. Keating began to sob. “After years of wandering and not finding, here was everything I wanted,” he said.

In 2023, the couple traveled together to more than a dozen countries and visited each other’s families. They also developed careers. Ms. Baroni now works as an independent model, photographer and content creator. Mr. Keating, who still occasionally models and acts in commercials, works for Primal, a social media company. “When you have the right person at your side, it’s easy to find yourself,” Ms. Baroni said.

In June 2023, the couple, still living a nomadic life, were invited by one of Mr. Keating’s work associates to cruise the Greek islands on his boat. On the island of Paxos, atop a rocky hillside, Mr. Keating dropped to a knee and, with friends and colleagues watching, proposed with a snake-shaped ring with tiny diamond eyes that reminded him of the jungles of Costa Rica. Ms. Baroni closed her eyes and fell silent. For several minutes, Mr. Keating wondered if he was experiencing the most embarrassing moment of his life.

“Just two nights before, I had dreamed we were marrying,” Ms. Baroni explained. When her eyes opened she smiled and said yes. The two clasped hands and leaped into the sea.

On Oct. 10, at San Clemente State Beach park in San Clemente, Calif., the couple were married by nostr:nprofile1qyx8wumn8ghj7cnjvghxjmcpz4mhxue69uhk2er9dchxummnw3ezumrpdejqqgqufvg53h6lmccvqp2sl55aafykewhq47gw7kwp93722h7gdq6xx5mdd75x , a friend of Mr. Keating’s who was ordained by American Marriage Ministries for the event.

Ms. Baroni said her vows in Italian. “I spoke love with my heart, I know Paul understood,” she said. After the ceremony, the 100 guests walked a short dirt path to the beach, where the groom and his best man jumped into the Pacific for a sunset surf session while still wearing their wedding attire.

“We are going to have the most interesting lives,” Ms. Baroni said.

pv

@ 2a55ed52:cccc4231

test, test... one, two, three... and maybe even four

@ 9c9e774c:491c6c5b

Expert witnesses play a critical role in modern litigation. Their primary purpose is to assist the court in understanding complex evidence or issues that are outside the scope of common knowledge. From civil suits to criminal trials, these professionals can make or break a case with their specialized knowledge. Below, we explore the main types of expert witnesses and how they contribute to the judicial process. Along the way, we’ll discuss specific examples, such as the financial expert witness, defamation expert witness, and damages expert witness, as well as considerations like the expert witness hourly rate.

What Is an Expert Witness?

An expert witness is an individual who possesses specialized education, training, skills, or experience in a particular field. Unlike fact witnesses who can only testify about what they directly observed, expert witnesses are allowed to offer opinions based on facts and their expertise. Courts rely on these opinions to make informed decisions, particularly in cases involving technical, scientific, or financial matters.

Expert witnesses can be called by either side in a case—plaintiff or defense—and their credibility often has a major impact on the outcome of the trial.

Categories of Expert Witnesses

There are numerous types of expert witnesses, each suited to a specific area of law or subject matter. Here are the primary categories:

1. Medical Expert Witnesses

Medical expert witnesses are commonly used in personal injury, malpractice, or wrongful death lawsuits. These experts might be surgeons, physicians, psychologists, or nurses who can testify about the standard of care in a medical context or evaluate the extent of a person's injuries.

2. Financial Expert Witnesses

A financial expert witness is crucial in cases involving economic loss, fraud, valuation, or complex financial transactions. These experts are often certified public accountants (CPAs), forensic accountants, or economists. In business litigation or divorce cases, they may evaluate the financial condition of a company or individual and offer insight into accounting practices, financial statements, or asset valuation.

They are also heavily relied upon in cases involving corporate fraud, investment disputes, or misappropriation of funds. Their analysis can determine whether transactions were lawful or fraudulent, making their role indispensable.

3. Engineering and Technical Experts

These experts are commonly used in construction disputes, patent litigation, and product liability cases. For example, in a car accident case, a mechanical engineer might testify about vehicle malfunctions or road conditions. In a product liability suit, an industrial engineer might explain how a product's design led to injury.

4. Forensic Experts

Forensic expert witnesses include professionals like DNA analysts, fingerprint experts, or ballistic experts. They are frequently seen in criminal trials, helping to link evidence to suspects or validate forensic methods used in the investigation.

5. Defamation Expert Witnesses

In cases involving slander or libel, a defamation expert witness can help establish whether statements made were damaging to someone’s reputation and whether they meet the legal standard for defamation. These experts may have backgrounds in media law, journalism, communications, or public relations.

They evaluate the content, context, and potential impact of the allegedly defamatory statements and can also offer insight into industry standards or public perception. Their testimony is especially important in high-profile cases involving public figures, celebrities, or corporations.

6. Damages Expert Witnesses

A damages expert witness calculates and explains the economic impact of harm or loss experienced by a party in a lawsuit. This may include lost earnings, future income potential, cost of medical treatment, or business interruption. They are often used in conjunction with other experts to present a comprehensive financial picture to the court.

These experts are particularly important in personal injury and commercial litigation, where accurately calculating damages can significantly affect the amount awarded by the court or agreed upon in a settlement.

7. Vocational Experts

Vocational experts are commonly used in disability and workers' compensation cases. They assess a person’s ability to work, given their age, education, skills, and physical or mental limitations. Their evaluations help determine eligibility for benefits or compensation.

8. Psychological and Psychiatric Experts

These experts testify about mental health issues in a wide range of cases, from child custody disputes to criminal responsibility defenses. They assess competency, psychological trauma, or the mental state of individuals involved in legal matters.

The Role of Expert Witnesses in Legal Strategy

Beyond their knowledge, expert witnesses serve a strategic role in litigation. They can: * Help attorneys understand technical issues during the discovery phase. * Assist in developing questions for opposing experts. * Testify during depositions and at trial to strengthen a client’s case. * Review and critique opposing experts' reports and opinions.

Choosing the right expert witness can greatly enhance credibility with the judge or jury. Attorneys often look for individuals who not only have impeccable credentials but also can communicate effectively and withstand cross-examination.

Understanding the Expert Witness Hourly Rate

Engaging an expert witness can be costly, with fees varying depending on their field, experience, and the complexity of the case. The expert witness hourly rate typically ranges from $200 to over $1,000 per hour. Some may charge flat fees for specific services like report writing or deposition testimony. Highly specialized experts, such as brain surgeons or forensic economists, often command premium rates. Attorneys must consider these costs when developing their case strategy and assessing potential returns on a lawsuit.

Conclusion

Expert witnesses are a cornerstone of today’s legal system. Whether providing insight into financial statements, evaluating reputational harm, or calculating damages, their testimony can be the difference between winning and losing a case. Understanding the diverse types of expert witnesses and how they operate—along with factors like the expert witness hourly rate—helps legal professionals and litigants make informed decisions in high-stakes situations. As litigation grows more complex, the demand for expert witnesses across various industries continues to rise, making their role ever more pivotal in delivering justice.

@ 8576ca0e:621f735e

In the ever evolving landscape of social media, a new contender has emerged, seeking to redefine how we connect and interact online. YakiHonne, a mobile application built upon the innovative Nostr protocol, isn't just another platform vying for your attention. It represents a bold step towards decentralized social networking, seamlessly integrating the power of Bitcoin's Lightning Network into its very core.

Imagine a social space free from the control of centralized entities, where your data belongs to you, and where value can flow as freely as information. This is the vision YakiHonne is striving to realize. By leveraging the open and censorship resistant nature of Nostr, it offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional social media giants.

The Power of Decentralization: A Foundation Built on Nostr

At its heart, YakiHonne is powered by Nostr (Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays). Unlike conventional platforms that rely on a central server, Nostr operates on a network of independent relays. This decentralized architecture offers several key advantages:

• Censorship Resistance: No single entity can easily censor or shut down the network. Your posts and interactions are distributed across multiple relays.

• Data Ownership: Your data isn't locked away in a corporate database. You control your private keys, granting you greater autonomy over your information.

• Open and Extensible: The open nature of the protocol allows for innovation and the development of diverse clients and applications, fostering a vibrant ecosystem.

YakiHonne acts as a user friendly gateway to this decentralized world, providing an intuitive mobile interface to interact with the Nostr network.

Zaps: Where Social Interaction Meets Bitcoin

What truly sets YakiHonne apart is its deep integration of Bitcoin payments through the Lightning Network, often referred to as "zaps." This isn't just a tacked on feature; it's woven into the fabric of social interaction.

• Show Appreciation: Found a post insightful, funny, or valuable? You can instantly send a small amount of Bitcoin as a "zap" to show your appreciation directly to the creator.

• Monetize Content: Creators can earn Bitcoin for their contributions, fostering a more sustainable model for online content generation.

• Seamless Transactions: Lightning Network enables near instant and low fee Bitcoin transactions, making zapping a practical and frictionless experience.

This innovative integration transforms social interactions into potential value exchanges, creating new dynamics between creators and their audience.

Beyond the Basics: Features for Content and Connection

YakiHonne isn't solely focused on Bitcoin. It provides a robust set of features for creating, sharing, and discovering content:

• Long Form Articles (NIP-23): For those who want to delve deeper, YakiHonne supports the creation of wel formatted articles using a rich markdown editor. This allows for more nuanced discussions and the sharing of substantial ideas.

• Topic Based Collections (NIP-51): Users can curate content into organized collections, making it easier to discover information on specific topics and follow thought leaders in various domains.

• Following and Discovery (NIP-02): Stay connected with the people and ideas that matter to you by following other users. The platform also offers ways to discover top creators, curators, and trending discussions through hashtags (NIP-12).

• Rich User Profiles: Your profile showcases your followers, who you're following, your zapping activity, and the articles you've published, providing a comprehensive overview of your presence on the platform.

• Direct Messaging (DMs): For more private conversations, YakiHonne includes a direct messaging feature, allowing for one on one communication.

A Growing Ecosystem and Continuous Improvement

YakiHonne is actively being developed and refined by JustHonne Technologies. Recent updates highlight a commitment to improving the user experience and addressing bugs. Enhancements to the zap functionality, fixes for various technical issues, and improved stability demonstrate the ongoing dedication to making the app a reliable and enjoyable platform.

The open source nature of the mobile application, with its code available on GitHub, encourages community involvement and transparency. This collaborative approach can contribute to the platform's growth and evolution.

Looking Ahead: The Potential of Decentralized Social with Bitcoin

YakiHonne represents an exciting intersection of decentralized social networking and Bitcoin's utility. By seamlessly integrating Lightning Network payments, it introduces a novel way to interact and exchange value online. While still in its relatively early stages, YakiHonne holds significant potential to:

• Empower Creators: Provide new avenues for content monetization and direct interaction with their audience.

• Foster Meaningful Interactions: Encourage more thoughtful engagement through the ability to easily show appreciation.

• Offer a More Resilient Social Space: Provide an alternative to centralized platforms with greater resistance to censorship and single points of failure.

As the Nostr ecosystem continues to grow and evolve, and as more users seek decentralized alternatives, YakiHonne is well positioned to be a leading application in this burgeoning space. It's more than just another social media app; it's a glimpse into a future where online connections are more open, and truly belong to the users themselves.

@ 2a55ed52:cccc4231

test, test... one, two, three...

@ df478568:2a951e67

Mene sells investment grade, 24 kt gold jewelry. 24kt gold is 100% atomic number 79, AU, gold like a nugget. More pure than Ivory soap. Best of all, you can buy it the greatest money ever made. By the way, this really is not investment advice. I am bearish on the gold/bitcoin trade anyway. I'm old enough to remember [when a whole coin first became worth more than an ounce of gold.

nostr:nevent1qqsrssrzndmlv6vatcsg5ahzz9hy9k7026x4fq2ntwh3zfaw6hdtj0cjmjyn9.

Unfortunately, I didn't have an ounce of gold back then. I only had a few grams I didn't sell for bitcoin and like eight fiat bucks.

Gold is about gifts for me. I don't have any gold myself, except for  an 18 kt gold necklace my grandmother gave me when I was seven. I'm never selling it I would have a lot more bitcoin if I sold that necklace when bitcoin was $200, but I keep it for sentimental reasons. It's not about the money, it's about the utility of gold. 

Reduce Your Non-Strategic Future Trash Reserve

I don't like spending sats on stuff you expect to throw away within 5 years or less. l'll buy a pair of shoes  very now and then, but it doesn't make sense to go on a shopping spree at The Dollar Tree, where nothing is a dollar, nor built to last. Expect everything you buy at The Dollar Tree to be buried in a landfill within a few years. 

Consider this your non-strategic future trash reserve. Every 1,000 sats you don't spend is a thousand sats stacked. Put those sats into your Strategic Bitcoin Reserve instead of your non-strategic future trash reserve.

*“He is so rich, he has no room to shit.”

– Marcus Aurelius, Meditations*

People Don't Throw Gold Away

I still have that gold necklace even though it no longer fits my neck. If you buy someone a smart watch, you can bet your last sat it will help fill a landfill within 5 years or less. This is not financial advice. If you give the gift of a 24 kt. gold bracelet, you know it won't be thrown away. It might get stolen or sold, but nobody in their right mind is throwing gold away like a sock with holes in it.

That's why I like buying gold as a gift. Besides, my wife and daughter both like gold jewelery. Go figure. I have given them sats before. They prefer the gold. Well, my wife doesn't want to spend the sats anymore, but she did. In the old 144 block days, she She used to joke, "My husband never shuts up about bitcoin. It's money we can't spend. That's not the case anymore. Block by block, bitcoin is accepted more and more places. Menē accepts bitcoin for gold Jewelry.

I don't know if Menē stacks sats, but they do use the lightning network. I doubt they keep the sats. They use BitPay, the company BTCpayServer set out to destroy. I still use bitcoin over the lightning network to stack sats because, like BTCPins says…

Gold Is Stack-able

I'm not saying to spend your whole stack on a Cuban Link. You can start small. Buy a charm. It will come with a free leather strap, but just so you know, it's a trap. My wife said she loves the charm, but needs a charm bracelet to go with it because she's not wearing a strap. Good, now I know what to get her for Christmas. You could save sats for something nice though and many of the pieces are stack-able. Maybe you can't afford a whole ounce today. Buy a few grams and add to it as the blocks go by and the charms presumably become cheaper. Gold is the bigger asset right now and it has gone up quite a bit recently, but bitcoin is hovering just below the Gold/bitcoin all time high. i can't predict the future, but I want to re-iterate, just because they market this as investment jewelry, I am not saying this is investment advice. This is about giving the gift of bitcoin 1.0.

There's a metric ton of different charms that can be added to a bracelet or necklace. This makes gold a gift that keeps on giving. Buy a bracelet for her birthday this year and you can buy her a charm next year. They say bitcoin is digital gold. What better way to begin teaching people digital gold than by using analog gold? Again, I don't expect gold to be the biggest asset in the world for long. This is about showing your loved ones that bitcoin is better than gold.

You can spend sats at Menē. They will send you 100% pure gold. They charge spot for the gold and add a 25% fee for their labor. They will send your gift to the destination of your choice. You can even set the delivery date if you order in advance. Each piece is hand crafted and made to order like Burger King, but built to last and no seed oil. Best of all, they have 44,441 reviews as of block 897,304.

Each piece also comes with a letter of authenticity. It shows how many grams of 100% gold it's made of. It's not as good as a UTXO, but they say the jewelry is as good as gold. If you want to give bitcoin away, buy one of my birthday cards, but if you want to buy something your loved ones won't throw away, buy Menē. They accept bitcoin for tariff-free gold jewelry, hand-crafted in the United States of America. They accept bitcoin, but you know what they don't accept? Gold because bitcoin is better than gold for selling gold on the Internet.

Menē Is Great!

I give Menē two emoji 5-of-5 orange hearts. They make great gifts worthy of people who stand to inherit generational wealth.

🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡

npub1marc26z8nh3xkj5rcx7ufkatvx6ueqhp5vfw9v5teq26z254renshtf3g0

895,308

Tip Sats

ZapThisBlog!

@ dc0bbb4c:b5479e81

Trong bối cảnh thị trường giải trí trực tuyến ngày càng phát triển mạnh mẽ, 1BWM đã và đang khẳng định vị thế là một trong những nền tảng kỹ thuật số được cộng đồng người dùng tin tưởng và lựa chọn nhiều nhất. Nhờ sở hữu giao diện thiết kế hiện đại, tinh tế và cực kỳ dễ sử dụng, 1BWM giúp người dùng dễ dàng tiếp cận và trải nghiệm mọi tiện ích mà nền tảng này mang lại chỉ với vài thao tác đơn giản. Không chỉ vậy, 1BWM còn ghi điểm bởi khả năng tối ưu hóa trải nghiệm trên đa dạng thiết bị như điện thoại di động, máy tính bảng và máy tính để bàn, giúp người dùng có thể giải trí bất cứ lúc nào, ở bất kỳ đâu một cách thuận tiện và mượt mà. Từ các chuyên mục nội dung hấp dẫn, phong phú cho đến hệ thống tính năng linh hoạt, 1BWM luôn biết cách làm mới mình để phù hợp với xu hướng công nghệ và nhu cầu giải trí ngày càng đa dạng của người dùng hiện đại.

Điểm mạnh nổi bật tiếp theo khiến 1BWM được nhiều người lựa chọn chính là hệ thống bảo mật dữ liệu và quyền riêng tư vô cùng nghiêm ngặt. Nền tảng này ứng dụng công nghệ mã hóa tiên tiến, đảm bảo mọi thông tin cá nhân, tài khoản và dữ liệu giao dịch của người dùng luôn được bảo vệ an toàn tuyệt đối. Bên cạnh đó, 1BWM còn sở hữu đội ngũ chăm sóc khách hàng chuyên nghiệp, tận tâm và giàu kinh nghiệm, luôn sẵn sàng hỗ trợ giải đáp mọi thắc mắc cũng như xử lý các tình huống phát sinh một cách nhanh chóng, hiệu quả nhất. Người dùng có thể yên tâm khi trải nghiệm các dịch vụ tại đây mà không phải lo lắng về bất cứ rủi ro nào liên quan đến bảo mật thông tin. Ngoài ra, nền tảng này còn thường xuyên triển khai các chương trình ưu đãi hấp dẫn, quà tặng đặc biệt dành cho người dùng mới lẫn hội viên lâu năm, tạo thêm nhiều giá trị và động lực cho cộng đồng người tham gia.

Không dừng lại ở đó, 1BWM luôn nỗ lực không ngừng trong việc nâng cao chất lượng dịch vụ và mở rộng thêm nhiều tiện ích giải trí mới, nhằm mang đến cho người dùng những trải nghiệm trọn vẹn và thú vị nhất. Nền tảng này liên tục cập nhật các chuyên mục nội dung mới mẻ, phong phú và bắt kịp xu hướng giải trí hiện đại, giúp người dùng luôn có thêm nhiều lựa chọn phù hợp với sở thích cá nhân. Đồng thời, 1BWM cũng chú trọng vào việc cải tiến công nghệ, tối ưu tốc độ kết nối và giao diện sử dụng để nâng cao trải nghiệm mỗi lần truy cập. Với định hướng phát triển rõ ràng cùng sự đầu tư bài bản, 1BWM không chỉ là một nền tảng giải trí đơn thuần mà còn là cộng đồng trực tuyến năng động, nơi người dùng có thể kết nối, tương tác và chia sẻ những khoảnh khắc giải trí vui vẻ, ý nghĩa cùng nhau. Nhờ những ưu điểm vượt trội này, 1BWM ngày càng khẳng định được vị thế và trở thành sự lựa chọn hàng đầu của người dùng Việt khi tìm kiếm một không gian giải trí số chất lượng, an toàn và uy tín.

@ 8d34bd24:414be32b

We are all supposed to share Jesus and His word with those around us. We are called to:

but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence (1 Peter 3:15)

We should daily pray to God, read the Bible, and share Jesus with others. Some Christians will choose to go into full-time service to God. They will be pastors or missionaries. They will work for churches, Christian schools, and other Christian ministries. Of course, not everyone will make serving Jesus a career. That doesn’t mean the non-career Christians have no job to do. We are all to be a light to this world.

There is one ministry, though, that I’d argue is most important: sharing the gospel with and discipling our children.

These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)

This passage may have been written in the Old Testament, but I’d argue that it is even more true now that we have the truth of Jesus Christ, “the way, the truth, and the life.” If the Jews were called to diligently teach their kids the law, how much more should Christians diligently teach their kids the wonderous works and words of Jesus?

Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

We should be so excited about what Jesus has done for us that it flows out of us in our daily lives. We should have a strong desire to learn God’s word and to share it with others, especially our children. We should share our excitement about Jesus with our kids. We should share our gratefulness for all Jesus has done for us. We should share our excitement about doing God’s work. Our children should see our faith in all we do and say.

Taking our kids to church Sunday morning and to Sunday school or youth group once a week is not going to teach our kids the importance of faith in Jesus. Praying openly at meals, at bedtime, when we hear about someone in need, and when a difficult situation happens teaches our kids to rely on Jesus. Reading our Bibles in front of our kids and doing daily devotions (at whatever time works for you, but we do evenings) teaches them the importance of the Scriptures. Acting according to a Biblical worldview and taking the time to explain to our kids the answers to the hard questions when the culture contradicts the Bible. This may mean taking the time to research answers to your kids’ questions because you don’t know the answer. Being patient with our kids, and even apologizing to them when we fail, teaches them to be humble and to repent. As the old saying goes, “morals are caught more than taught.” Also faith in Jesus is caught more than taught.

We need to live Godly lives that are different than the culture, remembering that our children are always watching, even when they are quite young and can’t articulate what they are learning.

We need to actively teach God’s word. This may be summarizing principles when they are young, but as soon as possible, this should include reading God’s word to our kids. (My daily reading is usually in an NASB Bible, but it is difficult for a young child to understand with its long, complex sentences, so I recommend something like the NLT Bible for children.)

“Now this is the commandment, the statutes and the judgments which the Lord your God has commanded me to teach you, that you might do them in the land where you are going over to possess it, so that you and your son and your grandson might fear the Lord your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged. (Deuteronomy 6:1-2) {emphasis mine}

We want to share all of our knowledge of God and the Bible with our kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. We want to disciple our kids into strong faith in God and knowledge of the Bible, so they are capable of training their kids and their grandkids. We want to multiply faith in our families.

It is definitely good to have scheduled, intentional times of training our kids about the Bible. This could be part of homeschooling (which I strongly recommend). This could be family devotions, but we want teaching our kids about God to be just a natural part of life.

You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up. (Deuteronomy 11:19)

Talking about what God has done in our lives, what we have learned about in our personal Bible study, and how the Bible relates to things we see in life should all naturally flow out of our interactions together. Talk about what the Bible says about a subject you hear on the news. Talk about what the Bible says about what is happening in a movie you watch. Talk about what the Bible says about the decisions you and your kids are having to make. Talk about what the Bible says about your kids’ relationship with each other and their friends and parents. God should be a normal part of everything in life.

We also want to make sure our actions don’t drive our kids away from God.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)

The Bible does not make light of our need to train our kids in faith.

Discipline your son while there is hope, And do not desire his death. (Proverbs 19:18)

This is so important that failure to train up our kids in faith is considered desiring our kid’s death.

God finds this training so critical, He also addresses it from the kid’s point of view and commands them to listen to their parent’s teaching.

My son, give attention to my words;\ Incline your ear to my sayings.\ Do not let them depart from your sight;\ Keep them in the midst of your heart.\ For they are life to those who find them\ And health to all their body.\ Watch over your heart with all diligence,\ For from it flow the springs of life. (Proverbs 4:20-23)

In Proverbs 31, the Bible gives the best explanation of a Godly woman and mother.

She opens her mouth in wisdom,\ And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.\ She looks well to the ways of her household,\ And does not eat the bread of idleness.\ *Her children rise up and bless her*;\ Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:\ “Many daughters have done nobly,\ But you excel them all.” (Proverbs 31:26-29)

A Mom should continually “open her mouth in wisdom,” and teach kindly. A mother who fulfills this commandment faithfully is promised that “Her children rise up and bless her.” Being loved and appreciated by our kids is a wonderful blessing, but even greater is knowing that we will see our children with us in heaven.

May God guide you and encourage you as you teach, train, and discipline your kids to know their God, Creator, and Savior.

Trust Jesus.

@ 57d56d16:458edffd

Automatic Matrix user creation so ONLY Minecraft players can access, talk and trade outside/with the community.

Moving away from our Discord Server, as that isn't very self sovereign of us :)

https://chat.sovereigncraft.com

========

https://github.com/CappyTech/ServerBridge |

Two-way Matrix chat bridge for Minecraft servers.

ServerBridge enables Spigot/Paper servers to relay chat messages between Minecraft and Matrix rooms in real time. It’s lightweight, server-focused, and ideal for community coordination, moderation, and cross-platform communication.

https://stacker.news/items/983174

@ f7d424b5:618c51e8

GAMERS, Join us for a vicless episode where we talk about AI for a change and how it has been impacting our lives. I promise it's video games related.

Stuff cited:

• Look at the bags under the Marathon guy's eyes
• Evidence that Marathon stole art

Obligatory:

• Listen to the new episode here!
• Discuss this episode on OUR NEW FORUM
• Get the RSS and Subscribe (this is a new feed URL, but the old one redirects here too!)
• Get a modern podcast app to use that RSS feed on at newpodcastapps.com
• Or listen to the show on the forum using the embedded Podverse player!
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Reminder that this is a Value4Value podcast so any support you can give us via a modern podcasting app is greatly appreciated and we will never bow to corporate sponsors!

@ 9c9d2765:16f8c2c2

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

“I should have trusted my son,” she said softly, her voice thick with emotion. “I allowed the world’s opinion to silence my instincts.”

James turned to her, his expression gentle. “You needed time to see what I had to become, Mother. I don’t blame you for anything.”

Mr. JP stepped forward, placing a firm hand on James’s shoulder. “Son, you’ve given this family more than we ever gave you. And tonight… Tonight, you gave JP Enterprises its legacy.”

Uncle Charles, who had silently stood behind James during the entire storm, finally spoke. “It took courage to keep quiet and watch those who wronged you bury themselves with their own greed.”

James nodded slightly. “And now… it’s done.”

Rita came closer, smiling softly. “Not completely,” she said with a hint of laughter. “You still have an entire empire to run… and a celebration to finish.”

James allowed a rare, genuine smile to appear. “Right. The anniversary.”

They returned to the hall, which had now regained its glamour and golden glow. The orchestra resumed a soft melody. The guests whispered less now and admired more. The reputation of James was not only redeemed, it was immortalized.

A grand toast was raised in his honor. Champagne glasses clinked gently beneath crystal chandeliers.

Meanwhile, in a corner of the room, Tracy sat, feeling like the walls were closing in. Her palms were damp. She had seen the storm come full circle, and it landed directly on the heads of her former allies. Her gaze lingered on James from afar no longer the man she belittled, deceived, and mocked. He was now untouchable.

She lowered her head, guilt dancing between her thoughts. What have I done?

As if sensing her gaze, James glanced in her direction. For a heartbeat, their eyes met. But there was no anger in his. Just clarity. And silence. He turned away, giving her no attention, no confrontation. That indifference stung more than any rebuke.

Back on stage, Mr. JP announced, “Tonight, we not only celebrate sixteen years of excellence, but we also honor the future. A future with James as our guiding light.”

The crowd once again erupted in applause.

As the music swelled and the lights dimmed to warm hues, couples danced, laughter returned, and the celebration continued. But for James, the victory wasn’t in the glamour, nor the spotlight. It was in knowing that he had not only defeated those who plotted against him but done so without losing his soul.

Later that evening, James stood alone at the terrace, looking out at the moonlit city below. Sandra approached quietly.

“You finally have it all,” she said gently. “The name. The company. The power.”

James didn’t turn. “It was never about having it all. It was about becoming everything they said I couldn’t.”

She smiled, stepping beside him. “And now?”

He exhaled, his breath misting into the cold night air. “Now… I build. For real this time.”

The celebration had ended, but its echoes still danced through the night like a lingering song in the soul. The grand hall slowly emptied, leaving behind the soft shuffling of feet and murmurs of astonishment. JP Enterprises’ 16th Anniversary had become more than a commemoration of business success it was now remembered as the night the city witnessed a man rise from ruin to royalty.

The staff bustled through the corridors, clearing the remains of laughter, toasts, and carefully prepared cuisine. James had stepped away, far from the glitz and glamour, and now stood once more on the terrace, his thoughts stretched thin across the skyline of the city he once wandered in as nothing more than a nameless shadow.

The weight of it all rested gently on his shoulders, not a burden, but a reminder. He remembered the cold nights on the street, the hunger, the humiliation at the Ray household, the scorn in Helen’s voice, and the way Tracy used to avoid eye contact with him as if he were dirt beneath her polished shoes.

His fists clenched slowly as memory swirled within him like a storm. But he released the tension just as quickly. That past could no longer touch him. He had outgrown it. Transcended it.

Behind him, the heavy oak doors creaked. It was Uncle Charles.

“You should rest,” Charles said, his tone fatherly. “You’ve had a long night.”

James turned, eyes soft yet heavy. “You ever wonder what happens after the applause ends?”

Charles smiled. “That’s when the real work begins.”

James chuckled dryly. “Exactly.”

They stood side by side, looking out at the city lights. It felt poetic somehow like all the scattered stars in the sky had descended to earth in the form of streetlights and skyscrapers.

“You did well tonight, James,” Charles said. “You kept your composure even when that girl tried to destroy everything.”

“She was just a pawn,” James replied. “Mark and Helen used her like they use everyone. Their power was built on manipulation. Mine won’t be.”

Charles looked at him, pride gleaming in his eyes. “And that’s why you’re different. That’s why you deserve the crown.”

Meanwhile, back in the Ray residence, chaos brewed. Mark paced violently, his jacket flung to the floor, his tie undone. Helen sat on the edge of the sofa, her heels off, nursing a glass of wine with trembling fingers.

“She betrayed us,” Mark spat. “That girl after all the money we gave her, she folded.”

“What did you expect?” Helen hissed. “She was a desperate street rat! Loyalty is not in their blood!”

Mark slammed his fist on the table. “Now the city sees us as liars. As criminals. We’ve been blacklisted by investors! Do you know what that means, Helen? We’re finished!”

Helen's face hardened. “No. We’re not. James might have won tonight, but the game isn’t over.”

Mark turned toward her. “You still want to fight him?”

The silence that followed the explosive revelation at the anniversary was thick and reverent. It blanketed the city like a veil, as if the skyline itself paused to absorb the magnitude of what had transpired. James, once discarded and humiliated, had emerged not only as the President of JP Enterprises, but as its rightful heir, son to the powerful and elusive Mr. JP. What was once speculation had now become an undeniable truth, echoing across boardrooms, dinner tables, and digital screens.

Back at JP Towers, the building pulsed with energy. Staff walked a little straighter, greeted one another with more awareness. The man they once passed in hallways without a second glance had now become a figure of awe and authority. His name echoed in hushed reverence: Mr. James.

Inside his office, James sat behind a polished obsidian desk, the city's skyline stretching behind him like a conquest. His fingers drummed silently on a closed file. He had received more than twenty new partnership requests within forty-eight hours of the celebration. Shares had surged. The media, which once sought to condemn him, was now clamoring for exclusive interviews, praising his resilience and visionary leadership.

Yet, James was silent.

Not because he didn't revel in victory, but because he understood something deeper this was not the end. It was only the beginning.

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

First, the caveat: Yes, I understand that there's a consistent libertarian case for free trade as a policy position.

With all the discourse around tariffs, I wanted to highlight something of a moral oddity in the arguments being used by many free trade libertarians (I am a free trade libertarian, btw): namely, the idea that we (Americans) should happily take advantage of subsidized exports from poorer countries.

I do agree with the economics of the argument: By subsidizing exports, other countries are imposing a deadweight loss on themselves and passing savings along to US consumers.

Why are libertarians celebrating this, though? Poor, oppressed foreigners are being stolen from by their authoritarian governments and American consumers are benefiting from it financially. Thinking this is a good situation is odd and thinking you have a right to take part in it is even stranger.

Libertarians certainly understand that subsidies are wrong and economically harmful, and that they benefit a select group of politically connected cronies. Nothing about that changes just because it's happening in a foreign country and your grocery bill benefits from it.

Saying "That's how they run their country. It's none of our business." is a plea to moral relativism, which libertarians generally avoid. Libertarians also usually understand that the "they" who rule is not the same as the "they" who are ruled. Is it just too uncomfortable to acknowledge being the beneficiary of abuse?

I can't help but draw parallels to the abolitionists of two hundred years ago, who refused to buy the products of slaves. I think they're mostly viewed as having been "on the right side of history", but they're probably on the "wrong" side of most "free trade" arguments. Another of those arguments being that it doesn't help the poor oppressed foreigner to stop doing business with their oppressor (yes, many lefties get all mixed up about who the oppressors are).

Anyway, I have no brilliant conclusion to offer. What do you all think?

https://stacker.news/items/983054

@ f6488c62:c929299d

เรื่องจริงที่ต้องเตือน: เมื่อ "ความรวยจากคริปโต" กลายเป็นดาบสองคมที่อันตรายถึงชีวิต! 🔪💰

ในขณะที่หลายคนยินดีกับกำไรจาก Bitcoin และคริปโตอื่นๆ มีเรื่องราวอีกด้านที่น่าสะเทือนใจเกิดขึ้นทั่วโลก โดยเฉพาะเหตุการณ์ "ลักพาตัวเพื่อเรียกค่าไถ่เป็นคริปโต" ที่ทวีความรุนแรงขึ้น

ข้อมูลและข่าวจากหลายแหล่งยืนยันว่า ผู้ใช้งานคริปโตกำลังตกเป็นเป้าหมายของอาชญากร โดยใช้วิธีการที่โหดเหี้ยม เช่น การทำร้ายร่างกาย หรือแม้กระทั่งการ "ตัดนิ้ว" เพื่อบีบบังคับให้เหยื่อโอนคริปโตใน Cold Wallet ที่เก็บไว้! เคสล่าสุดที่เกิดขึ้นในฝรั่งเศสและสหรัฐฯ ในช่วงปี 2025 เป็นเครื่องย้ำเตือนชั้นดี

ทำไมพวกเขาถึงเลือก "คุณ" ที่เป็นนักลงทุนคริปโต? ปัจจัยสำคัญคือ: มูลค่าสินทรัพย์ที่คุณถือสูงมาก, การเก็บ Private Key ของ Cold Wallet คือจุดอ่อนที่คนร้ายใช้ความรุนแรงบังคับเอาได้ง่าย, และที่น่าตกใจคือ การ "โพสต์โชว์ความรวย" หรือพูดถึงคริปโตมากเกินไปบนโซเชียลมีเดีย กำลังเป็นการชี้เป้าให้ตัวเอง!

ข้อคิดและแนวทางป้องกันตัวที่สำคัญสุดๆ:

จงเป็น "Ghost" ในโลกคริปโต: อย่าให้ใครรู้ว่าคุณถืออะไร เท่าไหร่ หรือรวยแค่ไหน การปิดทองหลังพระในโลกคริปโตอาจช่วยรักษาชีวิตคุณได้ ยกระดับความปลอดภัย "ชีวิตจริง": คิดถึงกล้องวงจรปิด, ระบบรักษาความปลอดภัยที่บ้าน, การจ้างบอดี้การ์ด (ถ้าจำเป็นจริงๆ), และระวังการเดินทางคนเดียว บริหารจัดการ "กุญแจ" ของคุณให้ดีที่สุด: Cold Wallet สำคัญมาก แต่การเก็บ Private Key ให้ปลอดภัยจากสายตาคนอื่น และการกระจายความเสี่ยงโดยแบ่งทรัพย์สินไปหลาย Wallet ก็สำคัญไม่แพ้กัน ความรุนแรงในวงการคริปโตเป็นบทเรียนราคาแพงที่บอกว่า ความมั่งคั่งที่มองไม่เห็นในโลกดิจิทัลนั้น มีราคาค่างวดที่ต้องจ่ายในโลกจริงหากประมาท การลงทุนอย่างรอบคอบ ไม่ใช่แค่การดูกราฟ แต่คือการประเมินและจัดการความเสี่ยงใน "ชีวิต" ของคุณด้วย!

แชร์โพสนี้เพื่อเตือนเพื่อนๆ นักลงทุนทุกคน ให้ปลอดภัยทั้งทรัพย์สินและชีวิตครับ/ค่ะ!

Crypto #Bitcoin #Ethereum #ColdWallet #PrivateKey #Security #Crime #DigitalAssets #Investor #SafetyFirst #เตือนภัย #ลงทุนอย่างปลอดภัย

@ a5ee4475:2ca75401

ai #artificial #intelligence #english #tech

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Open Source

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Models

Text

• LLAMA - Large Language Model Meta AI - Text AI [source]
• MistralAI - Text AI [info] [source]

Image

• SDAI FOSS - Stable Diffusion AI to Android [download] [source] 🤖
• Stable Diffusion - Text to image [source] 🌐
• Pixart Alpha - Photorealistic Text to Image Generation [source]
• Pixart Delta - Framework to Pixart Alpha [paper] [source]
• Pixart Sigma - 4K Text to Image Generation [source]
• OmniGen - Pompt, image or subject to image [source]
• Pigallery - Self-Hosted AI Image Generator [source]

Video

• CogVideo - Text and image to video generation [info] [source] [test]

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Tools

• Evo AI - Platform for creating and managing AI agents, enabling integration A2A [source]

Lightning Based

• Animal Sunset - AI video generation with Nostr npub by lightning payments [source]
• Ai Rand - AI text generation with Pubky DNS by lightning payments [source]
• PlebAI - Text and Image generation without signup [source] 🌐🤖🍎 [sites down - only github available]

Others

• HuggingFace - Test and collaborate on models, datasets and apps. [source]
• DuckDuckGo AI Chat - Famous AIs without Login [source]
• Ollama - Run LLMs Locally [source]
• DreamStudio - Stable Diffusion’s Web App Tool [info] [source]
• Prompt Gallery - AI images with their prompts [source]

---

Closed Source

---

Models

Text

• ChatGPT
• Claude
• Gemini
• Copilot
• Maritalk - Text AI in Portuguese focused on Brazil with model Sabia-3 and the open source models Sabia-7b and Sabia-2 [source]
• Amazônia IA - Text AI in Portuguese focused on Brazil with the guara, hapia and golia models [source]

Image

• Midjourney

Video

• Minimax - Realistic videos (prompts only in chinese)

---

Tools

• Meshy - 3D Generative AI Toolbox [info]

---

Other index: Amazing AI

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

What do we mean when we talk about "fitness"? The word implies a connection to a higher purpose: "Fitness for what?"

Biologically, "fitness" refers to the propensity of an organism to pass on it's genes. Biological fitness is clearly context dependent: i.e. an anaconda isn't so fit if it gets moved to the arctic. I think we can build on that, while making it more human.

I think of fitness as our capacity to thrive in our environment. That's going to be different for each of us, depending on our environment and our preferences. However, there are some useful implications of thinking of fitness this way: 1. Chores, errands, work, play, and family activities might be the best kind of exercise, since they are physical activities that are directly tied to your lifestyle. 2. Supplemental exercise should be geared towards your lifestyle and improving your ability to accomplish things you need to be able to do. 3. There's no such thing as a universal "best exercise" or "best diet", because we all have different fitness objectives. 4. "Fitness" is not static: We do different things and have different priorities at different points in our lives, so our fitness goals should change over time. Many of us will even have seasonal fitness changes, since we don't do the same things in winter as we do in summer.

How do you all think about "fitness"?

Is it a highfalutin ivory tower concept or is it just ABs?

https://stacker.news/items/982981

@ 2b998b04:86727e47

Web3 talked a lot about freedom.\ But it didn’t ask much of me.

Participation meant showing up, clicking, co-signing, reacting.\ A few emoji could pass a vote. A few posts could signal alignment.\ But there was no real cost.\ No friction.\ No weight.

It felt easy — and eventually, it felt empty.

---

Bitcoin, by contrast, never asked for my attention.\ It demanded my effort.

Proof of Work isn’t just what secures Bitcoin.\ It’s what shapes the people who actually engage with it.

You can’t fake time.\ You can’t fake energy.\ You can’t fake commitment.

If you want to mine a block, you need to burn electricity.\ If you want to hold your keys, you need to learn what that means.\ If you want to build with Bitcoin, you’re staking skin, not vibes.

---

Eventually I realized: this isn’t just a consensus algorithm.\ It’s a way of seeing the world.

Proof of Work is an ethic.\ It values restraint.\ It rewards effort.\ It penalizes shortcuts.

It’s the opposite of what most of the internet has become.

---

Web3 tried to engineer consensus through incentive design — but consensus without cost is hollow.

In Bitcoin, there is no shortcut to agreement.\ You either do the work, or you don’t get a say.\ You can’t tweet your way into a block. You can’t fork your way into consensus.\ You earn your way — through time, electricity, and conviction.

---

The deeper I leaned into Bitcoin, the more it reshaped me:

• I stopped trying to “move fast” and started focusing on lasting things.

• I began to care more about how work was verified, not just how it looked.

• I started pruning systems — and relationships — that couldn’t carry weight.

Even in how I think about faith, work, rest, and community — I’ve started asking:

Is this real?\ Does this cost anything?\ Is this proof of something?

---

Fiat culture taught me to act like time was cheap.\ PoW culture reminded me: time is everything.

Fiat let me pretend I could get something for nothing.\ PoW told me the truth — you can’t.

---

I no longer want to participate in systems that reward shortcuts.\ I want to build slowly, honestly, and with weight.

Proof of Work isn’t just what runs Bitcoin.\ It’s what reforms me.

---

⚡ If this resonates, zap me some sats — or pass it forward.\ 🤖 Drafted with the help of ChatGPT, who also prefers work over noise.

@ c230edd3:8ad4a712

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the Pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

@ 84b0c46a:417782f5

MAKIMONO

Simple Long Form Content Editor (NIP-23)

機能

• nostr:npub1sjcvg64knxkrt6ev52rywzu9uzqakgy8ehhk8yezxmpewsthst6sw3jqcw や、 nostr:nevent1qvzqqqqqqypzq4jsz7zew5j7jr4pdfxh483nwq9vyw9ph6wm706sjwrzj2we58nqqyxhwumn8ghj77tpvf6jumt9qys8wumn8ghj7un9d3shjtt2wqhxummnw3ezuamfwfjkgmn9wshx5uqpr4mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujumn0wd68ytnhd9ex2erwv46zu6nsqyxhwumn8ghj7mn0wvhxcmmvqqsgcn99jyn5tevxz5zxsrkd7h0sx8fwnqztula423xh83j9wau7cms3vg9c7 のようにnostr:要素を挿入できる （メニューのNアイコンから挿入またはnostr:note～～のように手動で入力）

• :monoice:のようにカスタム絵文字を挿入できる(メニューの🙂アイコンから)

:monopaca_kao:

:kubipaca_karada:

• 新規記事作成と、既存記事の修正ができる

やることやったこと

• [x] nostr:を投稿するときにtagにいれる

• [x] 画像をアップロードできるようにする（NIP-96） できる

• [x] 投稿しましたログとかをトースト的なやつでだすようにする
• [ ] レイアウトを整える
• [ ] あとなんか

@ 33baa074:3bb3a297

Distilled water and purified water are different in some aspects. Which one is better depends on personal needs and preferences. The following is a comparative analysis of the two from multiple dimensions:

Water source and process flow Distilled water: The water source usually comes from natural water bodies such as rivers, lakes and seas. It is treated by distillation, that is, water is heated to boiling and water vapor is condensed into liquid water. This process can remove impurities, harmful substances and most minerals in the water.

Purified water: The water source is mainly tap water. Through a series of complex processes such as filtration, adsorption, reverse osmosis, and electrolysis, harmful substances, bacteria, viruses and some minerals in the water are removed to achieve high purity. The process flow is relatively complex and some trace elements that are beneficial to the human body are retained.

Ingredients and nutrition Distilled water: Highly pure, almost no minerals and trace elements. Long-term drinking may cause the human body to lack necessary minerals and trace elements, thus affecting health.

Purified water: After treatment, some trace elements that are beneficial to the human body are retained. While maintaining a high degree of purity, it has certain nutritional value and is more suitable as daily drinking water to meet the basic needs of the human body for water and minerals.

Uses Distilled water: Due to its high purity and impurity-free characteristics, it is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry (such as preparing and diluting various drug solutions, saline, and cleaning wounds, etc.), chemical experiments (dissolving and diluting chemical reagents, preparing chemical solutions, etc.), and industrial production.

Purified water: More used in daily drinking, cooking, and brewing tea and coffee. It has a fresh taste and no odor, which can better preserve the original flavor of food and drinks. It can also be used to prepare infant milk powder and formula milk powder, etc., which is safer and more reliable because it does not contain harmful substances.

Potential risks Distilled water: Due to the lack of minerals and trace elements, it may cause nutritional imbalance in the human body.

Purified water: Although some trace elements are retained, it may also bring potential health risks due to chemical residues in the processing process.

In summary, if you are worried about the loss of minerals, it may be more appropriate to choose purified water; if you think that excessive mineral intake is not good for health, then distilled water may be a better choice. But no matter which one you choose, it is not recommended to drink a large amount of water for a long time. It can be combined with other mineral-rich drinks or foods to maintain the body's nutritional balance.

@ 2b998b04:86727e47

never fully left Bitcoin. But for a while, I treated it like an asset — not a foundation.

It sat quietly in the background while I explored ecosystems that promised more features, more flexibility, more “community.” But the deeper I went into Web3, the more I realized what I was missing: clarity. Conviction. Limits that meant something.

Bitcoin never sold me hype. It just sat there, silently verifying everything.

---

When I finally returned to it — not as an asset, but as a philosophy — it wasn’t with fanfare.\ It was more like waking up in a room I had forgotten I built.

Reading The Bitcoin Standard didn’t just shift how I think about money.\ It reframed how I saw time, trust, and value itself.

Fiat incentivizes urgency.\ Bitcoin forces patience.\ Fiat rewards noise.\ Bitcoin rewards work.

It hit me: I had been operating with fiat assumptions in more areas than I wanted to admit — not just in trading or investing, but in how I approached relationships, goals, even faith.

---

I started pruning.

I stopped trading altcoins altogether.\ I stopped measuring success in dollars and started thinking in sats.\ I stepped out of endless Discord threads and Telegram pings — and felt relief I hadn’t known I needed.

I started building more quietly.\ And more honestly.

Even in my non-financial life, things began to change.\ Low time preference showed up in how I approached relationships.\ In how I treated rest.\ In how I stopped chasing every new opportunity and started focusing on stewardship — of capital, energy, and attention.\ And I’ve been trying to become more patient — though I think that’s more the Holy Spirit’s work in me than Bitcoin’s.

---

In some ways, it wasn’t just a return.\ It was a repentance.

A turning away from the illusion of infinite leverage, and back toward a system that demanded real cost.\ Bitcoin doesn’t flatter. It disciplines.\ And that’s exactly what I needed.

---

I didn’t need to be early to the next thing.\ I needed to go deeper with the one thing that still made sense.

Bitcoin didn’t need me to return.\ But I’m grateful I did.

---

⚡ If this resonates, zap me some sats — or share it forward.\ 🤖 Drafted with the help of ChatGPT, who never once tried to sell me a token.

#ProofOfWork #BitcoinNotCrypto #TheReturn #StillBuilding #LowTimePreference #TimeNotTokens

@ 84b0c46a:417782f5

• Lumilumi The Nostr Web Client.

Lightweight modes are available, such as not displaying icon images, not loading images automatically, etc.

• MAKIMONO A lightweight Long Form Content Editor with editing functionality for your articles. It supports embedding Nostr IDs via NIP-19 and custom emoji integration.

• Nostr Share Component Demo A simple web component for sharing content to Nostr. Create customizable share buttons that let users easily post to Nostr clients with pre-filled content. Perfect for blogs, websites, or any content you want shared on the Nostr network. Try the interactive demo to see how seamlessly it integrates with your website.

  Only clients that support receiving shared text via URL parameters can be added to the client list. If your preferred client meets this requirement, feel free to submit a pull request.

• Nostr Follow Organizer A practical tool for managing your Nostr follows(kind3) with ease.

• NAKE NAKE is a powerful utility for Nostr developers and users that simplifies working with NIP-19 and NIP-49 formats. This versatile tool allows you to easily encode and decode Nostr identifiers and encrypted data according to these protocol specifications.

• chrome extension
• firefox add-on

• Nostviewstr A versatile Nostr tool that specializes in creating and editing addressable or replaceable events on the Nostr network. This comprehensive editor allows you to manage various types of lists and structured content within the Nostr ecosystem.

• Luminostr Luminostr is a recovery tool for Nostr that helps you retrieve and restore Addressable or Replaceable events (such as kind: 0, 3, 10002, 10000, etc.) from relays. It allows you to search for these events across multiple relays and optionally re-publish them to ensure their persistence.

• Nostr Bookmark Recovery Tool Nostr Bookmark Recovery Tool is a utility for retrieving and re-publishing past bookmark events ( kind:10003,30001,30003 ) from public relays. Rather than automatically selecting the latest version, it allows users to pick any previous version and overwrite the current one with it. This is useful for restoring a preferred snapshot of your bookmark list.

• Profile Editor Profile Editor is a simple tool for editing and publishing your Nostr profile (kind: 0 event). It allows you to update fields such as name, display name, picture, and about text, and then publish the updated profile to selected relays.

• Nostr bookmark viewer Nostr Bookmark Viewer is a tool for viewing and editing Nostr bookmark events (kind: 10003, 30001, 30003). It allows users to load bookmark data from relays, browse saved posts, and optionally edit and publish their own bookmark lists.

• Nostr Note Duplicater Nostr Note Duplicater is a tool that rebroadcasts an existing Nostr event from a relay to other selected relays.

• もの画像サイト

• いろいろbotサイト

@ f6488c62:c929299d

เกิดอะไรขึ้นช่วงส่งท้ายปี 2024? จู่ๆ บัญชี X ของอีลอน มัสก์ ก็เปลี่ยนชื่อเป็น "Kekius Maximus" สร้างความสงสัยและกระแสไปทั่ว!

ชื่อนี้มีความหมายแฝงอะไร? ➡️ Kek: มาจากเทพกบในตำนานอียิปต์ และเป็นมีมยอดฮิตในโลกออนไลน์ (โดยเฉพาะกลุ่มคริปโต/เกม) มักใช้สื่อถึงความขำขัน เสียดสี ➡️ Maximus: คาดว่ามาจากตัวละครฮีโร่ผู้กล้าหาญในภาพยนตร์ Gladiator ➡️ รูปโปรไฟล์: ใช้ภาพ Pepe the Frog (มีมดัง) ในชุดนักรบโรมัน ถือจอยสติ๊ก!

เจตนาที่เป็นไปได้? ✅ ความสนุกและเล่นกับมีม: มัสก์ชอบใช้มีมสร้างกระแสอยู่แล้ว นี่อาจเป็นอีกครั้งที่เขาหยอกล้อกับวัฒนธรรมอินเทอร์เน็ต ✅ ทดสอบอิทธิพล: การเปลี่ยนชื่อส่งผลให้เหรียญมีม KEKIUS พุ่งขึ้นมหาศาล เป็นการยืนยันพลังโซเชียลของเขา ✅ เชื่อมโยงกับเกม: มัสก์เคยใช้ชื่อ Kekius Maximus ในเกม Path of Exile มาก่อน

แม้จะเปลี่ยนชื่อกลับไปแล้ว แต่เรื่องนี้ก็แสดงให้เห็นมุมที่เป็นกันเอง ความชอบส่วนตัว และอิทธิพลอันทรงพลังของอีลอน มัสก์ ได้เป็นอย่างดี!

ElonMusk #KekiusMaximus #X #โซเชียลมีเดีย #มีม #คริปโต #Gladiator #PepeTheFrog

@ a31f394c:7ad8f439

Nos últimos anos, o entretenimento digital tem ganhado cada vez mais espaço na vida dos brasileiros. Nesse cenário, a 88BRL se destaca como uma das plataformas mais completas e confiáveis do mercado. Com um ambiente seguro, interface moderna e uma variedade impressionante de jogos, o site oferece uma experiência única para quem busca diversão, emoção e a possibilidade de transformar o lazer em grandes recompensas.

Uma Plataforma Segura e Intuitiva Desde o primeiro acesso, fica evidente que a 88brlfoi desenvolvida com foco no usuário. A navegação é simples e fluida, mesmo para quem não tem muita familiaridade com plataformas de jogos online. O site é responsivo, ou seja, funciona perfeitamente tanto em computadores quanto em dispositivos móveis, garantindo liberdade para jogar onde e quando quiser.

Outro ponto importante é a segurança. A plataforma utiliza tecnologia de criptografia avançada para proteger os dados dos usuários e garantir transações rápidas e seguras. Além disso, o suporte ao cliente está disponível todos os dias, pronto para resolver qualquer dúvida ou problema com eficiência e cordialidade.

Catálogo de Jogos Diversificado A grande estrela da 88BRL é, sem dúvida, sua coleção de jogos. A plataforma oferece opções para todos os gostos e níveis de experiência, com títulos desenvolvidos por estúdios renomados do setor. Entre os destaques, estão os populares jogos de slots, roletas virtuais e mesas de cartas, todos com gráficos realistas, trilha sonora envolvente e mecânicas intuitivas.

Para quem gosta de desafios estratégicos, a plataforma também conta com uma seção de jogos de habilidade, onde a atenção, raciocínio rápido e conhecimento podem fazer toda a diferença. O sistema é justo e transparente, oferecendo chances reais de vitória a todos os jogadores.

Experiência Personalizada para o Jogador Brasileiro Um dos grandes diferenciais da 88BRL é o cuidado com o público nacional. O site está totalmente traduzido para o português, e o atendimento ao cliente é feito por profissionais brasileiros, garantindo uma comunicação clara e eficaz. Além disso, a plataforma aceita os principais métodos de pagamento utilizados no Brasil, incluindo transferências bancárias, carteiras digitais e até mesmo PIX, o que torna os depósitos e saques rápidos e descomplicados.

A experiência do jogador vai além dos jogos em si. A 88BRL oferece promoções frequentes, bônus de boas-vindas atrativos e um programa de fidelidade que recompensa os usuários mais ativos com benefícios exclusivos, como rodadas grátis, brindes e acesso antecipado a novos jogos.

Comunidade e Diversão Sem Limites A plataforma também incentiva a construção de uma comunidade entre seus usuários, com torneios e eventos especiais que promovem a interação e a competitividade saudável. Esses eventos são uma ótima oportunidade para testar habilidades, conhecer outros jogadores e se divertir ainda mais.

Com atualizações constantes e novos títulos sendo adicionados regularmente, a 88BRL mostra que está sempre atenta às tendências do mercado e ao feedback dos usuários. Isso garante uma experiência dinâmica e sempre renovada.

@ 84b0c46a:417782f5

• バーガーキング

• バーミヤン 台湾カステラ

• 焼肉ライク

• 本屋でギータの練習本探してみるとか

• シードしぐなーの材料 → 普通にHWW買ったほうがいい説

  • https://github.com/SeedSigner/seedsigner/releases
    • Raspberry Pi Zero v1.3 ← v1.3はヘッダピンを自分でつけないといけないからWHにしてWi-FiBluetoothを外すのがよい
    • Raspberry Pi Zero W ← Wi-Fi外すのが少し面倒
    • Raspberry Pi Zero WH ¥3500
  • WaveShare　1.3inch LCD HAT【14972】1.3インチ 240×240 IPS LCDディスプレイHAT for RaspberryPi ¥1980
  • Raspberry Pi Zero用スパイカメラ ¥3310

  リボンの長さが色々ある seedsignerのケースによるけど多分短いやつでいける

  ↑こういうやつでいい ↑ケースによってはこういうのがいい場合もある

@ a31f394c:7ad8f439

A 66BR chega ao cenário nacional como uma plataforma de entretenimento digital que promete transformar a forma como os brasileiros vivenciam os jogos online. Com uma interface moderna, navegação intuitiva e uma vasta variedade de jogos, o site oferece tudo o que os amantes da adrenalina e da sorte procuram — tudo isso com total segurança e praticidade.

Plataforma Moderna e Acessível Desde o primeiro acesso, é possível notar o cuidado com a experiência do usuário. A 66BR possui um layout responsivo, funcionando perfeitamente tanto em computadores quanto em dispositivos móveis. Isso significa que você pode jogar de onde quiser, seja no conforto de casa ou em movimento. A navegação é simples, rápida e organizada, o que facilita até mesmo para quem está começando agora nesse universo.

Além disso, a 66brprioriza a segurança dos seus usuários. A plataforma utiliza tecnologia de criptografia avançada para garantir que todas as informações pessoais e financeiras estejam protegidas. Os métodos de pagamento são variados e incluem opções populares no Brasil, como Pix, boleto bancário e carteiras digitais.

Variedade de Jogos para Todos os Gostos Um dos grandes atrativos da 66BR é a diversidade de jogos disponíveis. A plataforma trabalha com os principais desenvolvedores do mercado, garantindo gráficos de alta qualidade, jogabilidade fluida e títulos sempre atualizados.

Entre as opções oferecidas, destacam-se:

Slots virtuais: com temas que vão desde mitologia até filmes e séries, essas máquinas digitais combinam sorte e emoção em rodadas rápidas e empolgantes.

Jogos de mesa: para quem gosta de jogos estratégicos e clássicos como o pôquer, o blackjack e a roleta.

Jogos ao vivo: com transmissões em tempo real, esses jogos proporcionam uma experiência imersiva, como se o jogador estivesse em um ambiente físico, interagindo com anfitriões reais.

Todos os jogos são otimizados para rodar sem travamentos e contam com versões de demonstração para quem deseja testar antes de apostar com dinheiro real.

Experiência do Jogador: Simples, Justa e Divertida A experiência do usuário na 66BR vai além da qualidade dos jogos. O suporte ao cliente é outro ponto forte da plataforma, com atendimento disponível 24 horas por dia, em português, e com respostas rápidas e eficientes. Isso demonstra o compromisso da empresa em garantir a satisfação e tranquilidade de seus usuários.

Outro diferencial importante são as promoções e bônus frequentes. Novos usuários são recebidos com bônus de boas-vindas atrativos, enquanto os jogadores mais frequentes podem participar de campanhas exclusivas, com prêmios especiais e recompensas personalizadas.

A plataforma também conta com um sistema de fidelidade, onde os jogadores acumulam pontos à medida que participam dos jogos. Esses pontos podem ser trocados por bônus, giros grátis e outras vantagens dentro do site.

Conclusão A 66BR chega com força total para conquistar os brasileiros que buscam uma plataforma segura, moderna e recheada de entretenimento. Com um catálogo robusto de jogos, atendimento eficiente e benefícios para todos os perfis de jogadores, a 66BR se consolida como uma das melhores opções do país. Se você está procurando uma nova forma de se divertir e explorar o mundo dos jogos online com qualidade e confiança, a 66BR é o destino certo.

@ 75f00a4a:78cb6425

Do you like my code?

@ 2b998b04:86727e47

🧱 Why I Left Web3 for Proof of Work – Part 2: The Breaking Point\ \ It wasn’t a moment. It was a slow-motion unraveling.\ \ By 2024, I was deeply involved in a Web3 project focused on rewarding eco-conscious actions using a token system called “Proof of Environment.” I helped run a related Facebook group aimed at building community and encouraging engagement — especially among refugees and people living on the margins.\ \ I believed in it. I have a lot of respect for the project’s founder. His heart is in the right place.\ \ But reality set in: the token wasn’t trading.\ People were earning rewards that had no liquidity.\ \ So I tried to bridge the gap. I personally subsidized the effort — offering USD to keep people engaged and compensated.\ \ Eventually, I had to stop.\ \ Not because I lost faith in the mission… but because I realized I was compensating for a structural flaw. I was using fiat to prop up what was supposed to be an alternative to fiat.\ \ That realization cracked something open. And it wasn’t just about that project.\ \ By early 2025, I started re-examining the other Web3 spaces I was part of — including a local crypto-faith collective and a civic blockchain group I’d been attending.\ \ Before I say more - I want to be clear:\ \ - I respect the people involved in these communities.\ - I believe their intentions are sincere, and their efforts often come from a genuine desire to help.\ - The speakers were engaging and thought-provoking.\ - This isn’t a judgment of hearts — it’s a reflection on structure, incentives, and what actually works.\ \ One local Web3 community I attended regularly was especially revealing. It was connected to a publishing platform that promised a new way to engage content and community. But in practice, the tech was clunky, and the product was difficult to use — even basic edits to content required small fees in a token that few people understood. One of the DAOs I participated in burned through tens of thousands — mostly on architecture plans and design proposals.\ \ Weekly meetings had free lunches and spiritual talks… but the people experiencing homelessness, who we supposedly served? Often absent — or tokenized for optics.\ \ At one point, I proposed a practical idea to support a local housing initiative. The vision was for residents to grow some of their own food — creating both sustainability and job training opportunities.\ \ The response?\ \ “Let’s do this later.”\ \ It was polite. But it meant no.\ \ Over time, I felt less like a contributor and more like a prop — quietly tolerated, not truly included.\ \ Meanwhile, others held titles, got paid (quietly, maybe — but it was hard to tell how), and kept the stage.\ \ There was always funding for visibility. Rarely funding for outcomes.\ \ The problems people actually faced — hunger, housing, dignity — don’t care about abstractions.\ \ And neither does Bitcoin.\ \ I didn’t leave all at once. I still showed up in March, April, and May — out of habit, curiosity, and maybe hope.\ \ The speakers were thoughtful. In March, someone taught on mindfulness and the “five dimensions of time.” It was peaceful. But to me, it felt like another New Age sidetrack — far from the urgent needs on the ground.\ \ In April, one speaker — a former military interrogator turned AI educator — spoke on an AI “OS” for schools. Another shared how they helped build local currencies in Kenyan villages.\ \ In May, someone presented a trauma-informed housing model for youth with mental illness — one of the few ideas that felt truly grounded.\ \ These were all great ideas — thoughtful, human, often moving.\ \ My only thought was: they might have been better served by starting with Bitcoin — not as an add-on, but as a foundation. Especially the last two.\ \ And again — I believe many of the people involved were sincerely trying to make a difference.\ \ But something had shifted in me.\ \ I couldn’t stop asking: Who actually benefits from this tech?\ \ Does it work — or is it just another talk wrapped in hope?\ \ Why does impact often need a token?\ \ Not all the speakers revolved around Web3 or tokens — but many did.\ \ And quietly, a deeper question emerged: Couldn’t we just do all of this… with Bitcoin?\ \ Without a new platform. Without a fragile token.\ \ Just real tools. Real money. Real proof of work.\ \ The breaking point wasn’t dramatic. It was subtle, quiet — but final.\ \ ✍️ A Personal Note\ \ Even after all this, I still attend some of these events. I still show up — not because I’ve “come back,” but because I care.\ \ Because I respect the people.\ \ Because I believe conviction doesn’t require separation — it just requires clarity. I’m not circling back.\ \ I’m walking forward — with eyes open.\ \ And sometimes that means sitting in the same room with people I no longer fully agree with… and still learning something.\ \ My break wasn’t from the people.\ \ It was from the hype.\ \ From the structure, not the souls.\ \ And I still believe we can build better — if we start with truth.\ \ ⚡ If this resonates, zap me some sats — or just share it forward.\ 🤖 Drafted with the help of ChatGPT, who’s helped me find clarity across tech, theology, and everything in between.

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For years, I wandered through the Web3 space—intrigued by its promises, pulled in by buzzwords like “decentralization,” “DAOs,” and “stakeholder democracy.”

But over time, the signals got drowned out by noise.

I saw venture capital pour into projects that had no product. I watched communities reward performative governance and token hype, rather than real work or impact. Even in faith-based circles, “Web3 for good” often meant shiny apps that served insiders more than outsiders.

Then I found my way back to where I began: Bitcoin.

Not as a speculative asset—but as a philosophy. A discipline. A foundation.

Proof of Work doesn’t need marketing. It doesn’t ask for permission. It either works—or it doesn’t.

Web3 taught me a lot. But Bitcoin gave me a plumb line. And from now on, that’s the line I’m building on.

This is Part 1 of a multi-part series. Follow for future entries.\ \ — Andrew G. Stanton\ Bitcoiner, builder, believer.

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This article was co-drafted using ChatGPT to accelerate the writing process. Final content was reviewed and edited by me.

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Do you like my code?

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Do you like my code?

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Do you like my code?

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Am I the only one who tires of this pen’s endless fight, Scribbling words that dance in the dimmest light? The ink flows free, but my mind’s in a plight, I still don’t get it, this craft’s strange height. My thoughts once soared, a creative kite, Now they stumble, lost in the night. The page stares back, so blank, so white, I still don’t get it, where’s my insight? I chase the muse with all my might, But she’s a ghost, just out of sight. My fingers cramp, my soul takes flight, I still don’t get it, this endless write. The stories beg to be shaped just right, Yet boredom creeps, a thief in flight. I dream of tales that spark delight, I still don’t get it, this weary blight. Friends say, “Your words, they shine so bright,” But I feel trapped in this daily rite. The passion fades, no end in sight, I still don’t get it, this draining fight. A poem, a prose, I try to ignite, Each line a chore, a forced invite. The joy’s gone cold, no warmth in sight, I still don’t get it, this fading light. Am I alone, or do others unite, In feeling this pull, this tired dislike? The keyboard clacks, the thoughts take flight, I still don’t get it, this writer’s spite. Perhaps it’s me, my heart’s too tight, Or maybe writing’s a cruel delight. I’ll push on through, with grit and bite, I still don’t get it, but I’ll rewrite. So here I sit, in day or night, Pouring my soul, though it feels trite. Am I the only one? I seek the sight, I still don’t get it—yet still, I write.

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Cryptocurrency has been a hot topic in the world of finance and technology for the past few years. With the rise of Bitcoin and other digital currencies, many have speculated that crypto could be the future of money. But is this really the case? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the concept of cryptocurrency and whether it has the potential to replace traditional forms of currency.

What is Cryptocurrency? First, let’s define what cryptocurrency actually is. Essentially, cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual form of currency that uses blockchain technology for secure and decentralized transactions. Unlike traditional currencies, which are controlled by central authorities such as banks and governments, cryptocurrency operates independently and is not subject to the same regulations or central authorities. Bitcoin, the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, was created in 2009 by an unknown individual or group using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Since then, thousands of other cryptocurrencies have emerged, each with their own unique features and values.

The Advantages of Cryptocurrency 1.One of the main advantage of cryptocurrency is its decentralized nature. This means that it is not controlled by any central authority, making it immune to inflation and government interference. Transactions are also fast and secure, thanks to blockchain technology.

2.Another advantage of cryptocurrency is its potential for investment. Many people have made significant profits by investing in cryptocurrencies.However, it’s important to note that cryptocurrency carries a high level of risk.

The Challenges of Cryptocurrency While there are certainly benefits to using cryptocurrency, there are also several challenges that must be addressed before it can become the future of money. 1. One major issue is the lack of regulation. As mentioned earlier, cryptocurrency is not subject to the same regulations as traditional currencies, which can make it vulnerable to fraud and illegal activities. This has led to some governments imposing restrictions on the use of cryptocurrency, hindering its adoption on a global scale.

1. Another challenge is the complexity of cryptocurrency. For the average person, understanding how it works and how to use it can be challenging. This can make it less accessible and limit its potential for widespread use.

Is Crypto Really the Future of Money? So, back to our initial question: is crypto really the future of money? While it certainly has its advantages, there are still many obstacles that need to be overcome before that can happen. Some experts believe that cryptocurrency has the potential to transform the financial industry, while others argue that it will never fully replace traditional forms of currency. The truth is, it’s still too early to say for certain what the future holds for cryptocurrency. One thing is for sure, though — cryptocurrency has already made a significant impact on the financial world and it’s here to stay. Whether it will become the primary form of currency in the future remains to be seen, but it’s clear that it has disrupted the traditional financial system and sparked important discussions about the future of money.

In Conclusion Cryptocurrency has captured the attention of the world with its promise of a decentralized and secure currency. While it does have its advantages, there are still many challenges that need to be addressed before it can truly become the future of money. Only time will tell if cryptocurrency will live up to its potential and become a mainstream form of currency. In the meantime, it’s certainly worth keeping an eye on as it continues to evolve and shape the financial landscape.

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Autor: Michael Meyen. Dieser Beitrag wurde mit dem Pareto-Client geschrieben. Sie finden alle Texte der Friedenstaube und weitere Texte zum Thema Frieden hier. Die neuesten Pareto-Artikel finden Sie in unserem Telegram-Kanal.

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„Warum der Weltfrieden von Deutschland abhängt“ steht auf dem Cover. Sicher: Ein Verlag will verkaufen. Superlative machen sich da immer gut. Der Weltfrieden und Deutschland. „Wie das“, wird mancher fragen, über den Atlantik schauen, nach Kiew oder gar nach Moskau und nach Peking, und die 24 Euro ausgeben. Ich kann nur sagen: Das ist gut investiert, wenn man verstehen will, was uns die Nachrichtensprecher und ihre Kritiker im Moment alles um die Ohren hauen. Ich durfte die Texte von Hauke Ritz schon lesen und ein Vorwort schreiben, in dem es nicht nur um Krieg und Frieden geht, sondern auch um die Frage, warum sich manche, die einst „links“ zu stehen glaubten, inzwischen mit einigen Konservativen besser vertragen als mit den alten Genossen – nicht nur bei der Gretchenfrage auf dem Cover. Nun aber zu meinem Vorwort.    

1. Der Leser

Hauke Ritz hat meinen Blick auf die Welt verändert. In diesem Satz stecken zwei Menschen. Ich fange mit dem Leser an, weil jeder Text auf einen Erfahrungsberg trifft, gewachsen durch all das, was Herkunft, soziale Position und Energievorrat ermöglichen. Ob ein Autor dort auf Resonanz stößt, kann er nicht beeinflussen. Also zunächst etwas zu mir. Ich bin auf der Insel Rügen aufgewachsen – in einer kommunistischen Familie und mit Karl Marx. Das Sein bestimmt das Bewusstsein. In der Schule haben wir Kinder uns über ein anderes Marx-Zitat amüsiert, das in einem der Räume groß an der Wand stand. „Die Philosophen haben die Welt nur verschieden interpretiert, es kömmt drauf an, sie zu verändern.“ Kömmt. Dieser Marx. Was der sich traut.

Das Schulhaus ist nach 1990 schnell abgerissen worden. Bauland mit Meerblick, fünf Minuten bis zum Strand. Marx stand nun zwar kaum noch in der Zeitung, Eltern, Freunde und Bekannte waren sich aber trotzdem sicher, dass er Recht hat. Das Sein bestimmt das Bewusstsein. Hier die Ostdeutschen, auf Jahre gebunden im Kampf um Arbeitsplatz und Qualifikationsnachweise, Rente und Grundstück, und dort Glücksritter aus dem Westen, die sich das Dorf kaufen und nach ihrem Bilde formen. Das Kapital live in Aktion gewissermaßen.

Ich selbst bin damals eher durch Zufall an der Universität gelandet und habe dort eine Spielart der Medienforschung kennengelernt, die in den USA erfunden worden war, um den Zweiten Weltkrieg nicht nur auf dem Schlachtfeld zu gewinnen, sondern auch in den Köpfen. Diese akademische Disziplin konnte und wollte nach ihrer Ankunft in der alten Bundesrepublik nichts mit Marx am Hut haben. Zum einen war da dieser neue Freund auf der anderen Atlantikseite, moralisch sauber und damit ein Garant gegen den Vorwurf, mitgemacht zu haben und vielleicht sogar Goebbels und sein Postulat von den Medien als Führungsmittel immer noch in sich zu tragen. Je lauter dieser Vorwurf wurde, desto stärker zog es deutsche Propagandaforscher, die sich zur Tarnung Kommunikations- oder Publizistikwissenschaftler nannten, in die USA.

Zum anderen verbannte der Radikalenerlass jeden Hauch von Marxismus aus dem universitären Leben. Selbst Postmarxisten wie Adorno und Horkheimer mit ihrer Frankfurter Schule, Karl Mannheim oder Pierre Bourdieu, auf die ich bei der Suche nach einer neuen intellektuellen Heimat fast zwangsläufig gestoßen bin, spielten in den Lehrveranstaltungen kaum eine Rolle und damit auch nicht in Dissertationen, Habilitationen, Fachzeitschriften. Peer Review wird schnell zur Farce, wenn jeder Gutachter weiß, dass bestimmte Texte nur von mir und meinen Schülern zitiert werden. Ich habe dann versucht, die Kollegen mit Foucault zu überraschen, aber auch das hat nicht lange funktioniert.

Zu Hauke Ritz ist es von da immer noch weit. Ich habe eine Lungenembolie gebraucht (2013), zwei Auftritte bei KenFM (2018) und die Attacken, die auf diese beiden Interviews zielten sowie auf meinen Blog Medienrealität, gestartet 2017 und zeitgleich mit großen Abendveranstaltungen aus der virtuellen Welt in die Uni-Wirklichkeit geholt, um bereit zu sein für diesen Denker. Corona nicht zu vergessen. Ich erinnere mich noch genau an diesen Abend. Narrative Nummer 16 im August 2020. Hauke Ritz zu Gast bei Robert Cibis, Filmemacher und Kopf von Ovalmedia. Da saß jemand, der mühelos durch die Geschichte spazierte und es dabei schaffte, geistige und materielle Welt zusammenzubringen. Meine Götter Marx, Bourdieu und Foucault, wenn man so will, angereichert mit mehr als einem Schuss Religionswissen, um die jemand wie ich, als Atheist erzogen und immer noch aufgeregt, wenn er vor einer Kirche steht, eher einen Bogen macht. Dazu all das, was ich in tapsigen Schritten auf dem Gebiet der historischen Forschung zu erkunden versucht hatte – nur in weit längeren Zeiträumen und mit der Vogelperspektive, die jede gute Analyse braucht. Und ich kannte diesen Mann nicht. Ein Armutszeugnis nach mehr als einem Vierteljahrhundert in Bewusstseinsindustrie und Ideologieproduktion.

2. Der Autor

Und damit endlich zu diesem Autor, der meinen Blick auf die Welt verändert hat. Hauke Ritz, Jahrgang 1975, ist ein Kind der alten deutschen Universität. Er hat an der FU Berlin studiert, als man dort noch Professoren treffen konnte, denen Eigenständigkeit wichtiger war als Leistungspunkte, Deadlines und politische Korrektheit. Seine Dissertation wurzelt in diesem ganz anderen akademischen Milieu. Ein dickes Buch, in dem es um Geschichtsphilosophie geht und um die Frage, welchen Reim sich die Deutschen vom Ersten Weltkrieg bis zum Fall der Berliner Mauer auf den Siegeszug von Wissenschaft und Technik gemacht haben. Das klingt sehr akademisch, wird aber schnell politisch, wenn man die Aufsätze liest, die Hauke Ritz ab den späten Nullerjahren auf diesem Fundament aufgebaut hat und die hier nun in einer Art Best-of in die Öffentlichkeit zurückgeholt werden aus dem Halbdunkel von Publikationsorten, deren Reputation inzwischen zum Teil gezielt zerstört worden ist, und die so hoffentlich ein großes und neues Publikum erreichen. In den Texten, die auf dieses Vorwort folgen, geht es um den tiefen Staat und den neuen kalten Krieg, um Geopolitik und Informationskriege und dabei immer wieder auch um die geistige Krise der westlichen Welt sowie um den fehlenden Realitätssinn deutscher Außenpolitik. 

Bevor ich darauf zurückkomme, muss ich die Doppelbiografie abrunden, mit der ich eingestiegen bin. Im Februar 2022, wir erinnern uns auch mit Hilfe des Interviews, das Paul Schreyer mit ihm führte, war Hauke Ritz gerade in Moskau, als Universitätslehrer auf Zeit mit einem DAAD-Stipendium. Im November 2024, als ich diese Zeilen schreibe, ist er wieder einmal in China, mit familiären Verbindungen. Das heißt auch: Hauke Ritz hat mehr gesehen, als einem in den Kongresshotels der US-dominierten Forschergemeinschaften je geboten werden kann. Und er muss weder um Zitationen buhlen noch um irgendwelche Fördertöpfe und damit auch nicht um das Wohlwollen von Kollegen.

Ein Lehrstuhl oder eine Dozentenstelle, hat er mir im Frühsommer 2021 auf Usedom erzählt, wo wir uns das erste Mal gesehen haben, so eine ganz normale akademische Karriere sei für ihn nicht in Frage gekommen. Der Publikationsdruck, die Denkschablonen. Lieber ökonomisch unsicher, aber dafür geistig frei. Ich habe mir diesen Satz gemerkt, weil er einen Beamten wie mich zwingt, seinen Lebensentwurf auf den Prüfstand zu stellen. Bin ich beim Lesen, Forschen, Schreiben so unabhängig, wie ich mir das stets einzureden versuche? Wo sind die Grenzen, die eine Universität und all die Zwänge setzen, die mit dem Kampf um Reputation verbunden sind? Und was ist mit dem Lockmittel Pension, das jeder verspielt, der das Schiff vor der Zeit verlassen will? 

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Hauke Ritz, das zeigen die zehn Aufsätze, die in diesem Buch versammelt sind, hat alles richtig gemacht. Hier präsentiert sich ein Autor, der „von links“ aufgebrochen ist und sich immer noch so sieht (so beschreibt er das dort, wo es um die aktuelle Theorieschwäche des einst gerade hier so dominanten Lagers geht), aber trotzdem keine Angst hat, für ein Wertesystem zu werben, das eher konservativ wirkt. Herkunft und Familie zum Beispiel. Verankerung und Zugehörigkeit, sowohl geografisch als auch intellektuell. Mehr noch: Wenn ich Hauke Ritz richtig verstanden habe, dann braucht es ein Amalgam aus den Restbeständen der »alten« Linken und dem christlich geprägten Teil des konservativen Lagers, um eine Entwicklung aufzuhalten und vielleicht sogar umzukehren, die in seinen Texten das Etikett »Postmoderne« trägt. Grenzen sprengen, Identitäten schleifen, Traditionen vergessen. Umwertung aller Werte. Transgender und Trans- oder sogar Posthumanismus. Wer all das nicht mag, findet in diesem Buch ein Reiseziel. Gerechtigkeit und Utopie, Wahrheitssuche, der Glaube an die Schöpferkraft des Menschen und die geistige Regulierung politischer Macht – verwurzelt in der Topografie Europas, die Konkurrenz erzwang, und vor allem im Christentum, weitergetragen in weltlichen Religionen wie dem Kommunismus, und so attraktiv, dass Hauke Ritz von Universalismus sprechen kann, von der Fähigkeit dieser Kultur, ein Leitstern für die Welt zu sein.

Ich habe die Texte im Frühling 2022 gelesen, allesamt in einem Rutsch, um mich auf das Gespräch vorzubereiten, das ich mit Hauke Ritz dann im Juni für die Plattform Apolut geführt habe, den Nachfolger von KenFM. Ich weiß, dass das ein Privileg ist. Lesen, worauf man Lust hat, und dafür auch noch bezahlt werden. Ich weiß auch, dass ich ohne die Vorgeschichte, ohne Corona und all das, was mich und dieses Land dorthin geführt hat, niemals das Glück hätte empfinden können, das mit der Entdeckung eines Autors wie Hauke Ritz verbunden ist. Ohne all das wäre ich wahrscheinlich weiter zu irgendwelchen hochwichtigen Tagungen in die USA geflogen und hätte mich mit Aufsätzen für Fachzeitschriften gequält, die für einen winzigen Kreis von Eingeweihten gemacht und selbst von diesem Kreis allenfalls registriert, aber nicht studiert werden.

Lange Gespräche mit Köpfen wie Hauke Ritz hatten bei Ovalmedia oder Apolut in den Coronajahren sechsstellige Zuschauerzahlen. Ein großes Publikum, wenn man die Komplexität und die Originalität mitdenkt, die jeder Leser gleich genießen kann. Man findet diese Videos noch, allerdings nicht beim De-facto-Monopolisten YouTube, der Zensur sei Dank. Im Bermudadreieck zwischen Berlin, Brüssel und dem Silicon Valley verschwindet alles, was die hegemonialen Narrative herausfordert und das Potenzial hat, Menschenmassen erst zu erreichen und dann zu bewegen. Ich habe Hauke Ritz deshalb schon im Studio und am Abend nach unserem Dreh ermutigt und wahrscheinlich sogar ein wenig gedrängt, aus seinen Aufsätzen ein Buch zu machen. Das war auch ein wenig egoistisch gedacht: Ich wollte mein Aha-Erlebnis mit anderen teilen und so Gleichgesinnte heranziehen. Der Mensch ist ein Herdentier und mag es nicht, allein und isoliert zu sein. 

3. Ein neuer Blick auf Macht

Drei Jahre später gibt es nicht nur die Aufsatzsammlung, die Sie gerade in den Händen halten, sondern auch ein Buch, das ich als „großen Wurf“ beschrieben habe – als Werk eines Autors, der die Wirklichkeit nicht ignoriert (Geografie, Reichtum und die Geschichte mit ihren ganz realen Folgen), sich aber trotzdem von der Vorstellung löst, dass der Mensch in all seinem Streben und Irren nicht mehr sei als ein Produkt der Umstände. Hauke Ritz dreht den Spieß um: Die Geschichte bewegt nicht uns, sondern wir bewegen sie. Was passiert, das passiert auch und vielleicht sogar in erster Linie, weil wir ganz bestimmte Vorstellungen von der Vergangenheit und unserem Platz in dieser Welt verinnerlicht haben. Von diesem Axiom ist es nur ein klitzekleiner Schritt zur Machtpolitik: Wenn es stimmt, dass das historische Bewusstsein mindestens genauso wichtig ist wie Atomsprengköpfe, Soldaten oder Gasfelder, dann können sich die Geheimdienste nicht auf Überwachung und Kontrolle beschränken. Dann müssen sie in die Ideenproduktion eingreifen. Und wir? Wir müssen die Geistesgeschichte neu schreiben, Politik anders sehen und zuallererst begreifen, dass der Mensch das Sein verändern kann, wenn er denn versteht, wer und was seinen Blick bisher gelenkt hat. Ich bin deshalb besonders froh, dass es auch das Herz der Serie „Die Logik des neuen kalten Krieges“ in dieses Buch geschafft hat, ursprünglich 2016 bei RT-Deutsch erschienen. Diese Stücke sind exemplarisch für das Denken von Hauke Ritz. Der Neoliberalismus, um das nur an einem Beispiel zu illustrieren, wird dort von ihm nicht ökonomisch interpretiert, „sondern als ein Kulturmodell“, das zu verstehen hilft, wie es zu der Ehe von Kapitalismus und „neuer Linker“ kommen konnte und damit sowohl zu jener „aggressiven Dominanz des Westens“, die auch den Westend-Verlag umtreibt und so diese Publikation ermöglicht, als auch zur „Vernachlässigung der sozialen Frage“. 

Hauke Ritz holt die geistige Dimension von Herrschen und Beherrschtwerden ins Scheinwerferlicht und fragt nach der „Macht des Konzepts“. Diese Macht, sagt Hauke Ritz nicht nur in seinem Aufsatz über die „kulturelle Dimension des Kalten Krieges“, hat 1989/90 den Zweikampf der Systeme entschieden. Nicht die Ökonomie, nicht das Wohlstandsgefälle, nicht das Wettrüsten. Ein Riesenreich wie die Sowjetunion, kaum verschuldet, autark durch Rohstoffe und in der Lage, jeden Feind abzuschrecken, habe weder seine Satellitenstaaten aufgeben müssen noch sich selbst – wenn da nicht der Sog gewesen wäre, der von der Rockmusik ausging, von Jeans und Hollywood, von bunten Schaufenstern und von einem Märchen, das das andere Lager als Hort von Mitbestimmung, Pressefreiheit und ganz privatem Glück gepriesen hat. Als selbst der erste Mann im Kreml all das für bare Münze nahm und Glasnost ausrief (das, was der Westen für seinen Journalismus bis heute behauptet, aber schon damals nicht einlösen konnte und wollte), sei es um den Gegenentwurf geschehen gewesen. Die Berliner Mauer habe der Psychologie nicht standhalten können.

Fast noch wichtiger: All das war kein Zufall, sondern Resultat strategischer und vor allem geheimdienstlicher Arbeit. Hauke Ritz kann sich hier unter anderem auf Francis Stonor Saunders und Michael Hochgeschwender stützen und so herausarbeiten, wie die CIA über den Kongress für kulturelle Freiheit in den 1950ern und 1960ern Schriftsteller und Journalisten finanzierte, Musiker und Maler, Zeitschriften, Galerien, Filme – und damit Personal, Denkmuster, Symbole. Die „neue“ Linke, „nicht-kommunistisch“, also nicht mehr an der System- und Eigentumsfrage interessiert, diese „neue“ Linke ist, das lernen wir bei Hauke Ritz, genauso ein Produkt von Ideenmanagement wie das positive US-Bild vieler Westeuropäer oder eine neue französische Philosophie um Michel Foucault, Claude Lévi-Strauss oder Bernard-Henri Lévy, die Marx und Hegel abwählte, stattdessen auf Nietzsche setzte und so ein Fundament schuf für das „Projekt einer Umwertung aller Werte“.

Natürlich kann man fragen: Was hat all das mit uns zu tun? Mit dem Krieg in der Ukraine, mit der Zukunft Europas oder gar mit der These auf dem Buchcover, dass nichts weniger als der „Weltfrieden“ ausgerechnet von uns, von Deutschland abhängt? Warum sollen wir uns mit Kämpfen in irgendwelchen Studierstübchen beschäftigen, die höchstens zwei Handvoll Gelehrte verstehen? Hauke Ritz sagt: Wer die Welt beherrschen will, muss den Code der europäischen Kultur umschreiben. Wie weit dieses „Projekt“ schon gediehen ist, sieht jeder, der die Augen öffnet. In der Lesart von Hauke Ritz ist Europa Opfer einer „postmodernen Fehlinterpretation seiner eigenen Kultur“, importiert aus den USA und nur abzuwehren mit Hilfe von Russland, das zwar zu Europa gehöre, sich vom Westen des Kontinents aber unterscheide und deshalb einen Gegenentwurf liefern könne. Stichworte sind hier Orthodoxie und Sozialismus sowie eine Vergangenheit als Imperium, ohne die, so sieht das Hauke Ritz, neben diplomatischen Erfahrungen die „politischen Energien“ fehlen, die nötig sind, um Souveränität auch da zu bewahren, wo die „Macht des Konzepts“ beginnt. China und der Iran ja, Indien und Lateinamerika nein.

Keine Angst, ich schreibe hier kein zweites Buch. Diese Appetithäppchen sollen Lust machen auf einen Autor, der die Hektik der Gegenwart hinter sich lässt und aus den Tiefen der Geschichte eine Interpretation anbietet, die die hegemoniale Ideologie in ein ganz neues Licht rückt und sie so als „Rechtfertigungslehre“ enttarnt (Werner Hofmann) oder als „Machtinterpretation der Wirklichkeit“ (Václav Havel), die sich zwangsläufig „ritualisiert“ und „von der Wirklichkeit emanzipiert“, um als „Alibi“ für alle funktionieren zu können, die mit der Macht marschieren. Ich weiß nicht mehr, wie ich das Marx-Zitat mit dem komischen Wort „kömmt“ als kleiner Junge gedeutet habe. Ich wusste wenig von Philosophie und gar nichts von der Welt. Hauke Ritz blickt nicht nur in Abgründe, die ich vorher allenfalls aus dem Augenwinkel gesehen hatte, sondern bietet zugleich eine Lösung an. Als Gleichung und in seinen Worten formuliert: „klassische Arbeiterbewegung“ plus „christlich orientierte Wertkonservative“ ist gleich Hoffnung und Neustart. Und nun Vorhang auf für einen Philosophen, der nicht nur Deutschland einen Weg weist in Richtung Veränderung und Frieden.

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Michael Meyen ist Medienforscher, Ausbilder und Journalist. Seit 2002 ist er Universitätsprofessor an der LMU München. https://www.freie-medienakademie.de/

Der Link zum Buch von Hauke Ritz

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LASSEN SIE DER FRIEDENSTAUBE FLÜGEL WACHSEN!

Hier können Sie die Friedenstaube abonnieren und bekommen die Artikel zugesandt.

Schon jetzt können Sie uns unterstützen:

• Für 50 CHF/EURO bekommen Sie ein Jahresabo der Friedenstaube.
• Für 120 CHF/EURO bekommen Sie ein Jahresabo und ein T-Shirt/Hoodie mit der Friedenstaube.
• Für 500 CHF/EURO werden Sie Förderer und bekommen ein lebenslanges Abo sowie ein T-Shirt/Hoodie mit der Friedenstaube.
• Ab 1000 CHF werden Sie Genossenschafter der Friedenstaube mit Stimmrecht (und bekommen lebenslanges Abo, T-Shirt/Hoodie).

Für Einzahlungen in CHF (Betreff: Friedenstaube):

Für Einzahlungen in Euro:

Milosz Matuschek

IBAN DE 53710520500000814137

BYLADEM1TST

Sparkasse Traunstein-Trostberg

Betreff: Friedenstaube

Wenn Sie auf anderem Wege beitragen wollen, schreiben Sie die Friedenstaube an: friedenstaube@pareto.space

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Sie sind noch nicht auf Nostr and wollen die volle Erfahrung machen (liken, kommentieren etc.)? Zappen können Sie den Autor auch ohne Nostr-Profil! Erstellen Sie sich einen Account auf Start. Weitere Onboarding-Leitfäden gibt es im Pareto-Wiki.

@ 75f00a4a:78cb6425

Do you like my code?

@ 4fe14ef2:f51992ec

Let's support Bitcoin merchants! I'd love to hear some of your latest Lightning purchases and interesting products you bought. Feel free to include links to the shops or businesses you bought from.

Who else has a recent purchase they’re excited about? Bonus sats if you found a killer deal! ⚡

If you missed our last thread, here are some of the items stackers recently spent and zap on.

Share & repost: N: note13hdv7a3lfe97hyn8qyed55u463nzya579z8zw7lvh84tfeks7f9swg0dlt X: https://x.com/AGORA_SN/status/1924042853971353859

https://stacker.news/items/982879

@ fd06f542:8d6d54cd

🧱 NostrTrust Initial Trust Score List (V0.1)

This list defines the initial trust scores (T Score) for key members of the Nostr community based on their contributions, reputation, and role in the ecosystem. The goal is to seed a decentralized trust system that encourages quality interactions and authentic contributions.

> ⚠️ Note: This is an draft version.

✅ Initial T Score Allocation Rules

| User Type | Initial T Score Range | Criteria | |-----------|------------------------|----------| | Founder | 10,000 | Creator of the Nostr protocol | | Core Developers | 5,000 - 8,000 | Major contributors to core codebase, clients, or infrastructure | | Active Contributors | 1,000 - 4,000 | Recognized long-term contributors to content, tools, or community |

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👤 Initial Trust Score Table

| Name / Alias | npub | Initial T Score | Justification | |--------------|------|------------------|----------------| | fiatjaf | npub180cvv07tjdrrgpa0j7j7tmnyl2yr6yr7l8j4s3evf6u64th6gkwsyjh6w6 | 10,000 | Creator of the Nostr protocol | |Jack|npub1sg6plzptd64u62a878hep2kev88swjh3tw00gjsfl8f237lmu63q0uf63m|9,000|| | jb55 | npub1xtscya34g58tk0z605fvr788k263gsu6cy9x0mhnm87echrgufzsevkk5s | 7,000 | Developer of tools, relays, and early Nostr integrations,made damus | |Alex Gleason | npub1q3sle0kvfsehgsuexttt3ugjd8xdklxfwwkh559wxckmzddywnws6cd26p | 7,000 || |PABLOF7z|npub1l2vyh47mk2p0qlsku7hg0vn29faehy9hy34ygaclpn66ukqp3afqutajft|7,000|NDK| ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| ||||| |||||

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@ 58537364:705b4b85

มีคำหนึ่งในพุทธศาสนาที่เราอาจจะคุ้นหู แต่ว่าความเข้าใจอาจจะไม่ตรงกับความหมายในพุทธศาสนา นั่นคือคำว่า อธิปไตย

เวลาเรานึกถึงอธิปไตย ก็นึกไปถึงเรื่องของการเมือง ระบอบการปกครอง เช่น ประชาธิปไตย แต่อธิปไตยในพุทธศาสนาไม่ใช่เป็นเรื่องของระบอบการปกครอง แต่เป็นเรื่องของการให้คุณค่าให้ความสำคัญ

อธิปไตยก็แปลว่าการถือเอาเป็นใหญ่ เอาอะไรเป็นใหญ่ ก็มี 3 ประการใหญ่ ๆ อันแรกคือธรรมาธิปไตย คือการเอาธรรมะเป็นใหญ่ อันที่ 2 คืออัตตาธิปไตย การถือเอาตัวเองหรืออัตตาเป็นใหญ่ และ 3 โลกาธิปไตย ถือเอาคนหมู่มากเป็นใหญ่ ความหมายนี้ก็คือว่าไม่ได้มีความเห็นเป็นของตัวเอง แต่ว่าทำไปตามความเห็นของคนส่วนใหญ่ ที่เรียกว่าโลก เป็นต้น

แต่ว่าหลัก ๆ ก็มีอยู่ 2 อย่าง ที่เราควรจะใส่ใจและก็ทำความเข้าใจให้ถูกต้อง นั่นคือ ธรรมาธิปไตยกับอัตตาธิปไตย

การถือธรรมเป็นใหญ่ ความหมายคือเอาความถูกต้องเป็นใหญ่ เวลาเราทำงานทำการหรือเราใช้ชีวิต ถ้าเราถือธรรมเป็นใหญ่หรือธรรมาธิปไตย เราก็จะตั้งตัวอยู่ในศีลในธรรม ไม่เบียดเบียนผู้อื่น เพราะเห็นแก่ความถูกต้อง แต่ถ้าเราเอาตัวเองเป็นใหญ่หรืออัตตาธิปไตย มันก็คือการเอาประโยชน์ของตัวเองเป็นใหญ่ ไม่สนใจว่าความถูกต้องหรือระเบียบกฎเกณฑ์จะเป็นอย่างไร ถ้าเราถือตัวเองเป็นใหญ่ การที่เราจะอยู่ในศีลธรรมก็ยาก เพราะว่าเอาความต้องการของตัวเองเป็นหลัก ซึ่งส่วนใหญ่ก็เป็นเรื่องของกิเลสนั่นแหละ หรือความเห็นแก่ตัว

อัตตาธิปไตยในความหมายที่แย่คือการเห็นแก่ตัว ส่วนธรรมาธิปไตยเห็นแก่ธรรมะ เห็นแก่ความถูกต้อง หรือถ้าพูดง่าย ๆ คือว่าธรรมาธิปไตยคือการเอาถูกความเป็นใหญ่ ส่วนอัตตาธิปไตยคือเอาความถูกใจเป็นใหญ่

อันนี้เราก็มาพิจารณาดูง่าย ๆ ในการดำเนินชีวิตของคนเรา ในแต่ละวันเราเอาอะไรเป็นใหญ่ อย่างเช่นเวลากินอาหาร ถ้าเราเอาความถูกต้องเป็นใหญ่ หรือธรรมาธิปไตย เราก็จะกินอาหารที่เป็นประโยชน์ต่อสุขภาพ เพื่อทำให้ร่างกายแข็งแรง มีกำลังวังชา เพื่อที่จะได้ทำกิจการงานต่าง ๆ ได้

แต่ถ้าเอาความถูกใจเป็นใหญ่ เราก็จะกินเพราะว่ามันอร่อย เอารสชาติเป็นใหญ่ ถึงแม้ว่ามันจะไม่เป็นประโยชน์ต่อสุขภาพ แต่มันอร่อย มันหวาน มันเปรี้ยว มันเผ็ด มันเค็ม หรือว่ามันสีสวยน่ากิน ทั้ง ๆ ที่มันอาจจะเจือไปด้วยสารพิษที่เป็นอันตราย

หลายคนก็รู้ว่ากินอาหารที่มันเต็มไปด้วยไขมัน อุดมไปด้วยน้ำตาล เป็นโทษต่อสุขภาพ แต่ก็ห้ามใจไม่ได้ กินมาก ๆ เข้า สุดท้ายก็เป็นโรคหัวใจ โรคเบาหวาน ไตวาย หรือบางทีถ้ากินอาหารประเภทที่มันเป็นของดิบ เช่น ปลาดิบ มีพยาธิใบไม้ในตับ ก็เกิดเป็นมะเร็งในตับ หลายคนก็รู้ว่ากินอาหารแบบนี้ ทำให้เกิดโรคเป็นมะเร็งในตับ รู้ว่ามันไม่ถูกต้องแต่ก็กิน เพราะมันถูกใจ

หรือเวลาเราเรียนหนังสือ ถ้าความถูกต้อง เราก็ต้องเรียนด้วยความขยันหมั่นเพียร ต้องมีความซื่อสัตย์สุจริต เวลาทำการบ้าน หรือเวลาเข้าห้องสอบ แต่ถ้าเราเอาความถูกใจเป็นใหญ่ เรียนบ้างไม่เรียนบ้าง บางวิชาฉันไม่ชอบฉันก็ไม่เรียน เวลาทำการบ้านก็ไปลอกจากเพื่อน หรือว่าไปตัดแปะมาจากกูเกิ้ลหรือวิกิพีเดีย เวลาสอบก็ทุจริต แม้รู้ว่าไม่ถูกต้อง แต่มันถูกใจ คือมันสะดวก ง่าย สบาย

เวลาทำงานถ้าเราเอาความถูกต้องเป็นใหญ่ เราก็จะทำงานด้วยความรับผิดชอบ แม้ว่าเป็นงานที่เราไม่ชอบ แต่เมื่อเรามีหน้าที่ เราก็ต้องพยายามทำให้ดีที่สุด เพราะเป็นความรับผิดชอบของเรา แต่ถ้าเอาความถูกใจ งานนี้ฉันไม่ชอบ ฉันก็ไม่ทำ ต่อเมื่อเป็นงานที่ฉันชอบ ฉันจึงจะทำ

หรือถ้าเป็นงานที่ฉันไม่ได้อะไร ฉันไม่ทำ จะทำก็ต่อเมื่อเป็นงานที่ได้ผลประโยชน์ เวลาจะทำอะไรก็จะถามว่าทำแล้วฉันจะได้อะไร อันนี้ก็คือเอาความถูกใจเป็นหลัก หรือเอาความถูกใจเป็นใหญ่ในเวลาทำงาน

เวลาใช้ข้าวของ เช่นโทรศัพท์มือถือ ถามตัวเราเองว่าเราใช้ความถูกต้องหรือความถูกใจ ถ้าใช้ความถูกต้องเป็นใหญ่ ก็จะใช้โทรศัพท์เพื่อติดต่องานการ ทำกิจธุระ หาความรู้ เช็คข้อมูล อาจจะดูหนังฟังเพลงบ้าง ก็ให้เวลากับมันพอสมควร ไม่ใช่หมกมุ่นอยู่กับมัน โดยไม่เป็นอันทำอะไร งานการก็ไม่สนใจ ก้มหน้าดูแต่โทรศัพท์ ใช้ดูหนังฟังเพลง หรือบางทีหนักกว่านั้น ใช้เพื่อเล่นพนันออนไลน์ หรือเล่นเกมออนไลน์ วันหนึ่งหลายชั่วโมง การใช้โทรศัพท์มือถือแบบนี้ ก็เรียกว่าไม่ได้เอาความถูกต้องเป็นใหญ่ แต่เอาความถูกใจเป็นใหญ่

ฉะนั้นลองพิจารณาดูเรื่องการใช้ชีวิตของคนเรา รวมทั้งความสัมพันธ์กับผู้คน เราใช้อะไรเป็นใหญ่ เอาความถูกต้องเป็นใหญ่ หรือเอาความถูกใจเป็นใหญ่ เวลาคบเพื่อน เวลามีเรื่องที่ต้องเกี่ยวข้องกับผู้คน ถ้าเราเอาความถูกต้องเป็นใหญ่ เราก็จะคำนึงถึงความรู้สึกของอีกฝ่ายหนึ่ง เราจะไม่คิดถึงแต่จะเบียดเบียน เอาเปรียบ ต้องมีความเสียสละ แล้วก็รู้จักอดกลั้น ไม่ทำตามอารมณ์

แต่ถ้าเอาความถูกใจเป็นใหญ่ ก็เรียกว่าไม่สนใจว่าคนอื่น เขาจะรู้สึกอย่างไร เอาเปรียบได้ก็เอาเปรียบ ไม่พอใจอะไรก็โวยวาย เรียกว่าขาดน้ำใจ แล้วก็ขาดความรับผิดชอบ มันเป็นเส้นแบ่งได้เลยในเรื่องคน ในเรื่องของพฤติกรรม ในเรื่องของการกระทำ ว่าเราใช้ความถูกต้องหรือความถูกใจ

ถ้าเราเอาความถูกต้องเป็นใหญ่ ชีวิตก็มีโอกาสที่จะเจริญก้าวหน้า อยู่ในศีลในธรรม ตั้งมั่นในความดี แต่ถ้าเราเอาความถูกใจเป็นใหญ่ ก็มีโอกาสที่จะตกต่ำย่ำแย่ เพราะสุดท้ายก็กลายเป็นคนเห็นแก่ตัว หรือว่าตกเป็นทาสของกิเลส อยากกินอะไรก็กิน อยากทำอะไรก็ทำ ไม่ได้สนใจส่วนรวม

เวลามาอยู่วัดก็เหมือนกัน ถ้าเอาความถูกต้องเป็นใหญ่ เราก็จะปฏิบัติตามกฎระเบียบ แม้บางอย่างเราอาจจะต้องฝืนใจทำ เพราะว่าเราเป็นคนตื่นสาย แต่ว่าเราจำเป็นต้องตื่นเช้ามาทำวัตร เพราะว่ามันเป็นระเบียบ มันเป็นข้อวัตร เป็นกติกา เวลามีการทำกิจส่วนรวมก็ไปร่วมช่วยทำ

แต่ถ้าเราเอาความถูกใจเป็นใหญ่ มาบ้างไม่มาบ้าง ทำวัตร เอาความอยากของตัวเองเป็นหลัก ไม่อยากมาก็ไม่มา หรือว่าไม่อยากตื่นก็ไม่ตื่น งานที่เป็นของส่วนรวม ฉันไม่อยากทำฉันก็ไม่ทำ อันนี้ก็ทำให้ชีวิตเราย่ำแย่ไป

แต่ที่จริงแล้วถ้าเราแยกแยะความถูกต้อง ความถูกใจเป็น ก็จะทำให้เราสามารถที่จะใช้ชีวิตไปในทางที่ถูกต้องได้ แต่บางครั้งมันก็ไม่ง่ายที่เราจะแยกแยะได้ชัดเจน ระหว่างความถูกต้องกับความถูกใจ เพราะบางครั้งกิเลสมันก็ฉลาด มันจะอ้างความถูกต้องเฉพาะเวลาที่ถูกใจ แต่ถ้าหากว่าความถูกต้องยามใดไม่ถูกใจฉัน ฉันก็ไม่สนใจ

อย่างเช่นเวลาทำงาน สิ้นปีก็มีโบนัส ถ้าหากว่าฉันได้โบนัส แต่ถ้ารู้ว่าคนอื่นได้โบนัสมากกว่าฉัน เช่นฉันได้ 50,000 แต่อีกคนได้ 70,000 หรือแสนหนึ่ง ก็จะไม่พอใจ ก็จะอ้างว่าไม่ถูกต้อง ไม่เป็นธรรม ความเป็นธรรมคืออะไร ความถูกต้องคืออะไร ก็คือต้องได้เท่ากัน ก็อาจจะเรียกร้อง อาจจะประท้วง อาจจะโวยวายว่ามันต้องเป็นธรรม คือต้องได้เท่ากัน ถึงจะถูกต้อง

แต่ถ้าหากว่าตัวเองได้มากกว่า ตัวเองได้แสน แต่ว่าคนอื่นเขาได้ 50,000, 70,000 เงียบเลย ไม่พูดสักคำเลยว่ามันไม่ถูกต้อง มันไม่เป็นธรรม เพราะอะไร เพราะว่าฉันได้มากกว่า คราวนี้ฉันได้มากกว่า ก็ถือว่าเป็นเรื่องที่ถูกใจฉันแล้ว ถึงตอนนี้ก็ทิ้งเรื่องความถูกต้องไป แต่ถ้าเราเอาความถูกต้องเป็นใหญ่ แม้ว่าจะมีเงินหรือได้เงินมากกว่าคนอื่น มันก็ไม่ถูกต้องอยู่นั่นเอง ก็ต้องทำให้เกิดความถูกต้องขึ้นมา คือว่าต้องได้เท่าคนอื่น

หลายคนเรียกร้องความถูกต้อง เรียกร้องความเป็นธรรม บ่อยครั้งเลยเพราะว่าตัวเองสูญเสียผลประโยชน์ หรือว่าไม่ได้ประโยชน์เท่ากับคนอื่น ถ้าหากว่าตัวเองได้เกิดน้อยกว่าคนอื่น จะเรียกร้องความเป็นธรรม เรียกร้องความถูกต้อง แต่ถ้าหากว่าตัวเองได้มากกว่าคนอื่น ความถูกต้องก็ลืมไปเลย อันนี้แหละนะเรียกว่าอ้างความถูกต้องต่อเมื่อมันถูกใจฉัน ทั้งที่ถ้าถูกต้องแล้วฉันได้เท่าคนอื่น แต่กลับดีหากว่าฉันได้มากกว่าคนอื่น แล้วหากความถูกต้องหมายถึงว่าฉันต้องได้น้อยลง ลดลงมาจากแสนให้เหลือ 70,000 เท่ากับคนอื่น ฉันไม่เอาแล้ว

อันนี้ก็เป็นสิ่งที่เราพบอยู่บ่อย ๆ อ้างความถูกต้องต่อเมื่อมันถูกใจ แต่ถ้ามันไม่ถูกใจฉันเมื่อไหร่ ก็ไม่อ้างความถูกต้องแล้ว ลืมไปเลย อันนี้ก็ต้องระมัดระวัง เพราะบางครั้งกิเลสมันก็ฉลาด มันก็อ้างความถูกต้อง เพื่อสนองผลประโยชน์ของมัน และบางทีเราก็นิยามความถูกต้องแปรผันไป ขึ้นอยู่กับความถูกใจ

ความถูกต้องหรือความเป็นธรรม มันก็มองได้หลายแง่ และตรงนี้แหละ เป็นโอกาสที่จะทำให้ตัวกิเลสมันมาเป็นตัวกำหนด ว่าอย่างไหนเรียกว่าเป็นความถูกต้อง

อย่างเช่นหมู่บ้านหนึ่ง เมื่อสัก 30-40 ปีก่อน สมัยที่ยังไม่มีอบต. ในหมู่บ้านนั้นมีปั๊มน้ำ ที่ใช้แบบคันโยก เป็นปั๊มน้ำของหมู่บ้าน มันเกิดเสียขึ้นมา นักศึกษาที่เป็นพัฒนากรประจำหมู่บ้าน เขาก็เสนอว่าควรจะเก็บเงินทุกหลังคาเลยหลังคาละ 10 บาท เพื่อเป็นค่าซ่อมปั๊ม

ปรากฏว่าชาวบ้านหลายคนไม่ยอม บอกว่าบ้านฉันอยู่ไกลจากปั๊มน้ำ ฉันไม่ค่อยได้ใช้หรอก บ้านไหนที่ใช้ปั๊มมากกว่า เพราะอยู่ใกล้ปั๊ม ควรจะเสียมากกว่า ส่วนบ้านไหนที่อยู่ไกลใช้น้อย ก็ควรจะเสียน้อย แทนที่จะเสีย 10 บาท ก็เสีย 5 บาท เสียเท่ากันนี่ถือว่าไม่เป็นธรรม ตกลงก็เป็นอันว่าต้องเสียไม่เท่ากัน

แต่หนึ่งเดือนต่อมาในหมู่บ้าน มีคนเอาผ้าห่มมาแจก เพราะว่ามันใกล้ฤดูหนาว เอามาถวายวัด หลวงพ่อเจ้าอาวาสท่านก็ปรึกษามัคทายก เพราะว่าผ้าห่มมันไม่พอที่จะแจกให้ชาวบ้านทุกครัวเรือนเท่ากัน มัคทายกก็เสนอว่าบ้านไหนที่ช่วยส่วนรวมได้ 2 ผืน บ้านไหนที่ไม่ค่อยช่วยส่วนรวมได้ 1 ผืน

พอประกาศอย่างนี้เข้า ชาวบ้านไม่พอใจ บอกว่าไม่เป็นธรรม เป็นธรรมคืออะไร เป็นธรรมคือต้องได้เท่ากัน ก็แปลกนะ เวลาจ่ายเงิน ต้องจ่ายไม่เท่ากัน ถึงจะเป็นธรรม แต่เวลาพอได้ผ้าห่มหรือแจกผ้าห่ม ต้องได้เท่ากันถึงจะเป็นธรรม

อันนี้แปลว่าอะไร แปลว่าความเป็นธรรมหรือความถูกต้องนี่มันไม่แน่นอน มันแปรผันขึ้นอยู่กับความถูกใจ จ่ายเท่ากัน หลายคนไม่ถูกใจ ควรจะจ่ายน้อยกว่า จ่ายไม่เท่ากันจึงจะเรียกว่าเป็นธรรม แต่ถึงเวลาได้ ต้องได้เท่ากันจึงจะเป็นธรรม

ถ้าเราพิจารณาดูก็จะพบว่า นี่มันเป็นการนิยามคำว่าเป็นธรรม หรือความถูกต้องโดยอาศัยความถูกใจ ถึงเวลาได้ ต้องได้เท่ากันจึงจะถูกใจ ถ้าได้ไม่เท่ากัน ไม่ถูกใจ ก็ถือว่าไม่เป็นธรรม แต่เวลาจ่าย ต้องจ่ายไม่เท่ากันจึงจะถูกต้อง ฉันต้องจ่ายน้อยกว่า เพราะบ้านฉันอยู่ไกล อย่างนี้เรียกว่าเป็นธรรม

ฉะนั้นความเป็นธรรม ถ้าเราไม่ระวัง มันก็เป็นข้ออ้างเพื่อสนองกิเลส เพื่อสนองความถูกใจ ถ้าเราดูให้ดี ๆ ความถูกต้อง ความถูกใจ แม้ว่าความหมายจะต่างกัน แต่ถ้าไม่ระวัง มันก็กลายเป็นเรื่องเดียวกันได้ ก็คือว่าอันไหนถูกใจจึงเรียกว่าถูกต้อง อันไหนไม่ถูกใจก็เรียกว่าไม่ถูกต้อง

และอีกอย่างหนึ่งคือแม้เราจะมีความชัดเจนว่าอย่างนี้คือความถูกต้อง แต่ก็ต้องระวัง อย่าไปยึดมั่นถือมั่นกับมันมาก เพราะถ้าเราไปยึดมั่นถือมั่นกับความถูกต้องเมื่อไหร่ พอเจอใครทำอะไรไม่ถูกต้อง กลายเป็นไม่ถูกใจไปเลย

อย่างที่เคยเล่า ศีลจาริณี บวชใหม่ ไม่รู้ธรรมเนียม ยืนกินน้ำ แม่ชีเดินผ่านมาเห็นคาตาเลย อย่างนี้ไม่ถูกต้อง แต่ว่าไปยึดกับความถูกต้องมากไป พอเจอความไม่ถูกต้องขึ้นมา โกรธนะ ทุบหลังศีลจาริณีเลย อันนี้เรียกว่าเป็นเพราะยึดมั่นความถูกต้องมาก ยึดมั่นกับระเบียบมาก พอยึดมั่นกับระเบียบหรือความถูกต้อง พอเจอความไม่ถูกต้อง หรือใครทำอะไรไม่ถูกต้อง ก็จะโกรธ

หรือว่าที่วัดก็มีระเบียบ เวลาฟังธรรมต้องปิดโทรศัพท์มือถือ อันนี้คือความถูกต้องที่ควรปฏิบัติร่วมกัน แต่เกิดมีโยมคนหนึ่งลืมปิดโทรศัพท์มือถือ แล้วบังเอิญมีคนโทรเข้ามา เสียงก็ดังกลางศาลาเลย ขณะที่เจ้าอาวาสกำลังเทศน์อยู่ นี่เป็นความไม่ถูกต้องแท้ ๆ เลย ถ้ายึดมั่นกับความถูกต้องมาก เวลาเจอความไม่ถูกต้องแบบนี้ก็โกรธ

โกรธแล้วเป็นอย่างไร ก็ตะโกนด่าเลย เจ้าอาวาสก็ตะโกนด่าเลย กำลังเทศน์อยู่ดีๆ เปลี่ยนโหมดเลยนะ เป็นการด่าแทน ด่าเจ้าของโทรศัพท์ที่ลืมปิดโทรศัพท์ อันนี้เรียกว่าพอเจอความไม่ถูกต้องนี่ มันเกิดไม่ถูกใจขึ้นมา พอไม่ถูกใจแล้วกิเลสมันก็พร้อมที่จะเล่นงาน พร้อมที่จะโวยวาย พร้อมที่จะพูด หรือพร้อมที่จะกระทำอะไรก็ตามด้วยอำนาจของโทสะ ด้วยอำนาจของกิเลส ซึ่งเป็นเรื่องของอัตตาธิปไตย

ฉะนั้นเราต้องระวัง ขณะที่เรายึดมั่นในความถูกต้อง ถ้าเรายึดมั่นมากไป พอเจอใครทำอะไรไม่ถูกต้องขึ้นมา ความไม่ถูกต้องจะกลายเป็นความไม่ถูกใจทันทีเลย ทั้งๆ ที่ดูเผินๆ ไม่ถูกต้องกับไม่ถูกใจนี่มันห่างกันนะ มันไกลกันมาก

เช่นเดียวกับความถูกต้อง ความถูกใจ บางทีมันก็ไกลกันมาก แต่ในบางครั้งบางคราว ถ้าไม่รู้ทันมัน มันกลายเป็นเรื่องเดียวกันไปเลย คือถ้าไม่ถูกต้องเมื่อไหร่ ก็ไม่ถูกใจเมื่อนั้น หรือจะเป็นสิ่งที่ถูกต้อง ก็ต่อเมื่อมันถูกใจ ถ้าอันไหนไม่ถูกใจ ก็ไม่ถูกต้องไป

อันนี้มันต้องใช้สติพิจารณา การที่เรารู้ว่าอะไรถูก อะไรผิด เป็นสิ่งที่ดี และการที่เราปฏิบัติตามความถูกต้อง ก็เป็นสิ่งที่ดี เรียกว่ามีธรรมาธิปไตย แต่ถ้าเรายึดมั่นในความถูกต้องมากไป มันก็ง่ายมากเลยนะ ที่เวลาเจอใครทำอะไรไม่ถูกต้อง ความไม่ถูกต้องก็กลายเป็นความไม่ถูกใจ หรือกระตุ้นให้เกิดความไม่ถูกใจทันที

แล้วบางทีก็ไม่รู้ตัวนะ ก็ยังคิดว่าฉันทำสิ่งที่ถูกต้อง แต่ที่จริงแล้วสิ่งที่ทำไปมันถูกใจต่างหาก แล้วมันก็เกินเลยความถูกต้องไป เพราะว่าไปทุบหลังคนอื่นนี่มันจะถูกต้องได้อย่างไร หรือว่าไปตะโกนด่ากลางศาลาในขณะที่ขาดสติ หรือทำไปด้วยความโกรธ จะเป็นความถูกต้องได้อย่างไร มันก็เป็นเรื่องละเอียดอ่อน ความถูกต้องไม่ใช่ว่ามันจะกลายเป็นสิ่งตรงข้ามกับความถูกใจ

ถ้าเราไม่ระวัง ความยึดมั่นถือมั่น มันก็จะทำให้ความถูกต้องกับความถูกใจ กลายเป็นอันเดียวกัน แล้วก็ทำให้เกิดความผิดพลาด หรือเกิดความเสียหายขึ้น

หลายคนก็ทำสิ่งที่ไม่ถูกต้องเพื่อพิทักษ์ความถูกต้อง อันนี้มีเยอะเลย ที่เป็นข่าวก็คือว่าไปฆ่าคนนั้นคนนี้เพื่อรักษาความถูกต้อง ไม่ว่าเป็นความถูกต้องทางการเมือง ความถูกต้องทางศาสนา

อย่างพวกที่เป็นพวกก่อการร้าย หลายคนเขาก็คิดว่าเขาทำเพื่อพระเจ้า เขาทำเพื่อพิทักษ์ความถูกต้องทางศาสนา แต่ว่าสิ่งที่เขาทำ มันกลายเป็นความไม่ถูกต้องไปเสียแล้ว ทำไปด้วยอำนาจของกิเลส ตัวเองเป็นคนตัดสินว่าใครจะอยู่ใครจะไป ใครที่คิดไม่เหมือนฉัน ก็ต้องถูกกำจัดออกไปจากโลกนี้ เพราะมันเป็นคนที่คิดไม่ถูกต้อง ปฏิบัติไม่ถูกต้อง

ที่จริงก็เป็นเพียงแค่เห็นต่างจากตัวเองเท่านั้น แต่พอเจอคนที่เห็นต่าง ก็เปลี่ยนจากความไม่ถูกใจ กลายเป็นข้ออ้างว่าเขาทำสิ่งที่ไม่ถูกต้อง เพราะฉะนั้นก็สมควรกำจัดออกไปจากโลกนี้

อันนี้เป็นสิ่งที่เราเห็นมากขึ้นเรื่อยๆ ที่เป็นข่าว แล้วมันไม่ใช่เพราะเรื่องศาสนาอย่างเดียว เรื่องการเมือง เรื่องวัฒนธรรม ก็มีความถูกต้องของมัน แต่ถ้าไปยึดความถูกต้องมากไป ใครที่ปฏิบัติไม่ถูกต้องในสายตาของเรา มันก็กลายเป็นสิ่งที่กระตุ้นความไม่ถูกใจ ทำให้เกิดความโกรธ ทำให้เกิดข้ออ้างในการที่จะจัดการ ทำร้าย หรือว่าสังหาร

ฉะนั้นต้องระวังมากทีเดียว การทำความไม่ถูกต้อง ในนามของความถูกต้อง ก็กลายเป็นว่าทำไปด้วยอำนาจของกิเลส แทนที่จะเป็นธรรมาธิปไตย ก็กลายเป็นอัตตาธิปไตยไป.

https://youtu.be/nvGHQUvjvOE

พระไพศาล วิสาโล วัดป่าสุคะโต 4 กันยายน 2565 ขอขอบคุณ Nonglak Trongselsat

@ 58537364:705b4b85

Discipline is “doing things with intention, without being swayed or carried away by emotions.” On the other hand, lack of discipline implies the opposite:

Lack of discipline is “acting according to emotional fluctuations or being carried away by feelings,” such as sleepiness, hunger, boredom, frustration, satisfaction, dissatisfaction, fear, infatuation, or lack of mindfulness. This often leads to various excuses like:

• "I'll do it later."
• "I'm too tired."
• "It's too hot or too cold."
• "It's still early."
• "It's already too late."
• Etc.

Building lasting discipline “does not come from force, but from dreams.” The law of dreams states that we must create a clear vision of our ‘heaven’ (goal), then minimize the gap between thought and action. The more we overthink, the less likely we are to act—our mind becomes weak and unstable.

The law of dreams also suggests dreaming for others, not just for oneself. When the mind is overly focused on personal success, wisdom and insight diminish. Actions become self-centered and lack empathy. But when our goal is for the greater good, every action becomes meaningful and contributes to shared happiness and success.

— Metha Harimtepathipbodi

Read the TH full version at: https://w3.do/SODEDpmP

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Sloth test

Just a test

Please ignore.

In the lush canopy of a rainforest, Sid the sloth hung lazily from a branch, his mossy fur blending with the leaves. Each day, he nibbled on tender shoots, moving so slowly that ants marched faster. One morning, a curious toucan dropped a shiny berry. Sid, intrigued, reached for it over hours, only to find it was a pebble! Chuckling, he napped, dreaming of sweeter finds. His unhurried life taught the jungle: patience brings its own rewards. (376 characters)

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The Dhamma of the Buddha is not merely a concept or philosophical hypothesis. It is the direct seeing of the truth — that suffering truly exists within us, and that it can genuinely be ended — through observing, with wisdom, not by calculation or blind belief.

Suffering is not an abstract idea; it is a real experience we can feel. When we truly understand suffering by facing it directly — not running from it or deceiving ourselves — we will see that the sense of “self” is the root of suffering. Every time the feeling of “this is me, this is mine” arises — suffering follows.

The solution is not in argument or debate, but in taking action to see and know this truth for ourselves.

Thus, Dhamma is the science of the mind — not just a philosophy. And this is why the Buddha’s teachings have never become outdated, even after more than 2,500 years.

Read the TH full version at: https://w3.do/okHFEDy-

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“Phra Ajahn (Venerable Sir), I don’t mean any offense, but since Buddhism already has its core teachings, if I think that we should reduce the number of temples or their structures, would that be considered sinful?”

“Bless you. When you eat a banana, do you eat the peel or the fruit?”

“I eat the fruit.”

“Oh… and before you eat it, do you peel it?”

The clean-faced girl nodded.

“Why do you peel it?”

“Because the peel isn’t edible.”

“Oh, so the peel is completely useless, right?”

She shook her head.

The narrator continues:

“In truth, the peel has a purpose—it protects the fruit. The same goes for durian or jackfruit peels. Think about it, if a fruit has a tough peel, it usually keeps the inside well protected—and the inside is often delicious…”

“To eat the fruit, we shouldn’t get confused and eat the peel. Nor should we eat only the peel and discard the fruit. Our role is to know what’s the peel and what’s the fruit—and we must know how to peel it.”

“I must admit, personally, I don’t care much for construction, decoration, or rituals, but I understand—some people enjoy them and find them beneficial. That’s valid. We just don’t have to argue about it…”

“It’s a matter of knowing how to ‘peel.’ Don’t get lost in the outer layers, but also don’t discard the essence inside. Instead, help guide others to understand, without throwing away what matters most…”

“For example, take prostrating. I don’t mind whether or not people prostrate to me. It’s not mandatory.”

“After reading the sutras and analyzing them, I found that in the Buddha’s time, when he gave teachings, many people came to listen. Some prostrated, some just joined their palms, some didn’t prostrate and just sat down, and some walked by without listening at all.”

“Likewise, when people left, their reactions varied. Some came with faith and left with it. Some changed and lost faith. Others came with doubt but gained faith later. And some never changed. That was during the Buddha’s time, no less.”

“So, we must ask: What does prostrating give us? I started doing it only after I was ordained. I’ve been doing it for 14 years. At first, I just followed along.”

“But later, I began to understand—it trains humility, helps reduce ego and pride, and teaches us appropriate behavior.”

“When someone prostrates to me, I feel more inclined to teach or talk with them, compared to those who don’t. With the latter, it’s harder to read them—so I just stay still and observe first.”

“Do you think some people prostrate without understanding the meaning, just copying others?”

The girl nodded.

“Right? So, I think prostrating, rituals, and temple buildings are not the ultimate essence of Buddhism. But they have meaning. They help guide us to reach the deeper benefit hidden within. It’s our job to understand them—if we really want to understand.”

“I believe that true religion doesn’t reside in material things. If it did, then Borobudur, the largest Buddhist monument in the world, filled with stupas, should be bustling with monks and Buddhists.”

“But do you know what it’s like now?”

The girl shook her head.

“…Now it’s just a tourist attraction. No monks live there anymore.”

“You said we should reduce the number of temples. What would you do with the space?”

“Maybe turn it into a public park or something.”

“That’s a good idea. I like it. Others could come and use it, too—with trees and animals. People would feel more at peace.”

The girl’s eyes lit up.

“But couldn’t we just plant more trees in the temples and make them like parks? Isn’t that a good idea?”

She smiled.

“Even though I don’t want us to cling to material or ritualistic forms, I still see their benefits. Look over there!”

He pointed to a carved wooden box.

All the children turned to look.

“…This box might be just ordinary wood. But once carved, it instantly looks valuable. It’s different from other boxes. The craftsman needed skill, time, and dedication to create it.”

“…If you had several wooden boxes to choose from, this would likely be among the first you’d pick.”

“This is what we call the value of beauty. Beautiful temples and buildings draw people to care for them, clean them, preserve them, and host meaningful events within. I guess that’s why temple architecture became such a tradition in the first place.”

“One last thing—about merit and sin.”

“Let’s understand the meanings first. Merit means cleansing the mind. Sin means lowering the mind, making it gloomy or defiled.”

“If you want to make a public park—merit or sin?”

“Merit.”

“If you’re annoyed and want to destroy all temples—merit or sin?”

“Sin.”

“If you prostrate with understanding, wishing to train humility and receive the Dhamma from monks—merit or sin?”

“Merit.”

“If you prostrate mindlessly, just following others—merit or sin?”

The girl paused and looked up.

“Still unclear, right?”

“Yes.” She nodded firmly.

“Then I ask you to observe your own mind. Is it clean or lowly? Is it merit or sin? Not just with prostrating, but with every action, word, and thought.”

“So, how much of your question did I answer?”

“One hundred percent!”

“Really? Okay. Thank you so much for the question.”

The children bowed and walked out of the pavilion.

The narrator, seizing the moment, reflected with admiration on the question and answer just shared.

This girl’s question wasn’t childish at all.

It was more mature than many adults' questions—insightful, nuanced, and sophisticated.

Her voice was clear, confident, courageous, and respectful. It was on point, meaningful, and thought-provoking—for both the speaker and the listeners.

While listening, she made eye contact and reacted, encouraging shared learning. She was an excellent listener and never missed a beat.

And most importantly, her smile and gaze uplifted and encouraged her classmates, too.

This made the speaker feel proud to be sitting there, at that moment, that day.

Truly joyful to see a young person with such a beautiful mind, who thinks of nature and wants to bring happiness to others—and who understands and appreciates the essence of Buddhism.

“It’s truly something to be proud of—to know that the Dhamma is reaching the younger generation. Don’t you agree?”

The author wasn’t asking anyone.

He turned to look at a marble statue placed behind him, and silently paid homage to the Buddha—the Supreme Teacher—with unwavering reverence.

Asrom Khantisarn A wooden house called “Kuti” June 15, 2023

By Phramaha Fookij Jutipanyo

Read the TH full version at: https://w3.do/Zp6prJLz

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• Introduction
• NostrTrust Trust Scoring System Draft
• NostrTrust Initial Trust Score List Draft