@ a012dc82:6458a70d

Table Of Content

• Hong Kong's Regulatory Environment

• Mainland China's Crypto Crackdown

• The Rise of Crypto Exchanges and Institutions

• Growing Interest from Institutional Investors

• Hong Kong's Role in the Global Crypto Market

• Conclusion

• FAQ

The world of cryptocurrencies has experienced numerous ups and downs, with Bitcoin being the poster child for massive price surges and sharp declines. Recently, Hong Kong has emerged as a potential catalyst for a new crypto bull run. In this article, we will explore the factors that could propel the cryptocurrency markets forward in the near future.

Hong Kong's Regulatory Environment

Hong Kong has long been known for its business-friendly environment and relatively lenient financial regulations. With the government actively working to create a clear and comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, market participants are optimistic about the potential growth of the crypto ecosystem in Hong Kong.

Mainland China's Crypto Crackdown

The Chinese government's ongoing crackdown on cryptocurrency activities has led to many businesses, investors, and miners looking for new opportunities elsewhere. Hong Kong has emerged as a popular destination for these players, as its proximity to mainland China and its established financial infrastructure offer a conducive environment for the crypto industry to thrive.

The Rise of Crypto Exchanges and Institutions

The influx of mainland Chinese businesses and investors has led to a surge in demand for digital asset trading platforms and services. This has resulted in the establishment of several cryptocurrency exchanges and institutions in Hong Kong, further bolstering the growth of the crypto market in the region.

Growing Interest from Institutional Investors

As the global economy continues to recover, institutional investors are actively seeking alternative asset classes to diversify their portfolios. Hong Kong's well-regulated crypto market has attracted significant interest from these investors, providing additional liquidity and stability to the market.

Hong Kong's Role in the Global Crypto Market

Hong Kong's growing prominence in the global cryptocurrency market could serve as a catalyst for a new bull run. As more businesses, investors, and institutions flock to the city, the positive sentiment surrounding the crypto ecosystem is likely to spread, potentially spurring increased global adoption and demand for digital assets.

Conclusion

The combination of a favorable regulatory environment, an influx of market participants from mainland China, and growing interest from institutional investors has positioned Hong Kong as a key player in the global cryptocurrency market. While it is impossible to predict with certainty when or if a bull run will occur, the factors discussed in this article suggest that Hong Kong could play a pivotal role in pushing the crypto markets to new heights.

FAQ

Could Hong Kong potentially push the crypto market into a bull run? Yes, Hong Kong could play a pivotal role in pushing the crypto market into a bull run, thanks to its favorable regulatory environment, an influx of market participants from mainland China, and growing interest from institutional investors.

Why is Hong Kong's regulatory environment attractive for the crypto market? Hong Kong's regulatory environment is attractive for the crypto market because of its business-friendly nature and the government's ongoing efforts to create a clear and comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies.

What makes Hong Kong an attractive destination for crypto miners? Hong Kong's proximity to mainland China, its established financial infrastructure, and relatively lenient regulations make it an attractive destination for crypto miners seeking new opportunities in the wake of China's crackdown on cryptocurrency activities.

Is it possible to predict when a bull run will occur in the crypto market? It is impossible to predict with certainty when or if a bull run will occur in the crypto market. However, factors such as Hong Kong's regulatory environment, the influx of market participants from mainland China, and growing interest from institutional investors suggest that the region could play a pivotal role in pushing the crypto markets to new heights.

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@ 6ad3e2a3:c90b7740

While I love traveling and usually feel enriched by the experience, I dread and detest the process of going to the airport and getting on a plane. It’s not that I’m afraid of flying — though a plane crash would be one of the worst ways to die — but that the airlines and airports have made the experience as inefficient, dehumanizing and cumbersome as possible. While in the short-term these measures might have generated some extra revenue, cut costs or staved off encroachment from competitors, long-term it cannot be good for the service you offer to be so universally reviled. In the interest of improving their product — and the experience of millions of future passengers including me — here are some practical suggestions:

1. Separate passengers from their bags as early as possible.

The single stupidest airline policy is that checking a bag costs extra while carry-ons are free. What that does is incentivize everyone to drag their luggage through the airport and onto the plane. This has several negative consequences:

a) Even though most airlines have assigned seats, everyone lines up 10 or 20 minutes before the start of the already too long boarding process, frantically hoping to secure some scarce overhead space rather than relaxing in the terminal and boarding at their leisure before the door closes.

b) The process of people filing into the narrow plane aisle(s) with their bags and taking time to load them into the overheads stalls the entire boarding process. Not only do people stand in line at the boarding gate, but they stand in line in the jet bridge and again in the aisle(s). Whereas boarding with purses, laptops and other small, under-the-seat items might take 10 minutes or so, getting all the luggage in takes half an hour. If there are 150 people aboard, that’s 3,000 minutes (50 hours) of human life squandered on a useless and stressful activity. Multiply that by thousands of flights per day.

c) The process of deplaning is also slow because everyone has to get their bags out of the overhead. That’s another 15-minute process that should take five.

d) Everyone going through security with all their carry-ons slows down the security line significantly and makes people have to arrive at the airport earlier.

e) Because everyone has their bags, they have to lug them around the terminal while using the restroom, eating or shopping for something to read. Having a 20-pound weight on your shoulder only makes the experience that much more miserable.

The solution to this is for airlines to allow free checked bags and charge for carry-ons with the exception of parents traveling with young children.

To make the process of checking bags more efficient and less cumbersome there should be an immediate drop-off outside the airport. Like curb-side check-in, but automated, a giant conveyor belt of sorts where everyone drops their bag that will be sorted appropriately inside. This drop off area would have security keeping an eye on it, but it would be self-serve and connect at all entry points including curb-side, the parking garage, from the train, etc.

There would be no need for bag tags because people could have an airport-certified chip inserted into their luggage that syncs with the traveler’s boarding pass, i.e., the system reads the chip and directs the bag to the proper gate underground. (Maybe there would be a plastic bin at all the drop-off points you into which you put your bag so luggage of different shapes, sizes and materials could move smoothly and reliably on the conveyor belt to its destination.)

Security details would have to be worked out (maybe you’d have to scan your boarding pass or passport at the bag drop to open it), but as it stands, once you drop your bag off at the curb or the check-in area, it’s essentially the same process now, i.e, it has to be scanned internally before being placed on the plane.

2. Eliminate Security Lines

Going through security would be far easier without all the bags, but to expedite and improve it further, we should make two key changes, neither of which should be beyond our capacity to implement.

a) Instead of a single-file conveyor belt scanned by humans, make the conveyor belt wide enough for everyone to put their laptops, belts, etc. on simultaneously. This could easily be done by providing plastic bins (as they do now), but with individual numbers and keys on them, like you’d find in most locker rooms. You’d grab bin 45, for example, pull the key out, put your things in it, lock it, walk through the metal detector, retrieve your bin on the other side, unlock it, get your things, put the key back in it, and it gets returned for re-use.

Instead of a bored-out-of-his-mind human looking at each bag individually, there would be a large scanner that would look at all the bags simultaneously and flag anything suspicious.

b) Just as there’s no reason to send the bags through the scanner single-file, there’s no reason to send the people through that way, either. Instead, install room-wide metal detectors through which dozens of people could walk simultaneously. Any passengers that set it off would be digitally marked by the detector, directed back out, shed the offending item into a numbered bin and collect it on the other side.

Basically, you’d drop anything big off before you even set foot in the building, and you’d drop everything else into a security bin, walk through without waiting and collect it on the other side.

3. Make sure the gates are clean, have enough seats to accommodate the passengers of even the largest planes that come through, ample charging stations and reliable and free wi-fi.

Because you’re no longer forced to line up and hustle for overhead space, you’ll be spending more time sitting comfortably in the terminal.

4. Have clean, efficient public transportation from the center of each city directly to the airport. (Some cities already have this.) Not a train, a bus and a one-mile walk.

There are smaller things airports could do to make the process even better — and I’ll suggest some below — but these three would at least make it tolerable and humane. It would shave off roughly an hour per trip, spare people the burden of schlepping around with heavy bags, wading through slow-moving security lines (which add stress if you’re in danger of missing your flight), standing in the terminal, waiting in line after line to sit in a cramped and uncomfortable seat for 20-30 minutes before the plane even takes off and remaining stuck in that seat 15 minutes after the plane has made it to the gate while people one by one painstakingly get their bags out of the overhead bins. Moreover, people could get to the airport later without rushing, and if they were early, they could relax in the terminal or get work done.

Here are some other suggestions:

1. With fewer people using the overhead bins, rip them out. There would be a few bins at designated spots (just like there are a few emergency exits), but the interior of the plane would feel more spacious and less claustrophobic. You also wouldn’t risk hitting your head when you stood up.
2. Airplanes should have reasonably priced (ideally free) wi-fi and outlets in each row. There’s no way it costs anywhere near the $35 per flight, per person GoGo Inflight absurdly charges.
3. Treat airports as public squares — invest in their design as well as their functionality. Incorporate outdoor spaces, green spaces. Attract decent restaurants, bars, cafes. People unencumbered by bags and not rushing to wait in line to board 40 minutes early will be more able to enjoy the environment and arriving travelers will immediately get a good impression and be put at ease.
4. Do not advertise mileage rewards from credit cards or other sources unless those miles are actually redeemable at a reasonable rate and on routes and times someone would actually fly. As it stands those programs are borderline fraud — you can fly a middle seat one way from NY to LA for 30,000 miles at 6 am, but that’s not why I signed up for the credit card. If mileage plans are too costly, scrap them.

I can anticipate some objections to these ideas, and I’ll address each one in turn.

1. This would cost too much money.

My suggestions would require a significant initial investment, but it would be but a small piece of the infrastructure outlay that’s sorely needed — and on which our current president campaigned — and it would create jobs. Moreover, it would save travelers tens of millions of hours per year. At $15 per hour — it would pay for itself in short order. (And taxpayers’ squandered time and awful experiences are exactly what their tax dollars should go toward remediating.)

2. It’s too much of a security risk.

Airport security is incredibly flawed right now, as tests repeatedly show. You can get prohibited items through security easily already, and it’s likely the screening process is mostly “security theater,” i.e., just for show. But to the extent this is a serious concern, the newer system might actually improve security due to improved technology spurred by the infrastructure investment. Better detection could be designed into the new system, rather than relying on bored-out-of-their-mind humans to scan endlessly through people’s toiletries expecting to find nothing for hours and days on end.

Moreover, airport security has never actually been an issue in the US. Even on 9/11, the flimsy security worked well — the hijackers managed only boxcutters on the tragically ill-fated flights, not guns or bombs. In other words, that was a failure of government intelligence, not one of airline security even when no one took his shoes off or had to worry about how many ounces of liquid was in his shampoo bottle.

3. I like free carry-ons because it saves me from waiting at the baggage claim.

Great, then pay extra for that. When something you like individually causes collective harm, there needs to be a cost for it. That we have the opposite system where people doing what would make everyone else’s experience easier and better have to pay is perverse.

The bottom line — the current state of air travel both in the US and Europe is unacceptable*. We cannot have a system in which everyone participating despises it and simply pretend it’s an inevitable hassle about which we’re powerless to do anything. The central issue is the dehumanizing** lack of respect for travelers’ time and experience. It’s time to change our priorities and take care of the human beings for whom airports and air travel exist.

*I haven’t even touched on the awful state of flights themselves with cramped seats, small, dirty rest rooms, bad food and exorbitant fees to change your itinerary. That’s because I wanted to focus mostly on the airport/government side over which the public has ownership, and fixing the overall economics of air travel is probably more difficult than getting airlines to reverse their checked-bag fee policies.

** This article was written in March of 2017, and little did I know how much more dehumanizing things would get during covid.

@ 6bae33c8:607272e8

I’m not going to do the whole grid. At least not this week. I’m just annoyed generally about Week 1. My Circa Millions picks went 1-4, and honestly I deserved it. I was just flat guessing. What I’ll do instead is just look at the schedule, pick a few teams to buy low or sell high before looking at the lines. I feel like the midwit industrial complex™ has poisoned my brain so much I hear a voice in my head saying, “it’s not which team you like, just at what value!”

But that’s only true on average. If you sense a team is about to break out or one is in collapse mode, the average means nothing. Teams win 47-10 all the time. It doesn’t matter whether you got 3.5 or 4 in most cases, only that you were correct about which team showed up.

I’m not trying to do “better on average”. I just want to pick the games right according to my observations. The fucking “better on average” ethos, the “plus-EV” scouge from the MWIC is killing me. It’s a mind killer and a soul killer. I was stuck in it for so long I need some serious deprogramming. David Koresh’s adherents have nothing on me.

First team that jumps out at me is the Lions. Bucs looked good, but faced a soft opponent last week.

Second team is the Seahawks. The Brissett no-mistake ball is only possible if you’re ahead, and the Bengals (a) didn’t show up; and (b) got a little unlucky.

I hate to say it but have a Giants feeling — think they pull Dimes at halftime if he doesn’t get it going. Ignore this obviously.

I want to buy low on the Bengals, though I saw a RotoWire video saying a few players are disgruntled about their contracts, and Mike Brown is an imbecile, so who knows. But I’ll probably take them.

I like the Texans to blow out the Bears too.

Keep in mind I haven’t even looked at the spreads, these are still basically just guesses, and I will probably change my mind. Just some early thoughts.

@ 645681b9:73af5c84

RoboSats v0.7.0 is now out! 🚀 https://github.com/RoboSats/robosats/releases/tag/v0.7.0-alpha

This is the first release with Windows/Mac/Linux desktop apps. Expect roughness 😁 Congrats to our Summer of Bitcoin intern who worked hard to get the desktops apps ready.

This release also has built-in torified notifications in the Android app. It also implementes a much more resilient order book over Nostr and many other improvements and bug fixes 👏👏

@ 1b5ee74d:bb1aae6e

• Who Is Responsible for the Content Published on Social Networks?
• What should the role of platforms be in content moderation?
• Who should be consulted in cases of disputes involving illegal content?
• Should there be a limit to freedom of speech online? Where should the line be drawn?

These are just a few of the numerous questions that have characterized the debate for years, not only regarding social networks but, more broadly, the entire landscape of online interactions.

In recent weeks, tensions have reignited due to three cases that have stirred the pot—depending on the perspective—with slogans of either combating illegal activity or fighting censorship: Telegram, Meta, and X.

These cases are distinct, with the platforms and their executives behaving differently in each instance: Meta cooperated with authorities, while Telegram and X were more reluctant. However, all three stories share a key issue—perhaps the key issue: the ability to intervene in the content they host.

To understand the reason, let’s briefly recap what happened.

Telegram, Meta, and X: Three Different Cases, One Common Origin

Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, was arrested in Paris on August 24th as part of an investigation that French authorities have been conducting for months against the messaging platform.

The accusations are numerous: money laundering, drug trafficking, child pornography, and refusal to cooperate with law enforcement. In the press release issued by the Prosecutor’s Office, there is even mention of violations related to the import and export of cryptographic tools—an approach reminiscent of the United States in the 1990s, when the government classified cryptography on par with weaponry. This interpretation only changed due to the outcome of the Crypto Wars.

In fact, reports tell us that Pavel Durov was released after a few days upon paying a €5 million bail, with the condition that he not leave France. Initially, Telegram issued a statement via Twitter, asserting its compliance with European laws. But on September 6th, the founder of Telegram decided to fight back, leaving little room for interpretation.

"Sometimes we can’t reach an agreement with regulators in certain countries on the right balance between privacy and security," Durov said, adding that, if necessary, Telegram will leave markets that are incompatible with these principles.

It is worth noting that this is not the first time Durov has clashed with authorities. In the past, he refused to cooperate with Russia by denying access to Telegram users’ personal data. This refusal led to the platform being temporarily blocked in Russia in 2018.

Meta: Pressure from the White House and Zuckerberg’s Revelations

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, recently disclosed pressures he received from the White House during the pandemic. In a letter to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, Zuckerberg revealed that the Biden administration pushed Meta to remove content related to the virus, including satirical and critical posts.

Zuckerberg explained that in 2021, Meta deleted more than 20 million posts related to COVID-19 but expressed regret over some of the decisions made, admitting that the company had succumbed to excessive political pressure.

Zuckerberg emphasized that these requests were perceived by the company as an obligation rather than a choice, and in hindsight, some of these actions might have been mistakes. Meta’s future commitment, according to Zuckerberg, will be to better resist such pressures, even in emergency situations.

I believe the government’s pressure was wrong, and I regret not being more transparent about it.

X and the Clash with the Brazilian Government

Elon Musk and X (formerly Twitter) are at the center of a legal dispute in Brazil, where the platform was blocked after Musk refused to appoint a local legal representative, as required by the country’s Supreme Court. The issue arose when Judge Alexandre de Moraes ordered X to suspend certain accounts accused of spreading political disinformation, particularly those associated with former president Jair Bolsonaro and his supporters.

Musk’s reaction was harsh. He accused the Supreme Court of corruption and of violating free speech, criticizing de Moraes and calling him a “criminal.” However, the judge continued his legal actions against Musk and his company, even freezing the bank accounts of Starlink, Musk’s satellite division, to pressure X into complying with Brazilian laws.

Brazilian authorities are even pursuing those who attempt to access the platform using VPNs, sparking further controversy over freedom in Brazil.

Currently, the platform remains suspended, with about 21 million Brazilian users cut off from the service. The legal dispute is ongoing and could have long-term repercussions for X’s presence in Brazil, one of the platform’s largest markets.

The Ownership of Content

Telegram and X have found themselves in hot water for refusing to comply with content moderation mandates imposed by various jurisdictions. Meta, on the other hand, has avoided such issues by adhering to directives from the White House, including the removal of content flagged by Washington, such as “satirical and ironic” posts, as noted in the letter.

The decisive factor in all three cases is the same: the ability to intervene in what is published on the platform. The terms and conditions of Meta and X do not formally claim ownership of the content users post, but they clarify that users grant the companies a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, distribute, modify, and display the content in relation to the services offered. Telegram’s terms are slightly stricter: while users also retain formal ownership of their content, Telegram requires a license to distribute and display content only within its ecosystem.

However, the result remains the same. Anything published by users can be modified by the platform, according to the implicit contract every single user agrees to when they begin using the service.

Nostr is the Way

It’s no coincidence that, in recent weeks, many who care about issues such as privacy and censorship resistance have reignited interest in Nostr. The protocol, whose acronym stands for Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays, can be used via various clients, not a single platform—similar to how the Web is accessible from different browsers.

But most importantly, users who create an account do not do so through a username and password saved on the company’s servers—because, in this case, the company doesn’t exist—but rather through a public key and a private key.

This key pair allows users to interact with Nostr across multiple clients and send their “notes”—as posts are called on Nostr—to as many relays (servers) as they wish. In other words, the data is not stored on a single server but on multiple servers chosen by the user—and the user can even set up their own server without much difficulty.

Most importantly, the data is portable. Posts sent are cryptographically signed: in Nostr, content ownership is not just formally with the user, it is mathematically so.

In such a context, blaming the operator of a client or relay for the content signed and published by users' private keys would be bordering on absurdity, besides revealing a clear technical ignorance. Of course, after the accusations from the U.S. Department of Justice against the developers of Samourai Wallet, it’s fair to be ready for anything.

But giving a chance to solutions like Nostr also means considering the possibility of reclaiming one's online identity and no longer being an unconscious victim of manipulative algorithms and invasive governments.

@ 6ad3e2a3:c90b7740

I’ll write a separate Week 1 Observations later, but I wanted to dedicate this space solely to mourning my Circa Survivor entry.

Circa Survivor costs $1000 to enter and has a $10M prize for the winner, usually split by several as things get down to the wire. Three years ago, when the prize was $6M Dalton Del Don and I — the first time we ever entered — made it to the final 23 in Week 12. The value of our share was something like $260K at that point, but we got bounced by the Lions who beat the 12-point favored Cardinals and took home nothing.

When you enter a large survivor pool, the overwhelming likelihood is you’ll meet this fate at some point, whether in Week 1 or 12. So it’s not really the loss that’s painful, so much as not getting to live and die each week with a chosen team. You lose your status as “the man in the arena whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood” and become just an observer watching and commentating on the games without the overarching purpose of surviving each week.

This year was also different due to the lengths to which I went to sign up. It’s not just the $1000 fee, it’s getting to Vegas in person, the $400 in proxy fees (you need locals to input your picks for you if you don’t live there), the $60 credit card fee, the $200 crappy hotel I booked at the last minute, the flights (one of which was cancelled due to heat), the rental car that necessitated, the gas, getting lost in the desert, the entire odyssey while sick and still jet-lagged in 122-degree heat.

But it’s not about the money, and it’s not even about the herculean effort per se, but the feeling and narrative I crafted around it. I was the guy who got this done. I flew from Portugal to San Francisco for 12 hours, two days later from SF to Palm Springs to help my 87-YO uncle with his affairs, improvised to get from Palm Springs to Vegas, which took six hours due to road closures, signed up for the contests, made the flight back to San Francisco, flew to Denver at 7 am the next day, took my daughter the Rockies game in the afternoon and then on to Boulder the following day. Maybe that’s not so impressive to some of you, but for me, an idle ideas person, a thinker, observer, someone who likes to express himself via a keyboard, it was like Alexander the Great conquering Persia.

And it’s not only about that smaller mission, or the narrative I crafted around it, but a larger one which was to bring sports content to nostr which I vowed to do before the summer which is why I felt I had to make the effort to get to Vegas to sign up for the contests, to have sufficient skin in the game, to have something real about which to write.

And I got the idea to do this seriously because Heather wrote a guide to Lisbon which I posted on nostr, and a few prominent developers there were surprisingly excited about getting that kind of quality content on the protocol. And I thought — if they’re this excited about a (very in-depth) guide to one particular city in Europe, how much more value could I create posting about a hobby shared by 50-odd million Americans? And that thought (and the fact I had to go to Palm Springs anyway) is what set me off on the mission in the first place and got me thinking this would be Team of Destiny, Part 2, only to discover, disappointingly, it’s real destiny was not to make it out of the first week.

. . .

While my overwhelming emotion is one of disappointment, there’s a small element of relief. Survivor is a form of self-inflicted torture that probably subtracts years from one’s life. Every time Rhamondre Stevenson broke the initial tackle yesterday was like someone tightening a vice around my internal organs. There was nothing I could do but watch, and I even thought about turning it off. At one point, I was so enraged, I had to calm down consciously and refuse to get further embittered by events going against me. Mike Gesicki had a TD catch overturned because he didn’t hold the ball to the ground, The next play Tanner Hudson fumbled while running unimpeded to the end zone. I kept posting, “Don’t tilt” after every negative play.

There’s a perverse enjoyment to getting enraged about what’s going on, out of your control, on a TV screen, but when you examine the experience, it really isn’t good or wholesome. I become like a spoiled child, ungrateful for everything, miserable and indignant at myriad injustices and wrongs I’m powerless to prevent.

At one point Sasha came in to tell me she had downloaded some random game from the app store on her Raspberry Pi computer. I had no interest in this as I was living and dying with every play, but I had forced myself to calm down so much already, I actually went into her room to check it out, not a trace of annoyance in my voice or demeanor.

I don’t think she cared about the game, or about showing it to me, but had stayed with her friends most of the weekend and was just using it as an excuse to spend a moment together with her dad. I scratched her back for a couple seconds while standing behind her desk chair. The game was still going on, and even though I was probably going to lose, and I was still sick about it, I was glad to have diverted a moment’s attention from it to Sasha.

. . .

In last week’s Survivor post, I wrote:

What method do I propose to see into the future? Only my imagination. I’m going to spend a lot of time imagining what might happen, turn my brain into a quantum device, break space-time and come to the right answers. Easier said than done, but I’m committed.

It’s possible I did this, but simply retrieved my information from the wrong branch of the multiverse. It happens.

. . .

I picked the Bengals knowing full well the Bills were the correct “pot odds” play which is my usual method. Maybe when the pot-odds are close, I might go with my gut, but they were not especially close this week, and yet I still stuck with Cincinnati because they were the team I trusted more.

And despite it being a bad pick — there are no excuses in Survivor, no matter what happens in the game, if you win it’s good, and lose it’s bad — I don’t feel that badly about it.

I regret it only because I wish I were still alive, but it was my error. I went with what I believed, and it was wrong. That I can live with 100 times better than swapping out my belief for someone else’s and losing. Had I done that I’d be inconsolable.

. . .

I won’t let the Survivor debacle undermine my real mission to bring sports to nostr. Team of Destiny 2 would have been a compelling story, but it was never essential. After all, my flight was cancelled and I had to improvise, so now my Survivor entry is cancelled, and I’ll have to improvise again. The branch of the multiverse where the Bengals won didn’t give me the information I wanted, but maybe it was what I really needed to know. That I am the man in the arena yet, the battle was ever against myself, and for a brief moment, while my team was losing, I prevailed.

@ 6bae33c8:607272e8

I went 1-3 in my NFFC leagues for two reasons: (1) Christian McCaffrey failed to score 17 points (because he was inactive), and I failed to bid enough on Jordan Mason because at the time of the FAAB last week, the Niners were flat-out lying about his likelihood of playing and like an idiot I believed them; and (2) I sat Mason in another league at the last minute for Jaleel McLaughlin because Fantasy Pros (that scourge of a site I swear off every year) had Mason not just lower, but absolutely buried in its RB rankings. I would have ignored a close call between the two, but I thought if he’s this low, the market must place a high likelihood on McCaffrey playing, and I don’t want to take a zero. This is the problem with being lazy and outsourcing your research to a bunch of midwits with misaligned incentives. I really should have delved deeply into all the McCaffrey reports and made my own assessment.

The problem with sites like Fantasy Pros is the grading system is different than the fantasy game itself. I imagine you’d get dinged hard for ranking Mason high if McCaffrey plays, and so it’s safer to rank him low. Moreover, one thing the fantasy industry is really bad at is pricing in that kind of risk. If everyone’s playing the market is pretty good at evaluating opportunity, per-play production and hence output, but if someone is 50/50 to get opportunities at all, they can’t handle it very well. Obviously Mason was a good bet to go for 20 points if McCaffrey were scratched, and so he should have been projected for 14 if it were 50/50 (he’d get some points even if McCaffrey played), but that we was projected for less than five (IIRC) made me think it was like 80/20.

But I knew it was a very bad sign Monday morning (after it was too late to pivot) when McCaffrey was still not deemed definite — it’s not like he got hurt last week, but he’s had a full month to heal. (Actually maybe the Achilles was last week, but because injury reporting sucks and teams lie, it’s impossible to know the real reason he missed the game. If it’s still the calf, all bets are off because if he’s not back in a month, five weeks won’t magically heal him.)

In any event, I’m glad I have Mason in two NFFC leagues, and I went all-in to get him (and I used him) in my RotoWire Dynasty one at least. But I should have been 3-1 if I had used my brain, and am instead 1-3, the win thankfully in the Primetime.

• The 40-minute edited version of the game for God knows what reason flashed the final score (32-19) briefly after I hit play. So it spoiled the game for me, and the whole time I was just trying to figure out how they got to that number, realizing probably Jake Moody went bananas for some people, and he did.

• I love that Allen Lazard got the TDs and not Garrett Wilson. Sometimes schadenfreude is all you got. I don’t think Lazard is a priority pickup, but the Jets tree is pretty thin, and Rodgers knows and apparently still trusts him.

• Aaron Rodgers looked good to me, like his old self. He threw accurate passes, had a few drops, and the pick was bad luck. No idea why Mike Williams was ignored though.

• Breece Hall got all the work until garbage time. No surprise, but he still looks like a top-five pick despite the fumble and poor per-play output.

• Jordan Mason ran hard, looked a bit like Isiah Pacheco out there. If McCaffrey is out, that’s how I’d value him.

• Deebo Samuel benefits a little (eight carries) with McCaffrey out. Just has a slightly bigger role in the ground game.

• Brock Purdy played well, but didn’t have to do much.

• You have to love that Juaun Jennings led the 49ers in receiving yards and Kyle Juszczyk was third when you have no part of the 49ers passing game. George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk will get theirs eventually, but you just can’t count on volume for either one.

@ 2dd85fbc:39b95d53

Electronic devices that are of no use are known as e-waste. The term e-waste may sound simple but it is one of the major global problems. Have you ever thought about the old electronic device you must have thrown in the dustbin? Most probably it must be in a landfill, just like all other waste products. But e-waste is not like the other waste. It is way more hazardous.

So, what should we do with old electronics? You must have heard environmentalists promoting residential electronics recycling. Many companies offer free e-waste electronic recycling. So, instead of throwing old electronics in the garbage, look for recycling services. In this column, we will share some more information about electronic waste and its recycling. 1. Know what e-waste is

Any electronic item that is of no use to an individual or business is e-waste. It may include mobile phones, laptops, printers, tablets, microwaves, and many more such things that are a part of our daily lives. Once the product has reached the end of its life, it ends up in a landfill but the problem is, that e-waste is hazardous.

1. E-waste contains toxic material

Various metals and chemicals are used to make electronics. An electronic item contains 70% toxic waste. E-waste contains substances like mercury, lead, arsenic and cadmium. All of these substances have a long-lasting harmful effect on the environment. For example, if a high level of lead is exposed in the environment, it may cause neurological damage in humans.

1. Use of electronics

With technological advancement today, humans depend on electronics for most of their daily chores. Most electronics are easily affordable, or they are available in every range. Therefore, people don’t want to get their electronics repaired or reuse them. Once the product gets old, it is immediately replaced with a new one.

1. Increasing e-waste

Today, e-waste is a global concern. The use of electronics has increased rapidly but the methods for disposing of e-waste are not sufficient. This is the reason for concern towards e-waste. If we don’t act responsibly now, it will harm all living beings and the environment. With this, we need more development and methods to fight the challenge of electronic waste.

1. Reuse, Repair, and Recycle

The question remains, what you can do as an individual to fight e-waste? If your electronic device stops working or gets old, either get it repaired or donate it. If any product has come to the end of its life, get in touch with e-waste recycling companies.

The bottom line

As a consumer, you should be aware of the final resting place of your electronic device. Out of sight and out of mind is the wrong approach and may lead to serious environmental problems. The product might disappear but you can’t avoid its harmful effects. Being an aware citizen, rely on electronic repair and recycling instead of throwing it away. Awareness regarding e-waste and the environment is the need of the hour.

Visit: https://thekingofrecycling.com/5-things-to-know-about-electronic-waste-recycling/

@ 3c7dc2c5:805642a8

🧠Quote(s) of the week:

"You will spend 40,000 hours of your life trying to make money; it's worthwhile to spend 100 hours figuring out how to keep it." -Michael Saylor on Bitcoin

🧡Bitcoin news🧡

On the 2nd of September:

➡️El Salvador now HODLS 5,859 Bitcoin worth $343m. They continue buying one BTC every day.

That's what we call conviction!

On the 3rd of September:

➡️'Wall Street has more control over Bitcoin price after introducing ETFs, per hedge fund manager Mark Yusko. He argues that institutions are dumping the price by shorting Bitcoin in futures markets, a common tactic used for price manipulation.' - Bitcoin News

➡️ Marathon Digital: 'Our 2-megawatt pilot project in Finland is repurposing heat from digital asset computing to warm a community of 11,000 residents.'

This is the kind of innovation that makes sense. A lot of people can't comprehend the multitude of it. Imagine mining the hardest form of money while warming your community!

On the 4th of September:

➡️Japan to lower the maximum tax rate on #Bitcoin and crypto from 55% to 20%, in line with financial assets.

I am happy for my Japanese Bitcoin family! Eventually, it will go even lower. Larger governments will compete for Bitcoin immigration (read capital).

➡️The largest Swiss Canton bank now offers Bitcoin to 1.5m customers.

On the 5th of September:

➡️Leader of Venezuelan Opposition María Corina Machado proposes using Bitcoin as a national reserve asset. Bitcoin is a "lifeline" and "vital means of resistance". If you read my Weekly Recap regularly you know I am not that positive on politicians. They need votes and use Bitcoin to achieve that goal. But in this case...well since 2016, Venezuela's inflation has surged over 8 million %, wiping out people's savings. The government controls banks and freezes accounts. Already so many Venezuelans have turned to Bitcoin to protect their money & escape since it can't be controlled by the government. Bitcoin is financial inclusion, Bitcoin is freedom (money).

The upcoming decade will be interesting, especially for countries in Latin America & Central America (yes, also globally!).

El Salvador makes Bitcoin legal tender, we now have a US presidential candidate suggesting to have Bitcoin strategic Reverse, Venezuelan political leader proposes Bitcoin as a national reserve asset.

Hello, game theory!

➡️Bitcoin has had more trading hours since launching in 2009 than the stock market since 1971.

Talk about a secure system, Un-Hackable, Un-Corruptible 24/7/365; Bitcoin

➡️Bitcoin miners produce 450 new BTC/day. Microstrategy and Tether alone have been purchasing a whopping 60% of that daily supply.' I have a feeling what will happen. The USA will adopt a 'Bitcoin Strategic Reserve'...eventually. Tether is among the top buyers of U.S. Treasury securities, and they are effectively starting to back the USD with 'hard money'.

➡️Another River stat! Companies have grown their Bitcoin holdings by 587% over the past four years. The institutions are buying

On the 6th of September:

➡️Bitcoin ETFs have recorded over $1 billion worth of outflows since August 27th.

On the 7th of September:

➡️Happy Bitcoin Legal Tender Day On September, 7th 2021, El Salvador became the first country to officially adopt Bitcoin.

➡️'Chris Larsen, Ripple, and XRP are pushing for CBDCs. They are anti-freedom and want to ban Bitcoin. They bribed Greenpeace to try to attack proof-of-work but they failed, so now they are backing Kamala out of desperation as XRP/BTC is -50% over the past year.' - Pierre Rochard

➡️On September 7, the Bitcoin network’s 7-day average mining hash rate hit a new record, surpassing 740 exahashes per second.

➡️$1.4 trillion worth of BTC settled on the decentralized ledger in August 2024

💸Traditional Finance / Macro:

On the 3rd of September:

👉🏽Sanergy collapses 98.4% after people discover 98.4% of shares are held by insiders. If 98% owned by insiders then who the fuck sold it?

👉🏽'Magnificent 7 stocks have now erased $550 BILLION of market cap today. Nvidia is on track for its largest daily drop since April 2024.' -TKL

In total, on this day over $1.05 trillion was wiped out from the US stock market.

On the 4th of September:

👉🏽'Swiss luxury watchmakers are turning to the government for financial aid to help them weather a downturn in demand' -Bloomberg Markets Are you freaking kidding me? What's next? Let's bail out Lamborghini, Rolex, Patek Phillipe, and Louis Vuitton. Let them all ask for government assistance. You can't make this shit up...hello socialism?

Anyway Bitcoin is Time, and Time is money...Please read: https://dergigi.com/2021/01/14/bitcoin-is-time/

👉🏽'The Government Accountability Office estimates the federal government loses between $233 billion to $521 billion annually to fraud based on data from 2018 - 2022. That’s ~2% of America’s GDP stolen every year & a trillion dollars lost for those years.'

But hey! If you don't report the 600 bucks Venmo transfer a SWAT team will invade your home.

Source: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-24-105833

On the 6th of September:

👉🏽The S&P 500 has now erased $2.2 trillion of market cap in the first week of September.

On the 7th of September:

👉🏽'Only Fans revenue explodes to $7 billion. Profits rise to 700 million. Only Fans have made more money than all the Silicon Valley AI startups combined Powered by Ass. Not AI.' -Trader

Lmao that is a helluva quote! Not sure about the part that OF made more money, but dammnnn that quote!

Massive simp pandemic! And remember 1 guy owns 100% of the company! Regarding AI, do you know what will happen in about 2-5 years? OnlyFans models will be completely 'promoted' by AI. Simps (men) cannot tell the difference between an AI OF and a human OF channel. Maybe even in the near future, we will have the same shit as that crazy sex scene in Demolition Man (Yes, I am that old!), as Sly Stallone and Sandra Bullock have an orgasmic fit online while sitting several feet away from each other.

Imagine an OF channel and wearing a VR headset, upload (via AI) the girl of your dreams, dressed provocatively, moves forward slowly. She comes closer and closer until her cheek is next to yours, you can almost feel her. And she whispers softly into your ear, like Monica Bellucci in The Matrix (kiss scene): 'I'm here for you, kiss me, and you can do anything with me!'

🏦Banks: 👉🏽No news

🌎Macro/Geopolitics: Last week I shared the story of the arrest of Pavel Durov.

I really want to emphasize that you should try Nostr before you need Nostr. 'Similar to how Bitcoin is purging money from the state’s control…. NOSTR is purging centralized media and speech from the government puppet media sources…there’s no NOSTR CEO to summon & testify in front of the elected clowns…' -Preston Pysh

If there is a throat to choke, it will be choked.

If there is a head to cut off, it will be cut off.

Platform owners that bend the knee to totalitarianism will censor and deplatform you. Platform owners that do not comply will be arrested and threatened with the full force of “The Law.”

You cannot kill Nostr. There is no single throat to choke, no one head to cut off. Succeed in cutting off one head and two will grow in its place.

On the 1st of September:

👉🏽'Global net gold purchases by central banks reached 483 tonnes in the first half of 2024, the most on record.

This is 5% higher than the previous record of 460 tonnes set in the first half of 2023. In Q2 2024, central banks bought 183 tonnes of gold, marking a 6% year-over-year increase.

On the other hand, this was 39% lower than the 300 tonnes of purchases seen in Q1. The largest buyers were the National Bank of Poland, the Reserve Bank of India, and the Central Bank of Turkey.' -TKL

The East (China, India, Russia, Saudi, etc.) no longer trusts owning Western reserve assets. Even the West (artikel no longer trusts owning US bonds)

Let's say Central Banks are betting against their current system by buying gold. What could go wrong and why don't you have any Bitcoin? Just study Bitcoin to start with.

👉🏽A German far-right party (AfD) is projected to win in regional elections for the first time since 1945, exit polls show. Great! Well done Europe, Germany is circling the drain again, innit!? This worked out so well the last time...in 1930-1945.

👉🏽5-7% unemployment in the U.S. in 2025 will be a reality - zero doubt! 'US consumers' perceptions of the labor market have weakened to the worst level since 2021.

The difference between the share of Americans saying that jobs are plentiful minus those saying they are hard to get declined is down to 16.4%. In previous business cycles, has been a leading indicator of unemployment. It now suggests that the unemployment rate may increase to 5.5% in the coming months. The labor market is trending toward a recession.' -TKL

Trump (or Kamala) may be handed over one of the worst economic conditions since the Great Recession of 2007-2009.

On the 2nd of September:

👉🏽Volkswagen is considering unprecedented factory closures in Germany in a bid for deeper cutbacks in another blow to Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s govt. Any shutdowns would mark the 1st closures in Germany during the company’s 87y history, setting VW up for a clash with powerful unions.' -Holger Zschaepitz

No shit Sherlock! Manufacturing is energy-intensive. Industry will move elsewhere if a place has persistently high energy prices. Germany self-sabotaged its own energy as it chose to deindustrialize to remain part of the West. Consumers suffer from high energy prices too. Hello Europe!

VW CEO: "We might go bankrupt." (Debt levels going in the same direction as China's Evergrande..) Union: "We demand a 7.7% salary increase and reduced working hours." Welcome to the German social system.

German deindustrialization has just brought its industrial production to the 2006 level. All degrowth enthusiasts must be happy. You don't believe me. Germany's industrial production level made another low. Down 16% from its peak, no growth since 2010, up 0.3% annually over the past 20 years.

A huge 2.4% drop in industrial production in July. Much worse than expected. Production is now 2.2% lower than its average level in Q2 and 9.5% below February 2023. Still below 2019 levels.

'The German business model was based on: 1. Cheap energy from Russia 2. Cheap subcontractors in Eastern Europe 3. Steadily growing exports to China 4. Free defense from the U.S.

1-3 are gone. The consequences are clear.' - Gabor Gurbacs

Now don't get me wrong they (VW) also falling behind in innovation, products are outdated and don't sell anymore.

https://x.com/TuurDemeester/status/1832438221491597579

On the 3rd of September:

👉🏽Weak U.S. manufacturing data affected the markets last week: 'The market is reacting negatively this morning to extremely poor ISM manufacturing data.

The TL;DR: Demand fell, inventories rose (due to unsold stock), and prices rose (due to labor and shipping costs). This is the definition of stagflation. The Fed’s worst nightmare.' -James Lavish

You already know what will happen. End of September the first-rate cuts will hit us, just before we slide into a full recession. By doing so this will let inflation run hot again.

On the 4th of September:

👉🏽Brussels holds its breath for Draghi’s delayed report. 'Former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi – “the man who saved the eurozone” – presented his much-anticipated report on the future of European competitiveness to EU diplomats and leaders of the European Parliamentary groups on Wednesday 4th of September.

"According to several EU officials, the report remains a closely guarded secret even within the Commission, as only economy-related DGs have it at their disposal."

So it is first presented behind closed doors, after being lifted over the elections. This report proposes radical changes (according to Draghi). You can’t do this like that. Why no livestream? Why just not 'open source'?

Closed doors & secrets = antidemocratic to the core.

Eventually, the report can be found here: https://archive.ph/MjbBe

'Former ECB President Mario Draghi called on the EU to invest as much as €800bn extra a year to make the bloc more competitive and to commit to the regular issuance of common bonds to compete w/China and the US. Draghi said that Europe will need to boost investment by about 5ppts of the bloc’s GDP – a level not seen in > 50 years – to transform its economy so that it can remain competitive. Draghi also pitched an adaptation of the EU’s competition policy so that “it does not become a barrier” to the bloc’s industrial goals.'

On the 5th of September:

👉🏽Last week I already explained how freaking stupid the proposed corporate tax was by Kamala Harris. 'Kamala Harris says she would raise the corporate tax rate to 28% if she is elected president.'

Please go back to that Weekly Recap and read the whole bit on that segment.

Now this week: 'KAMALA PROPOSES TO RAISE CAPITAL GAINS TAX TO 33%, FAR ABOVE GLOBAL AVERAGES' This is significantly higher than China’s 20% and Europe’s average of 18%.

This hike would bring the combined federal-state rate above 40% in many states and could severely impact small business owners and families.

I will quote James Lavish on this one: 'So here is how it works: The overall system forces you to take risks by investing to keep up with the relentless inflation that is caused by the system. If you are fortunate enough to succeed in your investments, the 'Harris System' will then take 1/3 of that success from you.'

As mentioned last week: Now don't get me wrong. I do not support Trump or any politician (I am based in the EU), but for the love of god, we the people need to start thinking and use that tool called BRAINS!

👉🏽'Interest expense on US Federal debt is now at a record $3 billion PER DAY. This is TRIPLE the amount paid 10 years ago and has DOUBLED in just 2.5 years. Total annual interest costs on Federal debt reached a whopping $1.1 trillion in Q2 2024. Even if the Fed cuts rates by 1% and all government bond yields decline by 1%, daily interest expense will still be $2.5 billion. That would be more than double the average paid in 2009-2019.

The debt crisis is an understatement.' -TKL

Great quote by Joe Consorti, just to give you some perspective: 'The US government pays more interest on its debt every 2 seconds than the average American salary. $1,089,100,000,000 per year $2,983,835,616 per day $34,535 per second The average US salary is $59,384.'

The U.S. government spends money as if there is a crisis The deficit hit $1.5 trillion in the first 10 months of Fiscal 2024. This is larger than all years before the COVID Crisis including 2009 - the last year of the Financial Crisis when the deficit was $1.4T. Once a US president, Ronald Reagan said the following on government deficits: “We do not face large DEFICITS because American families are undertaxed [but] because the federal government OVERSPENDS."

Anyway, before COVID-19, the US paid $1 billion in debt interest per day; during COVID it was $2 billion. Today, it is $3 billion every day.

Just to make it even worse, and again no doom or gloom from my side just stats published by the BLS (government body)

👉🏽'The US labor force participation rate is set to decline to 61.2% over the next decade, according to the BLS. This would mark the lowest percentage since the 2020 pandemic and the second lowest in ~50 years. These expectations are driven by the aging population and lower population growth projections. The BLS anticipates the population excluding prisoners and people in military service will rise by 16.4 million through 2033, 5 million fewer people than over the past decade.

This puts us on track for the slowest population growth rate since the BLS began publishing the data in 1948. Slowing population growth is a crisis.' -TKL

👉🏽Global Liquidity breaks out new all-time high $90.57 trillion M2 Money Supply

👉🏽The United Arab Emirates completes the first nuclear power plant in the ‘Arab world’.

👉🏽'Chinese banks have built a $100bn short against the US dollar to prop up the yuan — and hedge funds are eager to get in on the trade. At the center of it all are transactions known as FX swaps. These have quietly become a key tool for state-run Chinese banks seeking to prop up the yuan during periods of outsized selling pressure.' -Bloomberg

Source: https://archive.ph/uxZ7y

Short team gain for long-term pain.

On the 6th of September:

👉🏽'The June and July jobs reports were just revised lower by an additional 86,000 jobs. This is the SECOND TIME that the June jobs report was revised lower. 6 out of the last 7 jobs reports have now been revised LOWER, per ZeroHedge. 11 out of the last 15 jobs reports have now been revised lower. We are talking about MILLIONS in jobs revisions over the last two years.' -TKL I will say it again...if the US government can't have a grip on the jobs reports, why on earth do you believe other figures? For example the inflation number.

BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) stat from August: Foreign-born workers: +635K in August Native-born workers: -1.325 MILLION in August Yes, 1.3 million NATIVE-BORN Americans lost a job in August

👉🏽The UK's economy has stagnated since 2008. In terms of GDP per capita - economic output divided by the number of people in a country - they have gone backward. Great thread: https://x.com/sam_bidwell/status/1832062722412015803

👉🏽Never forget what they stole from you with inflation.

🎁If you have made it this far I would like to give you a little gift: Lyn Aldens latest newsletter is out, as always deep and simple

https://www.lynalden.com/september-2024-newsletter/

It discusses ongoing fiscal dominance and its investing implications. Lyn on Bitcoin:

'I don’t have a firm view on the bitcoin price over the next few months, but I am bullish with a 2-year view and beyond.'

Credit: I have used multiple sources!

My savings account: Bitcoin The tool I recommend for setting up a Bitcoin savings plan: @Relai 🇨🇭 especially suited for beginners or people who want to invest in Bitcoin with an automated investment plan once a week or monthly. (Please only use it till the 31st of October - after that full KYC) Hence a DCA, Dollar cost Average Strategy. Check out my tutorial post (Instagram) & video (YouTube) for more info.⠀⠀ ⠀⠀

Get your Bitcoin out of exchanges. Save them on a hardware wallet, run your own node...be your own bank. Not your keys, not your coins. It's that simple.⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ Do you think this post is helpful to you? If so, please share it and support my work with sats.

⭐ Many thanks⭐

Felipe - Bitcoin Friday! ▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

@ d325f9e9:07ed2267

Ds

@ 4735cdca:0c0ecb64

Este texto foi publicado originalmente no dia 16/03/2020 em https://leiturasdotrader.com/bitcoin-a-moeda-na-era-digital/

A maior parte dos livros resenhados no Leituras do Trader tem relação com a bolsa de valores, mas achei que estava na hora de falar de uma classe de ativos que também pode ser importante para os traders: as criptomoedas.

Por isso, escolhi um livro introdutório sobre Bitcoin, escrito pelo Fernando Ulrich, mestre em economia e referência sobre o assunto. Consulte o canal do Ulrich no YouTube para mais conteúdos sobre o tema.

A obra dá um panorama sobre o que o Bitcoin representa, como ele funciona e o seu potencial transformador. Nesse caminho, o autor também discute a ocorrência de crises, explica o que de fato vem a ser uma moeda e expõe conceitos interessantes como escassez, reserva de valor e liberdade monetária.

Vejamos, então, os principais aprendizados.

O que é o Bitcoin?

Na introdução, Fernando Ulrich deixa claro que definir o que é Bitcoin não é fácil, mas no apêndice do livro, ele lista 10 maneiras de explicar o que é essa criptomoeda. Fazendo ligeiras alterações às palavras do autor, uma definição seria:

Bitcoin é uma espécie de dinheiro digital que não depende de governos ou corporações e cujo valor é determinado pelos indivíduos. As transações ocorrem pela internet — o que quer dizer que os envolvidos podem estar até mesmo em continentes diferentes —, por meio de uma forma de pagamento rápida, segura e de baixo custo.

Para um entendimento mais profundo sobre o seu funcionamento, requer conhecimentos sobre termos mais técnicos como código aberto, redes peer-to-peer, criptografia e blockchain.

O que é o problema do gasto duplo?

Usando sistemas de pagamento no dia a dia, podemos não perceber, mas bancos e outras instituições financeiras atuam como intermediários para validar as transações.

Imagine que Alice tenha 100 reais em conta. Se Alice envia 100 reais a Bob, há uma entidade que verifica que Alice tem 100 reais disponíveis, e que terá 100 reais a menos assim que Bob receber esses 100 reais.

Sem essa entidade, teríamos uma enorme confusão. Poderia acontecer de Bob receber os 100 reais de Alice mas Alice não ter os 100 reais debitados de sua conta, o que permitiria a Alice enviar mais 100 reais a Charlie.

Por incrível que pareça, o Bitcoin consegue resolver esse problema do gasto duplo sem a necessidade de uma entidade reguladora. Ou melhor dizendo: o sistema conta com uma rede de usuários (computadores), e essa própria rede se encarrega de validar as transações.

É por isso que dizemos que o Bitcoin tem uma natureza descentralizada.

Mas se não existe uma entidade reguladora da criptomoeda, qual é o incentivo para esses computadores validarem as transações?

Explicando de forma muito simplificada, o protocolo do Bitcoin determina que, para processar as transações, os computadores precisam resolver problemas matemáticos cuja complexidade vai aumentando com o tempo. Assim, conseguem encadear as transações em blocos de dados que compõem a chamada blockchain.

Esses computadores recebem uma taxa de serviço e uma certa quantidade de bitcoins que são criados na sequência. E pelo fato de eles “extraírem” bitcoins nesse processo, chamamos esses usuários de mineradores.

Aliás, é assim que novos bitcoins são emitidos e continuarão a ser criados até a rede alcançar o limite de 21 milhões de bitcoins. Esse foi o máximo de bitcoins estipulado por Satoshi Nakamoto, o programador (ou grupo de programadores) de identidade desconhecida que inventou o Bitcoin.

Em qual contexto o Bitcoin foi proposto?

Satoshi Nakamoto propôs o sistema do Bitcoin oficialmente com o paper Bitcoin: a Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System, disponibilizado em 31 de outubro de 2008.

Algumas semanas antes disso, em setembro, a falência do banco americano Lehman Brothers representava um marco da Crise de 2008 (Crise do Subprime).

Fernando Ulrich descreve que podemos explicar essa e outras crises do ponto de vista da Teoria Austríaca dos Ciclos Econômicos. De forma resumida, o que temos é o seguinte:

1. Banco central do país reduz os juros artificialmente.
2. O sistema bancário pode emprestar dinheiro a taxas atrativas (inclusive dinheiro que ele não tem).
3. Fica fácil ter acesso ao crédito (expansão de crédito) — aparentemente o sistema bancário tem ampla disponibilidade de recursos reais, mas na verdade não tem.
4. Pessoas pegam dinheiro emprestado para criar ou aprimorar negócios.
5. Empresários desenvolvem novos projetos com expectativas de lucratividade futura (já que os juros estão baixos, o esperado seria que os consumidores tivessem dinheiro poupado, o que significa que poderiam comprar ou investir).
6. Podemos ver uma aparente prosperidade econômica (boom).
7. Muitos projetos dos empresários que pegaram dinheiro emprestado não dão lucro, já que não há recursos suficientes na economia (o certo seria o sistema bancário disponibilizar para empréstimo o dinheiro que ele realmente tem — essencialmente, a quantia que poupadores colocam no banco em busca de remuneração, num momento anterior de juros mais altos, por exemplo —, mas não foi isso que vimos no item 2).
8. A estrutura produtiva fica desequilibrada e começam a surgir os primeiros sinais de crise.

Como Ulrich deixa claro, o paper não dá muitos indícios sobre a ideologia de Satoshi Nakamoto, mas discussões no fórum de criptografia do qual ele participava e uma mensagem gravada na primeira transação na rede Bitcoin — executada pelo próprio Nakamoto — ajudam a dar uma ideia.

A mensagem em questão fazia referência à manchete do jornal britânico The Times, do dia 3 de janeiro de 2009:

The Times 03/Jan/2009 Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks

Traduzindo, seria algo como: Chanceler prestes a fazer segundo resgate aos bancos. Assim, notamos a insatisfação de Nakamoto com as falhas do sistema bancário e com a intervenção estatal na economia.

Quais são as propriedades do Bitcoin em comparação às outras moedas?

Do meio para o final do livro, temos um capítulo dedicado a entender o Bitcoin sob a ótica da ciência econômica. O autor avisa no início da obra que essa parte é mais densa, especialmente para quem não tem muitos conhecimentos em economia.

Realmente o texto fica um pouco mais pesado, mas considero importante que os leitores e leitoras insistam. Além de uma discussão interessante sobre o Bitcoin ser uma moeda ou não, vemos como suas propriedades se comparam com as de outras moedas ou meios de troca.

São elas:

• baixa dependência de bancos (atualmente você precisa usar dinheiro tradicional para adquirir bitcoins — o que depende de uma transferência bancária ou pagamento de boleto —, mas num mundo em que todos usam bitcoins isso não seria necessário);
• durabilidade da moeda (não é possível rasgar um bitcoin porque ele não existe fisicamente — por ser uma moeda virtual, sua preservação depende da internet e da eletricidade);
• escassez (como o número de bitcoins em circulação chegará a um limite de 21 milhões, não haverá a possibilidade de emitir mais moeda indefinidamente, medida que tenderia a depreciar o valor do dinheiro — ao mesmo tempo, acredita-se que a demanda por bitcoins continuará a aumentar, fazendo com que valham cada vez mais);
• reserva de valor (como os bitcoins são bens escassos, seu valor tende a se preservar com o tempo, e possivelmente aumentar);
• divisibilidade (podemos transacionar frações de bitcoins para a movimentação de pequenos valores, assim como usamos centavos de reais);
• baixa liquidez (o Bitcoin ainda não é amplamente utilizado como as moedas tradicionais — nem tudo o que você consome aceitará pagamento em bitcoins);
• baixos custos de transação.

Como tudo isso se relaciona à ideia de liberdade monetária?

Deixo agora as seguintes perguntas como reflexão:

• Se os brasileiros decidissem que o dólar é a melhor moeda para fazer transações no Brasil, seria possível que ele substituísse o real?
• É possível que várias moedas coexistam dentro de um país?
• O Bitcoin (ou outra criptomoeda) representa uma alternativa às moedas estatais?

Todas essas perguntas nos fazem pensar na proposta de que os indivíduos deveriam poder escolher a moeda que querem usar — o conceito de liberdade monetária.

Fernando Ulrich acredita que o Bitcoin veio para ficar, mas não como substituto de moedas tradicionais vigentes. Seria algo como uma moeda complementar.

Desde 2014, quando o livro foi publicado, houve quedas bem fortes como a do final de 2017/início de 2018, empresas de criptomoedas (exchanges) tiveram problemas sérios de segurança, a movimentação do preço continua oscilando bastante…

Apesar de tudo isso, o Bitcoin continua aí, contando inclusive com atualizações para melhorar a eficiência da rede. Só o tempo dirá quando — e se — seu futuro promissor vai se concretizar.

O livro está disponível para download em PDF gratuitamente no site do Instituto Mises Brasil.

Baixar PDF de Bitcoin: a moeda na era digital

@ 862fda7e:02a8268b

I have a lot of dreams where I'm playing a claw machine and just winning a ton of toys. One of the best clawe machine dreams is where I come across claw machines with large toys as prizes, it had carnival toys from the 70's-80's as prizes. Unfortunately, the claw machine was non functional as it was pretty old. In most of these dreams I am winning an endless amount of toys, so much so that the prize chute becomes full with toys. In real life, they rig claw machines. Often times, the owners of the machines set it so they must meet a certain "pay out" before the claw will actually grip a prize. So while you might have a great aim on getting the claw around a toy, it won't grip it firmly enough until enough money has been inserted to meet that payout. Some claw machines will do a fake out, where it will grab the prize, then once the claw gets back to the top of the machine, it will drop the prize. It's to trick you that it got it, but it actually didn't. Sadly, claw machines are worthless to play these days. It's become highly monetizable and impossible to win. I'm great at claw machines, but it's just a matter of luck with hitting the payout these days.

@ 0f1b5961:868242bd

The public theologian Jonathan Pageau has been a major influence in my life for the past couple years. I remember in one of his podcasts he talks about how church buildings have historically been the "focal points" of many towns. In the physical sense, this meant the church building was at the center of the town and was the tallest structure. He argues that the church occupying this station had a sort of psychological effect on the town members, enforcing a way of life that has God in the highest "place".

This got me thinking about my own home city of Des Moines, Iowa. Here, the two most prominent buildings, by far, are the capitol building and a skyscraper called the Principal building. They sit on either side of the Des Moines River and to me, seem to "face off" against each other as if in competition.

The Iowa State Capitol

The Principal Building (801 Grand Avenue)

I was musing over how to settle the competition between these two buildings and I realized that it could be addressed with some pretty basic math. The apparent heights of these buildings change as you move closer or further from them. So whichever building appears taller for a larger portion of the city would be the most prominent building. In an idealized scenario, there would be a straight line between the two buildings where they would appear to be the same height.

This line ends up coinciding with East 4th street on the east side of the Des Moines River. As the Principal building is about twice as tall as the capitol buiding, the point at which they look the same height is about twice as close to the capitol building.

Line along which the capitol and Principle building appear to be the same height.

And so a clear winner emerges. Not only is the Principal building the most prominent in the downtown district of the city. It's influence extends across the river and eclipses the capitol in what one might expect to be its home turf. The focal point of Des Moines is a skyscraper.

I now must conclude with a confession. With the Principal building being about twice as tall as the capitol, there was never going to be a close competition between the two buildings. And indeed this matches the experience of one moving about the city. The Principal building plainly feels more prominent. Despite this, the area in which the capitol ascends to the highest is certainly not small. I like to think this reflects some amount of balance between the mercantile powers and political powers in the area. Perhaps this balance is proportional to the very heights of the buildings.

Not looking good for the ecclesiastical powers however...

-Scott

@ a2eddb26:e2868a80

---

Introduction

I recently started a new #website, and decided I wanted to get some simple, out-of-the-box, self-sovereign #bitcoin on it.

It turns out there were quite a few steps involved, but mostly is actually out of the box.

So, I share with you, my first long-form #Nostr article, which aims to summarize the things you could use if you wanted to do the same, without actually building your own software.

This article runs through the following steps: Step 1: get a Bitcoin node Step 2: get website infrastructure Step 3: Configure your Bitcoin node Step 4: Configure your Bitcoin-based website

Before we dive in, a few small disclaimers:

• "Do Your Own Research"
• I am not responsible for any failures of your ability to follow these steps - take the guide as-is and on face value, and dive in where you need to. Starting points only. I will help where I can, you can always try to DM me!
• Suggestion to talk to ChatGPT or Google about Lightning Network and Bitcoin basics (here's a GPT created by yours truly for that purpose: Bitcoin Beacon GPT).
• I am not affiliated with any of the sites, services and tools mentioned here. They are what I used and what worked "out of the box" while not giving up self-sovereignty.

I strongly recommend you consider donating to ALL developers in this guide or paying them for their products offered.

Go build it!

---

Step 1: get a Bitcoin node

Self-sovereignty requires a bitcoin node. If you depend on another person's node, there is no final verification of blockchain data possible. Luckily, obtaining one is quite convenient nowadays, since several out-of-the-box boxes exist that you can buy, almost fully set-up.

Hardware

These do come at a cost. It may be more cost effective to find your own #hardware, whether it's an old laptop, a Asus NUC mini-PC, or a self-built device. I only recommend having a RaspBerry Pi if it is one of the newer types with lots of RAM, otherwise your initial block download will take forever.

Also consider a 2TB disk size (at least) so you are safe for a while to come. Soon, 1TB will not be sufficient to store the bitcoin blockchain data without pruning (remember, we're self-sovereign, this is the best data storage you invest in).

This article does not intend to be a catch all article with many details about hardware, so please DYOR about the details and if you want out-of-the-box, I recommend start9.com StartOne

Software

This is easier. I wholeheartedly recommend (again) Start9's StartOS. Here's a DIY link if you're doing this on your own hardware and aren't buying their excellent hardware offer. I did this, and it was quite convenient. The main difficulty I had was that I required a ethernet connection to my box during the install, since WiFi is not set-up until afterwards. This was not obvious because, well, I had a big box and had to carry that downstairs to my router. I also connected a screen, mouse and keyboard to make it all work. Nothing I couldn't overcome. Again, if you are worried - just buy the box.

---

Step 2: configure your Bitcoin node

Installing all apps on your node

The package I have consists of:

• Bitcoin Core - Not sure why this is here, but I do see about a 4MB download happening every 10' so I guess it is doing something. Seriously people, DYOR.
• LND - it runs Lightning Network on your node, thus allowing you to connect to other lightning network nodes and set-up channels to receive payments onto.
• Ride the Lightning - your management tool so you can send and receive payments.
• Nostr Wallet Connect by Alby - amazing tool that provided the secret sauce to make payments to your website easy. Extra benefit: you can Zap directly from your own node, with any mobile or web client connected through NWC !
• Optional (but not really): BTCPayServer if you want to run any form of commerce on your website - I assume you got here to stack some sats, and this is the tool for making it easy for your customers to pay you.
• Optional (but not really): Mempool instance so you can check all your transactions without leaking metadata <-- THIS IS WHY YOU RUN A NODE, ANON!

All these things are 1-click installs, 2-click configuration, and possibly a few more to get set-up properly. This is why you go through the pain of making the Start9 setup work (or pay them, and it is literally going to work after unpacking the box...)

Get inbound liquidity

| NOTE: Securing Your Node and Website | | --- | | Ensuring the security of your self-sovereign setup is critical. Start by implementing regular backups of your node, wallet, and website, ideally using encrypted external storage solutions. Monitor your node’s activity to ensure it's functioning securely, and consider setting up additional authentication measures, such as multi-signature wallets or hardware wallets for larger amounts. Additionally, to safeguard your server from unauthorized access, set up a firewall, limit SSH access to specific IPs, and enable 2FA on all related services. Tools like Fail2ban can help protect against brute-force attacks, and keeping all software up to date is essential for preventing vulnerabilities. Always store your private keys and recovery phrases securely and offline. |

Deposit bitcoin to your own wallet (use RTL to generate an address). I recommend in the order of 1M sats for any UTXO depending on your willingness to take risks - this is a hot wallet even though security is very good by default.

First, go to Mempool and check out a few Lightning nodes with high connectivity (= high channel count, high capacity) to connect to. Open a few channels to them with (some) capacity from your 1M sats. Public channels. FYI: you are now ready to start zapping on a mobile client for #Nostr, e.g. #Amethyst on Android or #Damus on iOS - or #Primal on either - or if you're on the web, #YakiHonne and #Nostrudel are my go-to clients.

Second, go to Amboss Magma, connect with your node (or use Alby's excellent Firefox Extension that you can easily hook up to your node and connect through "WebLN"). You need to sign a message, it can be done in RTL.

Third, set-up at least 1 paid inbound channel pending your liquidity needs after the website gets up and running and you are actually selling anything.

---

Step 3: get website infrastructure

I will admit we can not be truly independent if we want to be out of the box. Especially webhosting is something not recommended from a home server, for multiple reasons (security being one), even if StartOS could probably do it on your node.

Domain name

There are many sources here, you should pick something. I used GoDaddy but there are no rules, just costs, convenience, ... the usual trade-offs. GoDaddy has a convenient URL searcher and comes with recommendations and clear pricing, with nice discounts for the first year (your project may be doomed to crash prior to that...

Hosting

I did find the hosting options at GoDaddy quite expensive. So I just registered with AWS for an EC2 instance. In the Amazon Free Tier you basically get a free linux box with a public facing domain during a year. Another nicety about AWS is that you can very easily upgrade your hosting needs with them, compute, memory, disk, ... and services.

Host configuration

This costs significant time per this method, and is not for the faint of heart. One-click installs would include having this all done by a hosting provider.

WordPress installation

WordPress is an all-in-one website building tool that requires an extremely low acumen of CSS, HTML or databases. It all gets pre-configured and pre-setup while having a host of tools and systems available to support pretty much any feature a modern website would want. Disclaimer; there is definately NOT enough #Nostr content yet.

Here, I do go into some bits and pieces regarding the bitcoin side of things on WordPress. However I don't know what you want on your website, so I recommend you dive into the details on what's possible on WordPress regarding generall web functionality yourself as I consider it out of scope for this article.

One step in being self-sovereign is hosting your own WordPress - even if on a third party host - so that you fully control it and are sure nobody else can access the MySQL databases, configurations, ...

Luckily, this is very easy on an AWS instance. Wordpress can be simply installed as a package, and configuration is literally going to /wp-admin and setting things up. At that point it becomes click-click, write content, launch.

You can opt for a Docker-based installation as well, so WordPress has all dependencies satisfied. However, this comes at the risk of misconfiguration of the persistant volumes, and thus wiping your entire install at a Docker crash - not recommended.

Make sure you set the owner / group (chown) for the wordpress installation folder structure to nginx:nginx (see next subsection) and the file properties (chmod) to 644.

Web server

I had a lot of fights with Nginx since I needed a reverse proxy functionality for a docker application the server was also running, plus having the system Nginx serving up the wordpress site.

Anyway. If you don't need any of that - most likely you don't - just run nginx and set-up the config file to a port 443 (SSL / HTTPS) connection and ensure you redirect regular HTTP traffic on port 80 to the HTTPS. Use Let'sEncrypt with certbot on the Amazon instance to get certifications for your domain. After setting it up, check that automatic renewals for the certificates are also set-up: sudo certbot renew --dry-run

If not, add a cron item on your AWS instance (sudo crontab -e) and add the following line to restart nginx after every renewal: 0 */12 * * * certbot renew --quiet && systemctl reload nginx

Ensure you forward the ports 80 and 443 on your DNS records for the domain to the public-facing IP from the AWS instance.

Pro Tip: You can review rate limiting from Amazon, but it comes at a cost. Alternative, just configure your nginx to do rate limiting for you, here is a reference code snippet to set it up for the relevant server blocks in your nginx configuration:

``` limit_req_zone $binary_remote_addr zone=one:10m rate=1r/s;

server { location / { limit_req zone=one burst=5; ... } } ```

Forwarding the BTCPayServer .onion address through to clearnet through your AWS instance

| Disclaimer | | --- | | This section assumes a moderate understanding of Tor, Nginx, and reverse proxies. For more in-depth tutorials on these topics, we recommend reviewing external resources such as the Tor Project Documentation and the Nginx Reverse Proxy Guide. As setting up reverse proxies and Tor for a Bitcoin node can be complex, these instructions are not exhaustive, and configurations may differ based on your hosting environment. Please ensure to consult these resources for further detail and troubleshooting .|

Annoyingly, but also purposefully, the average bitcoin node does not expose anything to public clearnet besides on local LAN. Instead, it exposes public interfaces on Tor which you need the exact address for to access (=high entropy).

However, for your BTCPayServer instance to connect to your website, you need to be able to connect to it from that website. This is where a so-called reverse proxy once again needs to save us. To make matters worse, you don't have Tor by default on AWS machines (on my EC2 instance it ran Amazon Linux 2023) so we need to build from source. I suggest you ask instructions to ChatGPT; Pro-Tip: Copy-paste parts of these notes and let him explain exactly what you need to do!

You could set a subdomain e.g. btcpay.yoursite.com to be accessible for your .onion redirect on the AWS instance. Here is an example configuration snippet:

``` server { listen 443 ssl; server_name btcpay.yoursite.com;

location / {
    proxy_pass http://127.0.0.1:80;
    proxy_set_header Host $host;
    proxy_set_header X-Real-IP $remote_addr;
    proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-For $proxy_add_x_forwarded_for;
    proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-Proto $scheme;
}

ssl_certificate /etc/letsencrypt/live/yourdomain/fullchain.pem;
ssl_certificate_key /etc/letsencrypt/live/yourdomain/privkey.pem;

} ```

---

Step 4: configure your Bitcoin-based website

Finally, we come to the cool part. What can we do with all these things?

So, on WordPress, I recommend the following plugins:

• Alby's LN Publisher - it seems they need to test it on the latest WordPress version - but this tool worked for me. It connects to your NWC instance on the node and implements easy paywalls.
• BTCPay For Woocommerce V2 - to connect to your store and creating that flawless interface for your customers.
• WooCommerce

Getting BTCPay for WooCommerce set-up is detailed in this guide.

---

Importance of Backups

Backups are a critical part of any self-sovereign setup, especially when handling sensitive data such as your Bitcoin node and website. Without proper backups, any unexpected hardware failure, software corruption, or cyberattack could result in permanent loss of data, including your wallet, transactions, and important website configurations.

For your Bitcoin node, regular backups of wallet.dat and Lightning Network channel states are essential to prevent loss of funds or access to your Bitcoin. In the case of your website, especially a self-hosted WordPress site, backups of both the database and the files (such as plugins, themes, and media uploads) will safeguard your content and configurations.

Though creating an automated backup strategy is beyond the scope of this guide, it is highly recommended that you:

• Set up regular, automated backups for both your Bitcoin node and website.
• Encrypt your backups to ensure that sensitive information remains secure.
• Store backups offsite or on external media to mitigate risks from local hardware failures.

Investing time in a robust backup solution will protect your self-sovereignty, ensuring that even in the event of failure, your node, funds, and website can be restored.

---

That's all for now, folks. There surely will be issues you run into. Let me know through a DM, or ask away below - me or like-minded individuals (probably a few on #nostr more expert than me) can help out!

@ e83b66a8:b0526c2b

We have a confession to make. NOSTR is not perfect, we are still building. No client you use does everything you want it to, and everything it does is imperfect.

Therefore, I strongly advise you to run multiple clients.

On iPhone, I run: Damus: https://nostrapps.com/damus Primal: https://primal.net/downloads Nostur: https://nostrapps.com/nostur

On Android I run: Primal: https://primal.net/downloads Amethyst: https://nostrapps.com/amethyst

On desktop I run: Primal: https://primal.net/downloads noStrudel: https://nostrapps.com/nostrudel

Also, because I run a node (Umbrel & Start9), I self host noStrudel on my own relay.

If you haven’t taken the plunge to run a node, now might be a good time to think about it.

There are many, many options for clients, the “Social” section of https://nostrapps.com/

lists 23 currently.

Play with them, see what they do, if you’re a developer, you could even consider building or forking your own.

Have fun and realise we are building freedom tech, not just running it.

@ e83b66a8:b0526c2b

First,

Key management.

When you “created” your NOSTR account, what you actually created was a cryptographic key pair. This consists of a private key, which starts “nsec” and a public key which starts with “npub”.

As the names suggest, your “nsec” key is private and you should never reveal it to anyone. Your “npub” key is your public key, feel free to share that everywhere.

Your “npub” key is used by others to verify your identity, through the signature added to your messages. It is also used by others to encrypt private messages to you.

We don’t have perfect key management yet and because of the limitation of smart phones and various eco systems, it often becomes necessary for you to copy and paste your private key into apps in order to use them. This is less than ideal, but until we have ubiquitous cross platform key management devices, this situation will remain necessary.

For the moment, consider using software key management options, some of which are listed under “signers” here: https://nostrapps.com/

N.B. We do have projects like Seedsigner that provide more secure hardware key management, but this isn’t for the faint hearted:

Secondly,

Lightning wallets.

It is common for most people to link a Bitcoin Lightning wallet to their NOSTR profile

N.B. Your profile is stored on relays and signed by your private key, which is verified by others through your public key.

You are not tied to any specific wallet for sending payments (called zaps), but you do provide a specific incoming LN address for receiving payments. This could be something like a wallet of Satoshi Address i.e. “randomname@walletofsatoshi.com” or could you be your own node with a connection to it via “Nostr Wallet Connect” a free plugin that connects a lightning wallet.

Enabling this allows people to “zap” any posts or content or even send you payments directly at any time or for any reason. N.B. It is called freedom money for a reason….

It also allows you to send small micropayments to posts or people you like.

Thirdly,

Paid Services

As you go deeper into the NOSTR ecosystem, you’ll notice there is no advertising being pushed at you and there are no algorithms manipulating the content you receive. This is because there is no company behind NOSTR, it is a protocol. Because of this, while all the ecosystem is free to use and will remain so for the foreseeable future, most of it is run by enthusiastic volunteers or developers and incurs a cost to them. For that reason many of us choose to support these #devs by paying for services. This can also enhance our experience, giving our “npub” greater reach and discoverability.

I, for example choose to pay for the following services:

https://nostr.wine/ - 120,000 Sats for 2 years relay https://relay.tools/ - My own relay - https://nortis.nostr1.com/ 12,000 Sats a month https://nostr.build/ - Media storage - 69,000 Sats for 1 year

Total: 22,750 Sats per month Approx $15 per month

This is not strictly necessary, but I decided to support the various developers behind these projects.

Do not feel any pressure at this early stage to pay for any service, but if you enjoy the freedom NOSTR brings, you may want to consider supporting the projects that become important to you going forward.

@ 361d3e1e:50bc10a8

https://forex-strategy.com/2024/09/09/it-was-just-a-test-to-the-public-which-still-wont-understand-that-it-was-lied-to/

It was just a test to the public, which still won't understand that it was lied to

wef #politics #covid #nwo #newworldorder #switzerland

@ e27ae11e:e0c36580

Did you know that most people use their phones to find services like yours? Imagine a potential customer searching for a tradie while they're on the go—will your website work perfectly on their phone? Let's explore why having a mobile-friendly tradie web design is so important and how it can help you reach more customers 1. More Number of Mobile Clients The manner in which individuals utilize the internet has changed a great deal. Currently, many individuals utilize their phones and tablets to search for services and choose what to purchase. The greater part of all internet use is on mobile gadgets. This implies large numbers of your potential clients are utilizing their phones to find tradie administrations. Why It Makes a difference: Contacting More Individuals: In case that your website is not easy to access on phones, you could lose number of clients who are searching for your administrations. First Look: A mobile-friendly website ensures your tradie web design looks great and functions admirably on any gadget, giving guests an extraordinary initial feeling. 2. Better Client Experience Client experience is about how simple and pleasant it is for guests to utilize your website. A mobile-friendly website gives a superior client experience via naturally changing in accordance with fit the screen size of the gadget it's being seen on. This implies that text is not difficult to peruse, buttons are not difficult to snap, and pages load rapidly. Why It Is important: • Higher Commitment: When clients have a positive encounter on your website, they're bound to remain longer, investigate your administrations, and reach you for more data. • Lower Skip Rates: A mobile-friendly site diminishes bob rates, which is when guests leave your site rapidly on the grounds that it's hard to utilize. Lower skip rates are great for your business since they show that guests are finding what they need on your site.

3. Improved SEO Rankings Webpage improvement (SEO) is the most widely recognized approach to upgrading your website so it positions higher in web search device results, like examination. One of the key factors that Google ponders while situating websites is how mobile-friendly they are. Indeed, Google has changed to mobile-first requesting, meaning it generally uses the mobile interpretation of a website to choose its situating. Why It Is significant: • Better Detectable quality: A mobile-friendly tradie web design will undoubtedly rank higher in list, simplifying it for expected clients that should track down your business on the web. • Extended Traffic: Higher rankings lead to more website traffic, which can achieve extra leads and in the long run more business for you. 4. Quicker Stacking Times Speed is basic with regards to websites. Concentrates on show that assuming a website requires in excess of a couple of moments to stack, clients are probably going to leave and go to a contender's webpage all things being equal. Mobile-friendly websites are designed to stack rapidly on all gadgets, incorporating those with more slow web associations. Why It Makes a difference: • Keeping Guests Locked in: A quick stacking tradie web design keeps guests on your webpage, expanding the possibilities that they'll investigate your administrations and reach you. • Better SEO: Google likewise considers page load speed while positioning websites. A quicker site can assist with further developing your SEO rankings, making it more straightforward for expected clients to track down you. 5. More Direct Route and Convenience One of the signs of a mobile-friendly website is simple route. On a mobile contraption, buttons, associations, and menus ought to be adequately colossal to tap successfully, and the design should be direct and regular. A well-designed mobile-friendly site ensures that visitors can without a doubt find what they're looking for with basically no issue. Why It Makes a difference: • Client Fulfillment: When guests can explore your site effectively, they're bound to have a positive encounter and make the following stride, whether that is calling you, finishing up a contact structure, or mentioning a statement. • Expanded Transformations: A mobile-friendly site can prompt higher change rates since it eliminates obstructions that could keep guests from making a move. 6. Competitive Edge In the tradie business, contest can be extreme. Numerous businesses are competing for the focus of similar pool of expected clients. Having a mobile-friendly website can give you an upper hand by making your business more open and interesting to current purchasers. Why It Is important: • Stand Apart from Contenders: In the event that your rivals don't have mobile-friendly websites, you'll enjoy a benefit by giving a superior web-based insight to possible clients. • Present day and Expert Picture: A mobile-friendly website shows that your business is fully informed regarding current innovation patterns, which can upgrade your expert picture. 7. Better Conversion Rates A definitive objective of your website is to change over guests into clients. A mobile-friendly website makes it simpler for guests to make a move, whether that is reaching you, mentioning a statement, or booking a help. By giving a smooth and consistent experience, you can build your transformation rates and develop your business. Why It Is important: • More Leads and Deals: A mobile-friendly site urges guests to make the following stride, prompting more requests and appointments. • Higher return on initial capital investment: Putting resources into a mobile-friendly website can prompt a superior profit from speculation (return for money invested) as it produces more business. 8. Versatile to Future Patterns Advancement is ceaselessly progressing, and buyer approaches to acting are consistently developing. A mobile-friendly website is designed to be flexible, meaning it can without a very remarkable stretch oblige future updates and changes in development.

Why It Makes a difference: • Long haul Achievement: A mobile-friendly website is a savvy speculation since it guarantees your business stays important and open as innovation keeps on developing. • More straightforward Upkeep: Mobile-friendly websites are frequently simpler to refresh and keep up with, guaranteeing that your webpage stays current and utilitarian. Closing Thought In the present computerized age, a mobile-friendly tradie web design is a must need. From further developing client experience and SEO rankings to expanding transformations and remaining serious, the advantages of a mobile-responsive website are clear. By ensuring your website is mobile-friendly, you'll show up at extra anticipated clients as well as give them a major experience, provoking more business and long stretch accomplishment. In case you haven't at this point, this moment is an optimal chance to place assets into a mobile-friendly website and take your tradie business to a more elevated level.

@ 6bae33c8:607272e8

On a scale of 1 to 10, for me Week 1 was a 1. I got knocked out of Survivor, went 1-4 in the Circa Millions and the Giants not only lost, they looked lost. Danny Dimes is not a top-50 NFL QB right now — his offensive line still sucks, and his confidence is shot. Fantasy wise, my week was so-so pending tonight’s game. Starting to think maybe I should have taken Cooper Kupp at 2.2 instead of Marvin Harrison in my Primetime too.

• Maybe the Steelers defense is just really good, but Kurt Cousins couldn’t get out from under it. T.J. Watt had only one sack, but it seemed like he was in Cousins’ face every time they cut to that game.

• I had Jaylen Warren in my Primetime lineup initially then swapped him out for Brian Robinson at the last second thankfully. Maybe he’s not yet completely healthy.

• Justin Fields did enough to win — I think there’s a good chance we never see Russell Wilson again. Fields is a top-10 fantasy QB if he keeps the job.

• It looks like Bijan Robinson is a real bell cow now as Tyler Allgeier got only three carries.

• I’m assuming the Falcons passing game will wake up. I took Drake London in one league, so I would appreciate it.

• Where was Marvin Harrison? I saw that Kyler Murray missed him wide open on a play, but three targets all game? Why are you drafting a guy fourth overall if you’re not using him?

• James Conner is a top-10 RB when healthy and always has been.

• Josh Allen was kind of a boring 4th-round pick with so many quality QBs, but it’s not boring now. I still think Dalton Kincaid will get his, but basically no one else on that offense is reliable. James Cook will have to do it with only a handful of touchdowns.

• Who knew Tony Pollard was the clear starter over Tyjae Spears? What if Pollard is really good and was only held back by last year’s injury recovery?

• What a dud for Caleb Williams and the entire Chicago passing game.

• Part of the reason I took the Bengals in Survivor was I had read the Patriots had a terrible offensive line. But they played great Sunday, and Rhamondre Stevenson ran roughshod over the Bengals defense.

• It was always Zack Moss over Chase Brown.

• Ja’Marr Chase will have a monster year so long as he stays healthy. No idea why he saw only six targets because he was on the field most of the game.

• Anthony Richardson is such a physical freak — he threw a ball 66-yards in the air for a TD off his back foot. He’ll be a top-five fantasy QB as long as he stays healthy.

• Alec Pierce has always made plays, just never saw consistent targets. That probably won’t change, though, especially when Josh Downs comes back.

• Joe Mixon had a great game, did not look like a back drafted in 2017.

• CJ Stroud looked smooth — he didn’t have to do that much with Mixon gashing the defense though.

• Stefon Diggs was a mixed bag — only six short targets, but two TDs (first look in the red zone.) Nico Collins and Tank Dell got all the air yards.

• The Jaguars offense was a bit like last year’s — something isn’t quite right.

• De’Von Achane looks like the Dolphins No. 3 receiver after Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. He also saw the most carries.

• I know it was an easy matchup, but perhaps rumors of Alvin Kamara’s demise were exaggerated.

• All Rashid Shaheed does is catch long TDs. Chris Olave was quiet, but the gameflow wasn’t WR friendly.

• The Panthers seem like a total disaster again.

• I love Danny Dimes — he was actually good in 2022 — but his confidence is gone, and he has no feel now. Bring in Drew Lock, give the young wideouts a chance. The offensive line still sucks too, but some of that is Jones having zero feel.

• The Vikings didn’t encounter enough resistance to really evaluate. Aaron Jones is still good — lot of 2017 backs still relevant this week.

• Brock Bowers looks like a player out of the gate. Runs very smoothly with the ball in his hands.

• Antonio Pierce punted from the Chargers 43 on 4th-and-1 down six with 7:13 left. Oof.

• I actually saw Quentin Johnston make a nice play. Ladd McConkey looks like a player — I expect him to be Justin Herbert’s top target. Joshua Palmer barely registered on the stat sheet.

• I had JK Dobbins on two benches — that will surely change next week. Gus Edwards might steal some goal line, but Dobbins has top-10 upside on that run-heavy team.

• Of course Tyler Lockett still led the Seahawks in targets and yards when everyone took him a distant third behind DK Metcalf and JSN.

• Kenneth Walker would be a top-five back if he could ever stay healthy. He’s one of the quickest in the league, but he injured his abdomen late in the game.

• It was rough going for the entire Denver offense. Hard to say much except that Jaleel McLaughin and Courtland Sutton saw a lot of targets.

• Deshaun Watson is just bad now, no way to massage it. Losing David Njoku would be a blow too.

• The Cowboys offense looked good, but didn’t need to do much.

• Baker Mayfield played great, but it’s hilarious to watch him scramble as though he’s Lamar Jackson and then the defenders just catch up to him.

• Rachaad White isn’t a great runner, but he’s the No. 3 receiver. Bucky Irving did more on the ground with less.

• Chris Godwin looked sharp in his new (old) slot role. I’m glad I drafted him in the fifth round now. It’s a narrow tree in Tampa even though Jalen McMillan caught a long TD.

• Jayden Daniels will put up big fantasy numbers with his legs and probably score lots of points in garbage time. Brian Robinson is the clear early down back who also catches some passes, but he’ll lose some rushing TDs to Daniels. I’d be nervous if I had Terry McLaurin shares.

• Cooper Kupp is arguably the 1.1, especially if Puka Nacua has to miss any time. They got Kupp five catches in the first few minutes! They just get him open and throw to him all game long.

• Rare quiet game from Amon-Ra St. Brown as Jameson Williams went off. Williams looked fast and smooth. I expect he’s here to stay, and that will cut into ARSB and Sam LaPorta’s target share a bit. Maybe you should have taken Chase over St. Brown at pick six, but this isn’t anything to panic about.

• Both David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs looked good — I think the split from last night is probably what we should expect going forward.

@ 6bae33c8:607272e8

I’ll write a separate Week 1 Observations later, but I wanted to dedicate this space solely to mourning my Circa Survivor entry.

Circa Survivor costs $1000 to enter and has a $10M prize for the winner, usually split by several as things get down to the wire. Three years ago, when the prize was $6M Dalton Del Don and I — the first time we ever entered — made it to the final 23 in Week 12. The value of our share was something like $260K at that point, but we got bounced by the Lions who beat the 12-point favored Cardinals and took home nothing.

When you enter a large survivor pool, the overwhelming likelihood is you’ll meet this fate at some point, whether in Week 1 or 12. So it’s not really the loss that’s painful, so much as not getting to live and die each week with a chosen team. You lose your status as “the man in the arena whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood” and become just an observer watching and commentating on the games without the overarching purpose of surviving each week.

This year was also different due to the lengths to which I went to sign up. It’s not just the $1000 fee, it’s getting to Vegas in person, the $400 in proxy fees (you need locals to input your picks for you if you don’t live there), the $60 credit card fee, the $200 crappy hotel I booked at the last minute, the flights (one of which was cancelled due to heat), the rental car that necessitated, the gas, getting lost in the desert, the entire odyssey while sick and still jet-lagged in 122-degree heat.

But it’s not about the money, and it’s not even about the herculean effort per se, but the feeling and narrative I crafted around it. I was the guy who got this done. I flew from Portugal to San Francisco for 12 hours, two days later from SF to Palm Springs to help my 87-YO uncle with his affairs, improvised to get from Palm Springs to Vegas, which took six hours due to road closures, signed up for the contests, made the flight back to San Francisco, flew to Denver at 7 am the next day, took my daughter the Rockies game in the afternoon and then on to Boulder the following day. Maybe that’s not so impressive to some of you, but for me, an idle ideas person, a thinker, observer, someone who likes to express himself via a keyboard, it was like Alexander the Great conquering Persia.

And it’s not only about that smaller mission, or the narrative I crafted around it, but a larger one which was to bring sports content to nostr which I vowed to do before the summer which is why I felt I had to make the effort to get to Vegas to sign up for the contests, to have sufficient skin in the game, to have something real about which to write.

And I got the idea to do this seriously because Heather wrote a guide to Lisbon which I posted on nostr, and a few prominent developers there were surprisingly excited about getting that kind of quality content on the protocol. And I thought — if they’re this excited about a (very in-depth) guide to one particular city in Europe, how much more value could I create posting about a hobby shared by 50-odd million Americans? And that thought (and the fact I had to go to Palm Springs anyway) is what set me off on the mission in the first place and got me thinking this would be Team of Destiny, Part 2, only to discover, disappointingly, it’s real destiny was not to make it out of the first week.

. . .

While my overwhelming emotion is one of disappointment, there’s a small element of relief. Survivor is a form of self-inflicted torture that probably subtracts years from one’s life. Every time Rhamondre Stevenson broke the initial tackle yesterday was like someone tightening a vice around my internal organs. There was nothing I could do but watch, and I even thought about turning it off. At one point, I was so enraged, I had to calm down consciously and refuse to get further embittered by events going against me. Mike Gesicki had a TD catch overturned because he didn’t hold the ball to the ground, The next play Tanner Hudson fumbled while running unimpeded to the end zone. I kept posting, “Don’t tilt” after every negative play.

There’s a perverse enjoyment to getting enraged about what’s going on, out of your control, on a TV screen, but when you examine the experience, it really isn’t good or wholesome. I become like a spoiled child, ungrateful for everything, miserable and indignant at myriad injustices and wrongs I’m powerless to prevent.

At one point Sasha came in to tell me she had downloaded some random game from the app store on her Raspberry Pi computer. I had no interest in this as I was living and dying with every play, but I had forced myself to calm down so much already, I actually went into her room to check it out, not a trace of annoyance in my voice or demeanor.

I don’t think she cared about the game, or about showing it to me, but had stayed with her friends most of the weekend and was just using it as an excuse to spend a moment together with her dad. I scratched her back for a couple seconds while standing behind her desk chair. The game was still going on, and even though I was probably going to lose, and I was still sick about it, I was glad to have diverted a moment’s attention from it to Sasha.

. . .

In last week’s Survivor post, I wrote:

What method do I propose to see into the future? Only my imagination. I’m going to spend a lot of time imagining what might happen, turn my brain into a quantum device, break space-time and come to the right answers. Easier said than done, but I’m committed.

It’s possible I did this, but simply retrieved my information from the wrong branch of the multiverse. It happens.

. . .

I picked the Bengals knowing full well the Bills were the correct “pot odds” play which is my usual method. Maybe when the pot-odds are close, I might go with my gut, but they were not especially close this week, and yet I still stuck with Cincinnati because they were the team I trusted more.

And despite it being a bad pick — there are no excuses in Survivor, no matter what happens in the game, if you win it’s good, and lose it’s bad — I don’t feel that badly about it.

I regret it only because I wish I were still alive, but it was my error. I went with what I believed, and it was wrong. That I can live with 100 times better than swapping out my belief for someone else’s and losing. Had I done that I’d be inconsolable.

. . .

I won’t let the Survivor debacle undermine my real mission to bring sports to nostr. Team of Destiny 2 would have been a compelling story, but it was never essential. After all, my flight was cancelled and I had to improvise, so now my Survivor entry is cancelled, and I’ll have to improvise again. The branch of the multiverse where the Bengals won didn’t give me the information I wanted, but maybe it was what I really needed to know. That I am the man in the arena yet, the battle was ever against myself, and for a brief moment, while my team was losing, I prevailed.

@ d3052ca3:d84a170e

I bought this for my son but it's a little advanced for his skills. Well, somebody has to find the princess and save Hyrule, right? Looks like it's gotta be me. :)

I have found the climbing, skydiving, and barbarian armor sets most useful. What other items can I unlock that will enhance my play experience? I just found the gloom resistance helmet but haven't tried it out yet.

What is the deal with horses? I tamed and boarded two so far but I haven't found an actual use for them yet except one korok hidden under a drain plug that I needed a horse to unplug. You don't need them for travel. They can't climb steep slopes or cross water so it's just easier and faster to skydive close to your destination and cover the last miles on foot. Do mounts serve a purpose or just look cool and help you get a few korok seeds?

What is your experience? I'd love to hear about it!

@ 7ab1ed7a:f8e15275

Summary

This article highlights how integrating the "Internet of Things" (IoT) with Nostr can create open, permissionless, and vendor-independent systems, paving the way for new applications, data privacy, and interoperability. From use cases to technical implementation, the article digs into the value of a new approach to IoT, the current progress in developing standards, and potential future directions.

IoT on Nostr: Unlocking Decentralisation for the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of interconnected devices that collect, exchange, and process data to enable smart technologies across various domains, from smart homes to industrial automation. Typically, IoT systems have relied on centralised infrastructure, often resulting in vendor lock-in, lack of interoperability, and privacy concerns. However, by utilising decentralised, permissionless protocols such as Nostr, IoT systems can be revolutionised to promote open access, permissionless innovation, and robust security models.

Why IoT on Nostr?

By working on IoT NIPs for the Nostr protocol we can integrate Nostr’s decentralised and interoperable framework into IoT networks. The goal is to standardise the protocol within the Nostr NIP (Nostr Implementation Possibilities) specification, create libraries, build clients, and demonstrate practical use cases.

At the core of the project is the idea that Nostr, as an open protocol, is well-suited to handle IoT’s needs, including data sharing, remote control, and event-based automation. By leveraging the Nostr protocol, devices can interact with users, other devices, relay-based payments, and other stuff.

The Case for IoT on Nostr

One of the key benefits of using Nostr for IoT is privacy. While Nostr itself isn't inherently private, additions to the spec (i.e. gift wrapping, double ratchet encryption and MLS ) could improve private, encrypted communication between IoT devices, ensuring that data is securely transmitted. In additional, by decentralising the infrastructure, users and businesses can avoid terms-of-service (ToS) restrictions imposed by centralised platforms.

IoT on Nostr in combination with permissionless use, a portable social graph, open data access, zaps, eCash and more provides a significant advantage for IoT. It removes vendor lock-in, improves open data access, and fosters interoperability between devices, relays, and clients. Nostr's permissionless nature allows anyone to build on top of the protocol without seeking approval from centralised authorities.

Existing NIPs and Standards

Several proposals are already in progress to bring IoT functionality to Nostr. Two key NIP pull requests (PRs) related to IoT are:

1. PR 814
2. PR 817

These PRs aim to define how IoT devices can publish and receive events within the Nostr protocol, ensuring standardised communication and integration across different platforms.

Work needs to be done on these or new PRs to define NIPs for IoT on Nostr. The work that needs to be done will be defined in a future post, but for now, it's enough to say, there's plenty to do.

Use Cases for IoT on Nostr

The applications for IoT on Nostr are numerous and span a variety of sectors:

• Data Capture:

• Environmental monitoring, open data sharing, and private data capture can all be facilitated by IoT devices using Nostr to publish sensor data.

• Remote Control:

• From home devices to industrial machinery, Nostr can allow remote control of IoT devices. Users could securely manage smart home systems or control machinery without relying on proprietary platforms.

• IFTTT-style Automation:

• Devices can interact with each other via event-based automation. For instance, a temperature sensor could trigger a fan when a certain threshold is reached.

• Data Processing:

• IoT systems can integrate with Distributed Virtual Machines (DVMs) for data processing, such as text-to-speech (TTS) or speech-to-text (STT) conversion, expanding their functionality to smart devices.

Next Steps

To bring this vision to life, several components are needed:

• NIP Proposals: Proof of concepts to test ideas and establish formal specifications.
• DVM Integration: Adding capabilities such as speech recognition or media requests through decentralized servers.
• Libraries and Clients: Expanding existing Nostr libraries to support IoT devices, and building visualization tools for IoT data (e.g., charts, tables).
• Relays and Bridges: Developing specialised relays for IoT data and creating bridges to other networks like LoRa or MQTT.

Conclusion

IoT on Nostr could represent a shift for the Internet of Things. By utilising an open, decentralised protocol, IoT systems can become more secure, interoperable, and free from the constraints of centralised vendors.

@ 3875a16c:988456c9

ORIGINAL PANEL TITLE: MAKING BITCOIN MORE PRIVATE WITH CISA

SPEAKERS: NIFTY NEI, CRAIG RAW, FABIAN JAHR, JAMESON LOPP

CONFERENCE: BITCOIN NASHVILLE 2024

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON: BITLYRICS.CO

Introduction

This edited transcription comes from a panel titled “Making Bitcoin More Private With CISA”, featuring an insightful discussion on cross-input signature aggregation ( CISA). Moderated by NiftyNei from Base58, the panel includes Jameson Lopp from Casa, Craig Raw from Sparrow Wallet, and Fabian Jahr from Brink.

Recorded at the Bitcoin – Nashville 2024 conference, the panel explores how a Bitcoin CISA soft fork can enhance privacy and efficiency in Bitcoin transactions by aggregating signatures. The speakers share their personal experiences with CISA, its potential economic incentives, and the technical challenges it faces, while offering a clear explanation of its role in privacy-focused Bitcoin development.

---

NiftyNei (Moderator):

Hey everyone, my name is Nifty, and I’m going to be moderating this panel today. We’re here to talk about CISA (cross-input signature aggregation).

Joining me today on the stage, I have Jameson Lopp from Casa, Craig Raw of Sparrow Wallet, and Fabian Jahr of Brink. So, welcome them to the stage.

We’re excited to be talking to you guys about this.

I think it’d be great to maybe start off by hearing a little bit more about who’s on our panel today. If the panelists could tell the audience about the project they’re working on and where they first heard about CISA.

Craig, do you want to start?

---

Craig Raw (Sparrow Wallet):

I built Sparrow Wallet. It’s a security and privacy-focused wallet.

The first time I heard about CISA was really from other privacy activists in the Bitcoin space who were talking about how they were really hoping that this cross-input signature aggregation would be shipped as part of the Taproot upgrade. Obviously, we know that didn’t happen.

When you’re looking at things from a privacy point of view, you want to do things like create multi-party transactions, and as we’ll hear, cross-input signature aggregation provides an interesting basis for being able to do that more economically.

So, that was the first time I really started to look at it from the privacy angle.

---

Fabian Jahr (Brink):

I primarily work on Bitcoin Core, and I can’t really remember a specific time when I first heard about it.

Between the SegWit soft fork and the Taproot soft fork was when I really got deeper into Bitcoin and started contributing to Bitcoin Core.

Somehow, CISA was always there, but I only started researching it and going deeper into it over the last couple of months.

I saw that it was a topic brought up for the Taproot soft fork but was cut at some point to keep the scope smaller.

I forgot about it for a year or two until it kept popping up in privacy discussions, as Craig mentioned, which triggered me to look deeper into it.

---

Jameson Lopp (Casa):

I’m Jameson Lopp. I work at Casa, where we help people with highly distributed, secure, multi-signature self-custody setups.

I think the first time I heard about CISA was in an Andrew Poelstra talk.

I mostly remember being blown away by the vision he painted of a future where we were all financially incentivized to participate in CoinJoin transactions for everything we transacted.

This would break a lot of the potential for chain surveillance because, if we’re all honest, Bitcoin has pretty poor privacy characteristics.

---

NiftyNei (Moderator):

That’s a great point. Okay, so I think now that we’ve had an intro into how each of you came to hear about it, and maybe some of the things you thought were important or cool when you first heard about it, maybe we could take a little bit of time to explain a little bit more about what CISA is and what those letters stand for.

Does anyone have a good explanation of how it works?

---

Fabian Jahr (Brink):

I can start off.

So, it’s really already all in the name: cross-input signature aggregation.

If you think of a Bitcoin transaction as it looks today, you have, sometimes, one but often multiple inputs, and with each input, usually, a signature is associated.

What the linearity property of Schnorr signatures allows you to do is to aggregate these signatures. You can aggregate them across the different inputs that you have in a transaction.

So, that means that in the future, we could have transactions with multiple inputs—if you think specifically about transactions that have a lot of inputs, like CoinJoins, for example, as we just mentioned—these could have just one signature. And depending on what technique you use, these can be just as big as one single signature before.

Of course, that saves a lot of space, both on-chain and also in terms of the fees, because you take up less space in a block. That is the general idea.

---

NiftyNei (Moderator):

I have a quick question about that.

So, whenever you say you can do cross-input signature aggregation on a transaction, usually, you’ll have a couple of things called inputs, and each of those inputs will have a signature on it, right?

So, the general idea is that, on that same one signature, instead of having a couple of them, you’d be able to roll them all up and just have a single signature.

Is that a good summary of what you’re explaining?

---

Fabian Jahr (Brink):

Yeah, I would say so.

---

Craig Raw (Sparrow Wallet):

So, there are two major ways to do this. One is what we call a half-signature aggregation, or half-SIG, as we abbreviate it.

That’s where you don’t need an interactive process. Anybody can take all of the signatures that appear currently for every input in a transaction, and they can aggregate them into one.

Now, the size of that one is unfortunately not the size of a normal signature—it’s slightly bigger. In fact, the size is determined by the number of inputs that you have. So, that’s one way to do it.

Then there’s a more comprehensive way to do it, which is called full-signature aggregation. That gets you a much more compact signature, which is the aggregate of all the other ones.

Unfortunately, the downside of that is that you have to do the interaction while you sign.

The problem with that is that interaction always contains a lot of complexity, so unless you own all of the inputs, you are going to have to interact with everyone else who’s adding an input to that transaction, and that creates a much more difficult process in terms of signing.

As a result, I personally am more excited about the kind of half-signature aggregation because it’s just so much easier to do and gets you a lot of the benefits, even though it’s not quite as efficient.

---

NiftyNei (Moderator):

Cool, so it sounds like we’re taking signature data, and it’s all the same signature data in a single transaction, right?

You wouldn’t have multiple transactions that you’re doing—it’s like on a single transaction level?

---

Jameson Lopp (Casa):

Well, there’s also full-block aggregation, right?

This is going really far down the rabbit hole, and I think it’s not even something that’s on the table.

There are too many additional edge cases that come up, especially when you start thinking about blockchain reorganizations.

My understanding is you would have to have this other mempool to keep track of things that weren’t sufficiently buried enough in the blockchain that they could be reorganized.

If there was a reorg, it would not be as simple as how we do reorgs right now, where we just take every transaction out, put it back into the mempool, and start over again.

---

NiftyNei (Moderator):

So, it sounds like you’re saying there are a couple of different ways we could do signature aggregation.

We could do it at the transaction level, and there’s a proposal to do it at the block level, but again, there are some trade-offs there.

One of the nice things about taking signature aggregation at the block level is that you take all the signatures in any transaction inside a block, and you create maybe a single signature object, right?

Maybe it’s not exactly a signature, but something similar to that. What is one reason you’d want to do this? It sounds complicated.

---

Jameson Lopp (Casa):

Well, there are the privacy characteristic improvements, but also, I think it’s interesting when we’re talking about incentivizing people economically.

If anyone was around and paying attention in 2016 or 2017, when we were talking about Segregated Witness, there was this concept of a witness discount.

It was basically put in place to help rebalance the cost between creating a UTXO and spending a UTXO.

You run into problems where, if you’re receiving a lot of transactions, you’re creating a lot of unspent transaction outputs in your wallet.

It becomes problematic if, at some point in the far future, you want to go spend them, and perhaps the fee rates in the market for block space have gone up a lot.

It can become insanely expensive to spend your own money. This inevitably catches a lot of people by surprise if they haven’t been through a full market cycle before.

So, I think this is another interesting aspect of aggregation—we’d be pushing the balance forward a bit to help incentivize people to clean up their UTXOs because we’re not penalizing them as much by making it really expensive to do so.

---

Fabian Jahr (Brink):

And maybe to expand on that, there is a financial incentive for people to participate in CoinJoins, and that gives them additional privacy.

The nice effect of that is that hopefully, this would lead to wide adoption of CoinJoin, which means that when more people are CoinJoining, there’s a higher anonymity set that benefits everyone after this anonymity property.

Everyone that participates in CoinJoin can also use this as plausible deniability, even if they are doing it primarily for the privacy aspect. They can always say, “Hey, I’m saving fees here, so that’s my primary motivation.”

Hopefully, a further trickle-down effect would be that, as people ask for this and it becomes more widely adopted, more and more wallets will adopt it.

Easier-to-use wallets, the complexity gets hidden, and it becomes more of a mainstream feature.

---

Jameson Lopp (Casa):

Yeah, we have to think about the incentives, right?

I consider myself a cypherpunk; I’m a big privacy advocate. I assume we all are.

But the reality of the situation, and this is pessimistic, is that most people don’t care about privacy or they don’t care until it’s too late.

We can stand up here and talk about how awesome it is to have really strong privacy and why you should be using all of these niche tools, but if we actually want people to adopt privacy tools, we need to give them the financial incentive to do so.

It should not be a situation where the average person has to go out and ask their wallet providers or software developers to bake in additional privacy tools and protections into the software.

Really, it should be: why are you making me spend more of my money to use Bitcoin when I could be using this technology that happens to enhance privacy but is actually saving me money?

---

Craig Raw (Sparrow):

So you might be wondering at this stage what the savings actually look like.

It turns out that if you apply what I was describing earlier—this half-signature aggregation technique—you can fit about 20% more average-size transactions into a block.

You can immediately think that’s going to reduce the average fee level for any point in time when people are submitting transactions to the mempool to be included in a block. You can now fit 20% more average-size transactions into that block, and that’s obviously a big advantage.

Now, the actual effect on a particular transaction, because of the witness discount that Jameson mentioned earlier, is less—it’s like 7 to 8%.

But remember, the average fee rate is going to be lower because we’re fitting more transactions into a block, which means there’s less pressure on block space.

So that’s how I would encourage you to think about it from the start.

For me, the efficiency in terms of block space is a good reason to do this anyway, regardless of whether we get privacy benefits. The privacy benefits come along for the ride.

We actually have this really restricted data space in the blockchain, and if we can apply a fairly simple and low-risk form of compression, I think it’s a serious thing to think about.

---

NiftyNei (Moderator):

I think, now that we’ve talked about how great this is, we’re going to get more transactions in a block, save money, and get better privacy.

I’d be really interested to hear why it didn’t make it into Taproot originally. Was there opposition to this proposal?

What was it about the Taproot process where this proposal didn’t make it over the line?

---

Fabian Jahr (Brink):

I wasn’t in the room when this was discussed, but I’ve read all of the transcripts available from when these things were discussed.

From what I can see, I don’t think there was any direct opposition.

The primary motivator was to keep Taproot manageable in terms of review effort and to keep the scope smaller.

I mean, the only thing I can see reading between the lines, which Craig already kind of mentioned, is that if you just look at the pure fee savings numbers and the number of weight units you save, for half aggregation, it’s in the single digits. People are often a bit disappointed as a first reaction, and you have to really discuss it and fill it with understanding.

I think that might have turned off some people, and maybe developers felt like this would be the easiest thing, to chop it off and people wouldn’t miss it as much.

---

Craig Raw (Sparrow):

Yeah, so in terms of the pushback I’ve heard so far, it’s what Fabian was saying—it doesn’t do enough.

There’s a general perception that we can only push for one soft fork at a time, so all the soft forks have to compete to be “the one.”

That’s an interesting point of view.

---

Jameson Lopp (Casa):

It’s interesting because I was in the room in Hong Kong when Pieter Wuille announced that we were changing the flagging system so that we could do 32 soft forks in parallel. Of course, we haven’t taken advantage of that yet.

---

Craig Raw (Sparrow):

Yeah, so we’re in a very different space now.

Something to bear in mind if you’re thinking about it from that point of view is that, and I heard Brandon Black, who was here earlier today, talking about OP_CAT, I think CISA is probably the lowest-risk soft fork we could imagine.

I’m talking about the well-understood half-signature aggregation form of it.

From a security model point of view, the cryptographers tell us there is no risk, or very low risk, to doing this. It takes well-understood properties of Schnorr, which is just adding signatures up, and uses that.

So, in terms of risk, it’s not really enabling other things that Bitcoin can do. It’s not going to be groundbreaking—it’s really just compressing.

If you think about it, compression is a fairly bounded area. You’re not going to suddenly have people developing all kinds of perhaps unwanted things on top of Bitcoin just because you compressed the signature size down.

So, maybe it opens up the space for other soft forks if we do a soft fork with such low risk that it actually gets across the line.

---

Jameson Lopp (Casa):

I think it’s also worth noting that this is by no means the only signature aggregation scheme happening in Bitcoin.

With the Taproot soft fork a few years ago, we got the theoretical ability to do Schnorr signatures, but that’s been an ongoing process.

As far as I’m aware, there’s been limited adoption of Schnorr so far.

I think MuSig2 is the main production-ready standard people are using, but that can only do an “n of n,” like a 2-of-2 or 3-of-3 type of scheme, so it’s kind of limited in its flexibility.

I care about this a lot, operating a multi-signature self-custody wallet.

We’re waiting for the further evolution of threshold signature schemes like FROST that can do more arbitrary K-of-N type multi-signature.

That evolution, that research, is still ongoing. We’re continuing to see new iterations of FROST come out.

So, we do expect to see more adoption of aggregated signatures across the ecosystem, but the ultimate end goal would be something where there’s only one signature per block.

---

NiftyNei (Moderator):

So, we only have a few minutes left.

Maybe we can spend a little bit of time talking about what it would take to get CISA to the point where we could soft fork it in.

---

Fabian Jahr (Brink):

There are still quite a few things to hammer out in terms of all the details, like defining a spec.

For half-signature aggregation, there’s a BIP draft, but it’s not a pull request on the BIP repository—it’s just a draft, with test vectors that are open.

However, for full aggregation, we still need to develop the signature scheme. That requires quite a bit of effort from people well-versed in cryptography, specifically on the side of interactivity.

We will also want to have a security proof for that scheme. That means we’ll need people with specific talents and experience in that area to come together and work on it. I personally spend quite a bit of time on it right now.

---

Jameson Lopp (Casa):

Yeah, call your local developer and demand signature aggregation today.

---

Craig Raw (Sparrow):

Fabian has developed a great site where you can learn more.

If the concepts we’ve talked about here today make sense and you want to understand them better, if you go to CISAResearch.org, you can learn more about it.

It’s very easy to read, not overly technical, and I think it gives a good grounding in these things.

Largely, the way soft forks happen is that people need to express views about them, and ultimately, we need to develop some form of rough consensus around whether we want to do it or not.

As far as I’m aware, this is the first panel we’ve had that talks about it. Even though it’s an old and simple concept, we don’t really have a lot of discussion about it right now.

So, talk about it, try to develop an understanding of what it’s trying to do, and see whether you want to have it in Bitcoin or not.

---

Jameson Lopp (Casa):

I don’t know, do you want to save money? It should be an easy question.

---

Fabian Jahr (Brink):

And have better privacy.

---

NiftyNei (Moderator):

Great! Thanks y’all.

---

**Follow the speakers: ** NiftyNei – Craig Raw – Jameson Lopp – Fabian Jahr

**Watch the original content: ** Click here

**Also read: Build It Right: ** Achieving Interoperability with Open Networks

**Disclaimer: ** Transcripts provided on bitlyrics.co represents solely the opinion of the speaker and is not by any means financial/legal advice or an opinion of the website. The content has been transcribed with maximum accuracy. Repetitions and fill words have been amended in order to enhance the reading experience. The full text may not be confirmed by the speaker. Please, refer back to the above-provided source of content for more certainty. If you are a speaker and wish to confirm/amend your speech please contact us.

@ 58edc6ae:e070cfa5

NOSTR has the potential to revolutionise social media. When I say "revolutionise," I am not merely employing a rhetorical flourish. We are talking about a complete reversal of power dynamics—taking authority away from the tech giants and returning it to the users.

The global experiment involving billions of people, known as social networks, is well underway. We have allowed a handful of fantastically powerful companies to algorithmically train us and our children, trading on our private lives. We have surrendered control over our data, which we diligently collect on their servers every day. Subsequently, we all noticed the dire consequences of this experiment, grumbled about it for a while—because it was fashionable to do so—before a sense of resignation crept into the discourse. Clearly, we are unable to give up social networks; instead, we are learning to coexist with them in a love-and-hate relationship.

A Plot Twist

However, life can surprise positively. Nothing stands still, and someone has come up with the idea of a revolution. A certain @fiatjaf (a figure wishing to remain anonymous) has offered the world an answer to the question: can we have a social network without the flaws of social media? A Facebook without Zuckerberg, devoid of manipulation, addiction, and with complete control over our data? He saw the solution in creating a social network based on a simple and open communication protocol that connects thousands of private computers. These computers form a network that anyone can easily join and participate in without anyone's permission, either under their real name or anonymously.

NOSTR (Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays)

NOSTR is not just another Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or TikTok. In other words, it is not a centralised social network managed by a corporation and maintained on its private servers. We are not dealing with yet another trendy company and its application; we are dealing with an open communication protocol, a phenomenon of an entirely different kind.

A communication protocol is simply a set of rules for communication between two or more devices. If these rules are widely known and the source code of the protocol is made public, we refer to it as an open communication protocol. There are many examples of open communication protocols. The TCP/IP protocol underpins all internet communication. HTTPS is used for communication with websites. SMTP handles email communication, FTP manages file transfers, and Bitcoin facilitates value transfer, among others. NOSTR is a protocol that allows for the establishment of a cryptographically secure profile, the ability to follow other profiles, and communication between profiles, including conducting transactions and paying for them with Bitcoin.

What Does This Change? Well, it fixes everything we criticise about today's social networks.

User Data Belongs Solely to the User

NOSTR is decentralised, which simply means that there is no single server where all data is stored by the network's owner. NOSTR has no owner, and user data is stored in encrypted form across multiple computers. These computers are known as relays. The owners of these relays do not have actual power over user data, not only because the data is encrypted but also because users can change their relays at any time or even create their own on a computer they control at minimal cost.

As a result, users have complete control over their data. No one can collect it, sell it to advertisers, or cut off access to it.

The Community Follows the User

Applications that support the NOSTR protocol are referred to as NOSTR clients, just as programs supporting the SMTP protocol are called email clients. Similarly, we can use various NOSTR clients. Their style and appearance may differ, but the main functionalities—such as creating a profile, searching for users, sending posts, and private messages—will remain common across most of them. Individual applications may, however, offer original ways to utilise these functions or even create unique features or integrations with other environments.

Regardless of which client we choose, our data will remain unchanged. In other words, we retain our network of connections and history; in every client, we will have the same profile, the same list of people we follow and who follow us, as well as our posts and private messages.

This is hard to overstate. Transitioning from one traditional social media platform to another is practically difficult. If we have built a network of connections on Facebook, we cannot simply transfer it to X (Twitter)—we must start anew. If we have thousands of followers on YouTube, we cannot move them to Rumble or Vimeo—we must acquire them again. As a result, we become dependent on platforms that exploit this dependency to build monopolies. Knowing that with one move they can cut us off from years of accumulated content (a fate that has already befallen many nonconformist individuals), we find ourselves in a position of subservience.

(meme by @npub1yp7wfa7msdpusf4vupzttttu2mx3cns7whx5cgkt4yr9pkpvujus2mzys7 -- found on NOSTR)

With NOSTR applications, the situation is reversed. Because we can choose among them without losing our accumulated content, their producers compete for us. This competition results in spectacular advancements in the protocol's capabilities. In a short time, a blogosphere has emerged on NOSTR (Habla, Blogstack, Highlighter, [Yakihonne]https://yakihonne.com/)), as well as tools for chatting and online meetings (Hivetalk, Nostrnests). Integration with podcasting services allows creators to be compensated without intermediaries (ZapStream, Fountain, Tunestr). As payments on NOSTR are straightforward and users can settle without banks or credit cards, a completely new type of e-commerce is emerging.

(More emerging applications can be found at Nostr Apps).)

Freedom of Speech is Guaranteed

Freedom of speech and resistance to censorship are part of NOSTR's DNA. NOSTR has no overseers monitoring who says what and punishing for abuses. No one can be removed from NOSTR, no one can have their account suspended, nor can posts be deleted. Human rights defenders and whistleblowers are already taking advantage of these features of the protocol. For instance, we find activists from the Human Rights Foundation and Edward Snowden among its users. It is also a tool for opposition activists in authoritarian states.

Proponents of political correctness may argue that such unchecked freedom of publication encourages abuses. Views on the necessity of combating disinformation and hate speech are once again in vogue. Personally, I am closer to the view that freedom of speech does not exist if it does not encompass opinions that we find unacceptable, outrageous, or even repugnant. I believe that the right to freely express any opinion is a lesser evil, and it is worth paying for that right with the discomfort caused by encountering such views. Sometimes, such contact leads to learning something new or changing one's mind. It is time to grow up and stop being offended by others' opinions. The remedy for this is not censorship, but more freedom of speech and active participation in debate.

Cryptography Ensures User Identity

The key to a NOSTR profile is a private key (nsec). We must protect it like any password, or even more so, because this password cannot be recovered. If we lose it, we will lose control over our profile. If someone else takes it, they will assume that control. There is no helpdesk to call in such a case. The responsibility lies with the user.

Each private key is mathematically linked to a public key (npub). This key is entirely public and should be announced publicly. It will allow others to find us online and add us to their list of followers. The public key cannot be forged. If we received it from the right person, we can be sure that the profile belongs to them.

Easy Payments and Earning

The currency of NOSTR is Bitcoin. We can easily link our profile to a wallet in the Lightning network, which is designed for instant Bitcoin payments. Some applications, such as Primal, even have built-in wallets. Thus, by installing the client on our phone, we are immediately ready to make and receive Bitcoin payments. If we use NOSTR in a web browser, we can install a free extension that supports such a wallet (e.g., Alby).

Lightning payments on NOSTR are called "zaps." Zaps have a certain magic about them. The settlement is immediate and final. There are no territorial or temporal restrictions; we can pay literally anyone, regardless of their physical location, seven days a week at any time of day or night. Funds go directly to the payment recipient. Authors of publications can share contributions according to a pre-established ratio, for example, fifty-fifty. Lightning allows for splitting a zap during payment so that the appropriate portions go directly to two or more people.

Micropayments dominate. If a post is popular, it is often rewarded with small contributions. In the case of some popular posts, the rewards are larger, and the total sums of all contributions can be significant. What is attractive is that instead of an empty "like," the author receives real value. Zapping is so popular on NOSTR that zapathons are periodically organised, during which users send each other as many micropayments as possible in a short time. Hundreds of small amounts change hands purely for the fun of experimenting with this technology. However, Satoshis can also be collected and saved. They can be used for online payments, and if we need fiat currency, they can be sold for dollars, euros, or other fiat currencies (keeping tax obligations in mind).

According to currently available data, nearly 3.5 million zaps have been made on the NOSTR network, with a total value of around 20 Bitcoins, which, at today's exchange rate, is approximately 1.2 million USD. Considering that the technology is a few years old and has gained broader popularity only in the last several months, this is an impressive result, but it also shows that this is just the beginning.

In Summary…

NOSTR is not merely a ready-made solution to the problem of centralised social media, including an opportunity to end algorithmic training, the sale of private data, and censorship. It also presents a chance to create entirely new relationships on the internet. Users regain the agency that some may still remember from the early years of the internet—an internet that was genuinely decentralised before platforms emerged and before the clickbait business model based on harvesting users for their valuable data took hold.

As we join the NOSTR network, let us remember that the protocol is in its early stages of development; many available solutions are prototypes, and errors do occur. However, progress can be observed with the naked eye, literally from week to week. A characteristic of open protocols is that anyone can build on them, which greatly fosters innovation. Thus, dozens of competitive and independent projects are emerging, brimming with ideas for solutions the internet has yet to see. To survive, these builders will need to consider how to turn their enthusiasm into a business. Today, many of them are benefiting from the support offered by wealthy enthusiasts of decentralised internet.

Currently, NOSTR has over 1.6 million users who have published around 127 million posts and replies, not counting other reactions such as likes or payments. Compared to Facebook, Instagram, or X (Twitter), these numbers are modest. The future success of NOSTR depends on whether it can offer ordinary users easy-to-use and attractive functionalities. Perhaps it also hinges on whether it can convey its core message to them: the promise of agency, independence, and control over one’s presence on the internet.

Selected Sources:

• Lyn Alden, The Power of Nostr: Decentralised Social Media and More, lynalden.com
• Alex Gladstein, Can Nostr Make Twitter's Dreams Come True?, Reason.com

(originally published in Polish in iMagazine 9/2024)

@ 35aa9b52:7f947022

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@ 645681b9:73af5c84

I promise this started as a simple script to learn about communities in nostr but, after an extra weekend of work, I ended up with this thing. Hope you enjoy it :)

@ 13e63e99:25525c6a

Preview

Last week, El Salvador marks three years of Bitcoin adoption, holding 5,867 BTC, despite volatility and criticism. Mastercard  have  launched a Euro Bitcoin debit card for direct spending, while Zurich Cantonal  Bank now offers Bitcoin trading and custody services. U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs  faced a $288 million outflow, the largest since May, yet continue to attract  significant interest. Venezuelan leader María Corina Machado highlighted Bitcoin’s crucial role in overcoming economic collapse and authoritarianism  in Venezuela. Meanwhile, Japan's Financial Services Agency proposed tax  reforms to classify Bitcoin similarly to traditional assets, potentially reducing  tax burdens. For more details, continue reading below.

A. Bitcoin Data Dashboard

1. Bitcoin Transactions\ 2. Supply\ 3. Mining\ 4. Transaction Fees\ 5. Difficulty Retarget\ 6. Lightning Network (Public)

B. Bitcoin Ecosystem

1. El Salvador marks three years as first nation to adopt Bitcoin, holding 5,867 BTC\ 2. Mastercard launch Euro debit card for direct Bitcoin spending\ 3. Zurich Cantonal Bank launches trading and custody services for Bitcoin \ 4. U.S. Spot Bitcoin ETFs face $288 million outflow in largest single-day drop since may\ 5. Venezuelan leader Machado: Bitcoin is crucial for economic recovery and freedom\ 6. U.S. companies to boost Bitcoin holdings; MicroStrategy outperforms Berkshire Hathaway

C. Regulation

1. Japan’s FSA proposes tax reform for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies

D. Macroeconomy

1. Jackson Hole meeting highlights central bankers' optimism with cautious economic outlook\ 2. U.S. debt ceiling reinstatement on January 2, 2025, could impact liquidity and markets

---

A. Bitcoin Data Dashboard

As of Sep 9, 2024

B. Bitcoin Ecosystem

1. El Salvador marks three years as first nation to adopt Bitcoin, holding 5,867 BTC

El Salvador is celebrating three years of being the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender,  a move made on September 7, 2021. This ambitious decision aimed to boost financial inclusion,  simplify remittance payments, and attract technological innovation. The country’s bold experiment  has shown mixed but promising results. El Salvador’s Bitcoin holdings have accumulated to  5,867 BTC, despite significant price fluctuations and initial criticism. The country’s  Bitcoin portfolio, now valued at around $314 million, reflects a strategic investment, even as  Bitcoin’s price has varied widely. The global reaction has been mixed; while El Salvador’s move  was expected to inspire others, only the Central African Republic has similarly adopted Bitcoin.  Larger economies have been cautious, often due to their complex relationships with international  creditors and financial institutions. This caution has been reinforced by pressure from  organizations like the IMF. Nonetheless, El Salvador’s pioneering approach has prompted discussions  about Bitcoin’s potential in global financial systems and its future in institutional adoption.

Reference: Cointelegraph, Nayib Bukele Portfolio Tracker

2. Mastercard launch Euro debit card for direct Bitcoin spending

Mastercard has announced a new partnership with payments provider Mercuryo  to introduce a euro-denominated debit card that allows users to spend Bitcoin and  other cryptocurrencies directly from non-custodial wallets. This innovative card,  aimed at European Bitcoin holders, enables them to make purchases at Mastercard’s  extensive network of over 100 million merchants worldwide without the need to  transfer funds through an intermediary. Mastercard, a global leader in payment  solutions with nearly 3 billion customers across more than 210 countries, is expanding  its reach into the bitcoin space. This integration reflects the company’s  commitment to bridging digital assets with its traditional payments infrastructure.  According to Christian Rau, Senior Vice President of Mastercard, the  card provides a secure and convenient way for consumers to spend their digital  assets anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Users can connect their non-custodial wallets  to the card, allowing them to spend their Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies directly  without needing to convert them into fiat currency through an exchange. This feature  maintains full ownership of the digital assets and avoids the complexities and costs  associated with traditional exchanges. 

Reference: Bitcoin magazine

3. Zurich Cantonal Bank launches trading and custody services for Bitcoin

Zurich Cantonal Bank (ZKB), one of Switzerland’s largest financial institutions, has\ expanded its offerings to include bitcoin trading and custody services.  Announced on September 4, ZKB now enables customers to trade Bitcoin directly  through its eBanking and Mobile Banking platforms, integrating these holdings into  their existing portfolio views. The bank will also manage private key storage internally,  ensuring high levels of security and eliminating the need for customers or third-party  banks to handle private keys themselves. ZKB’s new service is available to both  individual clients and other banks, allowing Swiss banks to offer bitcoin trading  and secure storage to their customers through ZKB’s B2B solution. 

Reference: Cointelegraph

4. U.S. Spot Bitcoin ETFs face $288 million outflow in largest single-day drop since may

U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs experienced a substantial outflow of $287.8 million in a single day,  the largest since May 1, as reported by Farside Investors. BlackRock’s ETF was the only one  that did not face withdrawals. Leading the outflows was Fidelity’s ETF, which saw $162  million withdrawn. Grayscale followed with $50 million in outflows, while Ark and Bitwise  reported withdrawals of $34 million and $25 million, respectively. Despite these significant  withdrawals, these ETFs collectively manage around $50 billion in assets, indicating their  substantial scale and impact in the market. Earlier this year, Bitcoin's price surged  dramatically, driven by the enthusiasm surrounding these ETFs. Starting at about $44,000 at  the beginning of 2024, Bitcoin reached an all-time high of $73,770 on March 14. Since then,  the price has stabilized between $55,000 and $65,000, marking a period of consolidation  174 days after its peak, according to Clark Moody Dashboard. Despite the recent outflows,  spot Bitcoin ETFs have largely maintained strong inflows over the past eight months,  with only one month of net outflows. This ongoing investor interest suggests that while  Bitcoin’s price has stabilized, the long-term demand for Bitcoin and related investment  vehicles remains strong.

Reference: Bitcoin magazine

5. Venezuelan leader Machado: Bitcoin is crucial for economic recovery and freedom

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado discussed Bitcoin’s critical role in  addressing Venezuela's economic collapse and authoritarian rule. The interview  underscores the severe effects of hyperinflation under Chávez and Maduro, which has  led to the bolívar losing 14 zeros and inflation peaking at 1.7 million percent in 2018. Machado described the economic devastation caused by state-sponsored looting, theft,  and unchecked money printing, despite Venezuela's vast oil reserves. She emphasized  how Bitcoin has become a "lifeline" for many Venezuelans, offering a means to bypass  hyperinflation and government-controlled exchange rates. Bitcoin has also enabled  individuals to protect their wealth and fund their escape from the country. Machado  proposed incorporating Bitcoin into Venezuela’s national reserves as part of a broader  strategy to recover stolen wealth and rebuild from the dictatorship. She sees Bitcoin  as crucial for ensuring financial autonomy, transparency, and property rights in a  future democratic Venezuela. Machado highlighted the role of Bitcoin in the  opposition’s efforts to reclaim democracy and rebuild the nation.

Reference: Bitcoin magazine

6. U.S. companies to boost Bitcoin holdings; MicroStrategy outperforms Berkshire Hathaway

A new report from River, a Bitcoin technology firm, forecasts that 10% of U.S.  companies will convert 1.5% of their treasury reserves—around $10.35 billion— to Bitcoin over the next 18 months. River highlights that traditional cash and  short-term investments often fail to keep up with inflation, diminishing their value. The report draws attention to MicroStrategy’s corporate treasury strategy,  popularized by founder Michael Saylor, who views Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation  and a store of value with "economic immortality." In June 2024, MicroStrategy  raised $800 million to buy an additional 11,931 BTC, bringing its total holdings  to 226,500 BTC, valued at approximately $14.7 billion. MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin strategy has led to a 1,000% increase in its stock value, significantly outperforming  Berkshire Hathaway's 104.75% rise. 

Reference: Cointelegraph

C. Regulation

1. Japan’s FSA proposes tax reform for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies

Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) has unveiled plans for a significant tax code  overhaul for fiscal year 2025, focusing on reducing the tax burden on cryptocurrency assets.  In its reform request submitted on August 30, the FSA proposed that cryptocurrencies be  classified similarly to traditional financial assets, which could lead to a lower tax rate for  bitcoin investments. Currently, profits from cryptocurrency transactions in Japan are  taxed as miscellaneous income at rates ranging from 15% to 55%. The highest rate applies  to earnings exceeding ¥200,000 ($1,377), but this varies based on the individual’s income  bracket. In comparison, profits from stock trading are taxed at a flat maximum rate of 20%.  Additionally, corporate holders of cryptocurrencies face a flat 30% tax on their  holdings, even if no profits are realized from sales. The proposed reform seeks to align  the tax treatment of cryptocurrencies with that of other financial assets. 

Reference: Cointelegraph

D. Macroeconomy

1. Jackson Hole meeting highlights central bankers' optimism with cautious economic outlook

At the recent Jackson Hole meeting, central bankers displayed a shift from prior pessimism  to a more optimistic outlook on global economies. Fed Chair Jay Powell signaled a  readiness to adjust U.S. monetary policy, noting that recent inflation was driven largely  by pandemic-related supply chain issues. Powell highlighted that easing inflation and a  stable labor market provide room for potential interest rate cuts. As a result, bond yields and  the US dollar fell, reflecting market reactions to his comments. Overall, the Jackson Hole meeting conveyed a generally positive attitude towards the major economies, though it  was not without caution. Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago President pointed out that  monetary policy effects can be delayed, raising concerns about whether recent tightening  could still produce negative outcomes and if these could be mitigated by a swift  policy easing. The full impact of current policies remains to be seen, with time  necessary to assess their long-term effects.

Reference: Delloitte insights

2. U.S. debt ceiling reinstatement on January 2, 2025, could impact liquidity and markets

On January 2, 2025, the U.S. debt ceiling will be reinstated, having been suspended  by the 2023 deal. If Congress does not raise it, the Treasury will need to cut its  cash balance—currently over $700 billion—to keep paying bills without issuing new debt,  potentially leading to a technical default. Historically, a Republican-controlled  Congress has used the debt ceiling to negotiate with Democratic presidents, though the  reverse has not yet occurred. The outcome largely depends on election results. Liquidity  conditions are crucial as they strongly correlate with financial and asset markets in the era.  Domestic liquidity influences the banking system and the dollar index, impacting global  conditions. Global liquidity, measured as the broad money supply of major currencies in  dollar terms, has remained stable. Recent support from a weaker dollar index has  been offset by stagnant money supply growth in China since March 2024, limiting  global liquidity growth.

Reference: Lyn Alden

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

Table Of Content

• Understanding On-Chain Demand for Bitcoin

• The Growth of Bitcoin and Its On-Chain Demand

• Factors Affecting the On-Chain Demand for Bitcoin

• How is On-Chain Demand Measured?

• The Future of Bitcoin On-Chain Demand

• Conclusion

• FAQ

The rise of Bitcoin has been nothing short of meteoric over the past few years. As the world's first decentralized digital currency, it has captured the imagination of investors and traders alike. The underlying blockchain technology has made Bitcoin a viable investment option, with its unique features such as transparency, immutability, and decentralization. However, despite the hype surrounding Bitcoin, the on-chain demand for the cryptocurrency is growing at a slower rate than before.

Understanding On-Chain Demand for Bitcoin

On-chain demand for Bitcoin refers to the number of transactions taking place on the Bitcoin network. These transactions are recorded on the blockchain, a decentralized ledger that maintains a record of all Bitcoin transactions. On-chain demand is an important indicator of the popularity and adoption of Bitcoin as a currency and an asset.

The Growth of Bitcoin and Its On-Chain Demand

Bitcoin has experienced tremendous growth over the past decade, with its price soaring from a few cents to over $60,000 at its peak. This growth has been accompanied by an increase in the on-chain demand for Bitcoin. In the early days of Bitcoin, on-chain demand was low, and the network was only used by a small number of enthusiasts. However, as Bitcoin gained popularity, the number of transactions on the network grew rapidly.

Factors Affecting the On-Chain Demand for Bitcoin

Several factors affect the on-chain demand for Bitcoin, including:

1. Adoption: As more people adopt Bitcoin as a currency and an asset, the on-chain demand for the cryptocurrency increases.

2. Fees: The transaction fees associated with Bitcoin can impact the on-chain demand for the cryptocurrency. High fees can discourage people from using Bitcoin for transactions.

3. Network Congestion: Network congestion can slow down transaction processing times and reduce the on-chain demand for Bitcoin.

4. Market Sentiment: The overall sentiment in the cryptocurrency market can impact the on-chain demand for Bitcoin.

How is On-Chain Demand Measured?

On-chain demand for Bitcoin is measured by the number of transactions taking place on the network. This data is publicly available and can be accessed through blockchain explorers like Blockchain.info and Blockchair.com. These platforms provide real-time data on the number of transactions, the transaction volume, and the average transaction fees on the Bitcoin network.

The Future of Bitcoin On-Chain Demand

The on-chain demand for Bitcoin is still growing, but at a slower rate than before. This trend is partly due to the increase in transaction fees and network congestion, which have made it more difficult and expensive to use Bitcoin for transactions. However, despite these challenges, Bitcoin remains a popular investment option and is expected to continue growing in popularity in the future.

Conclusion

Bitcoin is still one of the most popular cryptocurrencies in the world, and its on-chain demand is a key indicator of its growth and adoption. While the on-chain demand for Bitcoin is growing at a slower rate than before, it is still increasing steadily, and this trend is likely to continue in the future. However, as the popularity of Bitcoin continues to grow, it is important to address the challenges facing the network, such as high transaction fees and network congestion, to ensure that the cryptocurrency remains accessible and affordable for everyone. Overall, the on-chain demand for Bitcoin may be growing at a slower rate, but the future of the cryptocurrency looks bright.

FAQ

What is on-chain demand for Bitcoin? On-chain demand for Bitcoin refers to the number of transactions taking place on the Bitcoin network.

Why is on-chain demand for Bitcoin growing at a slower rate than before? The increase in transaction fees and network congestion have made it more difficult and expensive to use Bitcoin for transactions.

How is on-chain demand for Bitcoin measured? On-chain demand for Bitcoin is measured by the number of transactions taking place on the network.

That's all for today

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@ 44dc1c2d:31c74f0b

Chef's notes

Makes an excellent Chicken sandwich.

Details

• ⏲️ Prep time: 6 Ish hours
• 🍳 Cook time: 40 min
• 🍽️ Servings: 1 loaf

Ingredients

• 3 ½ - 4 cups bread flour, or more as needed
• 1 ⅓ cups warm milk (110°F – 115°F)
• 5 tablespoons honey
• 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 tablespoon instant “rapid rise” yeast
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• Oil or butter for greasing the bowl
• 1 tablespoon melted salted butter, for brushing the crust at the end

Directions

1. To prepare the dough, weigh the flour or measure it by gently spooning it into a cup, then leveling off any excess. In a large bowl, combine the flour with the warm milk, honey, melted butter, instant yeast, and salt. Mix by hand or with the paddle attachment of a stand mixer until a shaggy dough forms, gradually adding more flour, as necessary, to get the dough to come together so that it just pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
2. Switch to the dough hook attachment (or use your hands) to knead the dough until fairly smooth, about 7-8 minutes.
3. Oil a large mixing bowl. Place the dough in the greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, 1 ½ - 2 hours.
4. Punch down the dough. Transfer to a lightly floured work surface. Pat the dough into a 9 x 12-inch rectangle. Starting on one of the short sides, roll up the dough to make a log; pinch the seams. Place the dough seam-side down in a lightly greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
5. Cover the pan with lightly greased plastic wrap; allow to rise for 1-2 hours, until it’s crowned about 1-2 inches over the rim of the pan. Towards the end of the rising time, preheat the oven to 350°F.
6. Bake the bread for 40-45 minutes, tenting the top of the bread loosely with foil towards the end if the top starts to get too brown. The bread should be golden brown, and it should sound hollow when tapped.
7. Brush the top of the warm bread with melted butter.
8. Remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.

@ dfe02069:d3e2fa29

Was überzeugte die Politik von der Beschaffung des Ebola-Medikaments Remdesivir? Das RKI schreibt schon den Namen falsch (Screenshot: Ergebnisprotokoll vom 09.05.2020)

Das Wichtige findet sich mitunter dort, wo man nicht schaut oder nicht schauen soll. Die im ersten Zug durch Paul Schreyer freigeklagten Protokolle waren teils unvollständig. Das Ergebnisprotokoll vom 09.05.2020 zum Beispiel galt für das RKI als unauffindbar.

Nicht jedoch für die Schwarmintelligenz.

Als vor kurzem alle RKI-Protokolle entschwärzt veröffentlicht wurden, begann im Netz die Suche nach den Goldnuggets. Der Datenanalyst Muh fand das Ergebnisprotokoll vom 09.05.2020 im Ordner mit Zusatzmaterial vom 14.05.2020. Ein Glücksfund, der wohl nur möglich ist, weil sich nun jeder selbst ein Bild machen kann und in den Dokumenten herumstöbern kann. Am Ende ist es die Arbeit von vielen, die das ganze Bild entstehen lässt.

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AUFRUF: Helfen Sie mit beim Durchstöbern der RKI-Dokumente! Auf der Seite www.rkileak.com können Sie die Dokumente nach Stichworten durchsuchen. Sachdienliche Hinweise erbeten an: kontakt@idw-europe.org

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War das Verschwinden des Dokuments Schludrigkeit oder Absicht? Eine versteckte Form der Dokumentenunterdrückung? Mit Suchfunktion wäre das fehlende Protokoll für RKI-Mitarbeiter, die auch über das Zusatzmaterial verfügten, nicht allzu schwer zu finden gewesen. Stattdessen meldete man es als verschollen und gab es auf Klage von Paul Schreyer nicht heraus. Und dann war da ja auch noch der „Serverbrand“ im RKI…

Sicher nur ein Zufall…(Screenshot RBB24)

Bisher waren vor allem zwei Informationen aus diesem Protokoll bekannt und interessant:

• Zum einen, dass die Inzidenzwerte „politisch gesetzt“ sind. Es war die Politik und nicht die Wissenschaft, die ab einer Inzidenz von 50 positiven Tests auf 100 000 Einwohner (in den Mainstream-Fakemedien flapsig „Ansteckungen“ genannt), automatisch bestimmte Maßnahmen in Kraft setzte.

• Zum anderen, dass es keine Evidenz für Masken im Freien gibt. Von der Politik und den Medien wurde das Gegenteil kolportiert.

Ein interessanter Hinweis findet sich im Protokoll auch auf das Medikament Remdesivir von Gilead, über das ich schon mehrfach berichtet habe. Dieses sehr teure Medikament wurde als Behandlung in der Frühphase der Pandemie trotz bedingten Zulassungen u.a. von Anthony Fauci empfohlen, obwohl es früh Hinweise auf die Gefährlichkeit des Medikaments gab. Wie viele Coronatote gehen auf das Konto von Remdesivir und den Einsatz von Beatmungsgeräten?

In einem früheren Beitrag schrieb ich:

„In der Schweiz und in den USA gab es frühe Notzulassungen. Dabei ist die Studienlage alarmierend. Ursprünglich war das Medikament gegen Ebola im Einsatz. In einer Studie von 2019, die im New England Journal of Medicine veröffentlicht wurde, zeigte Remdesivir die höchste Mortalität aller Präparate: 53,1% der mit Remdesivir Behandelten verstarben. In anderen Studien, auch bezüglich Covid, wurde die Effektivität von Remdesivir angezweifelt, selbst das Forbes Magazin und die New York Times berichteten kritisch.“

Es war Anthony Fauci, der das Medikament Remdesivir in den USA durchdrückte. Und das trotz Hinweisen anderer Forscher, dass die Sterblichkeitsrate in Ländern, wo es im Einsatz war höher war, als dort, wo es nicht benutzt wurde. Die Warnung verhallte folgenlos, wie so oft. Die Belege aus den Mails an Fauci finden Sie hier:

Was bewegte nun die Politik in Deutschland, insbesondere das Bundesgesundheitsministerium, das Medikament Remdesivir einzusetzen?

War es der Drang, es den USA nachzumachen? Auch hier könnte politischer Druck eine größere Wirkung gehabt haben als die wissenschaftliche Evidenzlage. Eine überzeugende neutrale Studie zu Remdesivir sucht man vergebens, alarmierende Hinweise findet man zuhauf.

Das bestätigen nun auch die Ergebnisprotokolle des RKI:

• Am 24.01.2020 ist Remdesivir “im Menschen nicht wirksam”

Ein nicht wirksames Medikament? Lasst uns gleich eine Bestellung aufgeben! (Screenshot: RKI-Protokoll vom 24.01.2020) - Am 27.01.2020 wird zur Wirksamkeit eine „dünne Evidenzlage“ vermerkt.

• Am 24.04.2020 vermerkte das RKI, dass Studien „nicht so vielversprechend“ seien.

• Am 02.05. 2020 wusste man, dass in einer chinesischen Studie der Nutzen in schweren Fällen sehr gering sei. Deutschland hat trotzdem 1000 Einheiten Remdesivir von Gilead erstanden.

• Am 09.05.2020 notierte das RKI zu Remdesivir:

• Besonders sticht der Satz ins Auge: „Für die Verwendung wäre klinische Studie eher wünschenswert“. Kam diese Studie irgendwann? Oder war sie am Ende dann eher politisch doch nicht so wünschenswert?

• Im Juli 2020 folgte die bedingte Zulassung von Remdesivir.

Dies wirft eine ganze Reihe von Fragen auf: Warum bestellt die Politik ein Medikament, von dessen Wirkung die mit Sachverstand ausgestattete Behörde (RKI) ganz offensichtlich nicht überzeugt ist, bzw. deren Gefährlichkeit bekannt ist und welches auch noch extrem teuer ist? Mehrtägige Behandlungen kosten Tausende von Euros.

Wo sind die angeblich wünschenswerten Studien zu Remdesivir, nachdem die bisherige Studienlage ziemlich desaströs aussah? Wieso hat das RKI nicht auf einer neuen Studie bestanden?

All das sind Fragen aus einer Zeit, als man noch daran glauben durfte, die Politik betreibe tatsächlich so etwas wie Gesundheitsschutz der Bevölkerung.

Aus heutiger Sicht ist eine andere Erklärung plausibler. Eine Pandemie ohne Panik kommt nicht weit. Für Panik braucht es angstgenerierende Ereignisse. „Die Toten von Bergamo“ waren so ein Ereignis. Die Gabe von Medikamenten wie Remdesivir in Verbindung mit Beatmungen könnte geholfen haben, die Todesstatistiken in die Höhe zu treiben, um Schocknachrichten über die ansonsten kaum ausgelasteten Intensivstationen verbreiten zu können. Es musste ja irgendwie in die Köpfe, dass Corona angeblich eine höchst gefährliche Seuche ist. Hinzu kommt: Medikamentengaben sind eine der häufigsten Todesursachen überhaupt und Obduktionen sind systematisch unterblieben. Jeder Tote mit positivem Corona-Test galt als Corona-Toter.

Ich wiederhole daher meine Frage aus meinem früheren Beitrag: Wie viele Coronatote waren Remdesivir-Tote?

Auch um diese Blindstelle wird eine Aufarbeitung nicht herum kommen.

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_ ANZEIGE: Da ich oft gefragt werde, wie man am einfachsten Bitcoin kauft: Mit der erfolgreichen Schweizer App Relai geht es in wenigen Schritten und ohne komplizierte Anmeldung. Man kann dort auch einfache Sparpläne einrichten. Niemand hat Zugriff auf Ihre Bitcoin, außer Sie selbst. Mit dem Referral-Code REL54052 sparen Sie Gebühren. (keine Finanzberatung)._

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Stromaufwärts zur Quelle geht es weiter. Sehen wir uns auf der Sommer-Lesereise? Ich besuche diesmal vor allem den Norden Deutschlands, alle Termine finden Sie hier (bitte eintragen).

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_ Herzlichen Dank, dass Sie meine Arbeit unterstützen! _

_Ich kann Ihnen auch manuell einen Zugang zur Publikation einrichten, wenn Sie lieber per Paypal, Überweisung oder Bitcoin (einmal Jahresbeitrag, ewiger Zugang) bezahlen.

@ dfe02069:d3e2fa29

Humor: auch eine antifragile Kompensation in Krisenzeiten (Grafik: Snicklink/Facebook)

Was passiert als nächstes? Das werde ich häufig gefragt, gerade auch auf meiner Lesereise. Sollte nicht noch zuerst der Strom ausfallen (Blackout), bevor irgendwann ein Blue-Beam-Hologramm die Ankunft von Aliens oder einer neuer Weltreligion verheißt? Der „Höllensommer“ fällt jedenfalls gerade gehörig ins Wasser. Die Vogelgrippe war zuletzt als nächste Pandemie im Gespräch, jetzt hat die WHO sich entschlossen, die Affenpocken (die schon letztes Jahr floppten) wieder auf die Agenda zu setzen. Die im Grunde verbotene „Gain-of-function“-Forschung, die Viren künstlich gefährlicher gemacht, muss ja auch weitergehen, und tut es offenbar.

Wird das jetzt Corona 2.0 oder nur ein Schrecktest, um ein paar Impfstoffe zu verkaufen, die neuen WHO-Regularien in der Praxis zu testen und den roten Teppich für den EU-Impfpass auszurollen? Für letzteren soll Deutschland ab September das Testland spielen.

Wie werden Sie reagieren?

Corona war ein erster großer Test der Weltbevölkerung. Es muss jedem klar sein, dass es nicht der einzige bleiben wird. Doch welche Herausforderung auch wartet. Wer bereit ist, mit vielem zu rechnen, auch dem Unwahrscheinlichen, positioniert sich strategisch, antizipierend, vorausahnend und reagiert im Ernstfall gefasst.

Der nächste Test ist immer der entscheidende. Wie wird die Menschheit diesmal reagieren? Auch umgekehrt ist es ein Test: Wieviel Misstrauen besteht in die gelenkte Welt, die sich um uns herum immer stärker herauskonturiert? Die entscheidende Frage ist jedoch: Wie werden Sie reagieren? Lernwilligkeit zeigt sich einzig an der Tat. Oder um es mit Nena zu sagen: Die Frage ist nicht, was die dürfen, sondern was wir mit uns machen lassen.

Am Ende entscheidet, wie immer, jeder für sich selbst, was er mit sich machen lässt. Das Roulette der Ereignisse dreht sich, und wir machen täglich unsere Einsätze.

Die Stoiker lehren, uns nur auf das zu konzentrieren, was wir verändern können. Alles andere bringt wenig. Sonst sind wir in einem ewigen Lamento-Loop über die Umstände gefangen, echauffieren uns als Empörungskollektiv am Stammtisch. Was wir verändern können sind nicht die Umstände, sondern nur unsere Reaktion darauf.

Antifragilität ist Innovation (Quelle: Maeda.pm)

Diese unsere Reaktion kann drei Formen haben und sie hängt hauptsächlich von unserer Einstellung ab, da jeder Mensch anpassungsfähig ist.

• Fragilität

• Resilienz/Robustheit

• Antifragilität

Ein schönes Beispiel für Antifragilität in der Erziehung stammt von Johnny Cash. Kennen Sie den Song „A boy named Sue“?

In dem Song wusste ein Vater, dass er sich nicht um seinen Sohn kümmern können würde, da er die Familie verlassen musste. Er konnte seinen Sohn auf die Widrigkeiten des Lebens nicht selbst vorbereiten, das Leben selbst musste diese Rolle übernehmen. Daher gab er seinem Sohn den Mädchennahmen „Sue“, einen Namen, mit dem er zwangsläufig gehänselt werden würde. Der starke Charakter, die „dicke Haut“ sollte sich durch eine Isolationserfahrung herausbilden. So kam es dann auch: Anfangs hasste der Sohn seinen Namen, er will sich sogar am Vater rächen und ihn umbringen. Im letzten Moment erklärt der Vater dem Sohn die Wahl des Namens und der Sohn versteht den Sinn und sie versöhnen sich.

Krise als erzwungenes Persönlichkeitswachstum

In Krisen ist die Fähigkeit zur psychischen Kompensation entscheidend. Schocks können auch heilsam sein, insbesondere wenn sie eine „Ent-Täuschung“ bewirken. Sie können einen klarer sehen lassen, was wirklich ist. Wie ist die wirkliche Beschaffenheit von Rechtsstaat, Demokratie und Grundrechten? Kultgleiche Massenformationen können blind wüten und Prinzipien dem Erdboden gleich machen. Das war die Lehre aus Corona und sie hält bis heute, mangels Aufarbeitung, an. Wie ist die wirkliche Beschaffenheit unseres Umfelds, unserer Familie, Freunde und Kollegen? Auch hierfür war Corona ein Testfall und das Ergebnis des Tests, so enttäuschend dieser auch ausgefallen sein mag, ist letztlich ein gewaltiges Kapital. Die Spreu wurde vom Weizen getrennt. Das Feld der falschen Freunde hat sich ausgedünnt, der Ballast ist über Bord. Die wahren stabilen Beziehungen haben sich herauskristallisiert. Im Moment der Bewährung zeigt sich der wahre Freund. Die kritischen Geister haben diese Etappe hinter sich und damit einen Vorsprung in der nächsten Krise vor allen anderen, die noch im Dunkel ihrer Illusionswelt tappen.

Antifragilität öffnet mehr Optionen (Quelle: Medium.com)

Wer Krisen antifragil angeht, sieht sie als Trainingsprogramm für seine Persönlichkeit. Wir erfahren uns durch extreme Situationen neu, konturieren uns heraus, wenn wir antifragil reagieren und erfahren neue Seiten unserer Persönlichkeit. Wir wissen durch Krisen zwangsläufig am Ende besser, wer wir sind; aus welchem Holz wir wirklich geschnitzt sind. Ein Leben, das man wohlgenährt in einem Sauerstoffzelt verbringt, wäre ein Leben ohne äußere Störungen und Krisen. Doch es wäre kein Leben, es wäre nur Existenz, welche unsere Potentiale und Stärken unangetastet lässt, da es keinen Anreiz gibt, diese herauszubilden. Alles würde in uns schlummern, was jetzt erwachen darf und soll.

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Krisen sind ein Katalysator für das Neue in uns, eine Wachstumschance, die man ergreifen kann oder nicht. Das gilt auch für die Angst, mit der in allen Krisen auf die ein oder andere Weise operiert wird. Krisen sind Angstkanalisationsmechanismen. Verschiebebahnhöfe der Emotionen. Auch der Angst kann man antifragil begegnen. Kampf statt Flucht. Wer die Angst umarmt und zum Tanz bittet, löst sie auf.

Gegen die Angst: “Konfrontiere dich mit allem und wachse”

Wer ein neues Leben beginnen will, muss bereit sein, zuerst das alte zu verlieren. Wer wollte sein Leben noch nie ändern? Krisen erzwingen bei den Antifragilen das Wachstum, welches noch nicht aus einem selbst heraus in Gang gekommen ist. Der Geburtskanal ist ein Tal der Schmerzen. Doch danach wartet das Licht.

Werden wir antifragil als Akt der Rebellion gegen die gelenkte Welt.

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Sehen wir uns auf Lesereise? Ich bin in den nächsten Tagen in/bei Rostock, Kyritz, Berlin, Potsdam und Dresden und lese aus “Stromaufwärts zur Quelle”. Alle Termine mit Eintragungsmöglichkeit hier.

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_ Herzlichen Dank, dass Sie meine Arbeit durch Ihre Unterstützung möglich machen! _

_Ich kann Ihnen auch manuell einen Zugang zur Publikation einrichten, wenn Sie lieber per Paypal, Überweisung oder Bitcoin (einmal Jahresbeitrag, ewiger Zugang) bezahlen.

@ dfe02069:d3e2fa29

Flucht – oder Wachsen an den Umständen? Wir haben die Wahl (Bild:Netzfund)

In diesen Tagen neigt sich eine lange (nahezu ausgebuchte) Lesereise dem Ende zu (letzte Termine siehehier), die im Frühjahr begann und mich an etwa 50 Orte in Deutschland und der Schweiz führte: in Vereinsheime, Scheunen, Schlösser, Keller, Buchhandlungen, Festsäle, Wohnzimmer, Gärten, ja sogar Gewächshäuser. In diesen vielen Lese- und Diskussionsstunden durfte ich den Puls der Zeit etwas näher fühlen, als es durch den bloßen Konsum der Nachrichtenlage möglich ist. Dafür bin ich dankbar, denn dafür war die Lesereise auch primär gedacht: für die direkte, unverstellte Begegnung und Vernetzung. Zu den konkreten Erfahrungen gleich.

Es ist nicht leicht, die eine große Veränderung zu beschreiben, die sich in den letzten Corona-Jahren manifestiert hat. Für viele war diese Zeit bereits ein Schock; für einige mehr wird sie noch zu einer Schockbehandlung, und zwar auf Raten. In der Haut letzterer will man lieber nicht stecken. Ist es schon schmerzhaft, wenn ein Weltbild in kürzester Zeit zerbricht, so muss die langsame Erosion eines Weltbildes über Jahre noch folgenreicher und letztlich teurer, bzw. selbstschädigender sein.

Kollaps der Arbeitsteilung

Der Schock der ersteren hatte nicht selten ein Zurückgeworfensein auf sich selbst zur Folge. Wem kann ich noch trauen? Muss ich nun jede Information selbst prüfen und wägen? Was kann ich Ärzten und der Justiz noch glauben?

(Quelle Video: Twitter/X)

In den letzen Jahren ist ein systemischer Bruch offenbar geworden, und zwar im Kern der Gesellschaftsorganisation selbst: Bei der Arbeitsteilung. Der französische Soziologe Emile Durkheim fragte sich, was Gesellschaften zusammenhält, und kam beim “Kollektivbewusstsein” heraus. Das Kollektivbewusstsein wird in Frühgesellschaften, die sich auf Tradition, Sitte und Moral gründen, durch Sanktion herausgeschält. Es regiert eine „mechanische Solidarität“, die sich im Strafrecht äußert. In modernen Gesellschaften regiert hingegen eine „organische Solidarität“, die sich in der sozialen Arbeitsteilung ausdrückt.

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Während Corona wurde diese organisch gewachsene Solidarität pulverisiert. Es wurde offenbar, dass nicht nur offizielle Stellen lügen, sondern auch die Medien und „die Wissenschaft“. Ärzte waren ausführende Kräfte, die mit Anreizen zur Impfung überhäuft wurden, viele davon sind bis heute überzeugt, dass sie gut und richtig handelten. Aufgrund dieser zusammenwirkenden, kumulativen Versagenssituation, die sich in der Politik bis hin zur Etablierung einer Doktrin des Handelns wider besseren Wissens (siehe RKI-Protokolle) steigerte, wurde das Vertrauen von Millionen Menschen in Institutionen und deren arbeitsteilig wirkende Akteure zerstört. Sie stehen nun auf dem Stand: Wie soll ich denen je wieder etwas glauben? Was ist, wenn all das sich in der ein- oder anderen Form wiederholt? An die Stelle der organischen Solidarität kam die mechanische wieder zurück, es folgte ein Zurück zur Logik der Herde. Wer nicht spurt, möge Schmerzen erfahren.

Die Unfähigkeit aufzuarbeiten

Im neuen Kollektivbewusstsein der Herdenmentalität erwachte zudem der „autoritäre Charakter“ wieder zum Leben. Der Sozialpsychologe Erich Fromm verstand darunter einen Gesellschaftscharakter, der Züge von extremem Gehorsam, Hang zum Autoritarismus und zur Destruktivität in sich vereinte. Andersdenkende werden nicht toleriert; die Doktrin darf keinen Schaden nehmen. Der autoritäre Charakter dient sich einer gesellschaftlichen Autorität an, um vor der eigenverantwortlich wahrgenommenen Freiheit zu fliehen. Wer sich als Knecht empfindet, findet sich seinen Herrn. Den neo-totalitären Staat charakterisiert zwar, dass man “lange seine Hieroglyphen nicht entziffern kann” (Jünger). Aber man kann schon früh erste Schlüsse über dessen Ausrichtung aus dem Umstand ziehen, welche Affekte er in der Bevölkerung weckt. Dies waren unter anderem Gehorsam, Furcht und Hang zur Denunziation.

Seit diesem systemischen Bruch klafft eine offene Wunde und sie wird dadurch offen gehalten, dass das Corona-Thema unaufgearbeitet wegretouchiert werden soll. Die Verleugnung grober Fehler und Zusammenhänge steht heute eher an der Tagesordnung, als die Bereitschaft zur Aufarbeitung. Impfschäden en masse sind immer noch ein Tabuthema. Die Betroffenen werden nicht ernst genommen. Woher kommt diese Hemmung? Alexander Mitscherlich hat diese Mechanismen in seinem Buch „Die Unfähigkeit zu trauern“ in Bezug auf die Aufarbeitung der NS-Verbrechen beleuchtet. Seine Ausführung zur Aufarbeitungsaufschiebung klingen nun wieder sehr aktuell:

„Der zweite Trend läßt sich wesentlich schwerer beschreiben. Er bezieht sich auf eine Reaktionsträgheit, die sich in unserem gesamten politischen und sozialen Organismus bemerkbar macht. Die Einsichten, die hier mit Hilfe seelischer Sperrungen abgewehrt werden, sind ungelöste oder unzureichend verstandene Probleme unserer gegenwärtigen Gesellschaft. Wo wir höchste Aufmerk­samkeit erwarten dürfen, stoßen wir auf Indifferenz. Diese diffus verteilte Anteilnahmslosigkeit wird besonders dann bemerkbar, wenn man sich die rasche Veränderung unserer materiellen Um­welt vor Augen hält. Lebhaftes Interesse bei allen Beteiligten für technische Probleme steht in Kontrast zur Indolenz, mit der unsere politischen Grundrechte behandelt werden. Die Anteil­nahme an alledem, was einer aufgeklärten Öffentlichkeit am Herzen liegen sollte, ist relativ gering.“

Mitscherlich konstatiert der Gesellschaft eine Mischung aus infantilem Selbstschutz („Der Führer war an allem schuld“) und libidinöser Verstrickung des eigenen Ichs mit einem Fremd-Ideal, welches in die eigene Persönlichkeit mitintegriert wird. Wird diese Autoritätsfigur öffentlich demontiert, verteidigt sie der Gehorsame, und damit sich mit. Zerfällt die Autoritätsfigur gar, drohen eigene Persönlichkeitsteile zu zerfallen, so stark kann die Identifikation sein. Die Scham darüber, einem Manipulator aufgesessen zu sein, kann verhindern, diesen Umstand überhaupt sehen zu wollen.

Mit der libidinösen Manipulation vermischt sich das inkarnierte Fremd-Ideal mit dem Ich-Ideal. Man fiebert mit dem System (oder der Autorität) mit, wünscht sich einen siegreichen Kampf gegen – Geschichte wiederholt sich teilweise – Russland und ein Virus! Die Enttäuschung und Entzauberung des inkarnierten Fremd-Ideals greift das eigene Ich an, was einem existentiellen Desaster gleicht. Das falsche Ego muss nun als Privatgötze überleben, gehe darüber auch die Welt unter. Dieser Götzenkult der falschen Egos verhindert gerade ein Lernen aus der Pandemie und damit den Fortschritt. Wer die Ideal-Bildung nicht mitmachte, wird als Feind angesehen. Die Aggression wandert weg vom Innenbereich der Gesellschaft an den Randbereich, sie reagiert sich an den Sündenböcken ab („Pandemie der Ungeimpften, „Tyrannei der Ungeimpften“ etc.). Wer findet noch, dass die psychologische Fabrizierung einer „Massenformation“ als psychologisches Muster allein Diktaturen vorbehalten ist?

All dies wird gerade flankiert von einer schizophrenen Erinnerungskultur, die eher eine Vergessenskultur zum Ziel zu haben scheint. Die Erinnerung an die NS-Zeit wird ritualhaft extrapoliert, zugleich werden Vergleiche mit heute zum Tabu erklärt. So bleibt die Erinnerungsschleife leer, da folgenlos. Aus dem Früher darf für das Heute nichts gelernt werden, Muster nicht benannt werden. Bei den RKI-Mitarbeitern half die eigene Erinnerungsinstallation im Eingangsbereich des Hauses jedenfalls nicht, einem experimentellen Menschenversuch Einhalt zu gebieten. Eine moralische Bankrotterklärung, die noch lange nachwirken wird.

Wann kommt der Kipppunkt?

Bei meinen zahlreichen Lesungen erfuhr ich in vielen Gesprächen, dass die Kluft zu Andersdenkenden immer noch besteht. Es kommt kaum etwas in Bewegung, alles stockt, wirkt eingefroren und in den Mantel des Verdrängens und Vergessens gehüllt. Im Familien- und Freundeskreis sind die Gräben oft immer noch unverändert tief.

Während einer Lesung im “Kunst Kontor” in Potsdam kam es zum Clash zwischen Verteidigern der Coronapolitik, der politischen Klasse und der Mainstream-Medien und einem kritischen Publikum. Dieser Clash endete damit, dass nach Diskussion und Wortwechsel eine Person den Raum fluchtartig verließ, eine andere offen bekannte, sich mit widersprechenden Informationen gar nicht beschäftigen zu wollen. Was man dann von einer kritischen Lesung erwartet, weiß ich nicht.

Der Abend in Potsdam vor einem gemischt-gutbürgerlichen Publikum zeigte wohl jedem, wie groß die Gräben derzeit noch sind. Gleichzeitig sind es genau solche Begegnungen – zu selten finden sie überhaupt statt – welche den Anfang machen müssen, um letztlich zu einer Aufklärung zu kommen. Der Aufklärungsdruck kommt keinesfalls von oben, sondern immer nur von unten. Alles beginnt mit dem unverstellten, direkten Gespräch, auch wenn dieses im ersten Moment noch fruchtlos erscheinen mag.

Ein Gedanke, der mir immer wieder kam: Der Mensch reagiert auf Anreize. Welchen Anreiz hat die Gegenseite, an einer Aufklärung mitzuwirken? Es erwartet sie doch nur ein schmerz-, schuld- und schamhafter Prozess. Doch sich der Wahrheit zu stellen, bedeutet eine Katharsis durchzumachen, eine Form der Selbstreinigung. Das Beschweigen zerfrisst irgendwann von innen. Die Barriere der „bewussten Blindheit“ ist nur eine Augenbinde, die immer poröser wird. Prokrastination lohnt nicht, denn am Ende kommt immer der “Moment der Wahrheit”. Letztlich wird der nichtaufgearbeitete Schmerz und dessen Überwindung, also das Verlassen des Tals der Schmerzen, der finale Anreiz sein, sich der Realität zu stellen. So entscheidet jeder über den Grad des Schmerzes selbst.

Bei einer der letzten Lesungen im Buchhaus Loschwitz in Dresden, führte Kilian Forster, u.a. Intendant der Dresdner-Jazztage, musikalisch durch die Lesung. Zum Auftakt der Lesung nahm der Profi-Kontrabassist zur Überraschung aller am Flügel Platz und spielte mein Lieblingsstück von Chopin, die “Revolutions-Etüde”. Diese schrieb der junge Pianist und Komponist unter dem Eindruck der Juli-Revolution 1830 in Frankreich, bei der sich Bürgertum und Proletariat gegen eine übergriffige Regierung verbanden.

In dem kraftvollen und furiosen Klavierstück wird die ungestüme Kraft beschworen, die in dieser Verbindung liegt. Sternstunden der Menschheit gelingen in überraschenden, unwahrscheinlichen Konstellationen; sie beginnen mit Verbrüderung und Annäherung unter Gleichen. Das einzigartige Talent des Menschen liegt in seiner Kooperationsfähigkeit. Dazu braucht es zuvor Kommunikation.

(Lesung im Buchhaus Loschwitz/Dresden am 29.08.2024)

Ich danke allen Veranstaltern der Lesungen für die blendende Organisation und die Gastfreundschaft. Ich durfte Menschen kennenlernen, die durch ihr tägliches Vorbild vorleben, dass sie bereit sind für eine neue Entwicklungsstufe: die der Kooperation und friedvollen Wahrheitssuche. Krisen sind Wachstumspunkte. An ihnen konturieren wir uns heraus, werden stärker, resilienter, antifragiler. Was soll auch die Alternative sein? Wir sind letztlich zum Wachstum gezwungen.

Unsere Zukunft als Spezies hängt gerade maßgeblich davon ab, ob wir fähig sind, diesen Entwicklungssprung in Sachen Kooperation zu vollziehen. Die einen fliehen vor der Freiheit in die Destruktivität. Andere nehmen sich die Freiheit zur Konstruktivität.

Letzteren gehört die Zukunft.

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AKTION (Nur solange der Vorrat reicht): Beim Abschluss eines Jahresabos im September sende ich Ihnen eine signierte Version von “Stromaufwärts zur Quelle”!

_ Herzlichen Dank, dass Sie meine Arbeit unterstützen! _

_Ich kann Ihnen auch manuell einen Zugang zur Publikation einrichten, wenn Sie lieber per Paypal, Überweisung oder Bitcoin (einmal Jahresbeitrag, ewiger Zugang) bezahlen.

@ dfe02069:d3e2fa29

Dieser Text erscheint etwas unplanmäßig kurz nach dem erschreckenden Attentat auf den slowakischen Premierminister Robert Fico. Der slowakische Ministerpräsident lebt wie kaum ein anderer Politiker in Europa vor, was er unter Souveränität versteht: Er leistet sich eine eigene Meinung zur Ukraine und EU ebenso, wie er sich für die Aufarbeitung der Impfschäden einsetzt oder den WHO-Pandemievertrag ablehnt. Das Nein der Slowakei brachte den WHO-Vertrag zuletzt vorerst zu Fall. Kein schlechter Moment, um ein "Signal" an all jene zu senden, die Ähnliches in der Zukunft vorhaben? Der Putsch von oben wird inzwischen offen gewaltsam geführt. Fico begab sich auf genau das "gefährliche Terrain", welches überhaupt nur für diejenigen existiert, die in der Politik nicht die letzte Stufe der Entscheidungsgewalt vermuten. Bei Fico kommt der Satz zum Tragen, den Voltaire ausgesprochen haben soll: "Wenn du herausfinden willst, wer dich beherrscht, finde einfach heraus, wen du nicht kritisieren darfst." Diesen Text widme ich - mit den besten Genesungswünschen in die Slowakei - allen mutigen Menschen, die unter Einsatz ihres Lebens demokratische Errungenschaft verteidigen.

"What was the price on his head? I think I heard a shot..." \

"Wake up" -- Rage against the machine

Friedrich Nietzsche wusste: „Die beste Ehe ist eine, die mal eine Ausnahme zulässt." Das Regime zweier Menschen, geschlossen nicht selten „zur gegenseitigen Benutzung ihrer Geschlechtseigenschaften" (so Kants Definition) lebt von der Regel der Monogamie (bis auf nietzscheanische Ausrutscher): Die Regel gilt, die Ausnahme ist bedeutungslos (oder für Nietzsche: eine Aufwertung der Ehe). Was ist mit der Staatsgewalt, die einmal eine Ausnahme zulässt, quasi im Verhältnis Bürger und Staat? Veredelt diese sich auch? Oder entkleidet sie sich in diesem Moment jeglicher Legitimität? Wer bestimmt, wann der rechtliche Ausnahmezustand verhängt wird und das Recht suspendiert, also aufgehoben, wird? Diese Frage berührt den Punkt der letzten Entscheidungsgewalt im Staate und damit unmittelbar den Punkt der Souveränität.

Permanenter Ausnahmezustand?

Es soll im Moment des Ausnahmefalls oder auch Notstands sein, dass der wahre Souverän das Parkett betritt. Im Ausnahmefall „sondert sich die Entscheidung von der Rechtsnorm, und (um es paradox zu formulieren) die Autorität beweist, dass sie, um Recht zu schaffen, nicht selbst Recht zu haben braucht". Das ist, kurz skizziert, die Lehre Carl Schmitts, einem der schillerndsten Staatsrechtler des 20. Jahrhunderts, für viele aufgrund seiner NS-Vergangenheit (als er sich Hitler anbiederte) verfemt, trotzdem bis heute für die Klarheit seiner Analysen immer noch wirkmächtig. Schmitt ging dorthin, wo das Staatsrecht für andere ndete, und darüber hinaus. An die Grenzfragen. Schmitt glaubte nicht an die parlamentarische Demokratie der Weimarer Prägung. Die Idee der „Volkssouveränität" musste ihm wie ein Schönwetterkonzept vorkommen. Wenn alles reibungsfrei läuft, gilt die Demokratie und die Rechtsordnung. Im Notfall: „etwas anderes". Der Entscheider über dieses „andere" war für ihn der wahre Souverän. Denn für ihn ist es die Ausnahme, die alles beweist, und die Regel nichts.

Die Frage nach der Souveränität stellt sich heute angesichts zahlreicher Aushöhlungsversuche auf allen Ebenen in immer neuem Kleid und in ganz neuer Dringlichkeit. Im Verhältnis von Bundesstaat zu Kanton oder Bundesland; im Verhältnis des Staates und des Bürgers zu übergeordneten supranationalen Strukturen, Vertragswerken oder Bündnissen, wie dem Europarat, der UNO, WHO, EU oder Nato. Sie äußert sich auch in Beziehungen zwischen dem Einzelnen und seiner Umwelt, dem Rechtssystem, der Wirtschaft, dem Staat, und artikuliert sich in Fragen wie Überwachung, Dateneigentum, bis hin zu Manipulation und Gehirnwäsche. Dort wo Machtverhältnisse existieren, oder gar multipliziert werden, stellt sich die Souveränitätsfrage immer neu und immer anders. Wenn Demokratie gleich „Volkssouveränität" bedeutet, kann die Letztentscheidung stets nur beim Souverän, dem Bürger liegen. Doch wie souverän ist der Souverän?

Souveränitätsproblem EGMR

Nehmen wir ein aktuelles Beispiel: Im April 2024 wurde die Schweiz vom Europäischen Gerichtshof für Menschenrechte (EGMR) in Straßburg verurteilt, weil die Schweizer Regierung nicht genügend Maßnahmen ergriffen habe, um die Folgen des Klimawandels abzuwenden. Geklagt hatte eine Gruppe von Schweizer „Klimaseniorinnen", die verdächtig an „Omas gegen Nazis" erinnern. Der EGMR legt die völkerrechtliche Konvention der Europäischen Menschenrechtserklärung letztverbindlich aus und stellt Verletzungen der Konvention fest (freilich ohne administrativen Durchgriff auf die nationalstaatlichen Entscheidungszentren). Schon in diesem Fall steckt ein Souveränitätsproblem, wie es sich in zahlreichen Beziehungen ebenso äußert. Das Urteil schreibt der Schweiz nichts vor, es hat jedoch Signalwirkung, setzt die Schweiz unter Zugzwang. Dies hatte zuvor in ähnlicher Form in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland auch das Deutsche Bundesverfassungsgericht in einem Beschluss getan.

Was passiert nun, wenn der Bundesrat neue Klimaschutzgesetze auf den Weg bringt? Hatte dann der EGMR also eine Art Initiativrecht am Schweizer Stimmbürger vorbei? Was passiert weiterhin, wenn das Gesetz erfolgreich durch ein Referendum zu Fall gebracht werden würde? Wenn also die Stimmbürger ihrerseits ein verfassungsmäßiges Recht zum Ausdruck bringen und die Umsetzung des Straßburger Urteils ablehnen? Bestünde dann nicht die eigenartige Situation, dass der Wille des Volkes zugleich eine Menschenrechtsverletzung darstellte? Dies wiederum kollidiert mit der klassischen Funktion der Menschenrechte, nämlich Abwehrrechte des Bürgers gegen freiheitsverringernde Eingriffe des Staats zu sein. Wäre die direkte souveräne Entscheidung des Stimmbürgers in diesem Fall eine Art „Selbstverletzung"? Und ähnelte der EGMR mit seinem deklaratorischen Urteil dann nicht einem Arzt mit Garantenpflicht für seinen Patienten, dem er in den „selbstschädigenden" Arm fällt? Wir leben in einer Zeit permanenter Souveränitätskollisionen und Verschiebungen der Machtzentren weg vom Bürger als Souverän der Demokratie hin zu administrativen Entscheidungsstrukturen, Stiftungen und NGOs oder zum Hegemon des „current thing", einem ständig tagenden, medial verbreiteten Wohlfahrtsausschuss, in welchem das aktuelle Gute täglich neu herausgeschält wird, gerne, um die jeweils aktuelle Regierungslinie zu stützen.

Die Souveränität als Proteus

Souveränität hat heute einige Gesichter mehr als zu den Zeiten von Locke, Pufendorf und Bodin, als sich die Souveränitätsfrage in der politischen Theorie besonders stellte. Souveränität gilt (in verschiedenen Variationen) als „höchste, rechtlich unabhängige, nicht abgeleitete Macht". Die Instanz der Letztentscheidung in den wichtigsten Angelegenheiten ist der Souverän. Andere sind (ob cachiert oder nicht): Untergebene.

Wer souverän ist, ist schnell auch mächtig. Diese Souveränität ist heute an allen Ecken und Enden bedroht:

• An Souveränität mangelt es, wenn man nicht darf, wie man will.

• Doch auch dort, wo man zwar darf, aber möglichst nicht wollen soll (wie im Fall manipulativer Einflüsse auf die Willensbildung).

• Schließlich auch dort, wo man faktisch nicht kann, selbst wenn man darf, weil die Souveränitätsentscheidung zu hohe Folgekosten generieren könnte (internationale Isolation, Boykott, Ächtung).

Souveränität ist in einer multipolaren, multikomplexen Welt zunehmend eine Behauptungsformel mit „proteischem\" Charakter. War Souveränität klassisch gerne von Außen bedroht, so ist sie es immer häufiger von Innen.

Es ist kein Geheimnis, dass Demokratien sterben können, wie Steven Levitsky und Daniel Ziblatt („Wie Demokratien sterben") skizzierten. Seit der Lehre vom Verfassungskreislauf (Polybius, Cicero) oder dem Elitenzirkel (Pareto, Mosca, Michels) ist unbestritten, dass Demokratien auch von innen zerfallen können, sobald sie beginnen, ihre Grundwerte zu verraten. Für den Politikwissenschaftler Sheldon Wolin entsteht aus der Verbindung von Politik und Wirtschaft eine „Democracy Inc.", die als „umgekehrter Totalitarismus" in bürokratische Strukturen und uninspirierte Politikergesichter wandert.

Die Entartung der Demokratie beginnt mit dem Verrat am Souverän selbst. Nicht er herrscht dann noch, sondern zunehmend eine ominöse Stimme aus dem „Off". Diese Stimme herrscht durch ein Diktat der öffentlichen Meinung, sie tagt als ständiger Wohlfahrtsausschuss, als Orakel eines öffentlichen fiktiven Willens und ausführende Gewalt über eine vor sich hergetriebene Menge. Die Demokratie wird zur Theokratie, einem Kult und Tanz um das Kalb des „guten Menschen". Hinter der säkularen Fassade kommt das theokratische Element heraus, das für Denker vom Schlage Schmitts (der sich auf Donoso Cortèz bezog), nie gänzlich entschwunden war. Der Moment der Wahrheit ist nicht selten der Ausnahmezustand, der für die Jurisprudenz (laut Schmitt) analog das ist, was das Wunder für die Theologie ist.

Der Ausnahmezustand legt den Schalter um

Der Ausnahmezustand hat eine Scharnierfunktion. Durch ihn lässt sich das aktuelle System in einen Narkosezustand versetzen. Der Ausnahmezustand lockt mit dem Anreiz nahezu unbegrenzter Macht. Was dann folgt, ist nicht Anarchie oder Chaos, sondern die „politische Entscheidung", welche sich selbst verpflichtet, das Richtige, Beste und Notwendige zu tun, um die Ordnung zu bewahren.

In der Politik scheint es Themen erster und zweiter Ordnung zu geben. Die Themen der zweiten Ordnung sind alle, die nach einem politischen Tauziehen entschieden werden, in den Kanälen des Rechts und im Kleid eines festen Prozedere. Hier wird debattiert, verhandelt, nach Alternativen und Kompromissen gesucht sowie am Ende abgestimmt und entschieden. Der normale demokratische Prozess eben. Themen der ersten Ordnung sind alle, die von solcher Wichtigkeit sind, dass im Vornherein ein festes Ergebnis „gesetzt" ist, und der normale politische Prozess ein Risiko wäre, da er eine Abweichung vom Ergebnis zur Folge haben könnte. Hier wird das Gebiet des Politischen, also des nach Alternativen suchenden Prozesses, verlassen.

Das Mittel der Wahl, um Themen der ersten Ordnung durchzubekommen, ist der Ausnahmezustand oder Notstand. Es ist der Ausnahmezustand, der den demokratischen Prozess in gewisser Weise „entweiht", zumindest aber herabwürdigt. Denn der demokratische Prozess existiert ja, um aus Rede und Gegenrede, These und Antithese, trial & error im Idealfall eine sachlich „bessere" Entscheidung zu generieren, als dies ein einzelner Akteur kraft seines begrenzten Wissens je könnte. „Form follows function" könnte man kunsttheoretisch anmerken. Der Ausnahmezustand zerschlägt die bisherige Form und begründet die neue Form mit der „Notwendigkeit" oder „Dringlichkeit". Das ist eine paradoxe Blindstelle in modernen Verfassungen: Je wichtiger eine Entscheidung, desto undemokratischer ist sie zu fällen. Und diese Regel scheint unabhängig davon zu gelten, dass nicht selten die Dringlichkeit der Entscheidung nur ein Vorwand ist, um die Demokratie auszuhebeln, da auch demokratische Prozesse im Notfall schnell ablaufen könnten.

Ausnahmezustand, Freund-Feind-Denken, Politische Theologie: Wer sich in der aktuellen Politik umsieht (das Großraumdenken der NATO-Prägung hinzugenommen), sieht überall das Denken Carl Schmitts am Werk, und das, man staune, von einem Personal, das überall demonstrativ das Banner des „Antifaschismus" vor sich herträgt. Was zeichnet den Souverän nach Carl Schmitt aus? „Er entscheidet sowohl darüber, ob der extreme Notfall vorliegt, als auch darüber, was geschehen soll, um ihn zu beseitigen." Wer entscheidet, ganz konkret, bei Gesundheitsnotständen, Klimakrise oder Krieg?

Gesundheitsnotstand

Gerade wird ein Pandemie-Pakt zwischen der WHO und ihren Mitgliedsstaaten ausgehandelt. Hinzu kommt noch eine Veränderung der internationalen Gesundheitsvorschriften. Derzeit ist geplant, dass der Generalsekretär der WHO die Pandemie weltweit ausruft und „Maßnahmen" vorgibt. Carl Schmitt hat es doch tatsächlich vom Kronjuristen des Dritten Reiches zum Chef-Architekten des WHO-Hygienefaschismus gebracht. Der WHO-Vertrag ist die posthume „Beförderung\" des Carl Schmitt.

Die Mitgliedsstaaten „müssen", wie es im Vertragstext zur Stunde heißt, „den Empfehlungen" der WHO folgen. Eine Zwitterformel, denn Empfehlungen sind gerade nicht bindend. Wer sie befolgen „muss", wird zugleich doch an eine normative Kette gelegt. Zweifel eines Mitgliedsstaates an der Legitimität einer WHO-Entscheidung, ja gar ein Auskunftsanspruch auf Offenlegung der Entscheidungsgrundlage oder noch besser: eine juristische Überprüfbarkeit vor einem unabhängigen Gremium, scheint nicht vorgesehen zu sein. „Bindende Empfehlungen" sind in etwa wie das Angebot aus Coppolas „Der Pate": Es ist das Angebot, das die Politik nicht ablehnen kann. Und damit ist es ein Angriff auf Demokratie und Souveränität. Seit dem Ende der Corona-Zeit (die weder offiziell beendet noch ansatzweise aufgearbeitet ist) ist de facto eine Krönungsmesse des WHO-Generalsekretärs zum Weltsouverän im Gange. Die Wissenschaft spielt die Begleitmusik dazu. Corona war die Generalprobe einer Herrschaft der Wissenschaft, ohne dass es - wie die RKI-Files zeigen - um Wissenschaft ging, denn das politische „Team Wissenschaft" hörte gar nicht auf „die Wissenschaft", sondern betrieb ihre eigene szientistische Hexenküche.

Klimanotstand

Es war nicht lange nach den Corona-Lockdowns, als Hardliner wie der deutsche Gesundheitsminister den „Klimalockdown" ins Gespräch brachten. Lauterbach verkündete auch, man werde ab jetzt „immer im Ausnahmezustand sein". Kanzler Scholz kannte da ohnehin „keine roten Linien" mehr. Es ist unschwer zu erkennen, dass Corona als Blaupause für andere (echte oder selbstgemachte) Krisen gilt. Neben den Medien und der klimabewegten Jugend, die permanent hofiert wird, hilft auch die Rechtsprechung eifrig mit, die Herrschaft der Klimabewegung zu begründen. Die Hitze der Sonne lässt mit den Polkappen auch die Souveränität dahinschmelzen.

Transgender-Ideologie

In Deutschland wurde vor kurzem das Selbstbestimmungsgesetz erlassen, welches es nun ermöglicht, das Geschlecht zu ändern und dies in den Pass oder die Identitätskarte eintragen zu lassen. Selbstbestimmung klingt nach Souveränität. Doch die Transideologie hat aus einer Veranlagung im Promillebereich ein weltweites non-binäres Phänomen gemacht, mit dem sich ein wachsender Prozentsatz von Jugendlichen identifiziert. Mit der Möglichkeit der geschlechtlichen Selbstbestimmung ist schon in jungen Jahren ein Einfallstor für einen Fremdeinfluss medialer oder propagandistischer Herkunft gegeben. Zugleich wird der „Transmensch" allerorten gefeiert, gewinnt Buchpreise (Kim de l`Horizon), Lesewettbewerbe (Dragqueen Olivia Jones), Schönheitswettbewerbe (Niederlande) oder den Eurovision Song Contest (Nemo). Wer „in die Transition" geht, wird gefeiert und verehrt. Der enttäuschten Sehnsucht nach Woke-Initiationsritualen folgt ein Marathon aus hormonellen Behandlungen und oft nur schwer reversiblen Operationen.

Kriegszustand

Der Krieg ist der Vater aller Dinge, wusste Heraklit. Er ist auch der Vater des autoritären Staates. Es ist augenfällig, dass zahlreiche Elemente aus den Bereichen Corona, Klima oder Transgender an einen Debattenraum im Kriegszustand erinnern: "Wer Kritik äußert, hilft dem Feind". Das Schicksal von Verrätern ist in allen Kriegen das gleiche altbekannte. Der andauernde Krieg zwischen Russland und der Ukraine sowie die schwelende Auseinandersetzung im Nahen Osten zwischen Israel, Gaza und dem Iran kann leicht zu einer Situation der formellen Kriegserklärungen werden. Im Kriegsnotstand tritt in Deutschland ein Notparlament in Kraft, der „Gemeinsame Ausschuss". Ist dieses Parlamentchen mit 48 Menschen nicht schon eher eine Großregierung? Wer den Einfluss von regierungsnahen Expertenräten bei Corona noch im Gedächtnis hat, weiss, dass spätestens dann die Demokratie in Deutschland vollends aufgehoben ist, der Souverän ist entmachtet. De facto herrscht das Duo von Regierungsmeinung und „Öffentlicher Meinung".

Ob Demokratien dann mit einem Knall oder einem Wimmern sterben, ist zu diesem Zeitpunkt vielleicht bereits zweitrangig. Der mögliche, da leicht ins unendliche veränderbare Kriegsknall für die Demokratie liest sich im Juristendeutsch jedenfalls schön als Epitaph auf dem Grabstein der Demokratie:

RIP Demokratie,

du verschlucktest dich an diesem Satz des Art. 115h des Grundgesetzes:

„Während des Verteidigungsfalles ablaufende Wahlperioden des Bundestages oder der Volksvertretungen der Länder enden sechs Monate nach Beendigung des Verteidigungsfalles."

Die Beisetzung fand ohne Anwesenheit der Beteiligten statt: Wo war der wahre Souverän, der das hätte verhindern können?

Der lange Weg zur Souveränität beginnt im Moment des Widerstands.

@ dfe02069:d3e2fa29

"Betrug und Falschheit fürchten die Überprüfung. Wahrheit lädt sie ein." \

- Samuel Johnson (brit. Autor, Essayist, 1709-1784)

Nach längerem hin und her hat das RKI am 30.05. die weitgehend entschwärzten Protokolle des Krisenstabs („RKI-Protokolle") veröffentlicht. Das Magazin Multipolar hatte zuvor auf Herausgabe der Protokolle geklagt, aber nur stark geschwärzte Protokolle bekommen.

Die entschwärzten Protokolle bieten einen Einblick in den Sach- und Kenntnisstand der zentralen, dem Gesundheitsministerium unterstellten Bundesoberbehörde, deren Vertreter in Person von Lothar Wieler und Lars Schaade das politische Maßnahmengeschehen mitgestalteten, teils medial nach außen vertraten und daher als Hauptakteure der Corona-Zeit gelten dürfen. Auch wenn es hier nur um einen ersten Einblick gehen kann, zeigen diese Protokolle (die gerade keine Diskussions-, sondern Ergebnisprotokolle sind) vor allem eine sichtbare Kluft zwischen dem RKI und den medial sowie politisch verlautbarten Positionen. Hatten letztlich auch beim RKI die Covidioten recht?

Das wirft eine weitere Frage auf: Wer war letztlich das besagte „Team Wissenschaft\", wenn die Wissenschaftskommunikation des RKI der Politik nach dem Mund redete und die Politik sich umgekehrt um den Stand der Wissenschaft im RKI nicht scherte?

Die Wissenschaft als Wunschkonzert

Schon ein Blick in die ungeschwärzten Teile der Protokolle ließ erahnen, dass die Entscheidungsfindung im RKI einer eigenen Dynamik folgt.

• Im März 2020 war die Influenzawelle des Winters bereits wieder abgeklungen, als durch anlasslose Massentests ein Pandemiegeschehen herbeigetestet wurde, während die tatsächliche Viruslast (Ct-Wert) der Labore im Dunkeln blieb.

• Am 16. März wurde aufgrund eigener Risikobewertung -- da ein Dokument dazu nicht vorliegt: war es eine Weisung der Politik? -- festgelegt, dass „hochskaliert werden müsse". Der Name der Person, welche dieses Dokument zur Veröffentlichung freigeben sollte war bisher geschwärzt und ist nun bekannt: Lars Schaade. An ihn wäre konkret die Frage zu richten: Was genau führte zu einer Hochskalierung der Gefahrenlage? Das Intensivbettenregister Divi offenbarte wenig später eine Auslastung von 50%, normal sind 90%.

• Bei dieser Einschätzung sollte es auch im weiteren Verlauf bleiben, obwohl die Fälle rückläufig waren. Vermerk am 29.06.2020: „Immer noch hohes Risiko, Vorgabe vom BMG: bis 1. Juli wird daran nichts geändert."

  

• Dass die Schwellenwerte der Inzidenzen rein politische Vorgaben waren, offenbarte zuvor schon das Protokoll vom 7.05.2020:

• Betrachtet man den weiteren Verlauf der Pandemie, dann war die Gefahrenlage immer dann besonders hoch, wenn es politisch besonders dringlich war, weil zum Beispiel eine Impfpflicht zur Abstimmung stand. Vor der Bundestagswahl gab man sich über ein paar Wochen etwas gnädiger. Das RKI als Bühnenbildner und Kulissenschieber der Pandemie: Welchen Hintergrund die Politik auch brauchte, das RKI lieferte ihn. Im Winter 2023 verschwand die Gefahrenlage dann ebenso ominös. (Siehe für eine gute Übersicht den obigen Vortrag von Prof. Stefan Homburg in Wien, ab ca. 11.30 min; von YT auf dem Hauptkanal derzeit gelöscht, die folgende Grafik stammt aus dem Vortrag):

Ging es vor allem um die Impfung?

Schon im Frühjahr 2020 wird das Thema Impfungen zur Sprache gebracht. Das Investment von 100 Mio. Dollar der Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation vom 7.02.2020 wurde auch im RKI registriert. Die Protokolle des RKI laufen der medial-politischen Kommunikation hier monateweit voraus. Während sich das RKI über mögliche Impfstoffe auslässt, belehrte man in Medien und Politik den Zuschauer und Leser noch in Babysprache (AHA) zu den Vorzügen des Abstandhaltens und In-die Armbeuge-Niesens; Frau von der Leyen wusch sich bei laufender Kamera besonders intensiv die Hände.

Betrachtet man einen Zeitstrahl der Bill & Melinda Gates Stiftung (BMGF) aus diesem frühen Zeitraum, sieht man bereits, wohin das Hauptaugenmerk des Interesses geht: Impfungen, Impfungen, Impfungen. Im Monatstakt kündigt die BMGF mehr Förderungen für Impfstoffe an. Auch im RKI beginnt diese Diskussion zur gleichen Zeit. Zugleich fördert Gates u.a. die Charité und das RKI mit Spenden; Lothar Wieler darf ein Paper für die Stiftung schreiben und Deutschland belobigen. Die Namen der Co-Autoren (Ute Rexroth, René Gottschalk) sind im RKI-Protokoll geschwärzt, man hält hier offenbar noch etwas für vertraulich, was in 30 Sekunden googelbar ist.

Am 24.08.2020 (S. 1413) wird im Protokoll vermerkt, dass die Bundesländer über die geplante Einführung der Impfstoffe bis Ende des Jahres überrascht seien. Wusste die Länderebene erst spät von den Impfplänen und der Impfstoffentwicklung?

Deluxe-Schwurbeln à la RKI zu den Impfstoffen

Bei jeder Aufarbeitung stellt sich die Frage: Wer wusste wann was? Oder hätte es zumindest wissen können? Das RKI ist laut Ergebnisprotokollen bestens informiert über alles, was sonst nur Schwurbler und Covidioten in die öffentliche Debatte brachten. Da die meisten geschwärzten Stellen das Impfstoff-Thema betrafen, sind diese Passagen von besonderem Interesse:

• Schon am 5.02. vermerkte das RKI als Erkenntnis über den Erreger, dass „nCov" über eine „zusätzliche multibasische Furin-Spaltestelle" (Protokolle, S. 94) verfüge. Da eine solche Furin-Spalte bei natürlichen Coronaviren noch nie festgestellt wurde, wusste das RKI schon von Anfang an, dass Sars-Cov-2 ein Laborprodukt aus China sein muss. Laborunfall oder Biowaffenangriff unter falscher Flagge? Anstatt Sicherheitsbehörden und Militär zu informieren, ließ sich das RKI als privilegierter Partner Chinas anwerben, suchte den Austausch (nur Deutschland ohne G7).

• Gänzlich neu war schon die Idee, überhaupt gegen Coronaviren zu impfen; das galt in der Wissenschaft wegen der dann entstehenden Varianten bis dahin als sinnlos. Man impft dann die Varianten herbei. Aber hätte man das nicht wissen können? Dazu das RKI am 06.01.2021: „Eine Zunahme von Varianten durch die Impfung ist zu erwarten". So handelt eine Feuerwehr, die mit Kerosin löscht.

• Die Informationen zu den Impfstoffen glichen einem Blindflug und wurden auch so dokumentiert Zur "Evidenzlage" stellt das RKI am 08.01.2021 fest: Viel wisse man nicht, aber die Geimpften dürfen sich als Versuchsteilnehmer sehen.

• Der fehlende Schutz vor Ansteckung durch die Vakzine war dem RKI ebenso bekannt. Müsse man sich von der Idee der Herdenimmunität verabschieden?, fragte man sich. Trotz fehlendem Fremdschutz und nur begrenzt nachweisbarem Eigenschutz wurde für Soldaten der Bundeswehr bekanntlich später eine Impfpflicht eingeführt, die erst vor kurzem durch Prozesse gekippt werden konnte. Pistorius verzichtet lieber auf die Impfpflicht, als vor Gericht Farbe bekennen zu müssen, dass er sich im wissenschaftlichen Blindflug befindet.

• Das RKI wusste, dass bezüglich mRNA-Impfstoffen nur Tierversuche bestanden. AstraZeneca war als Zweitklassenimpfstoff bekannt, da dieser nur auf 70% Effektivität kam. Das RKI wusste von asymptomatischen Infektionen bei AstraZeneca nach der Impfung, sprach selbst von Virusausscheidung. Selbst das Gesundheitspersonal stemmte sich gegen die Impfung: „HCW (Healthcareworkers, Anmerkung von mir): "Viele nicht bereit, sich impfen zu lassen".

• Dänemark und Norwegen setzten AstraZeneca aus. Deutschland reduzierte gerade mal die Zielgruppe. Das RKI lapidar: „EMA hat entschieden der Impfstoff ist sicher." Das klingt nicht nach einer vertieften eigenen Risikobewertung. Währenddessen registriert man, dass beim PEI über 1600 Meldungen hereinkommen und das PEI bei Pharmakovigilanz nicht gut hinterherkomme.

• Ein Monitoring zu Impfnebenwirkungen wurde schon am 16.10.2020 angeregt. Offenbar ging das RKI von Nebenwirkungen der Impfungen aus. Der spätere Gesundheitsminister Lauterbach durfte noch Monate später gegenüber einem Millionenpublikum unwidersprochen das Gegenteil behaupten, nämlich dass die Impfstoffe „nebenwirkungsfrei" seien. Lauterbach taucht in den Protokollen als Figur auf, die gerne mal etwas vermischt (Isolation/Quarantäne, S. 1496), Schnellschüsse präsentiert (zu Curevac-Zulassung: "ggf. weiß er mehr als andere", S. 2355) und dessen wissenschaftliche Aussagen genau betrachtet werden sollten: "Das RKI sollte klar stellen: was ist die wissenschaftl. Evidenz und was die politische Auslegung der Fakten, die das RKI umsetzt." (S. 774)

Warum das alles, liebes RKI, wenn doch, wie Ihr schreibt, es bei einer normalen Influenzawelle mehr Tote gibt und der Hauptgrund an Corona zu sterben, das Alter ist? (S. 2355).

All dies lässt nur den Schluss zu: Es ging vor allem um die Massenimpfung mit experimentellen Impfstoffen. Corona war ein Konditionierungs- und Manipulationsversuch in größtem Stil, der geglückte Versuch, den Willen anderer zu brechen, indem man die eingesackte Freiheit erst mit der Duldung experimenteller Inokulationen wieder freizugeben versprach. In welchem Interesse und zu welchem Zweck?

Das RKI nahm in dieser Zeit eine Scharnierposition mit schizophrenen Zügen ein, sie lieferte einerseits Persilscheine für die Politik, andererseits bestätigte sie zahlreiche „Covidioten" in ihren Haltungen. Schon am 7.02.2020 suchte das RKI über die Leopoldina direkten Kontakt zur chinesischen Botschaft und bekam ihn zwei Wochen später, „um, z.B. über Forschungsthemen und künftige Kooperationen zu reden". Das RKI erhalte zusätzlich das „Gesundheitskommissionspaket" Chinas, was auch immer das bedeuten mag. Am 13.02. vermerkte das RKI:

„Gestern Nachricht, dass CDC China mit RKI in Verbindung kommen möchte, ggf. wichtige weitere Informationsquelle, bleibt klarzustellen in wie fern Infromation (sic!) mit anderen (z.B. WHO) geteilt werden kann, wird aktuell geklärt (AA auch involviert)

o China wünscht keine G7 Involvierung, Deutschland hat scheinbar Vertrauensvorsprung, sollte nicht missbraucht werden um zukünftigen Informationsaustausch nicht aufs Spiel zu setzen."

Deutschland als vertraulicher Partner Chinas vor allen G7 Staaten? Was gab es dafür im Gegenzug? Deutschland erscheint durch die Protokolle vollends als Pandemie-Musterknabe in den Augen von Bill Gates und China, zwei Großfinanziers der WHO und Maßnahmentreiber, die dazu beitrugen, dass in Deutschland Grundrechte mit Füßen getreten wurden.

Ein Großteil der Aufarbeitungsarbeit dürfte nun darin liegen, zu rekonstruieren, welche reellen Motive das Maßnahmengeschehen letztlich steuerten. Der in den RKI-Sitzungen referierte wissenschaftliche Kenntnisstand war es (oft) nicht. Und auch eine echte pandemische Gefahrenlage lässt sich aus den Protokollen nicht herleiten, dafür zahlreiche Beispiele dafür, wie nach politischer Großwetterlage Gefahrenszenarien herbeifantasiert wurden, die durch Daten nicht belegt sind.

Das RKI schreckte wenig, was Gates und China gefiel. Aufgeschreckt hingegen war man laut Protokollen von einer "Mahnwache am Nordufer": Zwei Personen wurden gesichtet. Scheinbar lagen beim RKI die Nerven blank, wenn man ihnen auch nur von weitem auf die Finger schaute. Dafür wird es höchste Zeit: Nun darf man gespannt sein auf die nächsten Protokolle für den Zeitraum ab April 2021, deren Veröffentlichung bereits angekündigt wurde.

@ dfe02069:d3e2fa29

Vorab eine Warnung: Der Rezensent ist befangen. Denn er ist ein ehemaliger Klient des zu besprechenden Autors. Nachdem der Trailer des von mir co-produzierten Corona-Dokumentarfilms „Pandamned" von YouTube binnen Minuten gelöscht worden war, schalteten wir Anwalt Steinhöfel ein. Einstweilige Verfügung, Eilverfahren, was man eben so macht im Rechtsstaat. Steinhöfel gewann den Fall, man könnte sagen: verlässlich, denn keiner gewinnt in Deutschland so oft gegen die Internetgiganten in Presse- und Meinungssachen, wie Steinhöfel: gut 90% der Fälle.

Doch was bedeutet heute schon „vor Gericht siegen"? Unser Fall zeigte mir, wie dysfunktional die Deutsche Justiz geworden ist. Eilverfahren sind eine Sache von Tagen. Das Gericht entscheidet nach summarischer Prüfung in Form einer Interessenabwägung. Das „Eilverfahren" der Berliner Richter dauerte ein Jahr. Der Trailer des Films wurde wieder online gestellt als der Film auf der unzensierbaren Plattform Rumble bereits über 1 Million Aufrufe hatte. Pyrrhus-Siege im Reich der Neuen Normalität nach dem Motto: „Wenn du schon gewinnst, soll es dir maximal wenig nützen." Danke für nichts.

Viele kennen ihn noch als Werbegesicht von Media Markt („gut, dass wir verglichen haben"; „ich bin doch nicht blöd"), einige schon mehr als Publizisten in Zeitungen und Blogs, der mit seiner Meinung nicht hinterm Berg hält. In Rechtssachen ist er als Anwalt wohl am ehesten das, was man im hybriden Informationskrieg anerkennend ein echtes „Frontschwein" nennen darf. Steinhöfel operiert an vorderster Front. Er tritt dabei nicht selten gegen die hochbezahlten Anwälte von Großkanzleien an, die im Auftrag von Facebook, Google & Co. tätig sind. Diese füttern die Gerichte mit Papierbergen aus immer gleichen Textbausteine, während er den Dreh des Falles finden muss, um durchzudringen. Eine kleine "David gegen Goliath"-Geschichte gehört ebenfalls zu diesem Geschäft. In seinem Buch gibt Steinhöfel nun einen seltenen Einblick in seine Tätigkeit und entwirft damit gleichzeitig ein Panorama dessen, was man in Deutschland noch öffentlich sagen darf. Ein Buch wie ein Kriegsbericht von der Maginot-Linie der Meinungsfreiheit.

Löschungen, Kanalsperrungen, Antisemitismus-Vorwürfe, Zensur, Fact-Checker, Hass & Hetze: Der öffentliche Debattenraum ist längst zu einem ideologischen Minenfeld geworden. Politische Sichtverzerrungen treffen auf eine über Jahrzehnte gewachsene Judikatur, auf dass am Ende hoffentlich auch nur erlaubt sei, was der aktuellen Sache gerade am besten dient. War es zuletzt in der Weimarer Republik (die bekanntlich kein gutes Ende nahm) so schlimm? Man kann Tucholsky neben Steinhöfel legen und sehen, dass die Blindheit auf dem „rechten Auge" von damals sich nun auf das „linke Auge" gelegt hat. Der politische Kampf und der rechtliche Kampf vermischen sich.

So zuletzt auch im Fall Julian Reichelt gegen die Deutsche Bundesregierung. Reichelt hatte getwittert, dass die deutsche Regierung Entwicklungshilfe in Millionenhöhe an die Taliban leistet, was zu einer einstweiligen Verfügung und einem Gerichtsverfahren gegen ihn führte. Steinhöfel nahm sich des Falles an und reichte Klage gegen den deutschen Staat ein, da Reichelt sich in seinem Recht auf freie Meinungsäußerung verletzt sah. Dieses Recht hat der Staat nicht, er kann sich nur auf schützenswerte Eigeninteressen stützen. Kurios an diesem Fall: Der Deutsche Staat wollte sich doch tatsächlich auf eine „schwerwiegende Funktionsbeeinträchtigung" berufen. Ein Tweet und der Staat geht in die Knie? Wirklich? Wenn der Staat durch den Tweet eines Journalisten in seiner Funktion beeinträchtigt werden sollte, hat er dann nicht gewichtigere Probleme?

Die Zeiten ändern sich eben sichtlich und wer die Nase in die Luft hebt (oder in das Buch Steinhöfels hält) bekommt den Geruch der Neuen Zeit etwas früher mit. Es ist ein abgestandener, dumpf-modriger Geruch eines unausgelüfteten Kollektivbewusstseins, welches Andersdenkende lieber zum Schweigen bringt als zu widerlegen. Die Twitter-Files haben bereits gezeigt, wie der Staat unliebsame Informationen in sozialen Netzwerken zensiert.

Zuerst betraf es Terrorinhalte, später ging es gegen russische Bots, jetzt gegen jegliche Form unliebsamer Information, selbst von hoch dekorierten Experten, wie in Zeiten von Corona. Der Geist der Ideologie befällt die Politik früh und die Instrumente des Rechts etwas später; doch irgendwann gestaltet die Ideologie auch das Recht um. Dann spätestens wird die Rechtsanwaltstätigkeit zur Spiegelfechterei. Steinhöfels Buch ist ein Warnruf, ob noch zur „rechten Zeit", wird sich zeigen. Wer sein Buch aufschlägt, bekommt eine kleine Endoskopie des deutschen Rechtsstaats in Form einer Fallsammlung von „worst-cases", vorgetragen in einer plaudernden Schnodder-Sprache, die man in jeder Bar und an jedem Wurststand der Republik versteht. Möge die Botschaft auch in den Justizministerien von Bund- und Ländern verstanden werden!

Joachim Steinhöfel, Die digitale Bevormundung: Wie Facebook, X (Twitter) und Google uns vorschreiben wollen, was wir denken, schreiben und sagen dürfen, FBV (2024), 224 Seiten, SFr. 28.90/17.26 Euro

Die Rezension erschien auch in der Weltwoche.

Unsere Aufarbeitungsserie "Gretchen entschwärzt" füllt sich langsam und auch aus Ihrem Kreis sind schon die ersten dabei. Sie wollen Ihre Corona-Geschichte erzählen? Melden Sie sich bei gretchenschindler\@proton.me

Über das Thema Aufarbeitung (u.a.) durfte ich vor kurzem mit Petra Führich sprechen, hier geht es zum Gespräch:

@ b540f73c:0d81f955

Test - 001

Test #Testing

Testing this article post.

Image 1 https://i.nostr.build/XVMyZ.gif

Image 2 https://i.nostr.build/3PAql.gif

Image 3 4 5 6 https://i.nostr.build/O4agA.gif https://i.nostr.build/vGZ7k.gif https://i.nostr.build/lLEYe.gif

Image 7 https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTVgFjrG_0zAzNLWLo6OULuFynY2haCp9RgrQ&s

This is a Test. This note is testing stuff. Testing... Testing.... Testing...

DidIMentionThisIsATest

@ 64acd5df:8f2159da

_

@ e5272de9:a16a102f

The Grapevine is designed to digest raw data, no matter where you can find it. This is made possible through the process of interpretation.

Interpretation: the process of converting a source of raw data into a format suitable for consumption by the grapevine algorithm

format of Grapevine ratings

The Grapevine is designed to take as input a list of ratings that follow a specialized format, which we will refer to as Grapevine ratings.

Each rating must contain the following 4 to 6 fields: - rater - ratee - score - confidence - context (optional) - rating type (optional)

rater

The author of the rating. Often will be a pubkey or an npub, but could be username, etc.

ratee

The person, place, or thing being rated. This could be a pubkey, an event id or naddr, or a simple string, e.g. the title of a movie.

score

usually a number, but could be a boolean, an item on a list, etc.

confidence

a number between 0 and 1 (i.e. 0 and 100 percent) that represents the confidence of the rater in the score. For example: If Alice rates Bob as highly skilled in some context, and this is based on working with him for many years, she may rate him 9/10 with a confidence of 0.9 (90 percent). On the other hand, suppose she considers him worthy of a 9/10 rating, but this is based on only one brief interaction. In this case, she may rate him 9/10 but with a confidence of 0.05 (5 percent).

context

a string. This may be omitted from the table if every rating in the table or dataset is of the same context (as may often be the case).

rating type

a string that indicates the type of rating: 5 star, true or false, etc. This may be omitted from the table if every rating in the table or dataset is of the same rating type (as may often be the case).

Example interpretation: follows and mutes

A good way to bootstrap a list of nostr users minus the bots, scams, and other bad actors is to make use of the follows and mutes lists, as is done at brainstorm.

The interpretation of a follow is the following Grapevine Rating: - rater: pk_Alice - ratee: pk_Bob - score: 1 - confidence: 0.05

The interpretation of a mute is the following Grapevine Rating: - rater: pk_Alice - ratee: pk_Charlie - score: 0 - confidence: 0.1

Grapevine Ratings Tables

A list of ratings may be referred to as a Grapevine Ratings Table or a Grapevine Ratings Dataset (if in some non-table format, such as an object).

In the below example, the rating type (0 to 5 stars) and context (item quality) columns are the same for each row in the table and so are omitted.

| rater | ratee | score | confidence | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | pk_Alice | item1 | 4 | 0.5 | | pk_Bob | item1 | 5 | 0.9 | | pk_Alice | item2 | 0 | 0.1 |

Sources of Raw Data

| Some Suggested Sources of Raw Data | | --- | | follows, mutes, zaps | | kind 1 and long form notes | | NIP-51 lists | | kind 7 reactions | | NIP-32 labels | | NIP-58 badges | | nostr forms (e.g. see formstr) |

@ 361d3e1e:50bc10a8

https://forex-strategy.com/2024/09/08/there-cant-be-more-than-1-billion-people-on-earth-why/

There Can't Be More Than 1 Billion People On Earth - Why?

usa #research #politics #free #freespeech #population #truth #climate #climatechange

@ f9b0131e:f6bc259d

When it comes to industrial safety, protective equipment is non-negotiable. Whether you're working in construction, manufacturing, or chemical industries, ensuring that your workforce is equipped with the best safety gear is paramount. In Pakistan, MJS Traders has been a trusted name in safety products since 1989, offering high-quality gear like chemical resistant gloves and helmets in Karachi.

The Importance of Chemical Resistant Gloves One of the most crucial pieces of protective equipment in any industrial setup is chemical-resistant gloves. These gloves provide essential protection for workers who handle hazardous chemicals, ensuring that their hands remain safe from corrosive and toxic substances. At MJS Traders, we offer a wide range of chemical-resistant gloves, suitable for various industries such as:

Manufacturing Laboratories Chemical Handling Pharmaceuticals Our gloves are designed to resist not just chemicals, but also punctures, cuts, and abrasions, providing workers with complete protection in even the most hazardous environments. From nitrile to neoprene materials, MJS Traders ensures that only the most reliable gloves are available to protect your employees from potential dangers.

Expanding Beyond Gloves: Helmets in Karachi While chemical-resistant gloves protect your hands, protecting the head is equally important, especially in industries like construction, engineering, and heavy machinery operations. Head injuries can be fatal or life-changing, making helmets in Karachi a necessity in many sectors.

At MJS Traders, we provide a wide selection of helmets that meet international safety standards. Our helmets are designed to offer protection from falling objects, electrical hazards, and even extreme weather conditions. As a business based in Karachi, we understand the industrial demands in Pakistan, and our helmets are tailored to withstand the unique challenges workers face in the region.

Key Features of Helmets from MJS Traders: Durable Construction: Made from high-quality materials to offer robust protection. Comfortable Fit: Designed for long working hours without causing discomfort. Adjustability: Comes with adjustable straps to fit any head size securely. Ventilation: Built-in ventilation systems to keep workers cool, especially during Karachi’s hot summers. Compliance with Safety Standards: Our helmets adhere to global and local safety standards to ensure maximum protection for the wearer. Why Choose MJS Traders? MJS Traders has been a leading supplier of safety gear in Pakistan for over 30 years. Our focus has always been on providing the highest quality products that offer durability, comfort, and maximum protection for industrial workers. Since our inception in 1989, we have expanded our product range and services, becoming one of the top safety product providers in Karachi and beyond.

Here are a few reasons why MJS Traders should be your go-to choice for safety gear:

Unmatched Quality: We source our products from the most reputable manufacturers, ensuring that you get the best in the market. Competitive Pricing: Our pricing is competitive, ensuring that you get the best value for your money without compromising on quality. Exceptional Customer Service: With over three decades of experience, our team is dedicated to helping you find the right safety products for your needs. Industry Expertise: We understand the specific safety needs of various industries in Pakistan, from chemical handling to construction, and our products reflect that expertise. Safeguard Your Workforce with MJS Traders In any industrial environment, safety should be the top priority. Whether it's chemical resistant gloves or helmets in Karachi, MJS Traders has you covered with a wide range of reliable and durable products. We are committed to keeping the workforce of Pakistan safe by providing industry-leading protective gear that meets the highest standards.

Visit us at MJS Traders today to explore our complete range of safety products, including helmets, gloves, coveralls, and more. Experience the perfect blend of quality and affordability that has made MJS Traders a leader in the safety product market for over three decades. Whether you are looking for head protection, chemical-resistant gloves, or other essential safety gear, MJS Traders is your one-stop solution for all your safety needs in Pakistan.

@ 09fbf8f3:fa3d60f0

由于telegram的政策调整，不允许滥用telegraph匿名上传图片了。 导致之前通过telegraph搭建的图床无法上传（已上传的能正常查看）。

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有人通过原项目的基础上分支另外项目，可以通过频道上传图片。

项目是通过cloudflare pages搭建的。 - 项目地址：https://github.com/MarSeventh/CloudFlare-ImgBed

项目的教程很详细，具体去看项目教程。

telegram设置：

• 需要有telegram账号
• 通过@BotFather创建一个telegram机器人，并获取api key。
• 创建一个频道，获取频道id，通过转发一条消息到 @VersaToolsBot机器人可以查看频道id。
• 一定要添加创建的机器人到频道作为管理员才能使用。

cloudflare的设置

• 通过git项目部署，设置变量：TG_BOT_TOKEN和TG_CHAT_ID就基本可以使用了。
• 如果需要后台，需要添加kv空间，并在设置里面的函数，选择对应的kv空间，如图：
• BASIC_USER 后台登陆名
• BASIC_PASS 后台密码
• AUTH_CODE 鉴权，防止别人使用，设置后，别人使用必须输入这个。

其他

• 成人内容屏蔽
• pico 使用api接口 去项目地址看

最后

我搭建的地址： https://imgbed.lepidus.me

@ 41fa852b:af7b7706

“Progress is precisely that which the rules and regulations did not foresee; it is the forging ahead into new and unexplored territory.” —Ludwig von Mises

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September is here already!

Murmurs this week of a new Bitcoin market in London suggest that Tooting may not have been a one-off but rather the beginning of a larger trend. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks.

If your town has an indoor market, now might be the perfect time to talk to the owner about adopting Bitcoin as a payment option. Should you generate interest and need help with setup or spreading the word, reach out to Bridge2Bitcoin for support.

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This week’s sponsor is…

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Upcoming Bitcoin Meetups

A solid week of meetups ahead for this week...

1. Dundee Bitcoin: Join them on the 2nd Monday of every month from 5:30 to 8:30 PM at The Wine Press, 16 Shore Terrace, Dundee DD1 3DN. This month’s meetup is on the 9th. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
2. Bitcoin 101: Discover bitcoin wallets, nodes, privacy, and other key topics. The class is customised to ensure everyone is challenged. It's a 1.5-hour session on Tuesday 10th from 7 - 8:30 PM, please arrive ahead of time. 🔐
3. Canterbury Bitcoin: Meeting in The Millers Arms in Canterbury. An informal meet up to discuss bitcoin and chat. Feel free to suggest topics or agenda items. Everyone welcome. 🍺
4. CBDC's - The Silent Attack on British Democracy?: Are these digital currencies just another tool for government overreach, threatening our freedoms and privacy? Join Bitcoin Policy UK for a discussion with speakers including author Nick Anthony, Professor Kevin Dowd, Freddie New from Bitcoin Policy UK, David Rennie, from the Digital Pound Foundation’s Identity and Privacy Working Group and moderated by Susie Ward, co-founder of Bitcoin Policy UK. September 11th 👁️
5. Bitcoin Liverpool: Thursday September 12th at 6:30pm, in the Railway pub on Tithebarn Street, L2 2DT. 🍺
6. Berkshire Bitcoiners: Berkshire Bitcoiners next meet up is on Thursday 12th September 7.00pm, at the Volunteer, Church St, Theale, Reading RG7 5BX. 🍻
7. Bitcoin Walk - Edinburgh**: Every Saturday they walk around Arthur's Seat in this historic city. Join them at 12 pm to chat about all things Bitcoin and keep fit. 🚶🏻🚶🏻‍♀️🚶‍♂️

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New Businesses Accepting Bitcoin

Just one business this week. Great work from OPD for another success.

• Istanbul Turkish Barber Penzance: Now accepting bitcoin. Men's Haircuts. Women's Hair Styling, Hair Dye & Colouring.
• Jerome the Gnome - Garden Services: A trained and experienced gardener offering garden and grounds maintenance services across central Oxfordshire. Hourly rate is £30 now accepting bitcoin.

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Upcoming Special Events

These events aren’t happening next week, but they’re important to add to your calendar now as tickets are selling fast.

• Bitcoin Racing - Networking Experience: Missing the roar of engines at Brands Hatch? Join us on September 26th for an adrenaline-filled event that blends high-speed thrills with valuable business networking. Take exhilarating passenger rides in a JCW MINI with Chris Mackenzie, connect with industry leaders during networking sessions featuring speakers from companies like Archax and Green Mining DAO, and sharpen your skills with professional driver tuition in the Bitcoin Racing C1 car. Enjoy complimentary lunch, beverages, and test your limits with sim racing experiences. This is the ultimate experience for motorsport enthusiasts and business professionals alike. Book your spot now! 🏁
  

• Southampton Trip to Real Bedford: The Satoshi Society in Southampton are pleased to announce an upcoming trip to cheer on the Pirates in their league game against Ware on Saturday the 28th of September. All meetups around the country are welcome to join them. After the game, there will be food and drinks in Bedford at La Terrazza and The Auction Room. Check out the link for more details. ⚽️🍺
  

• Bitcoin Whitepaper Party: Celebrate Bitcoin’s 16th birthday on Bitcoin Whitepaper Day at the Dockside Vaults this Halloween. Currently, you can buy two tickets for £28.68 as an early bird deal, the regular price is £21.40 for a single ticket. Get involved with the chocolate-making workshop with Roger9000. Enjoy a performance by Roger9000 and DJ sets from MadMunky, itsTOMEKK, and ZAZAWOWOW. The party kicks off at 19:30. Bitcoin is accepted at the venue, and you can also pay for tickets with Bitcoin here.

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Get Involved

• Volunteer Opportunities: Bridge2Bitcoin is actively seeking volunteers who share our passion for merchant adoption. We'd be delighted to connect if you're eager to contribute. Reach out to us on Twitter or through our website.
• Start Your Own Meetup: Interested in launching a Bitcoin meetup? We’re here to support you every step of the way. We’ve assisted numerous UK Bitcoin meetups in getting started. Get in touch via Twitter.
• Telegram users: You might find our Telegram Channel another useful way to keep up-to-date with UK meetups.
• Feedback and Suggestions: We value your input! Share your ideas on how we can enhance this newsletter.

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This week’s newsletter is sponsored by…

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Products I Endorse

Laser Eyes Cards: Bolt Cards with laser eyes. Worldwide shipping. Visit lasereyes.cards/buy-now.

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Get out and support the meetups where you can, visit Bitcoin Events UK for more info on each meetup and to find your closest on the interactive map.

Stay tuned for more updates next week!

Simon.

@ d52f4f20:98efcdfb

original post 28/12/2010 .net

Para você que se sente meio preso ao instalar o Ubuntu, pois ele já vem pronto para um usuário final, mas isso não me agrada parece que perco o espirito de liberdade.

Mas o ponto forte Ubuntu são suas atualizações, então eu fui em busca de como fazer uma instalação customizada somente com os pacotes do Ubuntu. Depois de muita pesquisa e anos de experiência com linux desenvolvi o que chamo de instalação mínima

Alguns conceitos da minha instalação – Não tem gerenciador de login gráfico. – Precisar habilitar o root, na unha e você usa isso. – Não tem menus, os aplicativos são chamados via tecla de atalho ou docks. – Não tem menu para desligar. – Não é um desktop, usa apenas um gerenciador de Janelas. – Aqui tudo é minimalista, não é bonito também não quer dizer que é feio, é apenas simples faz o necessário. – Não importa a versão do ubuntu, atual ou não essa técnica quase nunca mudará.

Seria bom/Pré-Requisitos – Se você tem conceitos de particionamento. – Se você já instalou um Debian. – Se você sabe usar o vim. – Conexão com internet via placa de rede 10/100 (sim tem que ser assim).

Introdução A idéia é usar a instalação mínima do Ubuntu (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation/MinimalCD), onde é bem parecida com a NetInstall do Debian. Iremos baixar a imagem(12 ~ 13MB) do link acima e queimar em um cd rom e dar boot.

Vamos usar o assistente de instalação, e não selecionaremos nenhum pacote na instalação, tudo sera instalado via linha de comando usando o apt. Pra quem já instalou usando o anaconda da RedHat não terá problemas, qualquer ser capaz de ler consegue instalar. Esta é a primeira tela exibida após o boot, selecione o menu

Va seguindo o instalador conforme as telas, não quer que eu fique explicando tudo né?

Coloque o nome que quiser, este é o nome da sua maquina pense em algo inspirador.

Aqui você estara selecionando daonde pacotes serão baixados.

Se não tiver proxy de um [enter], se tiver pesquise no google como configurar.

Chegamos a parte onde todo usuário de windows faz cagada, na configuração das particões, bom use o método manual, não vou entrar em detalhes, pra esse tutorial eu criei uma partição só.

Após criar, FINISH!

Aguarde, vai demorar, o instalador esta baixando o minimo para poder instalar o sistema, no debian o cd é de 170mb essa parte é mais rápida.

O nome do usuario, eu coloquei “lion”, coloque ai o seu usuário.

senha é bom por né.

Aqui você tem a opção de encriptar seus dados, tudo que estiver no /home/ você deve pro governo? eu encriptei.

Aqui você pode selecionar a primeira opção, eu prefiro atualizar manualmente.

Neste tela desmarque tudo, isso faz você ser o cara livre do sistema, aguarde pois vai demorar.

Grub é o gerenciador de boot, instale ele ai sem medo.

Cara se você chegou nessa tela eu já estou orgulhoso, pois provavelmente não fez nenhuma cagada.

Logue-se com seu usuário, meu caso “lion” (que coisa gay figura 24 ainda).

**Apartir daqui acabou as figurinhas fio, espero que você saiba o mínimo de VI.

Torna-se root Isso é primordio no linux, sempre somos o ROOT, o Ubuntu tem essa filosofia para você não fazer cagada, mas na vida uma boa técnica de aprendizado é fazendo cagada, então vamos habilitar o root. Calma usaremos o root para tarefas como instalar novos software, mas a execução e configuração de nosso ambiente será com nosso usuário.

$ sudo passwd root

Pronto a partir de agora os comandos começados com # quer dizer que você tem que estar logado como root, e quando estiver $ você deve executar com seu usuário.

Loge-se como root vamos usar bastante de um $su ou entre num novo tty como root.

Instalando o vim

```

apt-get install vim

``` (repare # você tem que estar logado como root)

Removendo o boot-splash Amigos estamos falando de uma maquina limpa, o boot splash só come memória. Faça um backup antes e depois edite o arquivo “/boot/grub/grub.cfg” procure a palavra splash e apague somente ela e salve o arquivo. É necessário dar diretos de gravação e depois volte como somente leitura.

Removendo Mensagem de boas vindas MOTD Logo após o login, é exibida uma mensagem de boas vindas enorme do ubuntu, eu não gosto dela, nem do debian eu gostava e eu a removia editando o script “/etc/init.d/boot-misc.sh” mas no ubuntu esse arquivo não existe. Depois de muito fuçar eu descobri que removendo os arquivos do diretorio “/etc/update-motd.d/” a mensagem some, pra mim basta, também removi o conteudo do arquivo /var/run/motd ;

UPDATE Dica do comentário do Marcelo Godim Ele é gerenciado pelo pam_motd basta ir em /etc/pam.d nos arquivos “login” e “sshd” e comentar essas linhas abaixo: login:

session optional pam_motd.so

sshd:

session optional pam_motd.so # [1]

Mudando mensagem da versão

Dica velha edite o arquivo “/etc/issue” coloque o que preferir.

——Se você não precisa de modo gráfico a instalação terminou aqui.

Alterando o sources.list adicionando outros repositórios

Edite o arquivo /etc/apt/sources.list e deixe assim, basicamente adicionados pacotes do site Medibuntu, se prefereir siga esses passos é melhor do que editar o arquivo.

Instalando o resto dos pacotes

apt-get install xserver-xorg xinit alsa-base alsa-utils openbox obconf obmenu feh nitrogen tint2 k3b conky gmrun pcmanfm gtk-theme-switch ssh smbfs smbclient dosfstools setserial usbutils leafpad x11-apps openbox-themes terminator chromium-browser xcompmgr gcc g++ openjdk-6-jdk mysql-server mysql-query-browser gftp gcc-avr avrdude imagemagick gparted ntfs-3g file-roller zip unrar gpicview gtk2-engines gnome-icon-theme-gartoon vim unace rar unrar zip unzip p7zip-full p7zip-rar sharutils uudeview mpack lha arj cabextract file-roller pidgin pidgin-data pidgin-lastfm pidgin-guifications msn-pecan pidgin-musictracker pidgin-plugin-pack pidgin-themes mplayer vlc cairo-dock w32codecs audacious

Vai dormir, seila vai baixar ai uns 500mb, você pode tirar ou por o que quiser ai isso é minha instalação.

Como entrar no modo gráfico?

Logue-se com seu usuário

$startx

O comando antigo, simples, que dei a primeira vez no meu conectiva 4.

Este é o resultado final, mas para isso vamos algumas dicas.

Toda incialização dos aplicativos eu concentrei no .config/openbox/autostart.sh segue o meu ai

```

Set desktop wallpaper

nitrogen –restore &

Enable Eyecandy – off by default

xcompmgr -cCfF -r7 -o.65 -l-10 -t-8 &

Launch network manager applet

(sleep 4s && nm-applet) &

Launch clipboard manager

(sleep 1s && parcellite) &

Uncomment to enable system updates at boot

(sleep 180s && system-update) &

cairo-dock &

Launch Conky

conky -q &

Launch panel

tint2 & ``` Configurando teclas de atalho, edite o arquivo .config/openbox/rc.xml, vá até a seção keybinds as minhas são essas abaixo:

<keybind key=”W-a”><action name=”Execute”> <execute>audacious</execute></action></keybind><keybind key=”W-1″><action name=”Execute”> <execute>xcompmgr -cCfF -r7 -o.65 -l-10 -t-8</execute></action></keybind><keybind key=”W-2″><action name=”Execute”> <execute>pkill xcompmgr</execute></action></keybind><keybind key=”W-a”><action name=”Execute”> <execute>audacious</execute></action></keybind><keybind key=”W-e”><action name=”Execute”> <execute>pcmanfm</execute></action></keybind><keybind key=”W-g”><action name=”Execute”> <startupnotify> <enabled>true</enabled> <name>transset</name> </startupnotify> <command>transset .50</command></action></keybind><keybind key=”W-h”><action name=”Execute”> <startupnotify><enabled>true</enabled><name>transset 1</name></startupnotify><command>transset 1</command></action></keybind><keybind key=”W-l”><action name=”Execute”><startupnotify><enabled>true</enabled><name>Lock screen</name></startupnotify><command>gnome-screensaver-command -l</command></action></keybind><keybind key=”W-t”><action name=”Execute”><execute>terminator</execute></action></keybind><keybind key=”W-r”> <action name=”Execute”> <execute>gmrun</execute> </action></keybind>

Pesquise como instalar temas GTK, configurar o TINT2 (desk bar), Cairo Dock, também tem muitas configurações de openbox na internet.

Esse tutorial vem de anos de convivio com linux, é duro passar tudo a limpo aqui, uma dica e testar o Linux Crunch-Bang aprendi muitas customizações com ele.

blog #tech

@ f387de18:c5f3a0ff

Now that your new sod lawn has been installed, it is now up to you to ensure that it thrives. The most important factor (arguably over 95%) in your lawn’s early success is proper watering.

Ensuring proper watering from day 1 will ensure that your sod survives until it establishes roots. Use this guide as a baseline and adjust based on weather conditions. If your lawn receives rainfall, then water less. In cases of extreme heat or wind, increase the watering frequency or duration.

Watering your new lawn is the same whether you have inground irrigation or not. The goal is to keep the sod moist without soaking it. Every lawn is unique so adjust your watering process as you get to know your lawn.

We recommend to begin by watering your lawn twice per day for roughly 10 minutes for each session. Your first watering should be early in the morning, followed by another in the afternoon.

For those irrigation systems, this means 10 minutes per zone twice a day. If you are using movable sprinklers, ensure every section of the lawn is watered for 10 minutes.

Early morning watering is crucial as it allows sufficient time for the water to soak into the grass and soil before the sun rises and evaporates a significant amount of water.

The final step is checking your sod around 5pm daily. Gently pull up the edge of a piece of sod in each area of your lawn. If the soil is bone dry, perform another watering. If the ground is soaked and water is pooling, reduce your watering time or switch to once a day.

Different sections of your lawn will have varying needs. Areas with direct sunlight will require more water, while shades areas will need less. Sloped areas will need more, and low points will need less. The goal remains to keep the grass moist. Spot spray dry areas or run your irrigation in zones that require more water.

Use this as a guide as reference, recognizing that every sprinkler is unique and some irrigation systems may have gaps. Keep the sod consistently moist, and let the sun l take care of the rest!

Are you ready for the lawn that you have always wanted? If you are in the Niagara region, give Lawnjunkie a shout for a free estimate today! If you don't live in the area, checkout our lawncare blog or reach out to us on Nostr for any lawn tips!

@ 1123ece2:7d1e00c0

Welcome to The Refinery.

“Amen and Amen” is the theme for the coming Sunday mornings.

This series is a study from the Psalms, in which the psalmist gives voice to prayers that resound in our hearts today.

Today we are discussing, The Prayers of a Depressed Saint.

Todays Text is

Psalm 13:1 NKJV

Trust in the Salvation of the Lord

1 How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?\ How long will You hide Your face from me?

Scripture Reading

Psalm 13:1-6 NKJV

1 How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?\ How long will You hide Your face from me?

2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul,\ Having sorrow in my heart daily?\ How long will my enemy be exalted over me?

3 Consider and hear me, O Lord my God;\ Enlighten my eyes,\ Lest I sleep the sleep of death;

4 Lest my enemy say,\ “I have prevailed against him”;\ Lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.

5 But I have trusted in Your mercy;\ My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.

6 I will sing to the Lord,\ Because He has dealt bountifully with me.

Introduction.

The Psalms present a record of the life of God’s people in all of its dimensions.

In the Psalms, we find high worship experiences in which praise is being offered to God, but we also find sorrow and grief.

We find perplexing questions and expressions of faith.

But we also find expressions of despair.

Psalm 13, for instance, presents the prayer of a man in deep depression.

Today we know that depression can be the result of many different factors.

Some people have a tendency toward depression due to hereditary factors.

Others experience deep depression because of a chemical imbalance.

Depression may be caused by someone close.

It may be because of a negative way of thinking.

Depression is often the result of weariness and physical exhaustion.

Some experience depression because of utter helplessness.

Depression can accompany illness.

Others experience depression as death approaches.

All of us experience some depression because of impatience.

Devine chastisement is also a cause for depression.

Maybe this was the reason David was depressed and wrote this psalm.

1. A prayer during a time of depression.

Have you ever prayed to God when it seemed He had forgotten you?

Does God really forget His children?

Have you ever prayed when it seemed God had turned his face away from you?

The psalmist was depressed by the length of the suffering he was experiencing in his soul.

The psalmist was so depressed that he experienced sorrow in his heat throughout the day.

The psalmist was depressed because of the victory of his enemy over him.

Many have experienced depression because of the victory of satan over them.

2. A cry for help while in a state of depression.

It is exceedingly difficult to pray effectively when we are in the depths of despair, suffering the pains of depression.

Nevertheless, we may need to pray a prater of confession nd ask for cleansing.

The psalmist continued to pry even in his despair.

In times like these, we need to study God’s word and recognise our relationship to Him and continue to come before Him as needs children.

3. The faith of the psalmist in depression.

The psalmist was able to continue to trust in the steadfast love of God.

Many times a person suffering depression finds it impossible to believe that god continues to love them.

The psalmist had faith believe that he would yet rejoice in the great salvation of God.

Perhaps the psalmist had this assurance because he believed that God would forgive him and cleanse him.

The psalmist decided to sing unto the Lord because he was confident that God would deal bountifully and graciously with him.

Conclusion.

Depression in one form or another will be the experience of us all somewhere along the road of life.

Depression must be dealt with or we will live a life of misery.

God is good.

He loves us.

He works for good in everything that life brings us.

If our depression is due to the discipline of our heavenly Father, let us rejoice rather than be discouraged.

Let us look up because something good is going to happen. 

Until next time

Stay in the Blessings

I really want to encourage you to be diligent with your Bible study time, because God has so much more for us than we can get from just going to church once or twice a week and hearing someone else talk about the Word.

When you spend time with God, your life will change in amazing ways, because God is a Redeemer.

Theres nothing thats too hard for Him, and He can make you whole, spirit, soul and body!

You’re important to God, and you’re important to us at The Refinery.

When it comes to prayer, we believe that God wants to meet your needs and reveal His promises to you.

So whatever you’re concerned about and need prayer for we want to be here for you! Or even if you just want to say Hi, you can contact us at www.refinerylife.org

2024 IS A YEAR OF DECISIONS AND OPEN DOORS

© www.refinerylife.org  2013-2024 All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968, no part of this Article may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, communicated or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission. 

This episode is brought to you by Refinery Life Australia:

If you enjoy The Refinery Life Radio Podcast you can help support The Refinery by doing the following:

Sow an offering:

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If you do send an offering then please email us so that we can say thank you

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@ c6f7077f:ad5d48fd

“The more you learn about something, the more you realize you know nothing.” This saying resonates deeply with me. The truth is, no one really has all the big answers. Many in the scientific community seem to pretend they do. Let’s explore this further.

Consider the Most Fundamental Questions

1. The Origin of the Universe
2. The Origin of Life on Earth

The Origin of the Universe

You might think we have a solid answer: the Big Bang. However, this explanation has its limitations, and calling it a “start” can be misleading. In fact, this theory might be entirely wrong. New research challenges the Big Bang theory, and I highly recommend listening to Sir Roger Penrose for a deeper understanding.

The only substantial evidence we have is the universe's expansion. Penrose proposes a different hypothesis: the endless expansion and contraction of the universe. This idea doesn’t contradict our current understanding.

Thus, the evidence for the Big Bang and Penrose’s theory are both radically different, yet neither can be definitively proven over the other. This highlights the limitations of our current understanding.

The Origin of Life on Earth

The origin of life is even more complex. Life requires three essential components: - Proteins for basic functioning - RNA for storing and replicating genes - Lipids (cell walls) to create separation from the environment

Mathematical models suggest that while proteins and lipids have a reasonable probability of forming, the creation of RNA seems nearly impossible through random mutations in a short time frame. The best explanations indicate that we either lack crucial information or that these RNA molecules—and life as a whole—might have come from outside sources. Some scholars even question the entire random mutation model.

The Question of Certainty

If scientists don’t know the answers, why do they pretend they do? In my humble opinion, It seems they do this to distance science from religion and to close the discussion before the wealthiest can fit God into the narrative, Interestingly, I’m not alone in believing they closed the books too early.

Reclaiming Control of Science and Education

The best way to reclaim control of science and education is to learn. If you’re looking for a starting point, I highly recommend: - “A Brief History of Time” by Stephen Hawking for physics - “Sapiens” or “The Selfish Gene” for evolutionary biology

All three are excellent starting points—densely packed with information and covering a wide range of topics in a concise and accessible manner.

@ 6bae33c8:607272e8

With all five of my football drafts/auctions in the books, here's the portfolio I've amassed for 2024, not including the RotoWire Dynasty League:

Links: BCL1, BCL2, BCL3, Steak League, Primetime

Players in whom I have the most shares:

QB: Justin Fields (4), CJ Stroud (2), Anthony Richardson (2), Tua Tagovailoa (2)

RB: Jonathan Brooks (2), Brian Robinson (2), Jerome Ford (2), Jordan Mason (2), JK Dobbins (2), Khalil Herbert (2), Dalvin Cook (2)

WR: Stefon Diggs (5), Ja’Marr Chase (3), Rashid Shaheed (3), Ladd McConkey (2), Roman Wilson (2)

TE: Jonnu Smith (3)

K: Younghoe Koo (3), Harrison Butker (2)

D: Giants (4)

Notes:

Obviously, I thought Stefon Diggs was mispriced, though I only had to pay close to what I thought he was worth in the Primetime — in the rest of the leagues he fell to me at ADP or below. He and Ja’Marr Chase are massively important to me this year, and to a lesser extent CJ Stroud.

I also have Justin Fields and the Giants defense everywhere, but both were essentially free, and I could swap them out without issue. I also have a lot of Younghoe Koo, but he too could obviously be swapped out. I like having a couple key players to build around rather than five disparate teams. Of course if Diggs gets hurt or turns out to be washed up, it’ll be rough, but in some ways it’s like the old days where you had only one team, and you had to live and die with it.

Prominent Players I Don't Have (bold is by choice):

Bijan Robinson, Tyreek Hill, Breece Hall, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Justin Jefferson, Garrett Wilson, A.J. Brown, Jonathan Taylor, Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Saquon Barkley, Chris Olave, Rashee Rice, Kyren Williams, Travis Etienne, Cooper Kupp, Isiah Pacheco, Michael Pittman, Nico Collins, DK Metcalf, Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, Josh Allen, DJ Moore, Brandon Aiyuk, Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, James Cook, Terry McLaurin, Kenneth Walker, Xavier Worthy, Amari Cooper, Josh Jacobs, Trey McBride, George Pickens, Lamar Jackson, Christian Kirk, Tee Higgins, Calvin Ridley, Rachaad White, Jayden Reed, Diontae Johnson, Travis Kelce, Joe Mixon, Alvin Kamara, Christian Watson, Jalen Hurts, Aaron Jones, Patrick Mahomes, David Montgomery, Zamir White, Keenan Allen, Kyle Pitts, D’Andre Swift, George Kittle

Past Portfolios:

2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015

@ 6bae33c8:607272e8

I submitted my five picks for the Circa Millions contest today. I think it’s $6M in total prizes. I want to put a disclaimer here: I’m putting these behind a paywall not because you should pay for these picks — never pay for anyone’s picks.

If the picks were that good, whoever was making them could just print money and wouldn’t need yours. If you want to subscribe in earnest, do so because you’re interested to see who I chose and read the reasoning, not because you (erroneously) think it’s the way to get some easy winners. Or if you want to support my substack generally because you think it adds value to you. Those are fine reasons to subscribe, but doing so because you think copying my picks will make you money is dumb.

Okay that out of the way, here are the picks:

Dolphins -3.5 vs Jaguars — I like taking the Dolphins in early September, it’s hot and humid there, difficult for opposing teams to adjust to it. It’s like Lambeau Field in December, only in reverse. Moreover, the Dolphins are a veteran offense that’s played together for years, while the Jaguars are working in two new receivers.

Falcons -3.5 vs Steelers — Justin Fields is probably an upgrade over Russell Wilson at this point, but he’s haphazard and will have to learn the players and offense on the fly. The Falcons have a new QB too, but he’s an old pro, has better weapons and a better offensive line.

Giants +1 vs Vikings — The Giants have three Pro-Bowl level pass rushers, finally have a playmaking receiver and upgraded their offensive line this offseason. And yet despite facing Sam Darnold at home, they’re still getting a point.

Cardinals +6.5 at Bills — Kyler Murray is now another year removed from knee surgery, should be his usual spry self, and Marvin Harrison adds another dimension to the offense it sorely needed. The Bills will move the ball, but I think Arizona will hang with them and keep it close enough.

Browns -2 vs Cowboys — The Browns should be able to run the ball and keep the Dallas pass rush off Deshaun Watson, while Dallas’ offensive line has slipped a bit, and the Browns defense was No. 1 against the pass last year. Dak Prescott also has big home/road splits.

@ 6bae33c8:607272e8

This is my main event for fantasy football, the $1700 buy-in NFFC Primetime. I wound up picking 11th (I had the fourth to last choice), and while in retrospect maybe I should have opted for ninth or 10th, I wanted to get a share of Jahmyr Gibbs which is why I chose that slot. I also ran through some scenarios beforehand — what if Ja’Marr Chase (still not signed) falls — do I take him in a fourth league? But as you’ll see, the first round was complete chalk, and no windfalls whatsoever fell to me.

But I had a plan for that, and I more or less executed it.

Without further ado, here are the results:

1.11 Jahmyr Gibbs — This was the most likely scenario, and it took me about two seconds to make the pick once the top three backs and seven receivers were gone. If Gibbs (who is not on the injury report) hadn’t had a hamstring injury in camp, I’d have him close to the middle of the round rather than the end. Let’s hope he doesn’t aggravate it.

2.2 Marvin Harrison — I would have taken either Puka Nacua or Jonathan Taylor, but no breaks here either. Both went at the turn, and I knew I was taking a receiver. Starting RB-WR is the easiest build, in my opinion, but Harrison was kind of an agnostic pick. I had considered Rashee Rice, but as Alan Seslowsky pointed out, while his suspension for hit and run might not kick in until after the season (when the legal process has run its course), that could be pushed up if his lawyers negotiate a plea. Between that an the presence of so many options for the Chiefs, I went Harrison over him narrowly. But it was a close call.

3.2 Stefon Diggs — I missed Malik Nabers, Cooper Kupp, (maybe Jaylen Waddle) and De’Von Achane who went with the four consecutive picks ahead of me, so it was Diggs, Nico Collins (his teammate who has a higher ADP), DeVonta Smith or (maybe) Derrick Henry. I went Diggs who I had personally ranked the highest, wouldn’t make it back to me, who I have in every league and was part of my “unfriendly” draft plan, i.e., the Plan B I had talked about.

4.11 Tank Dell — He’s too small to hold up, but whenever he played he produced, and he gives me a bit of a Diggs hedge. I also wanted Trey McBride on this turn (as I had Marvin Harrison and could have drafted Kyler Murray — who I love this year — later), but he went on the turn. I thought about taking McBride first, but they were side by side in ADP, and my Plan B was to stack Texans, so I went Dell and took a chance.

5.2 Chris Godwin — This was the one pick I kind of regret (though it’s debatable.) I like Jayden Reed a lot, but he was half a round lower per ADP, and there was some chance I could get him on the way back. I had Godwin everywhere last year, and he was a disappointment, but apparently he’s healthier now and is going back to the slot full time where he excels.

6.11 Jaxon Smith-Njigba — The other pivot off Godwin was JSN, and sure enough he made it back all the way, though he starts off as my first bench player. That’s okay though — you need at least five viable receivers throughout the year, and I didn’t have to take C.J. Stroud because if the guy at the turn took him, I would just pivot to the Kyler Murray/Harrison stack.

7.2 C.J. Stroud — He was there, and I executed Plan B. Yes, I have a weak first three rounds by ADP, but I have Gibbs, Harrison and a big piece of the Texans passing game which I think will lead the NFL in yardage.

8.11 Jaylen Warren — I needed a second back, and Warren is one. He’s a good pass catcher and should see half the snaps in Pittsburgh.

9.2 Brian Robinson — I like Robinson as a player, he’s the undisputed early-down option on what should be a better offense. (Think Ricky Pearsall, but at RB.) Too soon? Austin Ekeler will obviously see the passing-down work unless he proves totally washed up. The Robinson pick cost me David Njoku and Brock Bowers unfortunately, which was a gamble I knew I was making.

10.11 Jordan Mason — At 29 and playing into the Super Bowl, Christian McCalfinjury was already a risk, and that he’s “expected” to play Monday night rather than 100 percent fine is worrying. Mason could be a league winner if McCaffrey goes down.

11.2 J.K. Dobbins — The Mason pick cost me Jaleel McLaughlin, so I pivoted to Dobbins who still has a high ceiling if he can ever stay healthy.

12.11 Dallas Goedert — Tight ends had flown off the board, but I was happy to get Goedert who has been valuable on a per-game basis the last couple years and is still just 29 which is late prime for the position.

13.2 Dalton Schultz — Why not stack it even harder? The Texans could throw for 5,000-plus yards, and I have three of the four top targets and the QB.

14.11 Andrei Iosivas — He’s gotten a lot of buzz in camp, seems like the No. 3 receiver right now, Tee Higgins is hurt and Ja’Marr Chase is still unsigned.

15.2 Cam Akers — The Iosivas pick cost me Jalen McMillan who would have served as Godwin insurance, but Akers could easily take an aging Joe Mixon’s job. Maybe it’s too much Houston, but if it’s a top-three offense, I’m good with it.

16.11 Justin Fields — The backup QBs had flown off the board, and Fields has too much upside to pass up. Plus he might even start Week 1 with Russell Wilson already hurt, and if he plays well, he might never look back.

17.2 Harrison Butker — It’s either the based af kicker or a Younghoe for me. Plus he locked in a decent Week 1.

18.11 Dalvin Cook — He had only 67 carries last year for a bad Jets offense. What if he isn’t as washed up as we think? He could easily win that job over Zeke Elliott and Rico Dowdle.

19.2 Jonnu Smith — TE is my weakest position, so I took another upside gamble. What if he’s the Dolphins third target?

20.11 Giants Defense — I think I took them in all four NFFC leagues. They get the Darnold Vikings at home and then Jayden Daniels in his second career start. And they have three Pro Bowl level pass rushers.

Roster By Position

QB CJ Stroud

RB Jahmyr Gibbs/Jaylen Warren

WR Marvin Harrison/Stefon Diggs/Tank Dell

TE Dallas Goedert

FLEX Chris Godwin

K Harrison Butker

D Giants

B Jaxon Smith-Njigba/Brian Robinson/Jordan Mason/JK Dobbins/Dalton Schultz/Andrei Iosivas/Cam Akers/Justin Fields/Dalvin Cook/Jonnu Smith

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Unfortunately, I didn’t have a ton of action in this game. I had the Packers with the points and am now 0-2 to start the week in my home picking pool. I had Xavier McKinney in the Steak League which was nice as like Roquan Smith he too started the year with a pick.

But I was missing the principal scorers namely Saquon Barkley (maybe I let the nerds talk me out of him, as I had him ranked highly initially) and Jayden Reed. Barkley I’m okay with because the potential for Jalen Hurts TDs was something I hadn’t initially considered, but Reed was a major error and in fact I passed on him for freaking Chris Godwin in my Primetime last night!

I had even argued with Alan Seslowsky that Reed was the obvious choice among the Packers receivers. So seeing him go off (and he should have had a third TD, but it was called back due to something I’ve never seen before (both teams having 12 men on the field) was painful. Godwin is almost sure to have a terrible season now just to hammer home the lesson for me: Don’t worry about 10 spots of ADP, take the fucking guy you like. Stop listening to the consensus when you have a real lean.

I don’t know how many times I need to learn this lesson, but apparently at least one more!

• Reed looked like the most electrifying receiver on the field for the Packers. He had only six targets, not including the TD called back due to the penalties, but it’s obvious he’ll get more, and the handoff he took 33-yards to the house will incentivize them to do that again too. Year 2 after the surprisingly strong Year 1. He belongs in the second round now, along with Rashee Rice.

• Christian Watson caught a TD and will be involved, but as great an athlete as he is he doesn’t have Reed’s football skills. Romeo Doubs is just a guy, but he’s reliable, and Dontayvion Wicks had a rough game — he’s an easy cut for me.

• Jordan Love didn’t scramble much, and the Packers settled for a ton of field goals, but he looked okay. I think once they give Reed his 10 targets, Love will have his expected numbers. (Just read on RotoWire that Love left the game for the last two plays with an unspecified leg injury, something not apparent on the 40-minute edited version. I thought they brought Malik Willis to throw a Hail Mary! Obviously, if he’s out for any length of time, all bets are off for the Packers receivers.)

• Josh Jacobs got stuffed in short yardage early, fumbled (though the Packers recovered), but ran well and hard late and even caught two passes. I have zero shares, but he looks like a fine pick for the late-third/early fourth. His backup Emanuel Wilson looked pretty spry too. Marshawn Lloyd is a cut now too in most formats.

• Brayden Narveson missed a key kick off the post, but got a lot of attempts. He seems to have landed in the right place for a big season.

• Jalen Hurts was a bit sloppy with two picks and a lost fumble, never got going on the ground (seemed like the Packers were really dedicated to taking that away), and the ass-smash didn’t work as well without Jason Kelce. But his receivers are so good, and Saquon Barkley is a big upgrade too. I would downgrade him a little though as his rushing TD projection maybe went from 10 to seven.

• AJ Brown didn’t even look like he was running fast as he easily scored a 67-yard TD past the Packers defense. DeVonta Smith seemed to line up more in the slot and was automatic on key third-downs. There was no third receiver of which to speak, and even Dallas Goedert saw only five targets.

• Barkley looked great, both on his TD catch, and as a rusher. As I said I don’t have any shares despite being high on him initially, but I love Barkley as a player (and bitcoiner!), and still kind of root for him. I hope he smashes this year.

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big test

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https://forex-strategy.com/2024/09/07/telegram-is-no-longer-anonymous-after-durovs-arrest/

Telegram is no longer anonymous after Durov's arrest

anonymous #durov #telegram #free #freedom #freespeech #france

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Introduction

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) began as a pandemic in the 1980s. In its early days, it was seen as a certain death sentence, a taboo associated with marginalized groups, and it highlighted the failures of poverty in accessing healthcare. Gradually, the struggle for life and the suffering of those who are no longer with us, including both famous and anonymous individuals, became visible.

Today, 40 years later, HIV is presented as a chronic disease with effective treatment. Patients living with HIV who receive appropriate treatment have no detectable virus in their circulating blood, enjoy a good quality of life, and are more concerned about other aspects of their health during medical consultations, almost forgetting their condition. For these patients, daily treatment is the cure, similar to someone taking a pill every day for high blood pressure or diabetes.

The Global Impact

HIV is a lentivirus, a subgroup of retroviruses composed of RNA. The natural history of HIV infection involves an attack on the immune system, particularly targeting CD4 cells, where chronic deterioration can lead to the acquisition of infectious and oncological diseases that may be fatal over the years, resulting in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Interestingly, there is a small group of people known as "elite controllers" who manage to control HIV infection without treatment and remain healthy for much of their lives, despite having a hidden deep viral reservoir. The primary modes of transmission are sexual, followed by blood and vertical transmission from mother to child, with the first mode predominating today.

Today, in the downward trend of the HIV epidemic, it is estimated that 39 million people are living with HIV worldwide. Depending on the region, nearly half of this population belongs to at-risk groups, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender individuals, sex workers, and people who inject drugs. These vulnerable groups are especially important for prevention efforts. However, little is done for prevention in the general population, which sometimes represents the other half of the cake of people living with HIV (PLWH).

Breaking the Dogma: The Concept of Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)

The introduction of highly effective antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in 1994 broke the curve of the HIV epidemic. The introduction of new medications with fewer side effects and greater effectiveness in controlling the virus has been crucial. In 2007, the launch of Raltegravir as the first viral integrase inhibitor marked a milestone in current treatments, allowing patients to effectively control the virus within 3 to 6 months.

The positive impact of these treatments led health organizations to launch the concept of undetectable = untransmittable (U=U) to impact the general population and at-risk groups, updating the dogma and eradicating stigma: a patient living with HIV who maintains an undetectable viral load in their blood through treatment will not transmit HIV sexually.

Although this concept has transformed the social dynamics and stigma surrounding the disease, adherence to treatment must be complete to achieve this new paradigm.

Prophylaxis as a Method to Prevent HIV in Healthy Populations

The correct use of condoms has been the cornerstone of HIV prevention and other sexually transmitted infections over the years. However, it is not the only tool available today and can be complemented for comprehensive sexual health.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a novel strategy that involves administering antiretroviral medication to vulnerable groups before they are exposed to HIV (MSM, transgender individuals, sex workers, people who inject drugs). It involves taking medication daily, effectively reducing the risk of contracting HIV and providing protection to these groups. It is similar to taking a contraceptive pill daily. It has had a very positive impact on protecting these populations. In the Americas, it has been successfully implemented in the United States, Mexico, Peru, and Brazil. Other countries, although with some delay, are now implementing this strategy.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), on the other hand, is a strategy that involves administering antiretroviral treatment after a potential exposure to HIV. If the treatment is administered within the first 72 hours and maintained for 4 weeks, the chances of contracting HIV decrease substantially.

Both strategies have been remarkably successful in preventing HIV in at-risk populations and healthy populations, although their dissemination and awareness remain limited.

https://image.nostr.build/08682bf763ade56741d8e4c8c6d870cb8d71ab7d72c605b9aa805af2234348ff.jpg

The New Horizon: Long-Acting Antiretrovirals, HIV Vaccines, and Promising Therapies

The introduction of viral integrase inhibitors and new nucleoside analogs in the last 15 years has allowed for the availability of safe drugs with minimal side effects in the treatment of HIV, many of which are included in a single pill regimen per day. However, the pharmaceutical industry continues to diversify the offerings in a healthy manner.

Cabotegravir is a new long-acting integrase inhibitor that is administered via injection. Combined with Rilpivirine, it has proven to be effective and safe in the treatment of HIV, with injections every 2 months. This has revolutionized treatment for people who are tired of taking pills daily, as well as in PrEP, where effective prevention against HIV can be achieved with injections every 2 months for at-risk groups.

Additionally, subdermal implants of Islatravir, a new long-acting nucleoside analog, are being tested as a PrEP strategy. Similar to monthly hormonal contraceptive injections or hormonal contraceptive implants, this strategy has proven effective in at-risk groups.

Regarding the HIV vaccine, we have been developing it for over two decades, with advances and setbacks. While vaccines have shown promising results in terms of safety and antibody generation, we still need to await conclusive phase III results demonstrating their effectiveness in at-risk groups and the general population.

The Eradication of HIV and Patients Cured Without Treatment

While current treatment allows for the elimination of HIV from the bloodstream and sexual transmission, there remains a reservoir in some deep immune cells that have been infected by the retrovirus, which contain latent HIV DNA and have the potential to reactivate if daily treatment is interrupted.

However, there are patients who have managed to eliminate HIV from their bodies, including these deep cells, and HIV is undetectable upon discontinuation of treatment. These cases are very rare, with only 7 to 8 individuals being the subject of intensive scientific study. Among them are the "Berlin patient" of Germany and "City of Hope patient" from Argentina. Some of these cases involved patients under effective HIV treatment who underwent suppressive chemotherapy for bone marrow transplants and managed to eliminate these deep cells with latent HIV DNA.

Unfortunately, this treatment is not scalable for the entire HIV-positive population, both due to its cost and potential side effects. However, "Shock and Kill" strategies have been proposed, aiming to use monoclonal antibodies to activate these latent cells during HIV treatment, exposing them to antiretroviral medication for elimination, thereby eradicating these small reservoirs of HIV.

WHO Goals

The World Health Organization (WHO) has established clear objectives that are constantly updated to achieve the eradication of HIV in the population.

The updated goals of the WHO propose that, to end the HIV epidemic, three objectives must be met by the year 2025-2030:

1. 95% of people living with HIV must be diagnosed through testing.
2. 95% of diagnosed individuals must be on highly effective antiretroviral therapy (HAART).
3. 95% of those on HAART must have an undetectable viral load in their blood.

Developing and underdeveloped countries currently have an effectiveness rate for these strategies that disagree significantly.

https://image.nostr.build/ac6693df57aaca6dac0b06b5db9eb1a2757e7c08511edb0f11617e12653d3db5.png

Key Takeaways

• HIV has a cure, and the cure is permanent treatment.
• Treatment for HIV is free and accessible to the population, as it is a public health impact disease.
• A person living with HIV who receives appropriate treatment will not transmit the virus sexually, will enjoy a full life without the disease, and can have children without HIV.
• In the event of a potential HIV exposure (such as unprotected sexual contact with an infrequent partner), you can go to a hospital within the first 72 hours to receive treatment that will prevent HIV infection.
• Just as we witnessed the eradication of smallpox from the face of the earth in 1978 due to scientific advances, we will live to see the eradication of HIV.

Autor

Kamo Weasel - MD Infectious Diseases - MD Internal Medicine - #DocChain Community npub1jdvvva54m8nchh3t708pav99qk24x6rkx2sh0e7jthh0l8efzt7q9y7jlj

Resources

1. World Health Organization (WHO)
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
3. UNAIDS

Bibliography

1. The natural history of HIV infection. DOI: 10.1097/COH.0b013e328361fa66
2. Changing Knowledge and Attitudes Towards HIV Treatment-as-Prevention and "Undetectable = Untransmittable": A Systematic Review. DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03296-8
3. Challenges of HIV diagnosis and management in the context of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), test and start and acute HIV infection: a scoping review. DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25419
4. Long-acting cabotegravir and rilpivirine dosed every 2 months in adults with HIV-1 infection (ATLAS-2M), 48-week results: a randomised, multicentre, open-label, phase 3b, non-inferiority study. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)32666-0
5. Efficacy and safety of long-acting cabotegravir compared with daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus emtricitabine to prevent HIV infection in cisgender men and transgender women who have sex with men 1 year after study unblinding: a secondary analysis of the phase 2b and 3 HPTN 083 randomised controlled trial. DOI: 10.1016/S2352-3018(23)00261-8
6. Safety and immunogenicity of a subtype C ALVAC-HIV (vCP2438) vaccine prime plus bivalent subtype C gp120 vaccine boost adjuvanted with MF59 or alum in healthy adults without HIV (HVTN 107): A phase 1/2a randomized trial. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004360
7. Shock and kill within the CNS: A promising HIV eradication approach?. DOI: 10.1002/JLB.5VMR0122-046RRR

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https://forex-strategy.com/2024/09/07/the-authorities-fine-a-podcaster-250000-euros-for-using-the-wrong-pronoun/

The authorities fine a podcaster 250,000 Euros for using the wrong pronoun

germany #politics #podcast #freespeech #freedom #truth

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So often we hear the Disney mantra “Follow your heart.” We hear people say, “I believe this” or “this is my truth.” God doesn’t give us this choice. We don’t get to decide what is true or not. Truth is truth even if not one person believes it.

Just believing that God exists is not enough.

You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. (James 2:19)

The kind of faith in God that makes a difference in our eternity has to be done God’s way. The God of the Bible is the creator who spoke into existence all that is, including time & space and matter & energy. He fashioned man from the clay into His own imaged and breathed into him the breathe of life. As creator, He gets to say what is true and what isn’t, since He made everything. He gets to say what is right and what is wrong because He made us. He knows better than we do what is best for us and His ability to see and act outside of time allows Him to know what will be for our eternal good.

Unfortunately, since time began we have wanted to define what we want right and wrong to be. We have wanted to define who God is and how we should relate to Him. We want to say to God, “No! Do it my way!”

The First Sin

We don’t like being limited by rules and laws (this is probably extra true of Americans who believe in personal liberty). We want to be free to do whatever we want, however we want, whenever we want.

Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.’ ” The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings. (Genesis 3:1-7) {emphasis mine}

The very first temptation was the temptation to do as we please and be like God. This first temptation not only came from misleading statements from the serpent (Satan), but also came from the resentment Eve felt from the one and only “Thou shalt not …” given to them in the beginning. The only limitation God gave Adam and Eve was that they couldn’t eat the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Eve resented this limitation and added “or touch it.” The limitation to not touch it was not given by God (although maybe it could be considered a wise way to avoid temptation). It was man changing God’s very good commands. It was man changing the relationship between God and His creation. It was man trying to be in charge.

Obey Whose Commands?

All too often we don’t like God’s commands to “Do this!” or “Don’t do that!” so we change the rules to accommodate our desires and what is comfortable to us. Sometimes we add to God’s commands and sometimes we remove/ignore His commands, but any change we make is essentially us trying to take the place of God.

“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:17-19) {emphasis mine}

Read that again. “Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven.” God does not allow us to change His commands.

How Do We Worship?

He also doesn’t allow us to decide how we will worship Him. During the exodus from Egypt, God commanded the nation of Israel with very specific rules for how He should be worshipped and who should have what position.

Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took their respective firepans, and after putting fire in them, placed incense on it and offered strange fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. And fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. Then Moses said to Aaron, “It is what the Lord spoke, saying,

‘By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy,\ And before all the people I will be honored.’ ” (Leviticus 10:1-3)

God commanded how He should be worshipped. Nadab and Abihu decided they would worship how they wanted to worship and they paid with their lives for their affront to His holiness and power.

There was another event where some Levites protested Aaron’s and Moses’s God given positions. The Levites had been commanded by God to not approach the holy things of the tabernacle. In this instance 250 of them burned incense contrary to the command of God. God did not appreciate them trying to give themselves honor by disobeying His command.

Moses said, “By this you shall know that the Lord has sent me to do all these deeds; for this is not my doing. If these men die the death of all men or if they suffer the fate of all men, then the Lord has not sent me. But if the Lord brings about an entirely new thing and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that is theirs, and they descend alive into Sheol, then you will understand that these men have spurned the Lord.”

As he finished speaking all these words, the ground that was under them split open; and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, and their households, and all the men who belonged to Korah with their possessions. So they and all that belonged to them went down alive to Sheol; and the earth closed over them, and they perished from the midst of the assembly. (Numbers 16:28-31)

God never accepts us when we chose to do our own thing and even worship in our own way. Sometimes, like in these two examples, He acts miraculously to punish the offenders instantly. Sometimes He is patient and allows time for learning and repentance. Sometimes we are not punished until eternity. We serve a might and holy God and need to treat Him appropriately.

Although Christians today don’t have a strict formula of worship, our call to honor Him and treat Him as holy is just as strong. We don’t get to pick how we will worship Him and we definitely don’t get to call any or all “gods” the true God. Not all paths lead to the one true God. The only way to be right with God is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and believing He is God; He lived a perfect life; He died on a cross to take away our sins; and He rose from the dead on the third day. That is the only way. All other paths, no matter how heart felt, lead straight to hell.

Judgment is the Lord’s

We need to be very careful not only judging ourselves, but also judging others. Are we judging by God’s law and His measure or we judging by our own fallible judgment?

Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor? (James 4:11-12)

We are called to teach God’s written word and to lead people to follow it as written, but we are not to be judge and jury. We are not the ones punishing sins. That is God’s prerogative.

Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Hebrews 10:28-31) {emphasis mine}

When we say there is another way to God, our way, we are “ trampl(ing) under foot the Son of God.” (tense change mine) When we say we can be good enough or we can put something or someone else first, we will be judged. “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

So many of our wrong decisions come because we do not have a high enough view of God. We do not have a fear of the God who can snuff us out if He chooses to stop upholding our lives. The God of the Bible is a loving and merciful God, but there is a limit to that mercy. We must honor and trust Him before our time on earth is ended, otherwise we receive His righteous judgment.

Continue in the Things You Have Learned

The Bible tells us to to “continue in the things you have learned.” We can’t continue in the things we have learned if we haven’t learned God’s word. Reading and deep study of God’s word, the Bible, is critical if we want to serve God and grow in wisdom and service towards Him. We need to put in time. We need to read the Bible daily. We need to find time to study the Bible and to figure out what is true.

You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:14-17) {emphasis mine}

Scripture is essential for everything in the Christian life. It helps us to grow in faith and unity with God. It helps us minister to and train others. It equips us “for every good work.”

and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15)

The Bible should be the foundation of everything we learn and everything we accept as true. Nothing should be believed as true that contradicts the Bible in any way.

It is useful, however, to find wise teachers to help us understand the Bible. This may be a person who will disciple us face-to-face. This may be a pastor at our church. This may be a Christian writer. When we use any of these other sources, we always need to double check what we learn and verify that it matches the Bible.

Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. (Acts 17:11) {emphasis mine}

We need to examine “the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” During the Reformation, this was called Sola Scriptura, Scripture alone. Our reference of truth and righteousness comes from the Bible alone because it is the word of God.

Deceivers: Don’t Be Deceived And Don’t Be a Deceiver

There have been deceivers since the beginning of time, but the Bible says that we will see more and more deceivers as the end of time approaches.

For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward. Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds. (2 John 1:7-11)

If we don’t know the word of God well, we can be easily misled. There are many who quote the Bible out of context to mislead. If a tiny piece of scripture is taken out of context, it can be made to say almost anything. Any time there is any question on what the Bible is saying, we need to take the Bible as a whole in order to understand the truth. The Bible never contradicts itself. It may come at a truth from different angles regarding different situations, but it never contradicts itself.

But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully. For I consider myself not in the least inferior to the most eminent apostles. But even if I am unskilled in speech, yet I am not so in knowledge; in fact, in every way we have made this evident to you in all things. (2 Corinthians 11:3-5)

Only by knowing the whole Bible can we keep ourselves from being misled. Be like Paul and know the Bible so you can not only avoid being misled, but have the knowledge of the Bible necessary to defend God’s word and prevent others from being misled.

For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. (Jude 1:4) {emphasis mine}

It isn’t just those openly hostile to God that are misleading people. Sadly, there are many in the church, including pastors and others in positions of power who claim to be Christians and claim to be speaking the word of God, but who “deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ” and are “marked out for this condemnation.”

We are to daily study God’s word and to daily pray for wisdom and to daily be led by the Holy Spirit. God doesn’t want us to spend our lives sitting in the pews taking in information. He wants us to share His word and be a light unto the world. He wants us to chose Him over anything or anyone else.

I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. (2 Timothy 4:1-4) {emphasis mine}

We need to be the person who is “ready in season and out of season” and not the person “wanting to have their ears tickled … in accordance to their own desires.” Those that seek their own way will be spending eternity suffering in hell.

As the end times approach, we will see more and more of this falling away from God’s word. We will see this in culture, but we will also see it in the church (and are seeing it today).

Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. (2 Peter 3:3:7) {emphasis mine}

Don’t choose to do things your way. Don’t choose teachers who tickle your ears with what you want to hear. Don’t say in your heart, “Where is the promise of His coming?” All those who reject Jesus and the only way to God as described in the Bible are being “reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.”

Don’t regret your choices. Choose Jesus today.

Trust Jesus.\ \ your sister in Christ,

Christy

Bible verses are NASB (New American Standard Bible) 1995 edition unless otherwise stated

For more posts check out my [Trust Jesus Substack](https://trustjesus.substack.com/)

I am also testing out a couple of different nostr editors, so this article might be posted more than once, so I can test how they come out. This post was composed in highlighter.com .

@ d52f4f20:98efcdfb

@ 876e468a:2b7e33c2

original post 28/12/2010 rafaelg***es.net

Para você que se sente meio preso ao instalar o Ubuntu, pois ele já vem pronto para um usuário final, mas isso não me agrada parece que perco o espirito de liberdade.

Mas o ponto forte Ubuntu são suas atualizações, então eu fui em busca de como fazer uma instalação customizada somente com os pacotes do Ubuntu.

Depois de muita pesquisa e anos de experiência com linux desenvolvi o que chamo de instalação mínima, para MIM é perfeita.

Alguns conceitos da minha instalação

– Não tem gerenciador de login gráfico.

– Precisar habilitar o root, na unha e você usa isso.

– Não tem menus, os aplicativos são chamados via tecla de atalho ou docks.

– Não tem menu para desligar.

– Não é um desktop, usa apenas um gerenciador de Janelas.

– Aqui tudo é minimalista, não é bonito também não quer dizer que é feio, é apenas simples faz o necessário.

– Não importa a versão do ubuntu, atual ou não essa técnica quase nunca mudará.

Seria bom/Pré-Requisitos

– Se você tem conceitos de particionamento.

– Se você já instalou um Debian.

– Se você sabe usar o vim.

– Conexão com internet via placa de rede 10/100 (sim tem que ser assim).

Introdução

A idéia é usar a instalação mínima do Ubuntu (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Installation/MinimalCD), onde é bem parecida com a NetInstall do Debian. Iremos baixar a imagem(12 \~ 13MB) do link acima e queimar em um cd rom e dar boot.

Vamos usar o assistente de instalação, e não selecionaremos nenhum pacote na instalação, tudo sera instalado via linha de comando usando o apt. Pra quem já instalou usando o anaconda da RedHat não terá problemas, qualquer ser capaz de ler consegue instalar.


Esta é a primeira tela exibida após o boot, selecione o menu


Va seguindo o instalador conforme as telas, não quer que eu fique explicando tudo né?




Coloque o nome que quiser, este é o nome da sua maquina pense em algo inspirador.


Aqui você estara selecionando daonde pacotes serão baixados.


Se não tiver proxy de um [enter], se tiver pesquise no google como configurar.




Chegamos a parte onde todo usuário de windows faz cagada, na configuração das particões, bom use o método manual, não vou entrar em detalhes, pra esse tutorial eu criei uma partição só.




Após criar, FINISH!


Aguarde, vai demorar, o instalador esta baixando o minimo para poder instalar o sistema, no debian o cd é de 170mb essa parte é mais rápida.


O nome do usuario, eu coloquei “lion”, coloque ai o seu usuário.


senha é bom por né.


Aqui você tem a opção de encriptar seus dados, tudo que estiver no /home/ você deve pro governo? eu encriptei.



Aqui você pode selecionar a primeira opção, eu prefiro atualizar manualmente.


Neste tela desmarque tudo, isso faz você ser o cara livre do sistema, aguarde pois vai demorar.


Grub é o gerenciador de boot, instale ele ai sem medo.


Cara se você chegou nessa tela eu já estou orgulhoso, pois provavelmente não fez nenhuma cagada.

Logue-se com seu usuário, meu caso “lion” (que coisa gay figura 24 ainda).


**Apartir daqui acabou as figurinhas fio, espero que você saiba o mínimo de VI.

Torna-se root

Isso é primordio no linux, sempre somos o ROOT, o Ubuntu tem essa filosofia para você não fazer cagada, mas na vida uma boa técnica de aprendizado é fazendo cagada, então vamos habilitar o root.

Calma usaremos o root para tarefas como instalar novos software, mas a execução e configuração de nosso ambiente será com nosso usuário.

```

$ sudo passwd root

```

Pronto a partir de agora os comandos começados com # quer dizer que você tem que estar logado como root, e quando estiver $ você deve executar com seu usuário.

Loge-se como root vamos usar bastante de um $su ou entre num novo tty como root.

Instalando o vim

```

apt-get install vim

```

(repare # você tem que estar logado como root)

Removendo o boot-splash

Amigos estamos falando de uma maquina limpa, o boot splash só come memória.

Faça um backup antes e depois edite o arquivo “/boot/grub/grub.cfg” procure a palavra splash e apague somente ela e salve o arquivo. É necessário dar diretos de gravação e depois volte como somente leitura.

Removendo Mensagem de boas vindas MOTD

Logo após o login, é exibida uma mensagem de boas vindas enorme do ubuntu, eu não gosto dela, nem do debian eu gostava e eu a removia editando o script “/etc/init.d/boot-misc.sh” mas no ubuntu esse arquivo não existe.

Depois de muito fuçar eu descobri que removendo os arquivos do diretorio “/etc/update-motd.d/” a mensagem some, pra mim basta, também removi o conteudo do arquivo /var/run/motd ;

UPDATE

Dica do comentário do Marcelo Godim

Ele é gerenciado pelo pam_motd basta ir em /etc/pam.d nos arquivos “login” e “sshd” e comentar essas linhas abaixo:

login:

session optional pam_motd.so

sshd:

session optional pam_motd.so # [1]

Mudando mensagem da versão

Dica velha edite o arquivo “/etc/issue” coloque o que preferir.

——Se você não precisa de modo gráfico a instalação terminou aqui.

Alterando o sources.list adicionando outros repositórios

Edite o arquivo /etc/apt/sources.list e deixe assim, basicamente adicionados pacotes do site Medibuntu, se prefereir siga esses passos é melhor do que editar o arquivo.

Instalando o resto dos pacotes

apt-get install xserver-xorg xinit alsa-base alsa-utils openbox obconf obmenu feh nitrogen tint2 k3b conky gmrun pcmanfm gtk-theme-switch ssh smbfs smbclient dosfstools setserial usbutils leafpad x11-apps openbox-themes terminator chromium-browser xcompmgr gcc g++ openjdk-6-jdk mysql-server mysql-query-browser gftp gcc-avr avrdude imagemagick gparted ntfs-3g file-roller zip unrar gpicview gtk2-engines gnome-icon-theme-gartoon vim unace rar unrar zip unzip p7zip-full p7zip-rar sharutils uudeview mpack lha arj cabextract file-roller pidgin pidgin-data pidgin-lastfm pidgin-guifications msn-pecan pidgin-musictracker pidgin-plugin-pack pidgin-themes mplayer vlc cairo-dock w32codecs audacious

Vai dormir, seila vai baixar ai uns 500mb, você pode tirar ou por o que quiser ai isso é minha instalação.

Como entrar no modo gráfico?

Logue-se com seu usuário

```

$startx

```

O comando antigo, simples, que dei a primeira vez no meu conectiva 4.


Este é o resultado final, mas para isso vamos algumas dicas.

Toda incialização dos aplicativos eu concentrei no .config/openbox/autostart.sh segue o meu ai

```

# Set desktop wallpaper

nitrogen –restore &

# Enable Eyecandy – off by default

xcompmgr -cCfF -r7 -o.65 -l-10 -t-8 &

# Launch network manager applet

(sleep 4s && nm-applet) &

# Launch clipboard manager

(sleep 1s && parcellite) &

# Uncomment to enable system updates at boot

(sleep 180s && system-update) &

cairo-dock &

# Launch Conky

conky -q &

# Launch panel

tint2 &

```

Configurando teclas de atalho, edite o arquivo .config/openbox/rc.xml, vá até a seção keybinds as minhas são essas abaixo:

```

<keybind key=”W-a”><action name=”Execute”> <execute>audacious</execute></action></keybind><keybind key=”W-1″><action name=”Execute”> <execute>xcompmgr -cCfF -r7 -o.65 -l-10 -t-8</execute></action></keybind><keybind key=”W-2″><action name=”Execute”> <execute>pkill xcompmgr</execute></action></keybind><keybind key=”W-a”><action name=”Execute”> <execute>audacious</execute></action></keybind><keybind key=”W-e”><action name=”Execute”> <execute>pcmanfm</execute></action></keybind><keybind key=”W-g”><action name=”Execute”> <startupnotify> <enabled>true</enabled> <name>transset</name> </startupnotify> <command>transset .50</command></action></keybind><keybind key=”W-h”><action name=”Execute”> <startupnotify><enabled>true</enabled><name>transset 1</name></startupnotify><command>transset 1</command></action></keybind><keybind key=”W-l”><action name=”Execute”><startupnotify><enabled>true</enabled><name>Lock screen</name></startupnotify><command>gnome-screensaver-command -l</command></action></keybind><keybind key=”W-t”><action name=”Execute”><execute>terminator</execute></action></keybind><keybind key=”W-r”> <action name=”Execute”> <execute>gmrun</execute> </action></keybind>

```

Pesquise como instalar temas GTK, configurar o TINT2 (desk bar), Cairo Dock, também tem muitas configurações de openbox na internet.

Esse tutorial vem de anos de convivio com linux, é duro passar tudo a limpo aqui, uma dica e testar o Linux Crunch-Bang aprendi muitas customizações com ele.

blog #tech

@ 6cffbc36:e699104c

Is this markdown?

test

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

Table Of Content

• What are Cryptocurrency Charts?

• Contrasts between Bitcoin and Crypto Charts

• Market Capitalization

• Price Volatility

• Adoption

• Use Cases

• Technology

• Conclusion

• FAQ

Cryptocurrencies have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their high volatility and the potential for significant returns. Among these cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin has been the undisputed leader in terms of market capitalization, adoption, and popularity. However, as the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, a growing number of altcoins are vying for investors' attention. As a result, investors are increasingly looking at the contrasts between Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. In this article, we will investigate the differences between Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies by examining their charts.

What are Cryptocurrency Charts?

A cryptocurrency chart is a visual representation of the price movement of a cryptocurrency over a given period. These charts are used by investors to track the performance of cryptocurrencies and identify potential investment opportunities. Cryptocurrency charts provide valuable insights into the market sentiment, trends, and price movements of cryptocurrencies.

Market Capitalization

Bitcoin's market capitalization is significantly larger than that of other cryptocurrencies. As of March 2023, Bitcoin's market capitalization is around $1.5 trillion, while the total market capitalization of all cryptocurrencies is approximately $2.8 trillion. This difference in market capitalization indicates that Bitcoin is the dominant cryptocurrency, and other cryptocurrencies have yet to catch up.

Price Volatility

Bitcoin has been known for its high price volatility. The cryptocurrency has experienced significant price fluctuations throughout its history, with some periods of extreme price swings. However, other cryptocurrencies, such as Ethereum and Ripple, have also exhibited high price volatility. In some cases, altcoins have experienced even more significant price swings than Bitcoin, making them riskier investments.

Adoption

Bitcoin is the most widely adopted cryptocurrency and has been accepted as a means of payment by an increasing number of merchants worldwide. However, other cryptocurrencies are also gaining adoption, with some merchants accepting Ethereum, Litecoin, and other altcoins. The level of adoption of a cryptocurrency is an essential factor to consider when investing in it.

Use Cases

Bitcoin was initially created as a decentralized digital currency, and its primary use case remains as a store of value and a means of payment. However, other cryptocurrencies have been designed for specific use cases, such as smart contracts (Ethereum), cross-border payments (Ripple), and privacy (Monero). The specific use case of a cryptocurrency can significantly impact its value and investment potential.

Technology

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies use different technologies to enable transactions on their networks. Bitcoin uses the Proof-of-Work (PoW) consensus mechanism, while other cryptocurrencies have adopted different consensus mechanisms, such as Proof-of-Stake (PoS), Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS), and Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs). The technology used by a cryptocurrency can impact its scalability, security, and efficiency.

Conclusion

Cryptocurrencies are a dynamic and ever-evolving market, and understanding the contrasts between Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is essential for making informed investment decisions. By examining the charts of different cryptocurrencies, investors can gain insights into the market sentiment, trends, and price movements of cryptocurrencies. While Bitcoin remains the dominant cryptocurrency, other cryptocurrencies are gaining adoption and offer unique use cases and investment opportunities. It is crucial to consider various factors, such as market capitalization, price volatility, adoption, use cases, and technology, when investing in cryptocurrencies.

FAQ

How do you buy cryptocurrencies? You can buy cryptocurrencies through cryptocurrency exchanges, which allow you to exchange fiat currency (such as USD) for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum.

Are cryptocurrencies safe to invest in? Cryptocurrencies are a high-risk investment due to their volatility and lack of regulation. It is important to do your research and understand the risks before investing in cryptocurrencies.

What is blockchain technology? Blockchain technology is a decentralized, digital ledger that records transactions in a secure and transparent way. It is the underlying technology that powers most cryptocurrencies.

Can I use cryptocurrencies to buy goods and services? Some merchants accept cryptocurrencies as a form of payment, but it is not yet widely accepted as a means of payment.

Why is price volatility important in cryptocurrencies? Price volatility is important in cryptocurrencies because it can affect the investment potential of a cryptocurrency. High volatility can mean high potential returns, but it also means high risk.

That's all for today

If you want more, be sure to follow us on:

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Subscribe to CROX ROAD Bitcoin Only Daily Newsletter

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DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.

@ 592295cf:413a0db9

Week 02/09

A week with a free vpn on Nostr.

I gave up using nostter by now. 😔 now it works it seems to be back From Wednesday, it should start calm on Nostr, Brazilians will not arrive, no one has more Twitter accounts where to contact them. 😅 Sorry brazilian.

I read 5 and 6 comments about Nostr, Nostr is bad I do not enroll. It's only four months to the end. Join made two zap and then we salute definitively, pura vida. I'm gonna miss Nostr.

---

I also thought about making a bookmark on Nostr, using the spec that already exists but using kind 1985. Convert this link to the note, but I did not find the courage. Maybe it doesn't make much sense if it only lasts four months and all the relays are turned off.

---

There's a bit of enthusiasm and some keep pointing the Nostr weird index by raising the stick. In practice, the new bookmark spec is used only by two clients. I think the clients who have more bookmarks in the groppone is Amethyst, if someone writes an encoding for the new bookmark, it would be nice, but I don't think it will happen, to those who care about bookmarks.

---

Moment aspirin, orbot, citrine, Amethyst. I don't think it's mentally sustainable, too.

Sometimes they are extremely bullish, the second after disfatist, regarding the various clients.

It would be nice to get to some foundations. That's Nostr, I don't think it'll happen so easily.

---

Some Events

• is Zapconf online really there?

• 1 week Bangkok, bitcoin conference Conference there will be yakihonne and wherostr.

• 24 September Nostrasia

---

Do not follow the bots you can make a list of bots, rankings of people You just have to follow people. Kind 982 from 892892 advertising 😅🙇‍♂️

{ "kind": 892, "tags": [ ["b", "91cf9..4e5ca", "wss://bot_alicerelay.com/", "bot_alice"], ["b", "14aeb..8dad4", "wss://bot_bobrelay.com/nostr", "bot_bob"], ["b", "612ae..e610f", "ws://bot_carolrelay.com/ws", "bot_carol"] ], "content": "", ...other fields }

Jack Dorsey says there will be more bots than people on Nostr (useful).

The more I read about Bluesky the more I am in Fomo with Nostr, like this post post in Buesky That's why not stay in other social media 🤣

Or they all have it with Nostr, maybe Nostr is finishing, really in four months.

Nostr is over, the chain of command is now insurmountable, you have to make a scalable protocol from within, reminds me of some political party.

Internal scale 🙅

---

Representation of all the NIPs, neighbors

---

People just want proof of works, but there is so much uncompensated question, you have to create the right incentives. Your job is work only if you create a job. Nostrudel has created this tool sandbox where you can just play event consoles, event publishers, blindspots, Discovery, relays. Coracle has created custom feed, groups, supports listing events and items.

People are not important, they are important because they consent to this, but it is not quantifiable in money.

And but as I get visibility, just proof of work. Forget about the various bottle doors, think about yourself, if you want a community make yourself a community, if you don't want to do it, relax.

But only four months are missing, in fact relax, enjoy them. A world of possibilities do not waste it because everything is not perfect.

If you want to make a CMS, the road is long and uphill, but then you are using a blog, no and then.

I made an attempt with kind 1985 works, I still have to create sub category. Example live events ecash Germany Berlin.

Anyway it's a bit of a mess this "new" web. Users are angry. 😉 It's the new feature.

@ d34e832d:383f78d0

1001 Songs: Part VII of X
*by Radio FREE Crockett

The seventh installment of 1001 Songs by Radio FREE Crockett is a deep dive into the rich and diverse soundscapes of the late 20th century, offering listeners a cross-genre collection that spans rock, pop, reggae, electronic, and world music. This particular segment, hosted on archive.org, continues to highlight the eclectic tastes of Butterboy, the curator behind this mix, drawing from an impressive array of artists and cultural moments. Part VII is especially noteworthy for its ability to bridge the gaps between disparate styles, all while keeping the listener captivated through timeless hits and rare gems.

Track Highlights:

• Depeche Mode - "Everything Counts" kicks off the selection with its powerful synth-driven sound, setting the tone for the rest of the compilation.
• Siouxsie & The Banshees - "Dear Prudence" introduces a post-punk edge, juxtaposed with Run DMC's hip-hop anthem "It’s Like That."
• A classic rock hit, Def Leppard's "Rock of Ages", shares the stage with the anthemic "99 Luftballons" by Nena, offering listeners a blend of rebellious rock and synth-pop.
• From the cutting-edge electronic beats of New Order's "Blue Monday" to the raw energy of Iron Maiden's "The Trooper", the playlist maintains a momentum that keeps the listener on their toes.
• Global influences shine through with tracks like Youssou N'dour's "Immigrés" and the reggae dancehall favorite Yellowman's "Zungguzungguguzungguzeng."
• Familiar rock sounds from Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A" and Bon Jovi's "Runaway" add Americana flair to the mix.

As the selection progresses, listeners are treated to an evolving blend of styles, from the smooth jazz of Sade's "Smooth Operator" to Chaka Khan's dancefloor classic "I Feel For You", and alternative rock staples like Echo & The Bunnymen's "The Killing Moon" and The Smiths' "How Soon Is Now?" The latter half of the mix brings in hits from 1980s and early 1990s pop culture, including Prince's "Purple Rain," Madonna's "Into the Groove," and The Bangles' "Manic Monday."

For lovers of diverse musical eras and genres, 1001 Songs: Part VII of X stands out as a sonic journey through time, touching on both chart-topping tracks and hidden treasures.

@ d34e832d:383f78d0

This Radio adaptation brings to life J.R.R. Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring, the first volume of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. In this richly produced audiodrama, we follow Frodo Baggins, a young hobbit from the Shire, who inherits the One Ring, an artifact of immense and dangerous power. Tasked with the perilous mission to destroy the Ring, Frodo forms a fellowship of allies including the wizard Gandalf, the ranger Aragorn, and other companions. Together, they journey through Middle-earth, confronting the growing darkness of Sauron, the Ring's creator, who seeks to reclaim it and plunge the world into chaos.

With sweeping soundscapes and dynamic performances, the radio drama captures the essence of Tolkien’s epic—an adventure filled with friendship, courage, and sacrifice. The fellowship faces treacherous landscapes, the sinister Ringwraiths, and growing internal tension as the burden of the Ring tests them all, leading to the eventual breaking of the fellowship.

@ 8cb60e21:5f2deaea

JavaScript For Cats An introduction for new programmers cat So easy your human companion could do it too!

JavaScript is a programming language or, in other words, a means by which a computer is instructed to do things. Just the same as one controls humans with hisses and meows, one controls computers with statements written in a programming language. All web browsers understand JavaScript and you can take advantage of that to make web pages do crazy things!

JavaScript started as a way to make web pages more interactive. Nowadays JavaScript runs in more places than just web browsers — it runs on web servers, phones and even robots! This page will teach you some JavaScript basics so that you can get up and running in no time*.

• Actual time: more than none. Probably an hour or two. Also since you are a cat you are less likely to run and more likely to lay around in the sun Table of contents

  The console Strings Values and variables Using functions Built in JS functions Download new JS functions Writing new functions Loops Arrays Objects Callbacks Recommended reading

Don't be a scaredy-cat

cat

You will always land on your feet — even when programming! Unlike pawing over a glass of water on your laptop, nothing in these tutorials will damage your computer in any way, even if you mistype a command or click the wrong button. Like cats, computer programmers make mistakes all time: misspelling things, forgetting quotes or brackets, and being forgetful of how basic functions (and yarn, lasers) work. Programmers care more about making it work eventually rather than trying to make it work the very first time. The best way to learn is by making mistakes!

So don't be a scaredy-cat! The absolute worst thing that will happen is that you might have to refresh this page in your web browser if you get stuck. Don't worry though, this will happen very rarely.

The basics

There is JavaScript running on this page right now. Let's play around with it a little. For the sake of simplicity I'll assume you are using Google Chrome to read this page (if you aren't it's probably easier on both of us if you follow along with Chrome).

First, right click anywhere on the screen and hit Inspect Element, then click on the Console tab. You should see a thingy that looks like this:

console

This is a console, otherwise known as a "command line" or "terminal". Basically it's a way to type one thing at a time into a computer and immediately get the computers answer back. They are super useful as a learning tool (I still use the console nearly every day that I'm coding).

The console does some pretty cool stuff. Here I have started to type something and the console is helping me out by giving me a list of all the possible things I could continue to type! Another thing you could do is type 1 + 1 into the console and then hit the Enter key and watch what happens.

Using the console is a very important part of learning JavaScript. If you don't know if something works or what the command is for something, go to the console and figure it out! Here's an example:

Strings

Since I am a cat I want to replace every instance of the word dog on the Internet with those blasted dogs. First go into your console and type in a few sentences that contain the word dog at least once. In JavaScript a bunch of letters, numbers, words or anything else is known as a String (as in a string of characters). Strings have to begin AND end with a quotation mark. Single ' or double " is fine, just make sure you use the same at the beginning as you do at the end.

console

See the nasty error message? Don't worry - you didn't break any laws. SyntaxError ILLEGAL is just the way it sounds when robots tell you that your program has a problem. The first two sentences had matching quotation marks at the beginning and end, but when I mixed single and double quotation marks it freaked out on me.

OK, to fix up one of these sentences (by replacing dog with our enhanced version) we have to first save the original sentence so that we can call it up later when we do our replacing magic. Notice how the string gets repeated in red when we type it into the console? This is because we haven't told it to save the sentence anywhere so it just gives it right back (or it gives us an Error back if we messed something up).

Values and variables

Values are the simplest components in JavaScript. 1 is a value, true is a value, "hello" is a value, function() {} is a value, the list goes on! There are a handful of different types of values in JavaScript but we don't need to go over them all right away — you will learn them naturally the more you code!

To store values we use things called variables. The word 'variable' means 'can change' and is used because variables can store many different types of values and can change their value many times. They are pretty much like mailboxes. We put something in a variable, like our sentence, and then give the variable an address that we can use to look up the sentence later. In real life mailboxes have to have PO Box numbers but in JavaScript you usually just use lowercase letters or numbers without any spaces.

console

var is shorthand for variable and the = means store the thing on the right-hand side in the thing on the left-hand side. Also as you can see, now that we are storing our sentence in a variable the console doesn't just return our sentence right away, but instead gives us undefined which means there was nothing to return.

If you simply type a variable name into the console it will print out the value stored in that variable. A note about variables is that by default they go away when you switch to a different page. If I were to hit the Refresh button in Chrome, for example, my dogSentence variable would get wiped and it would be like it never existed. But don't worry about this too much for now — you can just hit the up or down arrows on your keyboard while in the console to go through everything you've entered in recently.

Functions

Now that we have our sentence stored in a variable, let's change a word stored in it! We can do this by performing a function. Functions are a type of value that, well, serve a specific function (AKA purpose or action) for us. Calling them "actions" sounded weird I guess so they went with the word "function" instead.

JavaScript has a function called replace that does exactly what we want! Functions take in any number of values in their parentheses (zero, one or many) and return either nothing (undefined) or the changed string. The replace function is available to use on any strings and takes in two values: the characters to take out and the characters to swap in. It gets confusing to describe these things so here is a visual example:

console

Notice how the value of dogSentence is the same even after we run replace on it? This is because the replace function, (and most JavaScript functions for that matter) takes the value we give it and returns a new value, without modifying the value we passed in. Since we didn't store the result (there is no = on the left side of the replace function) it just printed out the return value in our console.

The "standard library"

You might be wondering what other functions are available in JavaScript. The answer: A TON. There are lots built in, standard libraries that you can learn about at MDN (A site run by Mozilla that has lotsa nifty information about web technologies). For example here is the MDN page on JavaScript's Math object.

Third-party JavaScript

There is also a lot of JavaScript code available that is not built in. JavaScript from third parties is usually referred to as a "library" or "plugin". One of my favorites is called Underscore.js. Let's go and grab it and load it into our page! First go to the Underscore site, http://underscorejs.org/, click on the download link (I usually use development versions because they are easier to read but both will give you the same basic functionality), and then copy all the code onto your clipboard (you can use Select All from the Edit menu to select everything). Then paste it into your console and hit enter. Now your browser has a new variable in it: _. Underscore gives you a ton of helpful functions to play with. We'll learn more about how to use them later.

console

Making new functions

You aren't limited to using other peoples functions — you can also write them yourself. It's pretty easy! Let's make a function called makeMoreExciting that adds a bunch of exclamation points to the end of a string.

function makeMoreExciting(string) { return string + '!!!!' }

In my head I read it out loud like this: "there's a function called 'make more exciting' that takes in a string and returns a new copy of that string that has a bunch of exclamation points at the end". Here is how we would write this in the console manually if we weren't using a function:

console

The expression string + '!!!!' returns a new string and our variable called string stays the same as before (since we never updated it to anything else with =).

Let's use our function instead of doing it manually. First, paste the function into the console and then call the function by passing in a string:

console

You could also call the same function by passing in a variable that points to a string (in the above example we just typed the string straight in there as a value instead of saving it to a variable first):

console

The line makeMoreExciting(sentence) is equivalent to saying sentence + '!!!!'. What if we wanted to modify in-place (aka update) the value of sentence? Simply save the return value of the function back into our sentence variable:

var sentence = "time for a nap" sentence = makeMoreExciting(sentence)

Now sentence will have the exclamation marks in it! Note that you only have to use var when you are initializing a variable — the first time you ever use it. After that you shouldn't use var unless you want to re-initialize (reset/clear/empty) the variable.

What would happen if we took out the return statement in our function?

console

Why is sentence empty? Because functions return undefined by default! You can choose to return a value by returning something. Functions should take in a value and, if they change the value or create a new value that is supposed to be used later, return a value (fun fact: a fancy term for this style is functional programming). Here is another function that doesn't return anything but instead uses a different method to show us the output:

function yellIt(string) { string = string.toUpperCase() string = makeMoreExciting(string) console.log(string) }

This function, yellIt, uses our previous function makeMoreExciting as well as the built-in String method toUpperCase. Methods are just a name for a function when it belongs to something — in this case toUpperCase is a function that belongs to String so we can refer to it as either a method or a function. makeMoreExciting on the other hand doesn't belong to anyone so it would be technically incorrect to refer to it as a method (confusing, I know).

The last line of the function is another built-in that simply takes in any values that you give it and prints them out into the console.

console

So is there something wrong with the above yellIt function? It depends! Here are the two major types of functions:

functions that modify or create values and return them
functions take in values and perform some action that cannot be returned

console.log is an example of the second type of function: it prints things out to your console — an action that you can see with your eyes but that cannot be represented as a JavaScript value. My own rule of thumb is to try to keep the two types of functions separate from each other, so here's how I would rewrite the yellIt function:

function yellIt(string) { string = string.toUpperCase() return makeMoreExciting(string) }

console.log(yellIt("i fear no human"))

This way yellIt becomes more generic, meaning it only does one or two simple little things and doesn't know anything about printing itself to a console — that part can always be programmed later, outside the function definition.

Loops

Now that we have some basic skills under our belt (Author's note: do cats even wear belts?) we can start being lazy. What?! Yes, that's right: programming is about being lazy. Larry Wall, inventor of the Perl programming language, called laziness the most important virtue of a good programmer. If computers didn't exist you would have to do all sorts of tedious tasks by hand, but if you learn to program you can lay in the sun all day while a computer somewhere runs your programs for you. It is a glorious lifestyle filled with relaxation!

Loops are one of the most important ways to harness the power of a computer. Remember Underscore.js from earlier? Make sure you have it loaded in the page (remember: you can just hit the up arrow on your keyboard a few times and then hit Enter to load it in again if you need to) and try copy/pasting this into your console:

function logANumber(someNumber) { console.log(someNumber) } _.times(10, logANumber)

This code uses the times method of Underscore which takes in 1 number and 1 function and then starts from 0 and for 10 steps counts up by 1, calling the function with the number each step of the way.

console

If we were to manually write out what times is doing in the above code it would look like this:

logANumber(0) logANumber(1) logANumber(2) logANumber(3) logANumber(4) logANumber(5) logANumber(6) logANumber(7) logANumber(8) logANumber(9)

But cats refuse to do unnecessary manual work like this so we must always ask ourselves, "am I doing this in the laziest way possible?".

So why is this called looping? Think of it like this: If we were to write out a list of 10 numbers (from 0 to 9) using a JavaScript Array it would look like this:

var zeroThroughTen = [0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]

What times really does is visit each number and repeat a task: in the example above the task was to call the logANumber function with the current number. Repeating tasks in this way is referred to as looping over the Array.

Arrays

I've mentioned these a few times but let's spend a minute learning about them. Imagine you need to keep track of all your buddies. Well, an Array will do just fine. Think of an Array like a sorted list that you can keep tons of stuff in.

This is how you make one:

var myCatFriends = ["bill", "tabby", "ceiling"]

Sweet! Now you have a list of your cat buddies.

Elements (that is what you call a single item in an array) that are stored within arrays start at 0 and count up from there. So myCatFriends[0] returns bill and myCatFriends[1] returns tabby... etc etc.

To get buddies out of your brand new Array you can just access an element directly like so:

console.log(myCatFriends[0])

console

If you made a brand new cat friend at the hippest cat club the other night and you want to add them to your list it is super simple: myCatFriends.push("super hip cat").

To check that the new cat made it into your array you can use .length:

console

Notice how push returned the length? Handy! Also take note that arrays will always preserve ordering which means they will remember the order in which you added or defined things. Not everything in JavaScript preserves ordering so remember this special property of Arrays!

Objects

Arrays are good for lists, but for other tasks they can be hard to work with. Consider our array of cat friends. What if you also wanted to store more than just names?

var myCatFriends = ["bill", "tabby", "ceiling"] var lastNames = ["the cat", "cat", "cat"] var addresses = ["The Alley", "Grandmas House", "Attic"]

Sometimes it is nice to have all of the addresses or names in one variable. But sometimes you have a cat in mind, let's say Bill, and you just want to look up that cat's address. With arrays it takes a lot of work because you can't just say 'hey array, give me Bill's address' because 'Bill' is in one array and his address is in a totally different array.

console

This can be brittle because if our arrays change and we add a new cat to the beginning we would have to also update our billsPosition variable to point to the new location of Bill's information in the arrays! Here is a easier to maintain way to store information like this using objects:

var firstCat = { name: "bill", lastName: "the cat", address: "The Alley" } var secondCat = { name: "tabby", lastName: "cat", address: "Grandmas House" } var thirdCat = { name: "ceiling", lastName: "cat", address: "Attic" }

Why would we do it this way? Because now we have a variable for each cat that we can use to get that cats values in a more convenient and readable way.

console

You can think of Objects like keys on a keyring. Each one is for a specific door and if you have nice labels on your keys you can open doors very fast. In fact, the things on the left hand side of the : are called keys (are also known as properties) and the things on the right hand side are values.

// an object with a single key 'name' and single value 'bill' { name: 'bill' }

So why would you ever use arrays if you can just put your data in objects? Because objects don't remember the order of the keys that you set. You might enter in an object like this:

{ date: "10/20/2012", diary: "slept a bit today", name: "Charles" }

But the computer could give it back to you like this:

{ diary: "slept a bit today", name: "Charles", date: "10/20/2012" }

Or like this!

{ name: "Charles", diary: "slept a bit today", date: "10/20/2012" }

So you can't ever trust the order of keys in objects. If you wanna get REALLY fancy you can make an array filled with objects, or an object filled with arrays!

var moodLog = [ { date: "10/20/2012", mood: "catnipped" }, { date: "10/21/2012", mood: "nonplussed" }, { date: "10/22/2012", mood: "purring" } ]

// ordered from least to most favorite var favorites = { treats: ["bird sighting", "belly rub", "catnip"], napSpots: ["couch", "planter box", "human face"] }

When you combine different things like this you are making data structures, just like legos!

Callbacks

Callbacks aren't really a feature of JavaScript like Object or Array, but instead just a certain way to use functions. To understand why callbacks are useful you first have to learn about asynchronous (often shortened to async) programming. Asynchronous code by definition is code written in a way that is not synchronous. Synchronous code is easy to understand and write. Here is an example to illustrate:

var photo = download('http://foo-chan.com/images/sp.jpg') uploadPhotoTweet(photo, '@maxogden')

This synchronous pseudo-code downloads an adorable cat photo and then uploads the photo to twitter and tweets the photo at @maxogden. Pretty straightforward!

(Author's note: I @maxogden do happily accept random cat photo tweets)

This code is synchronous because in order for photo to get uploaded to the tweet, the photo download must be completed. This means that line 2 cannot run until the task on line 1 is totally finished. If we were to actually implement this pseudo-code we would want to make sure that download 'blocked' execution until the download was finished, meaning it would prevent any other JavaScript from being executed until it finished, and then when the download completes it would un-block the JavaScript execution and line 2 would execute.

Synchronous code is fine for things that happen fast, but it's horrible for things that require saving, loading, downloading or uploading. What if the server you're downloading the photo from is slow, or the internet connection you are using is slow, or the computer you are running the code on has too many youtube cat video tabs open and is running slowly? It means that it could potentially take minutes of waiting before line 2 gets around to running. Meanwhile, because all JavaScript on the page is being blocked from being run while the download is happening, the webpage would totally freeze up and become unresponsive until the download is done.

Blocking execution should be avoided at all costs, especially when doing so makes your program freeze up or become unresponsive. Let's assume the photo above takes one second to download. To illustrate how long one second is to a modern computer, here is a program that tests to see how many tasks JavaScript can process in one second.

function measureLoopSpeed() { var count = 0 function addOne() { count = count + 1 }

// Date.now() returns a big number representing the number of // milliseconds that have elapsed since Jan 01 1970 var now = Date.now()

// Loop until Date.now() is 1000 milliseconds (1 second) or more into // the future from when we started looping. On each loop, call addOne while (Date.now() - now < 1000) addOne()

// Finally it has been >= 1000ms, so let's print out our total count console.log(count) }

measureLoopSpeed()

Copy-paste the above code into your JavaScript console and after one second it should print out a number. On my computer I got 8527360, approximately 8.5 million. In one second JavaScript can call the addOne function 8.5 million times! So if you have synchronous code for downloading a photo, and the photo download takes one second, it means you are potentially preventing 8.5 million operations from happening while JavaScript execution is blocked.

Some languages have a function called sleep that blocks execution for some number of seconds. For example here is some bash code running in Terminal.app on Mac OS that uses sleep. When you run the command sleep 3 && echo 'done sleeping now' it blocks for 3 seconds before printing out done sleeping now.

console

JavaScript doesn't have a sleep function. Since you are a cat you are probably asking yourself, "Why am I learning a programming language that does not involve sleeping?". But stay with me. Instead of relying on sleep to wait for things to happen the design of JavaScript encourages use of functions instead. If you have to wait for task A to finish before doing task B, you put all of the code for task B into a function and you only call that function when A is done.

For example, this is blocking-style code:

a() b()

And this is in a non-blocking style:

a(b)

In the non-blocking version b is a callback to a. In the blocking version a and b are both called/invoked (they both have () after them which executes the functions immediately). In the non-blocking version you will notice that only a gets invoked, and b is simply passed in to a as an argument.

In the blocking version, there is no explicit relationship between a and b. In the non-blocking version it becomes a's job to do what it needs to do and then call b when it is done. Using functions in this way is called callbacks because your callback function, in this case b, gets called later on when a is all done.

Here is a pseudocode implementation of what a might look like:

function a(done) { download('https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B4DDWBrCEAA8u4O.jpg:large', function doneDownloading(error, png) { // handle error if there was one if (err) console.log('uh-oh!', error)

// call done when you are all done
done()

}) }

Think back to our non-blocking example, a(b), where we call a and pass in b as the first argument. In the function definition for a above the done argument is our b function that we pass in. This behavior is something that is hard to wrap your head around at first. When you call a function, the arguments you pass in won't have the same variable names when they are in the function. In this case what we call b is called done inside the function. But b and done are just variable names that point to the same underlying function. Usually callback functions are labelled something like done or callback to make it clear that they are functions that should be called when the current function is done.

So, as long as a does it's job and called b when it is done, both a and b get called in both the non-blocking and blocking versions. The difference is that in the non-blocking version we don't have to halt execution of JavaScript. In general non-blocking style is where you write every function so that it can return as soon as possible, without ever blocking.

To drive the point home even further: If a takes one second to complete, and you use the blocking version, it means you can only do one thing. If you use the non-blocking version (aka use callbacks) you can do literally millions of other things in that same second, which means you can finish your work millions of times faster and sleep the rest of the day.

Remember: programming is all about laziness and you should be the one sleeping, not your computer.

Hopefully you can see now that callbacks are just functions that call other functions after some asynchronous task. Common examples of asynchronous tasks are things like reading a photo, downloading a song, uploading a picture, talking to a database, waiting for a user to hit a key or click on someone, etc. Anything that takes time. JavaScript is really great at handling asynchronous tasks like these as long as you take the time to learn how to use callbacks and keep your JavaScript from being blocked. The end!

This is just the beginning of your relationship with JavaScript! You can't learn it all at once, but you should find what works for you and try to learn all of the concepts here.

I'd recommend coming back again tomorrow and going through the entire thing again from the beginning! It might take a few times through before you get everything (programming is hard). Just try to avoid reading this page in any rooms that contain shiny objects . . . they can be incredibly distracting.

Got another topic you wanna see covered? Open an issue for it on github.

Recommended reading

JavaScript For Cats skips over lots of details that aren't important for getting started (cats are not known for their attention spans), but if you feel like you need to dive in deeper then check these out:

NodeSchool.io is a community driven, open source educational software that teaches various web development skills in an interactive, self-guided format. I helped make NodeSchool! Sadly it features fewer cats than this page.
Eloquent Javascript is a free book that teaches you JavaScript! It's pretty good! Especially the chapter on values, variables, and control flow
Mozilla's JavaScript Guide also has a pretty sweet intro chapter called values, variables and literals
standard JS Style Guide is a "zero configuration" linter for JS style that I use
Let's Write Code by @shama a great series of YouTube coding tutorials made by a friend of mine

Satisfied customers

satisfied customer satisfied customer satisfied customer satisfied customer satisfied customer

JSForCats.com is a labor of love and work in progress by @maxogden. If you would like to contribute and make this tutorial better there is a Github repo right over here. console

@ 8cb60e21:5f2deaea

@ 472f440f:5669301e

I had the pleasure of sitting back down with Will Reeves, Founder and CEO of Fold, on TFTC last week to discuss Fold's journey from a startup to (soon to be) a publicly listed company. I particularly liked this conversation because it was a great lens into the grit it takes to run a successful bitcoin company.

https://fountain.fm/episode/1FrspxmpK5bsoReGx73n

Building a successful company is extremely hard in its own right. Building a successful bitcoin company is significantly harder considering the fact that you're building a company in parallel with a nascent and volatile monetary asset that is monetizing in real time. Bitcoin adoption comes in waves. People flood in when the price is ripping and fade out when the price corrects and goes into a multi-year bear market before the tide comes back in. This means that your potential user base is expanding and contracting more than it would be in other industries. As a company you need to be able to absorb the incoming waves of new adopters and then capture and retain the users who stick around for the bear market.

To do this correctly, a founder and their team needs to thread many needles. First, can you assemble a team that can actually build something? Second, can you bring a product to market that people actually use because it provides value to them? Third, can you stick out against the crowd? So on and so forth. One of the most important aspects of building a bitcoin company during bitcoin's monetization phase is timing. There are many great ideas that people have in terms of companies, products and tools that can built using bitcoin. There are sci-fi futures that can be built today on bitcoin if people really wanted to.

The problem that arises is that adoption and understanding of bitcoin are at a point where, even though a functional product could be brought to market, it won't be adopted by a large number of people because there 1.) aren't enough people who would understand how to use it and 2.) for the people who do understand how to use it and could benefit from it, the universe of people they can interact with using that product is minuscule.

Timing is everything. And I think Fold nailed the timing of their product. Allowing people to passively stack sats by offering a product that enables them to go about their daily spending and get sats back instead of cash back rewards is a great first-touch bitcoin experience. Once Fold found their sticky user base and perfected their sats back experience, they began expanding their product offering to provide their users with more bitcoin services. Buy/sell bitcoin in-app, bill pay for sats back, and more. They'll eventually roll out a credit card and additional financial services. Start simple, provide something of value, nail the timing and then expand from there. That seems to be the recipe.

For any founders in the space reading this, I highly recommend you listen to the episode. Particularly for the advice Will gives about knowing when to sprint on product and when to lean into growth. Bear markets are for building and bull markets are for casting the widest net possible and capturing as many new users as possible.

At Ten31 we are extremely proud to back Fold and a number of other companies in the bitcoin space that understand the intricacies described above. We work with some of the best founders in the world. Founders who know how to eat glass with the best of them. Bitcoin can be a cruel mistress and no one knows that more intimately than the founders building bitcoin companies.

---

Final thought...

The NFL having a week 1 game in Brazil should get Roger Godell fired.

Enjoy your weekend, freaks.

@ e83b66a8:b0526c2b

The founder of Telegram has just been arrested in France. Charges include lack of cooperation with law enforcement, drug trafficking and fraud.

Aside from Telegram, social media is controlled by two billionaires who decide what you say, are themselves controlled by overbearing governments and make money through advertising and selling your personal data.

There is a different way.

NOSTR stands for Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted on Relays and it is a social media protocol in the same way http is a web protocol.

The protocol is open and anybody can build upon it. It has some fundamental concepts that are very different to existing social media platforms.

Firstly it is decentralised, it runs across relays and anybody can run a relay. They can be open or closed, public or private, free or paid.

Secondly as a user, you don’t have an account, you have a private key which is used to secure your data.

Your profile (account) is yours, you own and control it using your private keys and verified by others with your public key.

Your posts are yours and you can store them on your own relay in your own home or business or you can rely on free public relays or more feature rich paid public relays.

All your public data is signed by your private keys to verify it is you that owns it and all your private data is encrypted so nobody can read it.

Messages (i.e. think NOSTR WhatsApp) are encrypted with your private keys so NOBODY can hack it or listen in, not even the NSA through a companies backdoor. You message other users privately by encrypting messages to them using their public key, which they decrypt using their private key.

Relays store your data in a decentralised network of private and public relays and you discover relays automatically when searching for people or content.

Data is normally sent on the clearnet, but can be relayed across the darknet (Tor) in highly censored regions.

Because it is built using Bitcoin principles and technology, so it has Bitcoin money built in, meaning you actually send / receive money from / to any participant.

As money is built in, the commercial options are different to centralised corporate owned platforms. It would be technically possible to build a platform that supports advertising, however that hasn’t really happened because influencers can be paid directly from their audience in many different ways. Ad hoc tips, subscriptions, pay to view or pay per time models.

The great thing for content creators is that they control, own and keep all the money they make. There is no third party intermediary or merchant deciding whether they are allowed to be paid or not.

NOSTR is censorship resistant, as there is no way to stop anybody publishing anything they want, in the same way nobody can stop or interfere with a Bitcoin payment.

From an end users point of view, if they want to self censor, they can do this in multiple ways. You can mute users individually, or you can choose to use relays that adhere to your views or interests, so if you don’t want to see certain categories of content, you would avoid relays that carry those feeds. You can even run your own relay and curate content that you then charge other like minded users to connect to. You can of course connect to multiple relays for multiple different type of feed.

While NOSTR is a protocol, platforms have to be built to use it, so the first platforms were twitter like clients and they are still very prevalent. However, NOSTR now has clients that emulate most social media platforms, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Soundcloud, WhatsApp etc. They are even creating their own categories as well as emulating other functions such as Office Suite tools, collaborative calendars, contact lists or e-commerce shops.

If you want to give it a go, the easiest, but not the best, way to get started is download Primal on your phone from here:

https://primal.net/downloads

It will create a private key for you and setup a Bitcoin wallet.

Once you have done this you can visit me here:

nostr:npub1aqakd28d95muqlg6h6nwrvqq5925n354prayckr424k49vzjds4s0c237n

If you want to see a small part of the ecosystem, then visit https://www.nostrapps.com/ where volunteers are listing some of the many apps that exist already.

NOSTR is being backed by Jack Dorsey, Twitter founder, and you can see his account here:

nostr:npub1sg6plzptd64u62a878hep2kev88swjh3tw00gjsfl8f237lmu63q0uf63m

Or you can see his account like this:

https://primal.net/jack

Edward Snowden is also on the platform and you can find him here:

https://primal.net/Snowden

NOSTR has around 2 million users or public keys, although nobody really knows how many, because it is decentralised and not controlled or run by any person or organisation.

Once you’ve setup Primal, you can use those same private keys to access any platform you wish and you can use a browser extension such as Alby to manage your keys: https://getalby.com/

Primal looks great, but there are other better functioning twitter like clients, probably the most reliable for iPhone is Damus: https://www.nostrapps.com/apps/damus

or Amethyst for Android: https://nostrapps.com/amethyst

The content and user base is very Bitcoin and freedom focused right now, but more and more people are starting to use the various platforms and some are transferring exclusively to it.

Some of the more interesting projects right now are:

https://www.0xchat.com/#/ – Private messaging – think WhatsApp

https://zap.stream/ – Video streaming

https://fountain.fm/ – Podcasting

https://wavlake.com/ – Music streaming

https://shopstr.store/ – Online shop

https://npub.pro/ – Website creation tool

https://nostr.build/ – Media and file storage

https://relay.tools/ – Build and curate your own relay

https://creatr.nostr.wine/subscriptions/new-user – Creator tools

Remember, the same keys you created for Primal can be used across the whole ecosystem.

If you want to see some of the other apps that have been built on the NOSTR protocol visit: https://nostrapps.com/

@ 361d3e1e:50bc10a8

https://forex-strategy.com/2024/09/06/a-teacher-is-arrested-because-he-refused-to-teach-lgbt-to-his-students/

A teacher is arrested because he refused to teach LGBT+ to his students

politics #lgbt #education #arrest #ireland #freedom

@ d34e832d:383f78d0

Cox Media Group has been promoting a new targeted advertising tool to tech companies that uses audio recordings from smart home devices. This program was first revealed by Gizmodo late last year. Recently, 404 Media obtained more details about it through a leaked pitch deck, and the contents are unsettling.

The tool, called "Active Listening," is designed to leverage smart devices that “capture real-time intent data by listening to conversations.” Advertisers can then pair this data with behavioral information to target consumers. The deck also mentions using artificial intelligence to analyze both behavioral and voice data from over 470 sources, raising further privacy concerns.

The legality of this practice is questionable. Many states have wiretapping laws prohibiting recording without explicit consent. If smart devices are always recording and funneling data into targeted ads, this could violate laws like California’s two-party consent requirement.

Cox claims partnerships with major platforms like Google, Amazon, and Facebook, but it’s unclear if any are involved with this tool. After being contacted, Google dropped Cox Media Group from its advertising partners program, and Amazon stated it has never worked with CMG on this program.

You can view the full pitch deck here.

@ b6dcdddf:dfee5ee7

Hey Frens,

This is the Geyser team, coming at you with a spicy idea: a grant for proper journalism.

Issue: Journalism is broken. Independent journalism is emerging with the work of The Rage, Whitney Webb and so forth. They deal with issues like privacy, political corruption, economics, ESG, medicine and many other issues that are not discussed by mainstream media.

The problem is that not many people know about their work and there are very few grant programs that support their work.

Proposed Solution: Geyser would like to host a Grant supporting independent journalists using 'community voting mechanism'. See here for how Community Voting Grants work.

However, we need more companies to partner up and sponsor this initiative with us. Ideas of more sponsors: - Stacker news: SN has become a great repository of independent/indie journalism. I think they'd fit in great as sponsors for this type of grant. cc: @k00b - Bitesize media: A new independent media house that wants to focus on the signal Bitcoin brings to our world. They expressed interest already. - Bitcoin Magazine: might be interested as well in this effort.

Would love the community's feedback on this idea and propose additional thoughts!

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/674951

@ 75bf2353:e1bfa895

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DON'T BE A DICK PUBLIC LICENSE

originally created by Phil Sturgeon

Version 1.1, December 2016

Copyright (C) Blogging Bitcoin

Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim or modified copies of this license document.

DON'T BE A DICK PUBLIC LICENSE TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR COPYING, DISTRIBUTION AND MODIFICATION

1. Do whatever you like with the original work, just don't be a dick.

Being a dick includes - but is not limited to - the following instances:

1a. Outright copyright infringement - Don't just copy this and change the name. 1b. Selling the unmodified original with no work done what-so-ever, that's REALLY being a dick. 1c. Modifying the original work to contain hidden harmful content. That would make you a PROPER dick.

1. If you become rich through modifications, related works/services, or supporting the original work, share the love. Only a dick would make loads off this work and not buy the original work's creator(s) a pint.

2. Code is provided with no warranty. Using somebody else's code and bitching when it goes wrong makes you a DONKEY dick. Fix the problem yourself. A non-dick would submit the fix back.

@ c73818cc:ccd5c890

💩 Il governo italiano approva il decreto di adeguamento al regolamento MiCAR mentre la Banca d'Italia aggiorna il Piano Strategico 2023-2025 per rafforzare la vigilanza e l'innovazione nel settore finanziario.

💩 Rafforzamento della regolamentazione:

💩 Il Consiglio dei ministri ha approvato un decreto legislativo che adegua le normative italiane al regolamento europeo MiCAR, stabilendo una regolamentazione minima per tutte le cripto-attività a livello UE. L'obiettivo è garantire maggiore trasparenza e tutela degli investitori, prevenendo abusi nel mercato delle criptovalute.

💩 Nuovi poteri a Banca d'Italia e Consob:

💩 Il decreto conferisce poteri ampliati alla Banca d'Italia e alla Consob per vigilare e sanzionare gli operatori nel settore delle cripto-attività. Queste istituzioni avranno la responsabilità di garantire che le emissioni, le offerte pubbliche e le negoziazioni di token avvengano in conformità con le normative vigenti.

💩 Piano Strategico 2023-2025:

💩 Parallelamente, la Banca d'Italia ha aggiornato il suo Piano Strategico, che punta su innovazione e resilienza cibernetica. Tra le priorità figurano il rafforzamento della stabilità finanziaria, l'introduzione dell'euro digitale e il miglioramento delle infrastrutture di pagamento, con un'attenzione particolare alla lotta alle attività illegali.

💩 Tutela degli utenti e sostenibilità:

💩 Il piano prevede anche misure per proteggere i clienti dei servizi bancari, promuovere l'educazione finanziaria e contribuire alla sostenibilità ambientale. La Banca d'Italia si allinea agli obiettivi dell'Agenda 2030 delle Nazioni Unite, puntando a ridurre l'impronta ambientale e a favorire l'inclusività.

💩 Transizione energetica e innovazione:

💩 Infine, il piano della Banca d'Italia mira a consolidare il lavoro ibrido, valorizzare la diversità e sviluppare nuove competenze per affrontare le sfide future. L'adozione di tecnologie digitali sarà centrale per mantenere l'efficienza e l'efficacia operativa dell'istituzione.

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@ 150cec32:eea45aec

כותרת

טקסט

@ 7ab1ed7a:f8e15275

@ a3d9328e:5560628c

Keepass, Keepass2, KeepassX, KeepassXC and others... What is the difference?

---

KeePass is a free and open-source password manager which helps you manage your passwords securely. It is stored in a database, which is locked with a master key and fully encrypted.

I realize that as you read this article, you're likely familiar with password managers and have some knowledge of KeePass or other popular systems such as LastPass, Bitwarden, Dashlane, and 1Password. While all of these options are online and offer limited features in their free versions, they also sell subscription plans. This makes KeePass an excellent alternative in various situations.

## KeePass

The official KeePass is https://keepass.info/, with the initial release in 2003! The newest versions are 2.53 and 1.41 (when I wrote this article), released in January 2023 (less than 5 months after the previous release).

On the site, you will find 2 versions available: KeePass 1.x and KeePass 2.x One is not the evolution of the other! They are developed in parallel, and both are free and open source. However, 1.x uses an older platform and is still supported (2.x is not!).

Both versions use AES 256, with KeePass 2.x through plugins able to add and support other algorithms.

The differences:

KeePass 1.x

Written in C++, runs only on Windows platforms (or using Wine on Linux). The password database has the extension KDB. In addition to AES 256, there is Twofish 256 bits and data authentication/integrity is guaranteed using a plain text SHA-256 hash.

KeePass 2.x

Introduced in 2007, KeePass 2.x offers more support and features than KeePass 1.x, including OTP (One Time Password) support, Smart Cards, an extensive list of plugins, and remote database support. Developed in C# using .NET, it can be run on Linux with Mono. The password database uses the KDBX extension. Besides AES 256, it supports ChaCha20 256-bit encryption, and data authentication/integrity is ensured through an HMAC-SHA-256 ciphertext hash.

In the database versions, there are also changes while KDBX3 uses AES-KDF KDBX4 (most current) uses Argon2.

In this link, there is a developer's table with the comparison between versions: https://keepass.info/compare.html

Here is the list of plugins (with information on which version they support, 1x or 2x): https://keepass.info/plugins.html

Here you can find more details about security differences between versions: https://keepass.info/help/base/security.html Forks and Ports KeePass-Related Projects

KeePassL

A fork of KeePass to run on Linux (when there was no Mono and remembering that KeePass 2.x came out in 2007!).

KeePassX

When KeePass L became cross-platform in 2006, it changed its name to KeePassX. Cross-platform means Mac OS X, Windows and the tarball for Linux. Some third party developers created packages for distros.

KeePassX was officially discontinued in December 2021, with its final release dating back to 2016.

KeePassXC

KeePassXC was introduced in 2012 as a fork of KeePassX due to its extensive development process. Essentially, it continues to serve as a multi-platform port of KeePass 2.x, but is built using C++, eliminating the need for Mono installation on Linux.

It's compatible with both KDBX3 and KDBX4 formats, although the goal is to transition to KDBX4. Additionally, it can import KeePass 1.x (KDB) files, but does not support KeePass 2.x plugins.

It officially has browser extensions! For the others, you need to look for some third-party extensions.

KeeWeb

KeeWeb is a KeePass-compatible fork developed in JavaScript, designed to be multi-platform and function as a web app. Users can access their database either through a browser, with the option to upload their web app instance, or via a client installed on their operating system (Electron). Launched in 2016, KeeWeb is the newest addition to this list, with its latest stable version released in 07/2021. However, the project's GitHub currently lacks a dedicated maintainer.

It is possible, using KeeWeb, to point to the password database directly stored in some provider (like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive or any other that supports webDAV). While the others need to be done another way, like mapping the remote file to the operating system, either by mounting a path (webDAV, samba, NFS, FTP...) or by other means (like Dropbox's client), but for Google Drive, OneDrive and some others, just downloading the file (or using some third-party app like OneDriver or InSync).

For browsers, the project site indicates using the KeePassXC extension.

AuthPass

Similar to KeeWeb, there is AuthPass. Its latest version is from 06/2022 and it seems that its development is more active. Made in Flutter, and multi-platform (including mobile).

KPCLI

Kpcli is a command-line interface (CLI) client compatible with both KeePass 1 and 2 databases (KDB and KDBX family). With the help of bash, you can create scripts to automate password usage via the command line, eliminating the need for a graphical client or KeePass itself. Other ports/forks

On the KeePass site, there is a list: https://keepass.info/download.html

However, on GitHub, there is an even longer list, separated by platform-specific clients, cross-platform clients, mobiles, plugins and tools. https://github.com/lgg/awesome-keepass

Conclusion

Let me help you decide which version of KeePass is best for you.

Do you use Windows? Give KeePass2 a try. If you're not interested in KeePass 2.x, no worries! Just refer to the list above and pick any alternative that suits you. ;-)

Are you a Linux user? Give KeePassXC a try.

Concerned about usability and compatibility across multiple operating systems? Try KeePassXC on Linux, Windows, or Mac for a seamless experience.

Looking to use it in your browser, just like those paid/freemium competitors? Give KeePassXC a shot and simply install the official extension.

Looking to access it on Android as well? Give KeePassDX a try. It's compatible with all password database versions (KDB, KDBX...), ensuring seamless integration with any desktop app you choose. If you opt for AuthPass, it's the only one with an official Android version. For all other options, you'll need to depend on apps developed by third parties.

Moreover, implement 2FA/MFA for every feasible application! When faced with a choice between two services or websites, opt for the one that provides 2FA/MFA (ideally through an app rather than SMS).

I originally posted this article on my blog at https://esli.blog.br/which-keepass-version-is-best-for-me The text is also versioned in markdown on my github profile and I decided to post it here as a first test and perhaps migrate the other texts I've written.

@ 113958ea:f1ce9557

@ c73818cc:ccd5c890

😎 L'FBI mette in guardia le aziende statunitensi contro sofisticati attacchi di ingegneria sociale orchestrati da hacker nordcoreani, volti a rubare asset digitali dai fondi negoziati in borsa (ETF) legati alle criptovalute.

😎 Gli hacker nordcoreani stanno intensificando gli attacchi contro le aziende statunitensi coinvolte negli ETF di criptovaluta, utilizzando tecniche avanzate di ingegneria sociale. Questi attacchi mirano a rubare asset digitali attraverso l'inganno e la manipolazione delle vittime.

😎 Secondo l'FBI, gli attacchi includono impersonificazioni e scenari falsi, come offerte di lavoro o opportunità di investimento, per ingannare i dipendenti del settore DeFi e criptovalute. La ricerca pre-operativa dettagliata consente agli hacker di sfruttare specifici interessi e connessioni.

😎 L'FBI esorta le aziende a implementare rigorose misure di sicurezza, come l'autenticazione multifattoriale e la verifica delle identità. Con un'attenzione particolare alla protezione degli asset digitali, queste precauzioni possono aiutare a mitigare i rischi posti dalle sofisticate minacce informatiche nordcoreane.

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BitcoinReportItalia #FBI #Hacker #Nordcoreani #ETF #Investimento #Furto #Sicurezza #Asset #Hacking #Transazioni #Cripto #Bitcoin

@ 3bf0c63f:aefa459d

Nostr: a quick introduction, attempt #2

Nostr doesn't subscribe to any ideals of "free speech" as these belong to the realm of politics and assume a big powerful government that enforces a common ruleupon everybody else.

Nostr instead is much simpler, it simply says that servers are private property and establishes a generalized framework for people to connect to all these servers, creating a true free market in the process. In other words, Nostr is the public road that each market participant can use to build their own store or visit others and use their services.

(Of course a road is never truly public, in normal cases it's ran by the government, in this case it relies upon the previous existence of the internet with all its quirks and chaos plus a hand of government control, but none of that matters for this explanation).

More concretely speaking, Nostr is just a set of definitions of the formats of the data that can be passed between participants and their expected order, i.e. messages between clients (i.e. the program that runs on a user computer) and relays (i.e. the program that runs on a publicly accessible computer, a "server", generally with a domain-name associated) over a type of TCP connection (WebSocket) with cryptographic signatures. This is what is called a "protocol" in this context, and upon that simple base multiple kinds of sub-protocols can be added, like a protocol for "public-square style microblogging", "semi-closed group chat" or, I don't know, "recipe sharing and feedback".

@ e97aaffa:2ebd765d

«Only 10 of the 190 taxes collect 90% of the total revenue. The other 180 taxes don’t cause direct economic damage but they generate obstacles, delays and an endless number of procedures that hinder economic activity in a country where making money is already an impossible task»

Eu concordo plenamente com este pensamento do Javier Milei e tinha a convicção que a situação de Portugal é muito similar, por isso fiz o meu “Don’t Trust, verify”.

Receita tributária

Foi analisar o caso de Portugal, as receitas tributárias de 2023:

«Carga fiscal subiu para 95 mil milhões de euros. Mas cai para 35,8% do PIB em 2023» – ECO

Se o objetivo final da estatística é para efetuar uma comparação entre países, é necessário efetuar a divisão pelo PIB. Mas se a análise é apenas para comparações internas ou homólogas, não faz qualquer sentido efetuar a divisão. Com a divisão dos valores pelo PIB, mascaramos a realidade, sobretudo em períodos inflacionários, porque o crescimento do PIB não é real, é uma consequência da inflação. A melhor maneira para analisar as estatísticas internamente é utilizar o valor nominal.

No relatório do INE, os impostos são divididos em 3 grupos: * Impostos Diretos * Impostos Indiretos * Contribuições Sociais

Segundo esses dados, nos últimos anos, tem acontecido um enorme crescimento da arrecadação fiscal por parte do estado, a única exceção foi 2020, devido ao covid. De 2019 a 2023, o aumento foi de quase 30%. Ou seja, totalmente oposto à ideia (divisão pelo PIB) que os governos gostam de propagandear.

Para termos uma comparação, no mesmo período, o salário mínimo nacional(Portugal) subiu 27%, mas o salário médio apenas subiu 17%. As pessoas estão a perder poder de compra.

A tabela seguinte é a compilação dos dados:

O IVA é o imposto com maior arrecadação, corresponde a aproximadamente a 25% do total da arrecadação fiscal, seguido pelo IRS, com 19.5%. É curioso que a constituição portuguesa, defende que os impostos devem ser progressivos, ou seja, quem ganha mais, deve pagar mais.

Artigo 104.º (Impostos) 1. O imposto sobre o rendimento pessoal visa a diminuição das desigualdades e será único e progressivo, tendo em conta as necessidades e os rendimentos do agregado familiar. 2. A tributação das empresas incide fundamentalmente sobre o seu rendimento real. 3. A tributação do património deve contribuir para a igualdade entre os cidadãos. 4. A tributação do consumo visa adaptar a estrutura do consumo à evolução das necessidades do desenvolvimento económico e da justiça social, devendo onerar os consumos de luxo.

Mas o IVA é um imposto cego, onde os principais afetados são os mais pobres, totalmente oposto ao que a constituição diz, sem justiça social.

Somando os 10 maiores impostos, resulta em 93.6% da receita fiscal, é similar à situação da Argentina:

A quantidade de impostos em Portugal é tal, que a maioria deles nem aparece nos relatórios, apenas ficam nas secções “outros”. Curiosamente, perguntei a uma AI, quantos impostos existem em Portugal, mas a AI, esquivou-se à resposta.

Em Portugal, existem cerca de 20 impostos principais, incluindo os mais conhecidos como o IRS, IRC, IVA, IMI, e IMT. Além desses, há vários outros impostos e taxas específicas que podem ser aplicáveis em diferentes situações.

Eu insisti mais que uma vez, mas ele nunca deu um número concreto. Possivelmente, nem o governo sabe quantos impostos existem…

Conclusão

Em Portugal e na Argentina, a esmagadora receita fiscal acontece, sobretudo em apenas 10 impostos, os restantes são residuais na receita do governo mas gera uma enorme burocracia nas empresas e nas pessoas.

Se muitos desses "mini" impostos fossem eliminados, permitia uma maior dinamização do mercado, gerando crescimento económico e mais empregos. Nos fins das contas, o estado acabaria por arrecadar mais receitas através dos outros impostos, sobretudo no IVA. Em certos casos, é provável que custos operacionais para o estado são superior à propria arrecadação fiscal desse respectivo imposto. Sem esquecer os casos de impostos sobre impostos, da dupla tributação, como acontece na compra de um automóvel. A curva de Laffer, há muito que foi ultrapassada em Portugal.

Além de prejudicar a economia diretamente, esta enorme quantidade de taxas, taxinhas e burocracias, tem um efeito perverso no “estado”. Os estados necessitam de muitos meios físicos e humanos para efetuar a gestão, fiscalização e a recolha desses impostos, além disso, a burocracia leva ao surgimento da corrupção. A burocracia é criada propositadamente pelos políticos para atrapalhar a vida dos cidadãos, com o objectivo final de beneficiar terceiros, como advogados ou lobis ou os próprios políticos. A receita fiscal é mínima, mas é um incentivo à corrupção, isto é especialmente visível a nível mais local, nas autarquias. Qualquer coisa que se faça, sobretudo a nível de obras, é necessário uma infindável quantidade de autorizações, papeladas e claro, muitas taxinhas. Devido a essa burocracia, qualquer licenciamento demoram meses a anos, no meio disto tudo, existem empresários/pessoas impacientes, que desesperam com a tremenda demora e acabam por colocar uma notinha no bolso de alguém importante, para que este acelere o processo. Coisas que normalmente demorariam meses, são aprovadas em semanas, a burocracia incentiva a corrupção.

Portugal necessita urgentemente de uma simplificação fiscal, se houvesse vontade política para mudar, o governo poderia diminuir drasticamente o número de impostos sem diminuir a arrecadação fiscal. Se esta mudança, eles não são capazes de a fazer, muito menos vão fazer uma mudança que provoque uma redução da arrecadação fiscal. Eu acho que Portugal vai seguir o caminho oposto, em vez de simplificar, vai é criar ainda mais novos impostos, porque como os atuais impostos já estão demasiado elevados, é extremamente impopular aumentá-los ainda mais, a maneira mais simples para o governo é criar novos impostos para aumentar a arrecadação fiscal.

Os governos modernos só olham para o aumento da arrecadação/impostos, "esquecem” por completo a redução de gastos, a eficiência. Resumindo, isto é o mundo FIAT.

@ 6bae33c8:607272e8

I got back into the Circa Survivor Contest this year at great cost (my flight out of Palm Springs on July 5 was cancelled due to heat, so I had to rent a car and drive through the Mojave Desert, and the road to Vegas was closed, so I had to double back another 100 miles, which in total took six hours), so this is Team Of Destiny 2.0. Or at least it had better be.

I’m not going to stick to any one method or philosophy. Put differently, I realize that in order to win, I need to go into the future, find out what has already happened and pick on that basis. Pot odds is great, but even if you do that properly every week, your edge over the field isn’t that huge. Instead of a 1 in 10,000 chance to win, maybe you have 1 in 6,500. Sure, if you had 100 entries in every high stakes contest, it might be enough to eke out a reliable profit, but I’m not here for that. I’m here to navigate one boat through the icebergs and take down the $10M. And for that, you can’t hope to get lucky. You have to know in advance.

What method do I propose to see into the future? Only my imagination. I’m going to spend a lot of time imagining what might happen, turn my brain into a quantum device, break space-time and come to the right answers. Easier said than done, but I’m committed.

. . .

In any event, let’s take a look at the slate: Here are the ownership numbers per Officefootballpools.com.

The pot-odds play is the Bills if you buy into the Vegas numbers — Bengals roughly 78.5 and the Bills at 72.6%. That means the Bengals have a 21.5% chance to lose, the Bills 27.4%. That’s a 27.4 percent increase in risk (coincidentally.)

But if the Bengals lose they take out 39 people, and if the Bills lose they take out only 15. Let’s assume another 20-odd people lose with other teams (in a hypothetical 100-person pool) and you’re down to 41 if the Bengals lose/Bills win, 65 if the Bills lose/Bengals win.

If we say each person put in $10, the former scenario is $1000 (total pot)/41 = $24.39, and the latter $1000/65 = $15.38. The ratio of 24.39/15.38 = 1.59. In other words, you have 59 percent percent more equity in Week 2 on the Bills if the Bengals lose than you would on the Bengals if the Bills lose.

You’re talking a 27.4 percent greater risk for a 59 percent greater reward. So normally I’d snap call the Bills.

But I’m probably going Bengals because I think the Cardinals are dangerous this year, and the Pats are arguably the worst team in the league and in surrender mode after they dealt Matthew Judon to the Falcons. (All this is supposed to be priced in, of course, but I don’t care.)

I’ll finalize my pick before Saturday’s deadline, but that’s how I see it for now.

@ 6bae33c8:607272e8

An odd thing happened — I squinted when opening my laptop this morning so as not to see the final score, but I thought I read a headline saying the Ravens beat the Chiefs. Maybe it was a cached headline from the night before saying what they’d have to do to beat the Chiefs? but I shut the laptop and logged into my Apple TV account to stream the game on the TV, fully expecting the Ravens to win. I mean up until the moment they overturned the Isaiah Likely TD, I thought the Ravens would win. Funny, but not funny because I picked the Ravens in my low-stakes picking pool, and I HATE starting off the week 0-1, no matter the stakes.

In any event, it was an okay game, not great, but there were some interesting takeaways.

• Derrick Henry looked fine but is going to do almost nothing in the passing game. He had two awkward targets, but Justice Hill was in the game on passing downs and during the end-of-half two-minute drill. Plus Lamar Jackson almost always takes off when he’s in trouble, so if the play isn’t a designed pass to the back, which will be rare for Henry, he’s not getting the ball except via handoff.

• Jackson looked smooth to me and he’ll have a huge year for as long as he can stay healthy, especially now that Isaiah Likely looks like a real threat. But at 6-2, 205, 16 carries per game is a big ask.

• Likely looked great. On his long TD, he made great moves, and even on the TD that was overturned, he showed great footwork to make it that close. I’m awfully curious to see where the near-invisible Mark Andrews slips in my NFFC Primetime tonight. (I think Round 8 or so, and I’d have to think about it.)

• Rashod Bateman had five targets, four of them down the field. He’s their field stretcher, and though it was a quiet day, there should be more.

• Zay Flowers got 10 targets (good), but it was dink and dunk stuff. To be honest, Likely (12 targets!) looked like the WR1, the alpha running the intermediate routes, Bateman the deep guy and Flowers the midget in the slot.

• Patrick Mahomes didn’t have a big game, but that was against a top defense and he still got 10.4 YPA. And they were missing one of their field stretchers in Hollywood Brown.

• Rashee Rice was the story for the Chiefs IMO. He had nine targets and made it look so easy, like Cooper Kupp schemed open on the Rams a few years ago. Xavier Worthy scored twice, but on only three targets even without Brown. He did look awfully fast, though.

• Isiah Pacheco ran hard against a tough defense, but didn’t do much as a receiver. He’ll be fine — I wouldn’t move his stock much after this game.

• Travis Kelce had a quiet night, but I wouldn’t read much into it. It’s not like Noah Gray is Likely to take his role.

• After all these years, I finally ditched the loyal Justin Tucker for a Younghoe, and I feel like a new man. It still brought me no joy to see him miss that 53-yard FG.

• You have to love Steak League IDP Roquan Smith getting a pick for you opening night.

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

Table Of Content

• Why is there a Projection of Bitcoin Adoption Increase by 50% by 2025?

• What are the Potential Challenges for Bitcoin Adoption?

• What is the Impact of Bitcoin Adoption on the Global Economy?

• Conclusion

• FAQ

Bitcoin, the world's first and largest cryptocurrency, has been gaining momentum and popularity over the years. With its decentralized and secure nature, Bitcoin has become a preferred mode of payment and investment for many individuals and businesses. The cryptocurrency has been making headlines for its unprecedented price surges, with its value surpassing $60,000 in early 2021. However, it has also experienced significant price drops and market volatility. Despite this, experts predict that Bitcoin adoption will continue to increase, with a projected 50% growth by 2025.

Why is there a Projection of Bitcoin Adoption Increase by 50% by 2025?

There are several reasons why experts are predicting a significant increase in Bitcoin adoption by 2025:

Increased institutional investment: Over the past few years, more and more institutional investors, such as banks and hedge funds, have been investing in Bitcoin. These investments bring legitimacy and stability to the cryptocurrency market, making it more appealing to individual investors.

Global economic uncertainty: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the global economy, causing many individuals and businesses to re-evaluate their investment strategies. With traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds, experiencing volatility, Bitcoin's decentralized nature and limited supply make it an attractive investment option.

Growing acceptance and adoption: As more businesses and individuals accept Bitcoin as a mode of payment, its adoption rate continues to increase. This trend is expected to continue, with more merchants and payment processors accepting Bitcoin.

Increased regulation: While some argue that increased regulation may stifle Bitcoin's growth, others believe that it will bring greater legitimacy and stability to the cryptocurrency market. As governments and regulatory bodies create clearer guidelines and regulations for cryptocurrencies, it is likely that more individuals and businesses will feel comfortable investing in Bitcoin.

What are the Potential Challenges for Bitcoin Adoption?

While the projected increase in Bitcoin adoption is promising, there are still potential challenges that may hinder its growth:

Market volatility: Bitcoin's value is subject to market fluctuations, which can be unpredictable and lead to significant price drops. This volatility may discourage some investors from investing in Bitcoin.

Security concerns: While Bitcoin's blockchain technology is secure, there have been instances of hacking and theft. These security concerns may discourage some individuals and businesses from accepting Bitcoin as a mode of payment or investing in it.

Regulatory challenges: As governments and regulatory bodies work to create clearer guidelines and regulations for cryptocurrencies, there may be challenges in achieving a balance between regulation and innovation. Overly restrictive regulations may hinder Bitcoin's growth and adoption.

Energy consumption: Bitcoin mining requires significant energy consumption, which has led to concerns about its environmental impact. As more attention is given to climate change and sustainability, these concerns may hinder Bitcoin's growth.

What is the Impact of Bitcoin Adoption on the Global Economy?

The projected increase in Bitcoin adoption has the potential to have a significant impact on the global economy:

Increased investment opportunities: As Bitcoin adoption grows, more investment opportunities may arise, creating new revenue streams and job opportunities.

Greater financial inclusion: Bitcoin's decentralized nature and accessibility have the potential to provide greater financial inclusion for individuals who may not have access to traditional banking services.

Disruptive technology: Bitcoin's blockchain technology has the potential to disrupt traditional financial systems, creating new opportunities for innovation and growth.

New challenges: With disruptive technology comes new challenges, such as the need for clear regulations and guidelines, as well as addressing potential security concerns.

Shift in power dynamics: Bitcoin's decentralized nature challenges traditional power structures, such as those held by central banks and governments. This shift in power dynamics may lead to changes in the way financial systems operate globally.

Impact on traditional banking systems: As Bitcoin adoption continues to grow, traditional banking systems may experience disruptions. Banks may need to adapt to the changing landscape by incorporating blockchain technology or other innovative solutions.

Conclusion

Experts predict that Bitcoin adoption will increase by 50% by 2025, driven by increased institutional investment, global economic uncertainty, growing acceptance and adoption, and increased regulation. While there are potential challenges to Bitcoin's growth, such as market volatility, security concerns, regulatory challenges, and energy consumption, the projected increase in Bitcoin adoption has the potential to have a significant impact on the global economy. As Bitcoin continues to gain momentum and popularity, it's important for individuals and businesses to understand the risks and potential rewards involved in investing in this cryptocurrency.

FAQ

Will increased Bitcoin adoption lead to greater financial inclusion? Yes, increased Bitcoin adoption has the potential to provide greater financial inclusion, as it enables individuals without access to traditional banking systems to participate in the global economy.

How can individuals buy Bitcoin? Individuals can buy Bitcoin through cryptocurrency exchanges, peer-to-peer marketplaces, and Bitcoin ATMs. It's important to do your research and choose a reputable platform to ensure secure transactions.

Can Bitcoin be used for everyday transactions? Yes, Bitcoin can be used for everyday transactions, but its use is still limited compared to traditional currencies. However, as Bitcoin adoption increases, more merchants may start accepting it as a mode of payment.

What is the environmental impact of Bitcoin mining? Bitcoin mining requires significant energy consumption, which has raised concerns about its environmental impact. However, some argue that the use of renewable energy sources for mining can help mitigate this impact.

That's all for today

If you want more, be sure to follow us on:

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DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.

@ 3c9712ff:14fecbc4

Over the past week, the south-east corner of Australia experienced a battering from mother nature.

High winds and unseasonably hot winter days caused Australia's wind and solar network to run at near maximum capacity. However, this wasn’t necessarily beneficial.

Article from the Australian Financial Review

Grid Operation 101

Energy is produced and consumed almost simultaneously. This real-time mechanism makes the energy grid one of the fastest and most responsive systems in existence.

When the grid operates at peak efficiency, everyone who needs power can access it, and anyone producing power can sell it. Energy must be generated and balanced continuously, regardless of the weather. It’s not good enough to produce abundance of energy when people don’t want it, just to fall short when they do.

Since solar and wind cannot consistently maintain a balance between supply and demand, coal remains the backbone of Australia's energy grid, providing reliable base-load power and being supplemented during peak times.

Too Much Energy?

Apart from the environmental benefits, the key advantage of renewable energy lies in its abundance. However, because we don’t control when the sun shines or the wind blows, this often results in a mismatch between supply and demand. At times, energy supply can sometimes double or even triple demand. Since it’s usually too expensive to shut down solar and wind farms, this leads to stranded or curtailed energy, and consequently wholesale electricity prices can drop into negative territory.

Instances of negative prices have risen since 2018.

The rise of negative electricity prices across the eastern seaboard has closely correlated with the expansion of renewable infrastructure. Since 2017, Australia has been actively seeking solutions to absorb the excess supply and restore efficiency to the energy system.

Solution 1 - Batteries

This idea makes the most intuitive sense to the average person. If we can't immediately use the power generated by a roaring wind turbine to power a family home, why not store it until peak demand and then release that cheap energy back into the grid?

The answer is twofold, 1. The buildout of these projects are expensive, 2. Storage capacity is minimal.

The Victorian Government's Big Battery initiative has the ability to power 1m Victorian homes for only 30 minutes and was built to a tune of $160m.

I always love technological innovation and perhaps one day all Australian houses will be powered by sea of solar panels and batteries in the middle of desert however it's evident we at least need an interim solution.

Solution 2 - Bitcoin Mining

We’ve all heard the same FUD. Critics prey on readers' misunderstandings of how the grid operates, portraying a vision where miners supposedly divert power away from households and businesses to feed this energy hungry beast into what they call a "worthless internet currency" and drive prices up.

However, if we incorporate Bitcoin mining's energy usage into what we've learned about grid operations, we can see how it can actually bolster renewable energy for two reasons:

Runtime Flexibility - Mining is an operation with razor thin margins and is only profitable with cheap electricity. Since this only occurs when energy has low to no demand (stranded), miners are not competing with households and businesses.

Mobility - Bitcoin miners are highly mobile and are often built right next to the power source, reducing transmission losses and optimising energy use at the source.

However one might feel about the net zero goals, there is no denying we should always prioritise reliability over sheer abundance. It's time Australia utilises the power of bitcoin to help stabilise our renewable grid to push forth to a sustainable future.

@ c7eadcf0:7821e562

Who would have thought that we would have the change to buy sub 60K Bitcoin again? With all the talk of mooning after the halving, seeing Bitcoin's price back around 56k at the time of this post is disappointing to the lettuce handed, ETF buying individuals that are not here for the revolution, but to make a quick buck.

Bitcoin being a neutral money, it is not unexpected that it would gain the attention of these types of people. I am actually glad that they are participants in this market has it helps transfer Bitcoin from weak unconverted holders to people who are fully dyed in the orange wool of the Bitcoin thesis.

Every time there is some geopolitical event, or some kind of economic crisis brewing on the other side of the world, Bitcoin normally takes a hit because it is a high liquid asset. This should be taken as a good sign when the price goes down as it shows that you can easily move in and out of Bitcoin with relative ease. Try doing that with your house, car or other assets. Sure you can sell them eventually but its not nearly as seamless as Bitcoin.

This lull in price will not last long, so if you got some dry powder sitting on the sidelines, today is a good day to buy some cheap corn. Framing Bitcoin as a liquid asset that can be sold in times of need is a good way to introduce Bitcoin to your nocoiner friends and family. I would hate for them to have to buy Bitcoin at much higher prices. Good for us. Bad for them. Amirite?

Just a short post from the Obsidian Nostr Writer Plugin. If you like writing long from content, I would highly recommend giving it a shot! Peace out.

@ 472f440f:5669301e

https://x.com/parkeralewis/status/1831746160781938947 Here's a startling chart from an American staple, Walgreens. The convenience store and pharmacy chain has seen its stock price plummet by more than 67% this year and by more than 90% from its all time high, which was reached in 2015.

The combination of the COVID lock downs and the lax laws around theft that followed were materially detrimental to Walgreens business. The crux of their problem at the moment, however, is a double whammy of those disruptions in their business coupled with the "higher for longer" interest rate policy from the Fed over the last couple of years. As Tuur points out in the tweet above, Walgreens has $34B in debt, which means they definitely have significant interest rate payments they need to make on a monthly basis. Tuur also points out that Walgreens has very little cash compared to their debt obligations. Let's take a look at their balance sheet as of May of this year.

Less than $1B in cash for $34B debt with $67.56B in total liabilities. Even worse, their cash balance was drained by more than 27% over the course of the year between May 2023 and May 2024. As you may notice their total assets fell by more than 15% over the same period. This is because Walgreens understands the dire financial straits it finds itself in and has begun shutting down thousands of their locations across the country.

The recent efforts of Walgreens to sell off their assets to raise cash to pay down their debts seem to be completely ineffective as their cash balance is falling faster than their total assets, which is falling 7x faster than their total liabilities. These numbers are most definitely going to get worse as cascading sell pressure in commercial real estate markets (which is the bucket that Walgreens locations fall into) drive down the value of their assets. Leaving them with less cash to pay down their debts as time goes on. To make matters worse, it puts the institutions that lent money to Walgreens in a terrible position. How many commercial and investment banks has Walgreens tapped to fund their operations with expensive debt? How exposed to Walgreens is any individual lender? Could a default on some or all of their loans catch these financial institutions off sides? If it isn't Walgreens that pushes them off sides, how many more bad borrowers would it take to push them off sides?

As our good friend Parker Lewis points out, the only way the hemorrhaging can be stopped is if the Federal Reserve and Federal Government step in with bail outs in the form of massive liquidity injections via quantitative easing and other emergency measures. On top of this, the Fed and the Federal Government find themselves in a classic catch-22. If they let Walgreens fall into bankruptcy it could set off a domino effect that could exacerbate inflation. Riteaid, a similar retail convenience store and pharmacy chain, filed for bankruptcy last October and is still wading its way through that process. Part of that process has been shuttering many of their storefronts. One has to imagine that since Walgreens and Riteaid are having these problems, some of their other competitors must be feeling the pain as well. If enough of these convenience stores, which tens of millions of Americans depend on for everyday goods, find themselves in a position where they have to shut down their stores it could lead to a supply crunch. People will obviously not be able to get their goods from Riteaid or Walgreens and will flee to alternatives, exacerbating the stress on their supplies, which will drive prices higher.

This is a catch-22 because the only way to avoid this mad dash for consumer goods in the midst of a convenience store Armageddon is to re-introduce ZIRP and flood the market with freshly printed dollars, which will drive prices up as well.

Talk about a rock and a hard place. You better get yourself some bitcoin.

---

Final thought... Zach Bryan radio crushes.

@ e771af0b:8e8ed66f

I have searched the web for "Find bitcoin block number from historical date" maybe 100 times in my life.

Never again.

You'll need a bitcoin node for this to work. The script is fast.

Install

WoT Install

one liner ```

curl

curl -o fjb.sh https://gist.githubusercontent.com/dskvr/18252c16cf85c06c1ee6cb5ae04a3197/raw/34bad6a35d98501978c8cd0c25b1628db1191cfe/fjb.sh && chmod +x fjb.sh

wget

wget -O fjb.sh https://gist.githubusercontent.com/dskvr/18252c16cf85c06c1ee6cb5ae04a3197/raw/34bad6a35d98501978c8cd0c25b1628db1191cfe/fjb.sh && chmod +x fjb.sh ```

Trust no one.

create file ``` vi fjb.sh

or

nano fjb.sh ```

review, copy and past into file ``` TIMESTAMP=$1 LOWER=0 UPPER=$(bitcoin-cli getblockcount)

while (( LOWER <= UPPER )); do MID=$(( (LOWER + UPPER) / 2 )) BLOCKHASH=$(bitcoin-cli getblockhash $MID) BLOCKTIME=$(bitcoin-cli getblockheader $BLOCKHASH | jq .time)

if (( BLOCKTIME < TIMESTAMP )); then
    LOWER=$(( MID + 1 ))
elif (( BLOCKTIME > TIMESTAMP )); then
    UPPER=$(( MID - 1 ))
else
    echo "$BLOCKTIME"
    exit 0
fi

done

echo "$UPPER" ```

give executable permissions chmod +x ./fjb.sh

Usage

./fjb.sh <timestampSeconds> It returns block number only

Example

$: ./fjb.sh 1668779310 763719

@ 361d3e1e:50bc10a8

https://forex-strategy.com/2024/09/05/a-wave-of-criticism-against-a-supermodel-who-chose-alternative-cancer-treatment-and-yet-she-was-cured/

A wave of criticism against a supermodel who chose alternative cancer treatment, and yet she was cured

cancer #alternative #health #medicine #model #treatment #usa #showbiz

@ 8cb60e21:5f2deaea

Part 3: Asynchroni et DOM Manipulatio

3.1 Promissa et Async/Await

Praesent blandit. Nam nulla. Integer pede justo, lacinia eget, tincidunt eget, tempus vel, pede.

``javascript function simulaRequest(data, probabilitasErroris = 0.1) { return new Promise((resolve, reject) => { setTimeout(() => { if (Math.random() < probabilitasErroris) { reject("Error: Aliquid mali accidit"); } else { resolve(Data accepta: ${data}`); } }, 1000); }); }

simulaRequest("Lorem ipsum") .then((responsum) => console.log(responsum)) .catch((error) => console.error(error));

async function fetchData() { try { const responsum = await simulaRequest("Dolor sit amet"); console.log(responsum); } catch (error) { console.error(error); } }

fetchData(); ```

3.2 DOM Manipulatio

Morbi non lectus. Aliquam sit amet diam in magna bibendum imperdiet. Nullam orci pede, venenatis non, sodales sed, tincidunt eu, felis.

```javascript document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", () => { const titulus = document.createElement("h1"); titulus.textContent = "Lorem Ipsum JavaScript"; document.body.appendChild(titulus);

const paragraphus = document.createElement("p");
paragraphus.textContent = "Neque porro quisquam est qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit...";
document.body.appendChild(paragraphus);

const button = document.createElement("button");
button.textContent = "Fac Clic Me";
button.addEventListener("click", () => {
    alert("Gratias tibi ago pro clic!");
});
document.body.appendChild(button);

}); ```

3.3 Fetch API

Maecenas leo odio, condimentum id, luctus nec, molestie sed, justo. Pellentesque viverra pede ac diam.

``javascript async function fetchLoremIpsum() { try { const responsum = await fetch("https://api.lorem.space/image/game?w=150&h=220"); if (!responsum.ok) { throw new Error(HTTP error! status: ${responsum.status}`); } const data = await responsum.blob(); const imago = document.createElement("img"); imago.src = URL.createObjectURL(data); document.body.appendChild(imago); } catch (error) { console.error("Problema cum fetching imagine:", error); } }

fetchLoremIpsum(); ```

3.4 Local Storage

Cras mi pede, malesuada in, imperdiet et, commodo vulputate, justo. In blandit ultrices enim.

```javascript function salvaPreferentias(clavis, valor) { localStorage.setItem(clavis, JSON.stringify(valor)); }

function accipePreferentias(clavis) { const valor = localStorage.getItem(clavis); return valor ? JSON.parse(valor) : null; }

const preferentiae = { thema: "clarus", lingua: "Latina", notificationes: true };

salvaPreferentias("userPrefs", preferentiae);

const salvataePreferentiae = accipePreferentias("userPrefs"); console.log(salvataePreferentiae); ```

3.5 Exercitia Parti III

1. Crea paginam web simplicem quae utitur fetch API ad exhibendum datos ex API publica.
2. Implementa functionalitatem "drag and drop" utens DOM API.
3. Construe applicationem "todo list" quae persistit datos in local storage.

Conclusio

Vivamus vestibulum sagittis sapien. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Etiam vel augue. Vestibulum rutrum rutrum neque. Aenean auctor gravida sem. Praesent id massa id nisl venenatis lacinia. Aenean sit amet justo. Morbi ut odio.

Cras mi pede, malesuada in, imperdiet et, commodo vulputate, justo. In blandit ultrices enim. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Proin interdum mauris non ligula pellentesque ultrices. Phasellus id sapien in sapien iaculis congue. Vivamus metus arcu, adipiscing molestie, hendrerit at, vulputate vitae, nisl.

Aenean lectus. Pellentesque eget nunc. Donec quis orci eget orci vehicula condimentum. Curabitur in libero ut massa volutpat convallis. Morbi odio odio, elementum eu, interdum eu, tincidunt in, leo. Maecenas pulvinar lobortis est.

Phasellus sit amet erat. Nulla tempus. Vivamus in felis eu sapien cursus vestibulum. Proin eu mi. Nulla ac enim. In tempor, turpis nec euismod scelerisque, quam turpis adipiscing lorem, vitae mattis nibh ligula nec sem. Duis aliquam convallis nunc. Proin at turpis a pede posuere nonummy.

Integer non velit. Donec diam neque, vestibulum eget, vulputate ut, ultrices vel, augue. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Donec pharetra, magna vestibulum aliquet ultrices, erat tortor sollicitudin mi, sit amet lobortis sapien sapien non mi. Integer ac neque. Duis bibendum. Morbi non quam nec dui luctus rutrum. Nulla tellus. In sagittis dui vel nisl. Duis ac nibh. Fusce lacus purus, aliquet at, feugiat non, pretium quis, lectus.

Suspendisse potenti. In eleifend quam a odio. In hac habitasse platea dictumst. Maecenas ut massa quis augue luctus tincidunt. Nulla mollis molestie lorem. Quisque ut erat. Curabitur gravida nisi at nibh. In hac habitasse platea dictumst. Aliquam augue quam, sollicitudin vitae, consectetuer eget, rutrum at, lorem. Integer tincidunt ante vel ipsum. Praesent blandit lacinia erat. Vestibulum sed magna at nunc commodo placerat. Praesent blandit. Nam nulla.

@ 8cb60e21:5f2deaea

Part 1: Fundamentum Javascripti

1.1 Introductionis

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam euismod, nisi vel consectetur interdum, nisl nunc egestas nunc, vitae tincidunt nisl nunc euismod nunc. Sed euismod, nisi vel consectetur interdum, nisl nunc egestas nunc, vitae tincidunt nisl nunc euismod nunc.

javascript console.log("Salve, mundi!");

1.2 Variabiles et Typi Datorum

Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Integer convallis, nunc ac blandit tincidunt, ipsum augue tincidunt nunc, vitae tincidunt nisl nunc euismod nunc.

javascript var numerus = 42; let textus = "Lorem ipsum"; const CONSTANTIA = true;

1.2.1 Typi Numerorum

Curabitur in libero ut massa volutpat convallis. Morbi odio odio, elementum eu, interdum eu, tincidunt in, leo.

javascript let integer = 10; let floatinum = 3.14; let scientificum = 2.998e8;

1.2.2 Typi Textuum

Maecenas tristique, est et tempus semper, est quam pharetra magna, ac consequat metus sapien ut nunc.

javascript let textusBrevis = 'Carpe diem'; let textusLongus = "Quod erat demonstrandum"; let textusTemplatum = `Cogito, ${textusBrevis.toLowerCase()}, sum`;

1.3 Operatores

Donec dapibus. Duis at velit eu est congue elementum. In hac habitasse platea dictumst.

```javascript let a = 5; let b = 3;

console.log(a + b); // Additio console.log(a - b); // Subtractio console.log(a * b); // Multiplicatio console.log(a / b); // Divisio console.log(a % b); // Modulus console.log(a ** b); // Potentia ```

1.4 Structurae Controli

Morbi non lectus. Aliquam sit amet diam in magna bibendum imperdiet. Nullam orci pede, venenatis non, sodales sed, tincidunt eu, felis.

1.4.1 Conditionales

```javascript let aetas = 20;

if (aetas >= 18) { console.log("Adultus es"); } else if (aetas >= 13) { console.log("Adolescens es"); } else { console.log("Puer es"); } ```

1.4.2 Iterationes

``javascript for (let i = 0; i < 5; i++) { console.log(Iteratio ${i}`); }

let j = 0; while (j < 5) { console.log(Dum iteratio ${j}); j++; } ```

1.5 Exercitia Parti I

1. Scribe programma quod convertat gradus Celsius in Fahrenheit.
2. Crea algorithmum qui determinat si numerus est par vel impar.
3. Implementa "FizzBuzz" pro numeris 1 ad 100.

@ 8cb60e21:5f2deaea

Part 2: Functiones et Objecta

2.1 Functiones

Fusce posuere felis sed lacus. Morbi sem mauris, laoreet ut, rhoncus aliquet, pulvinar sed, nisl.

``javascript function salutatio(nomen) { returnSalve, ${nomen}!`; }

console.log(salutatio("Cicero"));

const valedictio = (nomen) => { console.log(Vale, ${nomen}!); };

valedictio("Seneca"); ```

2.1.1 Parametri Default et Rest

Nunc purus. Phasellus in felis. Donec semper sapien a libero.

``javascript function congregatio(primus, secundus = "mundi", ...ceteri) { console.log(${primus} ${secundus}); console.log(Ceteri: ${ceteri.join(", ")}`); }

congregatio("Salve"); congregatio("Lorem", "ipsum"); congregatio("Veni", "vidi", "vici", "et", "cetera"); ```

2.2 Objecta

Nam congue, risus semper porta volutpat, quam pede lobortis ligula, sit amet eleifend pede libero quis orci.

``javascript const persona = { nomen: "Iulius", cognomen: "Caesar", aetas: 55, salutatio: function() { returnSalve, ${this.nomen} ${this.cognomen}!`; } };

console.log(persona.salutatio()); ```

2.2.1 Methodi Object

Nullam porttitor lacus at turpis. Donec posuere metus vitae ipsum. Aliquam non mauris.

```javascript const claves = Object.keys(persona); console.log(claves);

const valores = Object.values(persona); console.log(valores);

const paria = Object.entries(persona); console.log(paria); ```

2.3 Arrays

Morbi porttitor lorem id ligula. Suspendisse ornare consequat lectus. In est risus, auctor sed, tristique in, tempus sit amet, sem.

```javascript const fructus = ["malum", "pirum", "uva", "cerasum"];

fructus.forEach((fructus) => { console.log(fructus); });

const longiFructus = fructus.filter((fructus) => fructus.length > 4); console.log(longiFructus);

const maiusculaFructus = fructus.map((fructus) => fructus.toUpperCase()); console.log(maiusculaFructus); ```

2.4 Exercitia Parti II

1. Crea functionem quae calculat factorialem numeri.
2. Implementa methodum quae invenit maximum valorem in array.
3. Scribe programma quod ordinat objecta in array secundum proprietatem specificam.

@ e27ae11e:e0c36580

In the present computerized age, having a website is essential for any business, including tradies. Yet, it's not just about having a website; about having a website looks perfect and functions admirably on all gadgets. This is where responsive web design comes in. We should investigate why responsive web design is fundamental for tradies and how it can help your business. Visit us > Best Tradie Web Design Key takeaways Mobile-Friendly is a Must: Guarantee your website looks perfect and functions admirably on cell phones and tablets to draw in additional clients.

Better Insight: A responsive site is simpler to utilize, making guests blissful and bound to reach you.

Higher Google Rankings: A versatile website can assist you with seeming higher in list items, carrying more traffic to your webpage.

Set aside Time and Cash: Overseeing one responsive site is less expensive and easier than having separate locales for various gadgets. Overview Responsive web design is a methodology that does a good job for your website and capacity suitably on any contraption, whether it's a PC, tablet, or cell. It suggests your website will thusly change its format and content to fit the screen size of the contraption being used. This ensures a predictable and beguiling experience for your visitors, paying little heed to how they access your site. What difference Does It Make for Tradies? 1. Increased Versatile Utilization More individuals are utilizing their cell phones to peruse the web. Potential clients could look for your administrations while in a hurry. On the off chance that your website isn't versatile, you could lose those possible clients. Responsive web design guarantees that your webpage looks perfect and functions admirably on cell phones, making it simpler for guests to find and reach you. Tip: Check your website analytics to see how many visitors are accessing your site from mobile devices. Use this data to prioritize mobile optimization. 2. Better Client Experience A responsive website gives a superior client experience. At the point when guests can undoubtedly explore your site and find the information they need without zooming in or scroll on a level plane, they are bound to remain longer and investigate your administrations. A positive client experience can prompt more requests and appointments. Tip: Use a clean and simple design that is easy to navigate on all devices. Avoid clutter and ensure that buttons and links are easy to tap 3. Improved Website optimization Rankings Web crawlers like Google focus on versatile websites. In case your site is responsive, it will rank higher in list things. This infers more prominent detectable quality for your business and more potential clients believing that you are on the web. Higher rankings can basically uphold your web-based presence and attract more busy time gridlock to your website. Tip: Guarantee your website content is applicable and helpful to your interest group. Excellent substance further develops Search engine optimization and keeps guests locked in. 4. Cost-Powerful Keeping a single responsive website is smarter than having separate objections for workspace and flexible clients. With responsive web design, you simply need to regulate and invigorate one website, saving you time and money long term. Tip: Consistently update your website's substance and design to keep it new and important, guaranteeing it stays viable and cost-productive. 5. Consistent Marking A responsive website guarantees that your marking stays steady across all gadgets. Whether a client visits your site on a PC or a cell phone, they will see similar design, tones, and logo. Steady marking assists fabricate trust and acknowledgment with your crowd. Tip: Utilize a similar variety plan, logo, and textual styles across all variants of your website to keep a predictable brand personality.

Make Your Website Responsive 1. Pick a Responsive Subject If you are using a website producer or a substance the chiefs system like WordPress, pick a responsive subject. These subjects are designed to be dynamic and will consequently change in accordance with various screen sizes. Tip: Preview the theme on different devices before making a final decision to ensure it meets your needs. 2. Optimize Pictures and Media Guarantee that pictures and media records are improved for quick stacking on all gadgets. Enormous pictures can dial back your site, particularly on cell phones. Use devices to pack pictures without forfeiting quality. Tip: Use image compression tools like TinyPNG or JPEGmini to reduce the file size of your images without losing quality 3. Simplify Route Ensure your website's route is basic and simple to use on all gadgets. Utilize clear menus and buttons that are not difficult to tap on a touchscreen. Try not to utilize an excessive number of connections or complex dropdown menus that can be hard to explore on a little screen. Tip: Use a simple, easy-to-use menu that adapts to different screen sizes. A hamburger menu can be effective for mobile devices. 4. Use Adaptable Designs Design your website utilizing adaptable formats that can change in accordance with various screen sizes. This can be accomplished utilizing CSS (Flowing Templates) to make a liquid framework design that changes in light of the gadget's screen size. Tip: Avoid fixed-width layouts. Instead, use percentage-based widths that allow your content to resize fluidly. 5. Test Your Website Reliably test your website on different contraptions and screen sizes to promise it looks perfect and works fittingly. There are online instruments available that can help you see how your webpage appears on different devices. Tip: Utilize online instruments like Google's Dynamic Test and Browser Stack to perceive how your website looks and works on changed gadgets and programs. Conclusion Responsive web design is essential for tradies that need to attract and hold clients in the present high level world. It ensures that your website looks great and works honorably on all devices, giving you an unrivaled client experience, further fostering your Web enhancement rankings, and saving you time and money. By picking a responsive topic, streamlining pictures, improving on route, and testing your webpage consistently, you can make a responsive website that assists your exchange business with flourishing on the web. Putting resources into responsive web design isn't just about staying aware of patterns; it's tied in with giving the most ideal experience to your guests and guaranteeing your business stays serious. In this way, make the strides today to make your website responsive and watch your web-based presence develop!

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The Evolution of Web 3.0: Bitcoin's Role in Decentralizing the Internet

Introduction to Web 3.0

Web 3.0, often referred to as the decentralized web, represents the next phase in the evolution of the internet. Unlike its predecessors, Web 3.0 aims to redistribute control from centralized entities back to individual users through technologies like blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and decentralized applications (dApps). This shift promises a more democratic internet where users control their data, identity, and digital destiny.

The Bitcoin Protocol: A Foundation for Web 3.0

Bitcoin's Influence on Decentralization

Bitcoin, introduced in 2008, can be seen as a precursor to Web 3.0 due to its decentralized nature. The Bitcoin protocol introduced the world to blockchain technology, a decentralized ledger that records all transactions across a network of computers. This technology underpins Web 3.0's ethos by:

• Promoting Decentralization: Bitcoin's network operates without a central authority, showcasing how internet services could run on similar principles, reducing the power of centralized tech giants.
• Enhancing Security and Privacy: Through cryptographic means, Bitcoin ensures that transactions are secure and pseudonymus, a feature integral to Web 3.0's vision of user-controlled data.

Scalability and Functionality Challenges

However, Bitcoin's protocol wasn't designed on the base layer with the complex applications of Web 3.0 in mind. Its primary function as a digital currency means:

• Scalability Issues: Bitcoin's blockchain has limitations in transaction speed and volume, which might not suffice for a fully realized Web 3.0 environment where millions of micro-transactions could occur seamlessly.
• Limited Smart Contract Capabilities: Bitcoin's scripting language isn't as versatile as platforms like Ethereum, which are designed to support a broader range of decentralized applications.

Expanding Bitcoin's Role with Layer 2 Solutions

To bridge these gaps, developers are working on Layer 2 solutions like the Lightning Network for faster transactions, and projects like Stacks aim to bring smart contract functionality directly to Bitcoin. These innovations suggest that while Bitcoin might not be the sole backbone of Web 3.0 yet, it can significantly contribute to its infrastructure. In the long term, the question is whether we need more than one network, I mean, we don't have multiple Internets today. The market will probably decide in favor of the strongest and most secure network, and Bitcoin is by far that.

Web 3.0 Beyond Bitcoin

A Broader Blockchain Ecosystem

At the moment Web 3.0 encompasses by far more than just Bitcoin. It includes:

• Ethereum and Smart Contracts: Ethereum's introduction of smart contracts has been pivotal, allowing for decentralized applications that can interact in complex ways, far beyond simple transactions.
• Other Blockchains: Platforms like Solana, Sui, and Near are gaining traction for their high throughput and lower costs, addressing some of Bitcoin's limitations on the base layer.

The Cultural and Economic Shift

The move towards Web 3.0 isn't just technological but cultural. There's a growing sentiment, reflected in posts on platforms like X, that users are ready for a change where they own their digital presence. Here's some background based on general knowledge and trends up to 2024:

Cultural Shift:

• Distrust in Centralized Institutions: There's been a growing distrust in traditional centralized institutions like banks, governments, and large corporations. This distrust stems from various scandals, data breaches, privacy concerns, and perceived inefficiencies or corruption. Posts on platforms like X or even more on Nostr reflect this sentiment, where users often discuss the diminishing trust in these institutions.
• Rise of Individual Empowerment: Culturally, there's a move towards empowerment of the individual, facilitated by technology. Social media, blockchain, and other decentralized technologies give individuals tools to bypass traditional gatekeepers in finance, media, and more. This shift champions the idea that individuals should have more control over their data, finances, and digital identity.
• Identity and Community: Decentralization also touches on identity politics and community governance. There's a trend towards localism or regionalism where communities seek more control over their governance, which can be seen in movements for local autonomy or even secessionist sentiments in various parts of the world.
• Cultural Movements: Movements like the maker culture, DIY (Do It Yourself), open-source software, and even the gig economy reflect a cultural shift towards decentralization where individuals or small groups can produce, create, or work independently of large entities.

Economic Shift:

• Decentralized Finance (DeFi): DeFi represents one of the most tangible shifts, aiming to recreate and potentially improve financial systems outside of traditional banking. This includes lending, borrowing, and earning interest in a trustless, permissionless environment, primarily using blockchain technology.
• Cryptocurrencies and Tokenization: The rise of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum symbolizes a move away from centralized monetary systems. Tokenization of assets, from art (NFTs - Non-Fungible Tokens) to real estate, embodies this shift, allowing for fractional ownership and reducing the barriers to investment.
• Globalization vs. Localism: While globalization has interconnected economies, there's a counter-trend where economic decentralization supports local economies. This can be seen in the push for local currencies, community-supported agriculture, or local energy production like solar microgrids.
• Work and Employment: The gig economy, remote work, and digital nomadism are part of this economic shift. Platforms enabling freelance work decentralize employment, moving away from traditional office environments and 9-to-5 jobs.

General Observations:

• Technology as an Enabler: Blockchain, the internet, and advancements in communication technology are pivotal in this shift. They provide the infrastructure necessary for decentralization to occur at scale.
• Political Implications: Economically, this shift maybe challenges existing power structures, potentially leading to regulatory battles as seen with cryptocurrencies. Culturally, it might lead to a redefinition of nationalism, community, and individual rights in the digital age.
• Challenges: Despite its promise, decentralization faces hurdles like scalability issues, regulatory pushback, the digital divide, and the potential for new forms of centralization (e.g., large crypto exchanges becoming new central authorities).

Conclusion: Bitcoin's Place in Web 3.0

Bitcoin's protocol ignited the spark for a decentralized internet, but Web 3.0 is evolving into a multifaceted ecosystem where Bitcoin might play a crucial, though not yet exclusive, role. The integration of Bitcoin with newer technologies and platforms could see it becoming a fundamental layer in the Web 3.0 stack, particularly in areas of value transfer and as a store of value within decentralized finance (DeFi).

As we progress, the synergy between Bitcoin's proven security and stability, combined with the innovation of other blockchain technologies, might just be the blend needed for Web 3.0 to achieve mainstream adoption, ensuring the internet becomes more open, secure, and user-centric. As stated before, the market will probably decide in favor of the strongest and most secure network, and Bitcoin is by far that.

@ 361d3e1e:50bc10a8

https://forex-strategy.com/2024/09/05/he-wished-pfizers-vaccine-naysayers-screwed-and-now-hes-screwed/

He wished Pfizer's vaccine naysayers screwed, and now he's screwed

uk #music #vaccine #covid #sideeffects #health #freespeech

@ 9977c3ad:43a20d63

Details

• 🍽️ Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 1 cup Jasmine rice
• 1 Tbsp. lavender flowers, crushed with mortar and pestle
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 Tbsp. fine cane sugar
• 2 Tbsp. honey
• 1 sprig rosemary
• 1/4 tsp angostura bitters
• 1/2 cup blackberries
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 4 cups trimmed and quartered shiitake mushrooms
• 1 tsp fresh coriander crushed
• 1/4 tsp fresh cumin ground
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3 sprigs of thyme
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 cup creamy coconut milk

Directions

1. Combine rice, lavender, 1/4 tsp salt, and 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Bring the rice to a boil, cover the pan with a lid and turn the heat off. Let the rice sit in the pan for at least 20 minutes.
2. Combine 1/4 cup of water, the vinegar, sugar, honey, rosemary, angostura bitters in a saucepan and bring the brine to a boil. Season with a pinch of salt. Add the berries and wait until the brine comes back to a boil. Lower the heat, so the brine simmers but does not boil. When the brine thickens, after about 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside.
3. Pre-heat the oven to 400F. In a bowl big enough to hold all the shiitake, combine the olive oil, the soy sauce and the spices. Whisk vigorously, so the oil emulsifies with the other liquid. Toss the shiitake in the mix to marinate, then evenly lay them out on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake the shiitake for 10 minutes. When you remove the shiitake from the oven, remove the thyme and throw it out. In a saucepan, bring the coconut milk to a boil. Add the shiitake and reduce the heat to a light boil until the sauce thickens.

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

Table Of Content

• What are the factors driving this adoption?

• What are the potential benefits of widespread Bitcoin adoption?

• What are the potential challenges to Bitcoin adoption?

• Conclusion

• FAQ

The cryptocurrency market has been on a rollercoaster ride over the past few years, with Bitcoin emerging as the undisputed king of the digital currencies. Despite facing intense scrutiny and skepticism from traditional financial institutions, Bitcoin has continued to gain traction among investors, traders, and even mainstream businesses. The future of Bitcoin and the wider cryptocurrency industry has been the subject of much speculation, with many analysts making bold predictions about its potential growth and impact.

According to the report, the analyst predicts that Bitcoin will become the primary global currency by 2025, with an estimated 50% adoption rate. This means that half of the world's population could potentially be using Bitcoin as their main currency by 2025, marking a significant shift in the way we think about money and finance.

What are the factors driving this adoption?

The analyst attributes this projected surge in Bitcoin adoption to several key factors. These include:

Increased mainstream acceptance: More and more businesses are starting to accept Bitcoin as a form of payment, including some major players like Microsoft, Tesla, and PayPal. This increased acceptance is helping to legitimize Bitcoin and make it more accessible to the average person.

Growing distrust in traditional finance: The 2008 financial crisis and subsequent economic instability have eroded trust in traditional financial institutions. Bitcoin offers a decentralized alternative to the current system, making it an attractive option for those seeking greater financial autonomy and security.

Technological advancements: The development of blockchain technology and other innovations are making Bitcoin more secure, faster, and easier to use. This is helping to remove some of the barriers to adoption and make Bitcoin a more viable option for everyday use.

What are the potential benefits of widespread Bitcoin adoption?

The potential benefits of widespread Bitcoin adoption are numerous and far-reaching. These include:

Increased financial freedom: Bitcoin offers a level of financial freedom and autonomy that is impossible with traditional currencies. Users can send and receive money anywhere in the world without having to go through intermediaries or deal with cumbersome regulations.

Lower transaction fees: Bitcoin transactions are typically much cheaper than traditional banking fees, making it a more cost-effective option for businesses and individuals.

Greater security: Bitcoin's decentralized nature makes it more resistant to hacking and fraud than traditional banking systems. This offers a higher level of security and protection for users.

What are the potential challenges to Bitcoin adoption?

While the potential benefits of widespread Bitcoin adoption are exciting, there are also several potential challenges that must be overcome. These include:

Lack of regulation: Bitcoin operates outside of traditional financial systems and is largely unregulated. While this offers greater autonomy and freedom, it also makes it more susceptible to fraud and other criminal activity.

Volatility: Bitcoin's value is notoriously volatile, making it a risky investment option for some. This could make it more difficult to convince everyday users to adopt Bitcoin as their primary currency.

Technical barriers: While technological advancements are making Bitcoin more accessible, there are still some technical barriers that could prevent widespread adoption. These include issues with scalability, user interfaces, and education.

Conclusion

The analyst's forecast of mind-blowing Bitcoin adoption in 2025 is certainly an exciting prospect, and one that has the potential to transform the world of finance as we know it. While there are certainly challenges to be overcome, the benefits of widespread Bitcoin adoption are clear, and it is clear that more and more people are starting to recognize the potential of this revolutionary digital currency. Whether Bitcoin will ultimately become the primary global currency by 2025 remains to be seen, but it is clear that it is here to stay, and that it will continue to play an increasingly important role in the world of finance.

FAQ

Can Bitcoin be used as a form of payment? Yes, many businesses and merchants now accept Bitcoin as a form of payment, and it is becoming increasingly common.

Is Bitcoin safe to use? Bitcoin is generally considered to be a safe and secure form of payment, thanks to its decentralized nature and strong cryptographic protocols. However, as with any form of payment, there are some risks involved, and users should take appropriate precautions to protect their funds.

What is the potential impact of widespread Bitcoin adoption? The potential impact of widespread Bitcoin adoption is huge, as it could fundamentally change the way we think about money and finance. It could also have significant implications for traditional financial systems and institutions.

That's all for today

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DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.

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皮草两事

前日与朋友聊天，谈起时下留下的一种扮演了某种人格的 AI（有个时髦的名字，叫 “智能体”），蓦地想起英伦法学家边沁（Jeremy Bentham）。第二日，又联想起别的事来，因有此文。

“皮草”，在现代中文是指 “以动物（连）皮（带）毛制成的服装”，因其奢侈和暖和受人追捧。但也有关爱动物的人士批评其制作过程过于残忍。

但在古代中文中，这词可作别的意思：“皮以实草”、“剥皮揎草”。指的是把皮剥下来，把草填充进去，做成玩偶。

据说，明朝的创建者朱元璋（1328-1398），就制定过这样的刑罚：将贪腐的官员，处以剥皮之刑，然后以草填充，做成人偶，放在其继任官员的公堂旁边，以示警戒。

你可以想象，这种刑法是多么残酷。其恐怖、血腥的程度，与历史上有名的酷刑炮烙、分尸相比，是不遑多让的。所以，其在朱元璋统治的时代结束后，也并未被继续施行。有明一代，此种残酷刑罚的一个回响是在万历时代（1573-1620），有名的清官海瑞主张恢复这种刑罚，以整肃官员中贪腐的风气。

那么，朱元璋为什么要对贪腐官员制定如此残酷的刑罚呢？

小说家金庸先生的读者可能会认为，这跟其宗教信仰（明教）有关。明教即拜火教（琐罗亚斯德教），其本身推崇互帮互助，且憎恶贪官污吏，有点公社主义的味道。然而，这是说不通的 。因为明教本身有反体制倾向，不信任政治权力可被用来改善平民的生活。而朱元璋一以贯之地追求统治权力，自然不可能在实质上信奉此种理念。

（插句话，明代创建者与明教有关，此说始创于吴晗，被金庸先生拿去放在小说中，有了很大影响。然而，近些年的学术界，已开始反对这种理论，认为 “明” 的国号可能来自佛教经典，或来自儒家经典《易经》。）

也有人会认为，这跟朱元璋的出身有关。他出身贫苦，也曾流离失所，也许饱受贪官污吏欺压，因此格外痛恨他们。

我的想法是，这只是因为与前代帝王相比，朱元璋有格外疯狂的机器乌托邦狂想。朱元璋为明朝制定的制度，是格外机械、死板，而且严苛的。首先，其要求编订各地域的人口户籍 —— 这不出奇，中国从秦朝开始就这样做了 —— 然后，有趣的东西来了：他要求给这些人口按照经济条件分组，每组有固定的力役和纳税义务，以年为单位；以户为最小单位，每 10 个单位合并成一个大单位，层层往上合并；每一组的带头人都每年轮换一次，这个带头人要在该年中完成经济统计并带领其组内成员完成力役（比如修城墙、挖运河）和纳税（交粮）义务。与此同时，迁徙自由是禁止的，良民必须在其土地上完成其义务，而不能 “流窜” 到其它地方，官员的任务之一是将境内的流民遣返回原籍、保证境内的民不要流窜到其它地方。而这些力役和纳税义务，也是跟地域高度捆绑的，它们以就近的原则，被分配给所在地的城市和军队，而不是经过行政机构的统一收发管理。

也就是说，朱元璋希望把偌大的中国变成一台机器，所有人（主要是农民）在其出生的地域上为劳役和纳税而劳作，以恒久不变的速率为一个行政系统和军事系统提供养料，然后朱家江山永保稳定和太平。—— 而统治者，君主，将使用这套系统中形成的统计资料，来精确地了解每一个地区的实情，然后施行统治，保持系统的运行。

对于这样一个系统而已，统计资料的精确性，是具有第一位的重要性的。它决定了统治者到底能不能获得地方的实情，而不被自己的官僚蒙蔽。于是，贪腐 —— 为了个人私利，甚至不是什么特别大的利益，而弄虚作假，比如虚报产出以求减免税务、将经济富裕的农民反而分到税务负担较轻的组中 —— 就成了一个最多发、最难对付的顽疾。官员稍微不认真，产生的偏差就会不断叠加，然后积累出完全失实、无用的记录。这就是为什么贪腐的官员要被处于如此残酷的刑罚 —— 要用最残酷的刑罚、最血腥的展示，让他们在统治以机器人为理想模板的人群时，自己也成为机器人。—— 只有皇帝可以是个活人。

（《万历十五年》的作者黄仁宇认为明代的一大问题在于其制度阻碍了技术的发展，例如，军队的粮食是定点向某个村镇收取的，并由村镇自己负责押韵到军队驻地，这是 “散收散支”；如果交到行政机关处集中收取集中分发，就可以发展物流技术、保险技术云云。我认为，这是浅见。）

那么，十四世纪的朱元璋，跟边沁（1747-1832），怎么会扯上关系呢？

是因为边沁也曾设想过一种 “皮草” 的用途。他希望的是，有卓越成就的人物，可以在死后将自己制作成人偶（原描述为 “auto-icon”），摆放在公共空间里，（最好还能播放其生前录下的声音），起到教育的作用。

边沁自己也实践了这种想法。他在死前立下遗嘱，将自己的身体托付给一个好朋友，嘱咐其将自己制作成 auto-icon，要求以一个带玻璃的木盒子盛装，将自己做成坐姿，配上自己生前使用的椅子，还要身着正装，配上手杖。

事实上，边沁的 auto-icon 还真的是在保留了骨骼的前提下以草填充的。唯一美中不足的是，其头颅在防腐处理过程中被毁容了，完全不像其生前的容貌，因此被一个蜡像代替。

这个 auto-icon 后来一直放在实践了边沁的教育改革理念（一言以蔽之，有教无类，不论家资，不论宗教）的 University Collage London（伦敦大学学院，UCL）（在 2020 年以前，放在学院主楼南回廊的尽头；之后，迁移到学生中心）。

有关边沁的 auto-icon，我还听过一个传说（已被边沁的英文维基页面证伪）：UCL 在每次召开理事会时，都将边沁的 auto-icon 陈列在侧，并认定他会给会议中的改革派投半票。

同样的皮草，在两种社会，两个时代，承担完全不同的预期作用。一个是为了在公共空间中承担教育的责任，或是给某一些人鼓励；甚或按一些浪漫的说法，是 “一种社会实验”。另一个，则是作为生杀大权的象征，要给人以无限的恐怖，从而使人战战兢兢地做好皇帝交办的工作。这何止天差地别。

参考文献：

百度百科·剥皮揎草：https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%89%A5%E7%9A%AE%E6%8F%8E%E8%8D%89/5372899

不要再說明朝國號「大明」源於明教：http://www.observer-taipei.com/book2021/item/634-2022-03-29-08-11-13

维基百科·Bentham：https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremy_Bentham

《显微镜下的大明》

@ 7460b7fd:4fc4e74b

请看2014年王兴的一场思维碰撞，视频27分钟开始

最后，一个当时无法解决的点：丢失

@ c7eadcf0:7821e562

Another test post. I think I might have found my long form content writing app. Well done.

@ c7eadcf0:7821e562

seeing if this works lol

@ a324b2fe:68bf4629

One of the most significant underlining doctrines of our time is that of the rapture and the eschatological (study of the end times) understanding that the world will be overrun with evil, and God will ‘beam us up scotty’ either before the faeces hits the fan or after. There are slight variations in this ‘futurist eschatology’ I’ve just briefly explained. Many would agree that this is what the bible clearly teaches, and others will have a verse or two in their minds that without further study seems to validate this popular understanding.

Make no mistake, most Christians believe in a ‘futurist eschatology’ (see below), but the real question is why and how most of us have landed believing that things are going to get much worse on the planet, or that things will get better but will suddenly plummet down and Armageddon becomes more than a badly plotted movie. Some might be wondering “I never knew such a thing existed”, let alone know that there are different opinions on the matter. Keep reading because you’ll be surprised at how much this doctrine actually influences ALL your decisions.

To summarise, there are four major positions of interpreting “The book of Revelation”, which is the core book to influence our perspective on the future or “end times”.

Futurisme:

The belief that the events in the book of Revelation is referring to global events in our future. (popular since the 1800’s; the beast’ (see revelation 13 and 17) is a man and a new world order, many historical figures have been suggested in their time; Napoleon, Hitler, Stalin, Osama bin Laden, Barack Obama etc.).

Historicism:

The belief that the events have transpired over history like a timeline (popular in the 1500’s at the time of the reformation, notably that the Pope of the Catholic Church and the Papacy were the ‘beast’.

Preterism:

The belief that the events (most or all) have already taken place in the 1st century, climaxing at the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD, Rome as a whole and Emperor Nero being considered the ‘beast’.

Idealism:

That the book is a symbolic battle between good and evil.

Before I get into the nitty gritty on history, specific scripture and their exegesis (a fancy word I never use in conversation, meaning critical study and interpretation on a text). Let me highlight why what we believe about the future influences our every decision.

One day in 10 years time you’re married to a beautiful/handsome spouse and have 7 children. You believe that the world will end soon and that there’s going to be a massive heavenly battle and the angels are going to use their majestic rippled muscled limbs to wreck havoc on all those that oppose. Nice. Or not nice if you chose the wrong side. Before that happens though your daughter wants $1000 to invest in some shares because she learned at school that if you put $1000 in shares today and top up $100 every month you’ll have accumulated a total of $72,000 in twenty years having only contributed $25,000 of your own money. Smart kid, that’s a good long term investment strategy.

You however don’t believe the world is going to exist in its normal state in another 20 years time, or you reason it might, but surely not much longer after that. So you say: “Sweety, I really don’t think that’s going to do you much good, the market is too volatile and I don’t foresee things getting better in the future, why don’t you spend your money on some clothes or go out with your friends”? Yes this is quite an elementary example and I’m sure you’ve all invested money into shares and it would never happen to you.

How about another scenario then? You believe the rapture will take place in your lifetime. You read your bible and see that Christians need to share the gospel, so you start to share with people, some people reject you, some are indifferent, and others are deeply touched. The ones that are impacted, you give them a bible and say go to church and get ready for the return of Christ (in your mind you’re thinking that means rapture). Some of them do, some go and fall away and still others somehow are consistent and are growing in the Lord, good job right? What about those people that fell through the cracks? That’s not my responsibility you say, they need to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling. Okay, have you considered that the responsibility is actually squarely on your shoulders? In regards to making a disciple, not a convert. Discipleship takes much longer, it takes time, it takes sacrifice, and it takes a perspective that there is even time for discipleship. Otherwise it’s a 6 week course in “How to be a Christian”.

Thankfully some of the church has in the last few decades focused a lot more on discipleship, even whilst holding the perspective of a futuristic eschatology. Yet even in this the reasoning is simple, they are doing their best to follow what they read in the bible regarding discipleship (rightfully so), and also a discipleship approach of evangelism retains and reaches more people, so it’s a more successful method to convert in any case. If this is you, you’re amazing, please keep making disciples! I however propose that you sincerely ask yourself what you would do differently if you believed the world would exist for another 200 years plus.

As you can see our belief on the future has extreme and subtle effects on our actions and decisions. Our society is peripheral to where the church is at, and right now the church as a whole believes that the end is soon and there’s no point in believing and acting like it’s a good thing to leave an inheritance for your children’s children. That is why we buy cheap, that is why we don’t invest, it is why we are driven by instant gratification. Why would you bother with all that if the world will end in a matter of years. It comes to whether you have a hope filled optimistic expanding Kingdom perspective on how the world is going to turn out or one that is governed by a defeatist/fatalistic mentality and perhaps even one fear riddled.

Now that we’ve looked at how our beliefs can be outworked in everyday life, let’s get into doctrine. Finally. Actually, some more history first.

I and many others find it helpful to look at history to see when a certain doctrine began to gain support and become the popular belief to determine its validity. Let’s jump in then, during the reformation, the Catholic Church was under fire and experiencing some mostly accurate criticism. In a response to Christians accusing the Pope and the Papacy of being the beast, a Jesuit priest wrote extensively that the events in the book of Revelation are referring to their future, thus eliminating the Pope and the Papacy of fault. His writings didn’t gain traction until the 1800’s where John Nelson Dalby adopted the belief and started widely teaching it, specifically on ‘Pre-tribulation rapture theology’ (we get raptured/caught up prior to the tribulation that will happen on the earth). I would like to explicitly mention that before this, proponents for a futurist eschatology were almost non-existent.

Then in the following early century (1909 to be exact), the first ever bible with commentary was printed. The Scofield bible. This bible was a massive advocate for dispensationalism and a futuristic eschatology; practically every bible college student got one of these bibles, and lo and behold an entire generation of pastors and theologians were massively influenced on their belief of the future. Couple that with two world wars, the reestablishment of the Jewish nation, Israel, and we have a perfect concoction for believing the time is near and Armageddon is around the corner.

Now there are entire books discussing all of this that I cannot even hope to cover even a slither, but if you are so inclined, see some recommendations at the end. I won’t attempt (nor can I) to extrapolate on everything there is regarding a ‘preterist view’ of Revelation, and a ‘victorious eschatology’ which was the orthodox view in early Christianity, but here is a summary of what you need to know.

The Kingdom of God:

As indicated by the statue in Daniel 2 was inaugurated with the birth of Jesus (coming of Jesus in the Manger), and started to expand and is still expanding. See Mathew 13:31-33. Also see Isaiah 2 for the hope for the future.

The destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.

Wasn’t just an important event in history, it is paramount to the entire New testament and is referenced to in almost every book. To miss its importance is to miss understanding much of the New testament. This event is crucial to the progress of God’s redemptive plan in history, with the final removal of the temple and the genealogical records of the priests therein, the old (mosaic) covenant closes and the new covenant is fully and permanently established.

“When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. - Luke 21:20-22

John the Baptist proclaims judgement on the Jews in Matthew 3:10-12. See also Matthew 7:19 “The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” This provides the backdrop to Jerusalem erupting in flames in A.D. 70. Later Jesus declares John is Elijah to come (Matt 11:14) fulfilling the prophecy in Malachi 4:5-6, as he proclaims judgment in Israel before the great and terrible day of the Lord (John mentions the day of the Lord in Rev 6:17; 16:14).

In Matt 12:39 Jesus regards the Jews of His day as an adulterous generation, the same imagery is found in Revelation 17:3 as John presents Jerusalem as a harlot (see also Isa 1:21; Jer 2:20; 3:1,6,8; Eze 16:9, 15-17, 26; Hos 2:5; 4:10; 12-15). In Matthew 23:34-35 Jesus warns that God will judge 1st century Jews for the righteous blood that was shed in the land (we see the same statement in Rev 18:24). In Matt 23:36-38 Jesus laments Jerusalem’s destruction and declares the temple desolate, John declares Jerusalem is desolate in Rev 17:16. After that Jesus prophesies its destruction in Matt 24:2-3 and Luke 21:24, and John uses the same language as Luke, in Rev 11:2. In Matthew 24:16 Jesus urges his followers to flee Judea because “this generation will experience judgement (Matt 23:32). John calls the saints out of Jerusalem in Rev 18:4.

I could go on but there are books for that. Here's the simplicity of it; John’s general message in Revelation is ‘the divorce of Israel and God’s marriage to the new covenant church’ (which obviously includes Jews if they turn to Christ). The ‘second coming of Christ’ came when he came in judgement on Jerusalem. There is another coming, hold your horses I’ll get there.

The 'Olivet discourse’ of Matthew 24:

Is referring to 1st century events and uses prophetic symbolic language (stars falling, moon to blood, sun darkened etc.) to demonstrate a toppling of governments, see Isa 13:10,13 referring to Babylon; Isa 34:4 referring to Edom; and Eze 32:7-8 referring to Egypt. Also think of Joseph and how his family were stars, a moon and a sun and that they bowed to him. Again, it’s language to communicate a natural toppling of governments or exchange of political dominion. Not a global catastrophic Armageddon.

The Anti-Christ:

Used only four times in the bible (1 John 2:18; 1 John 2:22; 1 John 4:3; 2 John 1:7). It has always been a referenced to a false teaching in the 1st century that claimed Jesus had not come in the flesh. A gnostic heresy.

The Beast, the mark of the Beast, and his number 666:

Referring to Emperor Nero who was called a beast, forced people to get markings of him to be able to buy and sell in the marketplace (Rev 13:16-17), see a short video on the matter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wng3jcfMkZU. Now Gematria is a Jewish Interpretive method that assigns numerical value of Hebrew letters to words. We find this with the number of the beast being 616 (in Latin) or 666 (in Hebrew), with the values added up it spells Nero Caesar. See this 2 min video https://youtu.be/JXkTc18xBoM. Some people, like in the video say that he represents a future beast as well, this is simply poor and biased exegesis and is thus construed to validate their pre-existing beliefs.

The Word Rapture:

Found in 1 Thessalonians 4:17; “After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up (rapturo in Latin) together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever”. The entire bases of the doctrine of the rapture is found in this one simple verse. Yet all it means is that we will be gathered to Jesus and the past saints/Christians at His return.

What now? Is everything done?

Well not quite.. Jesus’ Return: Jesus will return as is promised in Acts 1:11, but it won’t be with a massive army to lay plunder to the earth, well maybe, but I highly doubt it. “…will come back to you in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven”. The resurrection of the dead: Zombies! Kidding, just mass people coming back to life. See 1 Thessalonians and 1 Corinthians 15. The Great judgement: The great judgement day of the sheep and the goats in Matt 25.

That’s it, so until then, however long that will take (my money is on 197 years), let’s keep bringing the Kingdom of God to earth, lets pray for miracles, make healthy disciples that reproduce, transform every facet of society to look like heaven, and establish a Kingdom legacy that our Lord and King would be excited to come back to.

Ps. My views on Gods judgment on the 1st century Jews is not that he wanted to destroy them, but rather he was bringing judgment on an old covenantal system, the Jews that clung to that sinking ship unfortunately went down with it.

Book Recommendations: Understanding the whole bible – Jonathan Welton Raptureless – Jonathan Welton The art of revelation – Jonathan Welton Before Jerusalem Fell: Dating the book of revelation – Kenneth L Gentry Navigating the book of Revelation - Kenneth L Gentry Victorious eschatology: A partial Preterist view – Harold R Eberle and Martin Trench

Theologian Gary Demar