@ a95c6243:d345522c

Die «moralische Weltordnung» – eine Art Astrologie. Friedrich Nietzsche

Das Treffen der BRICS-Staaten beim Gipfel im russischen Kasan war sicher nicht irgendein politisches Event. Gastgeber Wladimir Putin habe «Hof gehalten», sagen die Einen, China und Russland hätten ihre Vorstellung einer multipolaren Weltordnung zelebriert, schreiben Andere.

In jedem Fall zeigt die Anwesenheit von über 30 Delegationen aus der ganzen Welt, dass von einer geostrategischen Isolation Russlands wohl keine Rede sein kann. Darüber hinaus haben sowohl die Anreise von UN-Generalsekretär António Guterres als auch die Meldungen und Dementis bezüglich der Beitrittsbemühungen des NATO-Staats Türkei für etwas Aufsehen gesorgt.

Im Spannungsfeld geopolitischer und wirtschaftlicher Umbrüche zeigt die neue Allianz zunehmendes Selbstbewusstsein. In Sachen gemeinsamer Finanzpolitik schmiedet man interessante Pläne. Größere Unabhängigkeit von der US-dominierten Finanzordnung ist dabei ein wichtiges Ziel.

Beim BRICS-Wirtschaftsforum in Moskau, wenige Tage vor dem Gipfel, zählte ein nachhaltiges System für Finanzabrechnungen und Zahlungsdienste zu den vorrangigen Themen. Während dieses Treffens ging der russische Staatsfonds eine Partnerschaft mit dem Rechenzentrumsbetreiber BitRiver ein, um Bitcoin-Mining-Anlagen für die BRICS-Länder zu errichten.

Die Initiative könnte ein Schritt sein, Bitcoin und andere Kryptowährungen als Alternativen zu traditionellen Finanzsystemen zu etablieren. Das Projekt könnte dazu führen, dass die BRICS-Staaten den globalen Handel in Bitcoin abwickeln. Vor dem Hintergrund der Diskussionen über eine «BRICS-Währung» wäre dies eine Alternative zu dem ursprünglich angedachten Korb lokaler Währungen und zu goldgedeckten Währungen sowie eine mögliche Ergänzung zum Zahlungssystem BRICS Pay.

Dient der Bitcoin also der Entdollarisierung? Oder droht er inzwischen, zum Gegenstand geopolitischer Machtspielchen zu werden? Angesichts der globalen Vernetzungen ist es oft schwer zu durchschauen, «was eine Show ist und was im Hintergrund von anderen Strippenziehern insgeheim gesteuert wird». Sicher können Strukturen wie Bitcoin auch so genutzt werden, dass sie den Herrschenden dienlich sind. Aber die Grundeigenschaft des dezentralisierten, unzensierbaren Peer-to-Peer Zahlungsnetzwerks ist ihm schließlich nicht zu nehmen.

Wenn es nach der EZB oder dem IWF geht, dann scheint statt Instrumentalisierung momentan eher der Kampf gegen Kryptowährungen angesagt. Jürgen Schaaf, Senior Manager bei der Europäischen Zentralbank, hat jedenfalls dazu aufgerufen, Bitcoin «zu eliminieren». Der Internationale Währungsfonds forderte El Salvador, das Bitcoin 2021 als gesetzliches Zahlungsmittel eingeführt hat, kürzlich zu begrenzenden Maßnahmen gegen das Kryptogeld auf.

Dass die BRICS-Staaten ein freiheitliches Ansinnen im Kopf haben, wenn sie Kryptowährungen ins Spiel bringen, darf indes auch bezweifelt werden. Im Abschlussdokument bekennen sich die Gipfel-Teilnehmer ausdrücklich zur UN, ihren Programmen und ihrer «Agenda 2030». Ernst Wolff nennt das «eine Bankrotterklärung korrupter Politiker, die sich dem digital-finanziellen Komplex zu 100 Prozent unterwerfen».

---

Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ a95c6243:d345522c

Auf der diesjährigen Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz geht es vor allem um die Ukraine. Protagonisten sind dabei zunächst die US-Amerikaner. Präsident Trump schockierte die Europäer kurz vorher durch ein Telefonat mit seinem Amtskollegen Wladimir Putin, während Vizepräsident Vance mit seiner Rede über Demokratie und Meinungsfreiheit für versteinerte Mienen und Empörung sorgte.

Die Bemühungen der Europäer um einen Frieden in der Ukraine halten sich, gelinde gesagt, in Grenzen. Größeres Augenmerk wird auf militärische Unterstützung, die Pflege von Feindbildern sowie Eskalation gelegt. Der deutsche Bundeskanzler Scholz reagierte auf die angekündigten Verhandlungen über einen möglichen Frieden für die Ukraine mit der Forderung nach noch höheren «Verteidigungsausgaben». Auch die amtierende Außenministerin Baerbock hatte vor der Münchner Konferenz klargestellt:

«Frieden wird es nur durch Stärke geben. (...) Bei Corona haben wir gesehen, zu was Europa fähig ist. Es braucht erneut Investitionen, die der historischen Wegmarke, vor der wir stehen, angemessen sind.»

Die Rüstungsindustrie freut sich in jedem Fall über weltweit steigende Militärausgaben. Die Kriege in der Ukraine und in Gaza tragen zu Rekordeinnahmen bei. Jetzt «winkt die Aussicht auf eine jahrelange große Nachrüstung in Europa», auch wenn der Ukraine-Krieg enden sollte, so hört man aus Finanzkreisen. In der Konsequenz kennt «die Aktie des deutschen Vorzeige-Rüstungskonzerns Rheinmetall in ihrem Anstieg offenbar gar keine Grenzen mehr». «Solche Friedensversprechen» wie das jetzige hätten in der Vergangenheit zu starken Kursverlusten geführt.

Für manche Leute sind Kriegswaffen und sonstige Rüstungsgüter Waren wie alle anderen, jedenfalls aus der Perspektive von Investoren oder Managern. Auch in diesem Bereich gibt es Startups und man spricht von Dingen wie innovativen Herangehensweisen, hocheffizienten Produktionsanlagen, skalierbaren Produktionstechniken und geringeren Stückkosten.

Wir lesen aktuell von Massenproduktion und gesteigerten Fertigungskapazitäten für Kriegsgerät. Der Motor solcher Dynamik und solchen Wachstums ist die Aufrüstung, die inzwischen permanent gefordert wird. Parallel wird die Bevölkerung verbal eingestimmt und auf Kriegstüchtigkeit getrimmt.

Das Rüstungs- und KI-Startup Helsing verkündete kürzlich eine «dezentrale Massenproduktion für den Ukrainekrieg». Mit dieser Expansion positioniere sich das Münchner Unternehmen als einer der weltweit führenden Hersteller von Kampfdrohnen. Der nächste «Meilenstein» steht auch bereits an: Man will eine Satellitenflotte im Weltraum aufbauen, zur Überwachung von Gefechtsfeldern und Truppenbewegungen.

Ebenfalls aus München stammt das als DefenseTech-Startup bezeichnete Unternehmen ARX Robotics. Kürzlich habe man in der Region die größte europäische Produktionsstätte für autonome Verteidigungssysteme eröffnet. Damit fahre man die Produktion von Militär-Robotern hoch. Diese Expansion diene auch der Lieferung der «größten Flotte unbemannter Bodensysteme westlicher Bauart» in die Ukraine.

Rüstung boomt und scheint ein Zukunftsmarkt zu sein. Die Hersteller und Vermarkter betonen, mit ihren Aktivitäten und Produkten solle die europäische Verteidigungsfähigkeit erhöht werden. Ihre Strategien sollten sogar «zum Schutz demokratischer Strukturen beitragen».

---

Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ c631e267:c2b78d3e

Nur wenn wir aufeinander zugehen, haben wir die Chance \ auf Überwindung der gegenseitigen Ressentiments! \ Dr. med. dent. Jens Knipphals

In Wolfsburg sollte es kürzlich eine Gesprächsrunde von Kritikern der Corona-Politik mit Oberbürgermeister Dennis Weilmann und Vertretern der Stadtverwaltung geben. Der Zahnarzt und langjährige Maßnahmenkritiker Jens Knipphals hatte diese Einladung ins Rathaus erwirkt und publiziert. Seine Motivation:

«Ich möchte die Spaltung der Gesellschaft überwinden. Dazu ist eine umfassende Aufarbeitung der Corona-Krise in der Öffentlichkeit notwendig.»

Schon früher hatte Knipphals Antworten von den Kommunalpolitikern verlangt, zum Beispiel bei öffentlichen Bürgerfragestunden. Für das erwartete Treffen im Rathaus formulierte er Fragen wie: Warum wurden fachliche Argumente der Kritiker ignoriert? Weshalb wurde deren Ausgrenzung, Diskreditierung und Entmenschlichung nicht entgegengetreten? In welcher Form übernehmen Rat und Verwaltung in Wolfsburg persönlich Verantwortung für die erheblichen Folgen der politischen Corona-Krise?

Der Termin fand allerdings nicht statt – der Bürgermeister sagte ihn kurz vorher wieder ab. Knipphals bezeichnete Weilmann anschließend als Wiederholungstäter, da das Stadtoberhaupt bereits 2022 zu einem Runden Tisch in der Sache eingeladen hatte, den es dann nie gab. Gegenüber Multipolar erklärte der Arzt, Weilmann wolle scheinbar eine öffentliche Aufarbeitung mit allen Mitteln verhindern. Er selbst sei «inzwischen absolut desillusioniert» und die einzige Lösung sei, dass die Verantwortlichen gingen.

Die Aufarbeitung der Plandemie beginne bei jedem von uns selbst, sei aber letztlich eine gesamtgesellschaftliche Aufgabe, schreibt Peter Frey, der den «Fall Wolfsburg» auch in seinem Blog behandelt. Diese Aufgabe sei indes deutlich größer, als viele glaubten. Erfreulicherweise sei der öffentliche Informationsraum inzwischen größer, trotz der weiterhin unverfrorenen Desinformations-Kampagnen der etablierten Massenmedien.

Frey erinnert daran, dass Dennis Weilmann mitverantwortlich für gravierende Grundrechtseinschränkungen wie die 2021 eingeführten 2G-Regeln in der Wolfsburger Innenstadt zeichnet. Es sei naiv anzunehmen, dass ein Funktionär einzig im Interesse der Bürger handeln würde. Als früherer Dezernent des Amtes für Wirtschaft, Digitalisierung und Kultur der Autostadt kenne Weilmann zum Beispiel die Verknüpfung von Fördergeldern mit politischen Zielsetzungen gut.

Wolfsburg wurde damals zu einem Modellprojekt des Bundesministeriums des Innern (BMI) und war Finalist im Bitkom-Wettbewerb «Digitale Stadt». So habe rechtzeitig vor der Plandemie das Projekt «Smart City Wolfsburg» anlaufen können, das der Stadt «eine Vorreiterrolle für umfassende Vernetzung und Datenerfassung» aufgetragen habe, sagt Frey. Die Vereinten Nationen verkauften dann derartige «intelligente» Überwachungs- und Kontrollmaßnahmen ebenso als Rettung in der Not wie das Magazin Forbes im April 2020:

«Intelligente Städte können uns helfen, die Coronavirus-Pandemie zu bekämpfen. In einer wachsenden Zahl von Ländern tun die intelligenten Städte genau das. Regierungen und lokale Behörden nutzen Smart-City-Technologien, Sensoren und Daten, um die Kontakte von Menschen aufzuspüren, die mit dem Coronavirus infiziert sind. Gleichzeitig helfen die Smart Cities auch dabei, festzustellen, ob die Regeln der sozialen Distanzierung eingehalten werden.»

Offensichtlich gibt es viele Aspekte zu bedenken und zu durchleuten, wenn es um die Aufklärung und Aufarbeitung der sogenannten «Corona-Pandemie» und der verordneten Maßnahmen geht. Frustration und Desillusion sind angesichts der Realitäten absolut verständlich. Gerade deswegen sind Initiativen wie die von Jens Knipphals so bewundernswert und so wichtig – ebenso wie eine seiner Kernthesen: «Wir müssen aufeinander zugehen, da hilft alles nichts».

---

Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ a95c6243:d345522c

Im Augenblick wird mit größter Intensität, großer Umsicht \ das deutsche Volk belogen. \ Olaf Scholz im FAZ-Interview

Online-Wahlen stärken die Demokratie, sind sicher, und 61 Prozent der Wahlberechtigten sprechen sich für deren Einführung in Deutschland aus. Das zumindest behauptet eine aktuelle Umfrage, die auch über die Agentur Reuters Verbreitung in den Medien gefunden hat. Demnach würden außerdem 45 Prozent der Nichtwähler bei der Bundestagswahl ihre Stimme abgeben, wenn sie dies zum Beispiel von Ihrem PC, Tablet oder Smartphone aus machen könnten.

Die telefonische Umfrage unter gut 1000 wahlberechtigten Personen sei repräsentativ, behauptet der Auftraggeber – der Digitalverband Bitkom. Dieser präsentiert sich als eingetragener Verein mit einer beeindruckenden Liste von Mitgliedern, die Software und IT-Dienstleistungen anbieten. Erklärtes Vereinsziel ist es, «Deutschland zu einem führenden Digitalstandort zu machen und die digitale Transformation der deutschen Wirtschaft und Verwaltung voranzutreiben».

Durchgeführt hat die Befragung die Bitkom Servicegesellschaft mbH, also alles in der Familie. Die gleiche Erhebung hatte der Verband übrigens 2021 schon einmal durchgeführt. Damals sprachen sich angeblich sogar 63 Prozent für ein derartiges «Demokratie-Update» aus – die Tendenz ist demgemäß fallend. Dennoch orakelt mancher, der Gang zur Wahlurne gelte bereits als veraltet.

Die spanische Privat-Uni mit Globalisten-Touch, IE University, berichtete Ende letzten Jahres in ihrer Studie «European Tech Insights», 67 Prozent der Europäer befürchteten, dass Hacker Wahlergebnisse verfälschen könnten. Mehr als 30 Prozent der Befragten glaubten, dass künstliche Intelligenz (KI) bereits Wahlentscheidungen beeinflusst habe. Trotzdem würden angeblich 34 Prozent der unter 35-Jährigen einer KI-gesteuerten App vertrauen, um in ihrem Namen für politische Kandidaten zu stimmen.

Wie dauerhaft wird wohl das Ergebnis der kommenden Bundestagswahl sein? Diese Frage stellt sich angesichts der aktuellen Entwicklung der Migrations-Debatte und der (vorübergehend) bröckelnden «Brandmauer» gegen die AfD. Das «Zustrombegrenzungsgesetz» der Union hat das Parlament heute Nachmittag überraschenderweise abgelehnt. Dennoch muss man wohl kein ausgesprochener Pessimist sein, um zu befürchten, dass die Entscheidungen der Bürger von den selbsternannten Verteidigern der Demokratie künftig vielleicht nicht respektiert werden, weil sie nicht gefallen.

Bundesweit wird jetzt zu «Brandmauer-Demos» aufgerufen, die CDU gerät unter Druck und es wird von Übergriffen auf Parteibüros und Drohungen gegen Mitarbeiter berichtet. Sicherheitsbehörden warnen vor Eskalationen, die Polizei sei «für ein mögliches erhöhtes Aufkommen von Straftaten gegenüber Politikern und gegen Parteigebäude sensibilisiert».

Der Vorwand «unzulässiger Einflussnahme» auf Politik und Wahlen wird als Argument schon seit einiger Zeit aufgebaut. Der Manipulation schuldig befunden wird neben Putin und Trump auch Elon Musk, was lustigerweise ausgerechnet Bill Gates gerade noch einmal bekräftigt und als «völlig irre» bezeichnet hat. Man stelle sich die Diskussionen um die Gültigkeit von Wahlergebnissen vor, wenn es Online-Verfahren zur Stimmabgabe gäbe. In der Schweiz wird «E-Voting» seit einigen Jahren getestet, aber wohl bisher mit wenig Erfolg.

Die politische Brandstiftung der letzten Jahre zahlt sich immer mehr aus. Anstatt dringende Probleme der Menschen zu lösen – zu denen auch in Deutschland die weit verbreitete Armut zählt –, hat die Politik konsequent polarisiert und sich auf Ausgrenzung und Verhöhnung großer Teile der Bevölkerung konzentriert. Basierend auf Ideologie und Lügen werden abweichende Stimmen unterdrückt und kriminalisiert, nicht nur und nicht erst in diesem Augenblick. Die nächsten Wochen dürften ausgesprochen spannend werden.

---

Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ a95c6243:d345522c

Menschen tun alles, egal wie absurd, \ um ihrer eigenen Seele nicht zu begegnen. \ Carl Gustav Jung

«Extremer Reichtum ist eine Gefahr für die Demokratie», sagen über die Hälfte der knapp 3000 befragten Millionäre aus G20-Staaten laut einer Umfrage der «Patriotic Millionaires». Ferner stellte dieser Zusammenschluss wohlhabender US-Amerikaner fest, dass 63 Prozent jener Millionäre den Einfluss von Superreichen auf US-Präsident Trump als Bedrohung für die globale Stabilität ansehen.

Diese Besorgnis haben 370 Millionäre und Milliardäre am Dienstag auch den in Davos beim WEF konzentrierten Privilegierten aus aller Welt übermittelt. In einem offenen Brief forderten sie die «gewählten Führer» auf, die Superreichen – also sie selbst – zu besteuern, um «die zersetzenden Auswirkungen des extremen Reichtums auf unsere Demokratien und die Gesellschaft zu bekämpfen». Zum Beispiel kontrolliere eine handvoll extrem reicher Menschen die Medien, beeinflusse die Rechtssysteme in unzulässiger Weise und verwandele Recht in Unrecht.

Schon 2019 beanstandete der bekannte Historiker und Schriftsteller Ruthger Bregman an einer WEF-Podiumsdiskussion die Steuervermeidung der Superreichen. Die elitäre Veranstaltung bezeichnete er als «Feuerwehr-Konferenz, bei der man nicht über Löschwasser sprechen darf.» Daraufhin erhielt Bregman keine Einladungen nach Davos mehr. Auf seine Aussagen machte der Schweizer Aktivist Alec Gagneux aufmerksam, der sich seit Jahrzehnten kritisch mit dem WEF befasst. Ihm wurde kürzlich der Zutritt zu einem dreiteiligen Kurs über das WEF an der Volkshochschule Region Brugg verwehrt.

Nun ist die Erkenntnis, dass mit Geld politischer Einfluss einhergeht, alles andere als neu. Und extremer Reichtum macht die Sache nicht wirklich besser. Trotzdem hat man über Initiativen wie Patriotic Millionaires oder Taxmenow bisher eher selten etwas gehört, obwohl es sie schon lange gibt. Auch scheint es kein Problem, wenn ein Herr Gates fast im Alleingang versucht, globale Gesundheits-, Klima-, Ernährungs- oder Bevölkerungspolitik zu betreiben – im Gegenteil. Im Jahr, als der Milliardär Donald Trump zum zweiten Mal ins Weiße Haus einzieht, ist das Echo in den Gesinnungsmedien dagegen enorm – und uniform, wer hätte das gedacht.

Der neue US-Präsident hat jedoch «Davos geerdet», wie Achgut es nannte. In seiner kurzen Rede beim Weltwirtschaftsforum verteidigte er seine Politik und stellte klar, er habe schlicht eine «Revolution des gesunden Menschenverstands» begonnen. Mit deutlichen Worten sprach er unter anderem von ersten Maßnahmen gegen den «Green New Scam», und von einem «Erlass, der jegliche staatliche Zensur beendet»:

«Unsere Regierung wird die Äußerungen unserer eigenen Bürger nicht mehr als Fehlinformation oder Desinformation bezeichnen, was die Lieblingswörter von Zensoren und derer sind, die den freien Austausch von Ideen und, offen gesagt, den Fortschritt verhindern wollen.»

Wie der «Trumpismus» letztlich einzuordnen ist, muss jeder für sich selbst entscheiden. Skepsis ist definitiv angebracht, denn «einer von uns» sind weder der Präsident noch seine auserwählten Teammitglieder. Ob sie irgendeinen Sumpf trockenlegen oder Staatsverbrechen aufdecken werden oder was aus WHO- und Klimaverträgen wird, bleibt abzuwarten.

Das WHO-Dekret fordert jedenfalls die Übertragung der Gelder auf «glaubwürdige Partner», die die Aktivitäten übernehmen könnten. Zufällig scheint mit «Impfguru» Bill Gates ein weiterer Harris-Unterstützer kürzlich das Lager gewechselt zu haben: Nach einem gemeinsamen Abendessen zeigte er sich «beeindruckt» von Trumps Interesse an der globalen Gesundheit.

Mit dem Projekt «Stargate» sind weitere dunkle Wolken am Erwartungshorizont der Fangemeinde aufgezogen. Trump hat dieses Joint Venture zwischen den Konzernen OpenAI, Oracle, und SoftBank als das «größte KI-Infrastrukturprojekt der Geschichte» angekündigt. Der Stein des Anstoßes: Oracle-CEO Larry Ellison, der auch Fan von KI-gestützter Echtzeit-Überwachung ist, sieht einen weiteren potenziellen Einsatz der künstlichen Intelligenz. Sie könne dazu dienen, Krebserkrankungen zu erkennen und individuelle mRNA-«Impfstoffe» zur Behandlung innerhalb von 48 Stunden zu entwickeln.

Warum bitte sollten sich diese superreichen «Eliten» ins eigene Fleisch schneiden und direkt entgegen ihren eigenen Interessen handeln? Weil sie Menschenfreunde, sogenannte Philanthropen sind? Oder vielleicht, weil sie ein schlechtes Gewissen haben und ihre Schuld kompensieren müssen? Deswegen jedenfalls brauchen «Linke» laut Robert Willacker, einem deutschen Politikberater mit brasilianischen Wurzeln, rechte Parteien – ein ebenso überraschender wie humorvoller Erklärungsansatz.

Wenn eine Krähe der anderen kein Auge aushackt, dann tut sie das sich selbst noch weniger an. Dass Millionäre ernsthaft ihre eigene Besteuerung fordern oder Machteliten ihren eigenen Einfluss zugunsten anderer einschränken würden, halte ich für sehr unwahrscheinlich. So etwas glaube ich erst, wenn zum Beispiel die Rüstungsindustrie sich um Friedensverhandlungen bemüht, die Pharmalobby sich gegen institutionalisierte Korruption einsetzt, Zentralbanken ihre CBDC-Pläne für Bitcoin opfern oder der ÖRR die Abschaffung der Rundfunkgebühren fordert.

---

Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ c631e267:c2b78d3e

Die grauenvollste Aussicht ist die der Technokratie – \ einer kontrollierenden Herrschaft, \ die durch verstümmelte und verstümmelnde Geister ausgeübt wird. \ Ernst Jünger

«Davos ist nicht mehr sexy», das Weltwirtschaftsforum (WEF) mache Davos kaputt, diese Aussagen eines Einheimischen las ich kürzlich in der Handelszeitung. Während sich einige vor Ort enorm an der «teuersten Gewerbeausstellung der Welt» bereicherten, würden die negativen Begleiterscheinungen wie Wohnungsnot und Niedergang der lokalen Wirtschaft immer deutlicher.

Nächsten Montag beginnt in dem Schweizer Bergdorf erneut ein Jahrestreffen dieses elitären Clubs der Konzerne, bei dem man mit hochrangigen Politikern aus aller Welt und ausgewählten Vertretern der Systemmedien zusammenhocken wird. Wie bereits in den vergangenen vier Jahren wird die Präsidentin der EU-Kommission, Ursula von der Leyen, in Begleitung von Klaus Schwab ihre Grundsatzansprache halten.

Der deutsche WEF-Gründer hatte bei dieser Gelegenheit immer höchst lobende Worte für seine Landsmännin: 2021 erklärte er sich «stolz, dass Europa wieder unter Ihrer Führung steht» und 2022 fand er es bemerkenswert, was sie erreicht habe angesichts des «erstaunlichen Wandels», den die Welt in den vorangegangenen zwei Jahren erlebt habe; es gebe nun einen «neuen europäischen Geist».

Von der Leyens Handeln während der sogenannten Corona-«Pandemie» lobte Schwab damals bereits ebenso, wie es diese Woche das Karlspreis-Direktorium tat, als man der Beschuldigten im Fall Pfizergate die diesjährige internationale Auszeichnung «für Verdienste um die europäische Einigung» verlieh. Außerdem habe sie die EU nicht nur gegen den «Aggressor Russland», sondern auch gegen die «innere Bedrohung durch Rassisten und Demagogen» sowie gegen den Klimawandel verteidigt.

Jene Herausforderungen durch «Krisen epochalen Ausmaßes» werden indes aus dem Umfeld des WEF nicht nur herbeigeredet – wie man alljährlich zur Zeit des Davoser Treffens im Global Risks Report nachlesen kann, der zusammen mit dem Versicherungskonzern Zurich erstellt wird. Seit die Globalisten 2020/21 in der Praxis gesehen haben, wie gut eine konzertierte und konsequente Angst-Kampagne funktionieren kann, geht es Schlag auf Schlag. Sie setzen alles daran, Schwabs goldenes Zeitfenster des «Great Reset» zu nutzen.

Ziel dieses «großen Umbruchs» ist die totale Kontrolle der Technokraten über die Menschen unter dem Deckmantel einer globalen Gesundheitsfürsorge. Wie aber könnte man so etwas erreichen? Ein Mittel dazu ist die «kreative Zerstörung». Weitere unabdingbare Werkzeug sind die Einbindung, ja Gleichschaltung der Medien und der Justiz.

Ein «Great Mental Reset» sei die Voraussetzung dafür, dass ein Großteil der Menschen Einschränkungen und Manipulationen wie durch die Corona-Maßnahmen praktisch kritik- und widerstandslos hinnehme, sagt der Mediziner und Molekulargenetiker Michael Nehls. Er meint damit eine regelrechte Umprogrammierung des Gehirns, wodurch nach und nach unsere Individualität und unser soziales Bewusstsein eliminiert und durch unreflektierten Konformismus ersetzt werden.

Der aktuelle Zustand unserer Gesellschaften ist auch für den Schweizer Rechtsanwalt Philipp Kruse alarmierend. Durch den Umgang mit der «Pandemie» sieht er die Grundlagen von Recht und Vernunft erschüttert, die Rechtsstaatlichkeit stehe auf dem Prüfstand. Seiner dringenden Mahnung an alle Bürger, die Prinzipien von Recht und Freiheit zu verteidigen, kann ich mich nur anschließen.

---

Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ a95c6243:d345522c

Ich begann, Social Media aufzubauen, \ um den Menschen eine Stimme zu geben. \ Mark Zuckerberg

Sind euch auch die Tränen gekommen, als ihr Mark Zuckerbergs Wendehals-Deklaration bezüglich der Meinungsfreiheit auf seinen Portalen gehört habt? Rührend, oder? Während er früher die offensichtliche Zensur leugnete und später die Regierung Biden dafür verantwortlich machte, will er nun angeblich «die Zensur auf unseren Plattformen drastisch reduzieren».

«Purer Opportunismus» ob des anstehenden Regierungswechsels wäre als Klassifizierung viel zu kurz gegriffen. Der jetzige Schachzug des Meta-Chefs ist genauso Teil einer kühl kalkulierten Business-Strategie, wie es die 180 Grad umgekehrte Praxis vorher war. Social Media sind ein höchst lukratives Geschäft. Hinzu kommt vielleicht noch ein bisschen verkorkstes Ego, weil derartig viel Einfluss und Geld sicher auch auf die Psyche schlagen. Verständlich.

«Es ist an der Zeit, zu unseren Wurzeln der freien Meinungsäußerung auf Facebook und Instagram zurückzukehren. Ich begann, Social Media aufzubauen, um den Menschen eine Stimme zu geben», sagte Zuckerberg.

Welche Wurzeln? Hat der Mann vergessen, dass er von der Überwachung, dem Ausspionieren und dem Ausverkauf sämtlicher Daten und digitaler Spuren sowie der Manipulation seiner «Kunden» lebt? Das ist knallharter Kommerz, nichts anderes. Um freie Meinungsäußerung geht es bei diesem Geschäft ganz sicher nicht, und das war auch noch nie so. Die Wurzeln von Facebook liegen in einem Projekt des US-Militärs mit dem Namen «LifeLog». Dessen Ziel war es, «ein digitales Protokoll vom Leben eines Menschen zu erstellen».

Der Richtungswechsel kommt allerdings nicht überraschend. Schon Anfang Dezember hatte Meta-Präsident Nick Clegg von «zu hoher Fehlerquote bei der Moderation» von Inhalten gesprochen. Bei der Gelegenheit erwähnte er auch, dass Mark sehr daran interessiert sei, eine aktive Rolle in den Debatten über eine amerikanische Führungsrolle im technologischen Bereich zu spielen.

Während Milliardärskollege und Big Tech-Konkurrent Elon Musk bereits seinen Posten in der kommenden Trump-Regierung in Aussicht hat, möchte Zuckerberg also nicht nur seine Haut retten – Trump hatte ihn einmal einen «Feind des Volkes» genannt und ihm lebenslange Haft angedroht –, sondern am liebsten auch mitspielen. KI-Berater ist wohl die gewünschte Funktion, wie man nach einem Treffen Trump-Zuckerberg hörte. An seine Verhaftung dachte vermutlich auch ein weiterer Multimilliardär mit eigener Social Media-Plattform, Pavel Durov, als er Zuckerberg jetzt kritisierte und gleichzeitig warnte.

Politik und Systemmedien drehen jedenfalls durch – was zu viel ist, ist zu viel. Etwas weniger Zensur und mehr Meinungsfreiheit würden die Freiheit der Bürger schwächen und seien potenziell vernichtend für die Menschenrechte. Zuckerberg setze mit dem neuen Kurs die Demokratie aufs Spiel, das sei eine «Einladung zum nächsten Völkermord», ernsthaft. Die Frage sei, ob sich die EU gegen Musk und Zuckerberg behaupten könne, Brüssel müsse jedenfalls hart durchgreifen.

Auch um die Faktenchecker macht man sich Sorgen. Für die deutsche Nachrichtenagentur dpa und die «Experten» von Correctiv, die (noch) Partner für Fact-Checking-Aktivitäten von Facebook sind, sei das ein «lukratives Geschäftsmodell». Aber möglicherweise werden die Inhalte ohne diese vermeintlichen Korrektoren ja sogar besser. Anders als Meta wollen jedoch Scholz, Faeser und die Tagesschau keine Fehler zugeben und zum Beispiel Correctiv-Falschaussagen einräumen.

Bei derlei dramatischen Befürchtungen wundert es nicht, dass der öffentliche Plausch auf X zwischen Elon Musk und AfD-Chefin Alice Weidel von 150 EU-Beamten überwacht wurde, falls es irgendwelche Rechtsverstöße geben sollte, die man ihnen ankreiden könnte. Auch der Deutsche Bundestag war wachsam. Gefunden haben dürften sie nichts. Das Ganze war eher eine Show, viel Wind wurde gemacht, aber letztlich gab es nichts als heiße Luft.

Das Anbiedern bei Donald Trump ist indes gerade in Mode. Die Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) tut das auch, denn sie fürchtet um Spenden von über einer Milliarde Dollar. Eventuell könnte ja Elon Musk auch hier künftig aushelfen und der Organisation sowie deren größtem privaten Förderer, Bill Gates, etwas unter die Arme greifen. Nachdem Musks KI-Projekt xAI kürzlich von BlackRock & Co. sechs Milliarden eingestrichen hat, geht da vielleicht etwas.

---

Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ e7bc35f8:3ed2a7cf

With all these decades and - in the case of the oldest democracies - centuries of broken political promises, you’d think that the public would have caught on to the game by now. But no. Still expecting political saviours.

Every election cycle, the public hears how this politician will deliver the nation from its economic woes or that politician will restore a country to its former greatness.

In 1916, Woodrow Wilson was re-elected as president of the United States on the back of his popular campaign slogan, "He Kept Us Out of War". But like all of the presumptive political saviours of the democratic age - in which popularity contests determine who seizes power and the public is swayed by the nicest sounding promises - Wilson, too, promptly broke his word. Just five months after his re-election, he oversaw US entry into the First World War and gave his now-famous speech assuring the public that getting the US into war was necessary to make the world "safe for democracy".

Similarly, Lyndon B. Johnson won election in 1964 promising to limit America’s involvement in Vietnam. "Some others are eager to enlarge the conflict. They call upon us to supply American boys to do the job that Asian boys should do". But this, too, was just another swiftly broken promise by yet another political "saviour". "Air action is now in execution against gunboats and certain supporting facilities in North Vietnam".

Laughably, even George W. Bush "won" the election in 2000 promising a humble American foreign policy and a vow to only fight short, winnable wars with well-defined objectives.

GEORGE W. BUSH:

But I’m gonna be judicious as to how to use the military. It needs to be in our vital interest, the mission needs to be clear and the exit strategy obvious.

And then:

BUSH:

On my orders, coalition forces have begun [sic] striking selected targets of military importance to undermine Saddam Hussein’s ability to wage war.

But this pattern is not just about war and it is not specific to any particular country. Throughout the world, politicians have won elections promising to deliver the inherently undeliverable. What Australian could forget, for example, Bob Hawke’s promise to eliminate child poverty in three years?

And what Greek could forget when Alexis Tsipras was swept to power with a strong populist mandate to stand up to the European Union in the midst of the sovereign debt crisis. Instead, Tsipras immediately sold the nation further into debt by accepting the terms of a punishing €85bn "bailout" package that even Syriza’s own members called a betrayal of the party’s promises.

In 2008, this endlessly escalating wave of political insanity seemed to reach a crescendo as it dashed upon the shores of the presidential campaign of Barack Obama.

B. OBAMA:

There’s something happening when people vote not just for party that they belong to but the votes . . . the hopes that they hold in common. [. . .] We are ready to take this country in a fundamentally new direction. That’s what’s happening in America right now. Change is what’s happening in America!

It may seem ridiculous in 2021 that the mere words "Yes We Can" and "Hope and Change" could have sold not just the American voters but the people of the world on Barack Hussein Obama, a junior US senator whose greatest legislative accomplishment up to that point was sponsoring a bill to rename a post office in Illinois. But, in hindsight, that was exactly what was so effective about the entire "hope and change" campaign. After eight years of neocon carnage - amid the tumult of the ongoing fiasco in Iraq, in the shadow of the rising police state at home, and in the face of the revelations of corporate accounting fraud and banking malfeasance that culminated in a global financial crisis - the public was desperately hoping for change.

OBAMA:

We will remember that there is something happening in America. That we are not as divided as our politics suggest. That we are one people. We are one nation. And together we will begin the next great chapter in the American story with three words that will ring from coast to coast from sea to shining sea: "Yes We Can!" Thank you, New Hampshire. Thank you!

It didn’t matter that Obama, like every other con man to swindle the majority of the population in the great popularity contest we call democracy, lied about every one of his major campaign promises. It didn’t matter that he lied about closing Guantanamo. It didn’t matter that he lied about ending the war of terror.

OBAMA:

And that is why as president I will make the fight against Al Qaeda and the Taliban the top priority that it should be.

ANNOUNCER:

The Obama administration knowingly gave US taxpayer dollars to an al Qaeda affiliate in Sudan, a joint i24 News – Middle East Forum investigation reveals.

It didn’t matter that he lied about ending the illegal wiretapping of Americans.

OBAMA:

This administration also puts forward a false choice between the liberties we cherish and the security we provide. I will provide our intelligence and law enforcement agencies with the tools they need to track and take out the terrorists without undermining our Constitution and our freedom. That means no more illegal wiretapping of American citizens.

And then:

OBAMA:

I came in with a healthy skepticism about these programs. My team evaluated them. We scrubbed them thoroughly. We actually expanded some of the oversight, increased some of the safeguards. But my assessment and my team’s assessment was that they help us prevent terrorist attacks.

None of his broken promises matter, because it was never about any actual, concrete action. If the mass hysteria that swept over the public in 2008 was about achieving tangible results, the Nobel Committee would not have awarded Obama the Nobel Peace Prize less than one year into his first term in office, while he was still waging wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and expanding Bush’s drone war into Pakistan.

No, it was never about action. It was about providing the audience of the political spectacle the scene that they were waiting for. The next political messiah is wheeled onto the stage, he waves his hand and makes everything better, and everyone goes back to their daily struggles for the next four years. The ritual is complete.

Indeed, after thousands of years in which heads of state were worshipped as literal gods on earth or, more recently, as divine appointees, it should come as no surprise that popular presidents and prime ministers are almost always portrayed with recourse to religious iconography. The common trope of photographing presidents with the "halo" of the presidential seal around them is nothing new.

But even taking that history into account, the religious frenzy that Obama’s appearance on the national political stage caused was, in retrospect, undeniably strange.

OBAMA:

Who is Barack Obama? Contrary to the rumors that you’ve heard, I was not born in a manger. I was actually born on Krypton and sent here by my father Jor-El to save the planet Earth.

In the hysteria of the 2008 campaign, Obama wasn’t received by the public as a political candidate with a series of policy prescriptions for improving the country. He was the god from the machine, the deus ex machina who could appear on stage and bless everyone with his absolution. Obama was not just Superman but the God of All Things, a Heaven-Sent shining New Hope bathed in angelic light who was the literal Second Coming.

JAMIE FOXX:

First of all, give an honour to God and our Lord and Savior, Barack Obama!

And by the time the public finally snapped from their reverie and realized that, after all, Obama was just another politician...

CONTESSA BREWER:

The former director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute says he regrets awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to President Barack Obama in 2009.

CENK YOGURT:

He lied! It’s not subtle, He said “There will be no spying on citizens who are not suspected of a crime.” He lied. There is spying on all of us and we’re not suspected of a crime. Barack Obama is a liar! Can I make it clearer?

Obama had already served his role as the next political saviour and, having served that function, he could be discarded like yesterday’s newspaper. For those who believed that the 2008 campaign was the apotheosis of the Hope and Change routine, this was the end of the line for this political charade. Looking at the process from a rational perspective, one could be forgiven for thinking that the public had learned its lesson and that no politician would be able to bamboozle the public like that again as long as the Obama legacy was in living memory. 👉 But this is not a rational process, and those who believed that could not have been more wrong.

Lest there be any confusion that the public was being prepared for another deus ex machina ritual, this time the god descended onto the political stage via a literal machine, a golden escalator. And, from his dais, this god, too, brought good tidings to the cheering crowd: the country is saved once again!

DONALD TRUMP:

Ladies and gentlemen, I am officially running for President of the United States and we are going to make our country great again!

The next day, it was revealed that the scene was a literal stage play. The adoring crowd were not grassroots supporters of Donald Trump who all spontaneously decided to wear the same Trump t-shirts and awkwardly pose with their "homemade" signs for the cameras, but, as an FEC investigation later confirmed, literal actors paid $50 each by the Extra Mile Casting agency on behalf of their client, Gotham Government Relations & Communications.

But it didn’t matter. Like all the iterations of the President Messiah script that came before, Trump’s Make America Great Again psychodrama was already having its intended effect on the population. In some ways, MAGA was a mere repeat of the Obama Hope and Change template. Here, too, candidate Trump promised the moon that President Trump steadfastly failed to deliver.

He | did not I drain I the I swamp.

He did not end the wars.

He did not stand up to medical-industrial complex.

And, like the Obamessiah, Trump, too, took on the role of divine redeemer of the nation, second only to Christ himself.

Trump (Trump assured us) was loved by the Jewish people in Israel like the "second coming of God". And once again the president was being portrayed as "heaven-sent", a man chosen by God Himself to lead America back to the promised land.

RICK PERRY:

And I shared it with him. I said, Mr. President, I know there are people that say you said you were the chosen one and I said, "You were." I said, "If you’re a believing Christian, you understand God’s plan for the people who rule and judge over us on this planet in our government.

ED HENRY:

And lest people on the left attack Rick Perry, he pointed out to me he believes Barack Obama was sent by God as well. He said for that moment and that time. He said he thinks for this moment and this time, Donald Trump was sent by God to do great things.

Or, as the internet users who helped build the momentum for the Trump train during the 2016 campaign put it in their popular meme, Trump was the God Emperor, a GEOTUS who would smite the wicked and own the libs.

Yes, the Trump script seemed to be a mere rehash of the Obama script. But it was not. You see, this was not the same plot as Hope and Change. Make America Great Again had a more exciting storyline. In the MAGA stage play, the god from the machine was himself in trouble and needed saving from the powerful, evil forces that were ganging up against him. And this time, the god himself would be saved by his own god from a machine. This script involved an incredible double deus ex machina!

The god that would save God Emperor Trump, however, was not a political figure at all, but a shadowy, anonymous entity. And the machine that delivered him was not a golden escalator, but an online message board.

The "Q Anon" phenomenon began on October 28, 2017, when "Q" - a user of the "politically incorrect" board of 4chan, the anonymous imageboard website - made a post claiming that a massive military operation was underway to arrest Hillary Clinton and bring down the cabal of evil politicians that was filling the swamp of Washington.

Within days, the anonymous poster was assuring his 4chan followers of the imminent indictment of Clinton campaign insiders John Podesta and Huma Abedin. And on November 2nd, less than a week after the initial post, the poster was calling himself "Q Clearance Patriot" and claiming that "over the course of the next several days you will undoubtedly realize that we are taking back our great country".

In every way, these early "Q Drops" exemplify the QAnon phenomenon that it spawned. They pick up on the language and code words of classified government operations, like "Mockingbird" and "Q clearance". They pretend to impart insider information about high-level political events, even predicting specific events on specific dates, like the arrest announcement of Podesta and the beginning of a military coup. And they pose a series of vague rhetorical questions ("Why does Potus surround himself w/ generals? What is military intelligence? Why go around the 3 letter agencies?") that feel important without providing any specific knowledge or insight.

As Q’s notoriety grew, so, too, did the grandiosity of his predictions, promises and pronouncements. Followers were told to expect "False flag(s)" and that there would be "fireworks" but that the president would be "100% insulated". They were exhorted to "TRUST [Attorney General Jeff] SESSIONS" and assured that Feb. 1, 2018, would be the "[D]ay [Of] [D]ays". They were promised a "parade that will never be forgotten" on November 11th of 2018. They were assured that Mark Zuckerberg was stepping down as chairman of Facebook. July 2018 would be the month "the world discovered the TRUTH", with Q asserting that there would be "conspiracy no more".

Of course, every one of these pronouncements was categorically wrong. But, as Q taught his followers to believe, "Disinformation is real" and "Disinformation is necessary", so these false predictions were in fact signs that Q was telling the truth. It didn’t make sense. It didn’t have to. All it had to do was fill the viewers of the unfolding political spectacle with hopium, the belief that this new god from the machine was going to swoop in with his Q Clearance compatriots and save the day at the last moment.

Remarkably, that belief persisted even after the last moment. 🔸Q Anon Posts Debate & Discussion With Praying Medic [Rare Interview & Question] 🔸ACTUAL INTERVEIW [sic] Dr Steve Pieczenik DHS watermarked every ballot with QFS Blockchain Encryption 🔸HELLSCAPE: 72 HOURS TO SAVE THE REPUBLIC 🔸EP. 2501B – TRAP SET, THESE PEOPLE ARE STUPID, DO YOU SEE THE STORM FORMING,PANIC IN DC

It is not hard to see why Q became so popular. Like every good deus ex machina, Q promised to deliver the audience of the current political drama exactly what they wanted: an entertaining, exciting and satisfying resolution to the play, delivering the hero (Trump) from evil (the Democrats) just in the nick of time. It is not coincidence that "Enjoy the show" and "Get the popcorn" became favourite phrases of Q and the QAnon followers. This was, after all, just that: a show. A scripted drama designed to play on the psyche of the audience.

The clue comes in Q’s constant exhortations for his follower to trust. 🔸Trust Sessions. 🔸Trust Grassley. 🔸Trust POTUS. 🔸 Trust the plan.

The terminology - as well as the methodology - of the Q operation evokes Operation Trust, a Soviet counterintelligence program in the 1920s that took over a pro-monarchist organization, the "Monarchist Union of Central Russia". The Soviets used operatives within the organization to persuade members that they should not engage in militant activity against the government because a plan was underway for internal anti-Bolshevik forces to topple the regime. Trust the plan.

In this case, "trusting the plan" got members of the opposition either put on trial and sent to the gulags or blackmailed into working for Soviet intelligence.

Q certainly did pacify many with his constant entreaty to "trust the plan". Q also rallied people time and time again to support the policies, operations and personnel of the very deep state that they were supposedly fighting against. Suddenly Jeff Sessions, Bill Barr, John Bolton and other long-time members of the political establishment were the good guys in this elaborate drama. 99% of the agents at the CIA, FBI, DOJ and NSA were "patriots" who "serve[d] with distinction" and thus needed to be supported. The decades-long neocon dream of invading Iran became, in the eyes of Q followers, a good and noble cause.

But even beyond the pacification of those who would otherwise be resisting the government, the "Q Army" of self-styled "Digital soldiers" provided the very foil that the deep state needed to move to the next step of their counter-insurgency program: The crackdown on "domestic terrorism".

🔸FBI Warns Of Potential For More Violence From QAnon Followers 🔸FBI warns conspiracy theories fuel domestic terrorism 🔸Former CIA official Jeremy Bash, now of NBC News 🔸A Message from President Donald J. Trump

After years of being told to "get the popcorn" and "enjoy the show", the Q Anon movement slowly began to realize that they were had. Worse, the very intelligence agencies and military that they had so fervently hoped would swoop in and save the day are the very agencies that were swooping in to round them up. But QAnon was by no means the first time that hopium has been injected into the veins of the "conspiracy research community".

In the 1990s, a power industry teaching consultant named Harvey Francis Barnard developed a proposed set of reforms for America’s monetary and tax system that he called the National Economic Security and Recovery Act, or NESARA. He self-published a book outlining his proposal, sent copies to members of Congress, started an institute to promote the idea and, in 2000, published his proposal on the internet. At that point, NESARA became the centerpiece of an elaborate hoax promulgated by an online charlatan calling herself "The Dove of Oneness". In this story, the NESARA bill is a miracle: it abolishes income taxes, forgives mortgages, zeroes out credit cards and declares peace. Even more miraculous: in a stunning move only known to The Dove of Oneness, the bill had been secretly passed by Congress and was due to take effect on September 11, 2001, which is why the World Trade Center was destroyed. But, like every good drama, this story, too, had a deus ex machina to keep Dove’s internet audience hanging on and enjoying the show: the White Knights, "an underground group of good guys [. . .] who were in high positions within all these institutions, who were fed up with the status quo and were planning a coup d’état that was going to happen ‘very soon.'"

Just as with Q, the cult that grew around the NESARA myth with its White Knight gods from the machine promised specific events on specific dates. Every time a prediction failed to happen, followers were reassured that the long-promised coup had been delayed so that the White Knights could better prepare the public for the pandemonium that would ensue when they swoop in to save the day. In the meantime, followers could get the popcorn and enjoy the show, knowing that all their debt would soon be forgiven and that peace on earth was just around the corner. And the name of that book in which Barnard first laid out his NESARA proposal? 👉 Draining The Swamp.

Yes, the deus ex machina story is trotted out every few years under different guises. A secret order of ninjas is preparing to assassinate the evil Illuminati and bring peace to the world. A secret stash of trillions of dollars is about to be shared out with the people of the world, ending all poverty. A cosmic realignment is going to take place on December 21st, 2012, raising humanity to a higher level of consciousness and ending all strife and suffering. An anonymous 4chan poster is leaking classified information about a good military coup that’s going to restore order and drain the swamp. The incredible Trump's X-Men.

The message is always the same: Get the popcorn and enjoy the show. The god is coming from the machine to save you. Just wait. Over and over we see the same story play out. The crowd begins to lose interest in the political stage play. They begin to suspect that it’s fake. That reality is taking place somewhere off stage and out of sight. They begin to realize that they are not spectators at all, but active participants with the ability to shape the world around them. And then along comes a god from a machine peddling hopium and the audience goes back to enjoying the show.

None of this is to denigrate the religious instinct that compels humans to look for a saviour from the heavens. On the contrary. Those with religious faith should be the most offended by this god from the machine script that sees their most cherished, divine beliefs cynically played on by would-be political rulers masquerading as gods.

Now, we must not abandon hope itself. As part of the triumvirate of faith, hope and charity, hope is a virtue to be cherished. Genuine hope is the rocket fuel that humans use to propel themselves towards their goals. Without hope, there would be no motivation to do anything to improve our situation. But that is the difference. Hope compels us to go out there and try to improve our situation. Fake hopes, on the other hand, convinces us that someone else has taken care of the problem. That we can just sit back, get the popcorn and enjoy the show. Like the dope peddler on the street corner, the politicians and hucksters are always ready to satisfy their mark with a dose of false hopes. And the public, more often than not, is only too happy to take it.

But fake hope is a deadly drug, and the god from the machine is nothing but a cheap stage trick. Nothing will change until we stop enjoying the show and realize that we are not spectators watching history unfold from the sidelines. We are history’s actors, and, propelled by genuine hope, we can and will change the world.

@ a95c6243:d345522c

Was du bist hängt von drei Faktoren ab: \ Was du geerbt hast, \ was deine Umgebung aus dir machte \ und was du in freier Wahl \ aus deiner Umgebung und deinem Erbe gemacht hast. \ Aldous Huxley

Das brave Mitmachen und Mitlaufen in einem vorgegebenen, recht engen Rahmen ist gewiss nicht neu, hat aber gerade wieder mal Konjunktur. Dies kann man deutlich beobachten, eigentlich egal, in welchem gesellschaftlichen Bereich man sich umschaut. Individualität ist nur soweit angesagt, wie sie in ein bestimmtes Schema von «Diversität» passt, und Freiheit verkommt zur Worthülse – nicht erst durch ein gewisses Buch einer gewissen ehemaligen Regierungschefin.

Erklärungsansätze für solche Entwicklungen sind bekannt, und praktisch alle haben etwas mit Massenpsychologie zu tun. Der Herdentrieb, also der Trieb der Menschen, sich – zum Beispiel aus Unsicherheit oder Bequemlichkeit – lieber der Masse anzuschließen als selbstständig zu denken und zu handeln, ist einer der Erklärungsversuche. Andere drehen sich um Macht, Propaganda, Druck und Angst, also den gezielten Einsatz psychologischer Herrschaftsinstrumente.

Aber wollen die Menschen überhaupt Freiheit? Durch Gespräche im privaten Umfeld bin ich diesbezüglich in der letzten Zeit etwas skeptisch geworden. Um die Jahreswende philosophiert man ja gerne ein wenig über das Erlebte und über die Erwartungen für die Zukunft. Dabei hatte ich hin und wieder den Eindruck, die totalitären Anwandlungen unserer «Repräsentanten» kämen manchen Leuten gerade recht.

«Desinformation» ist so ein brisantes Thema. Davor müsse man die Menschen doch schützen, hörte ich. Jemand müsse doch zum Beispiel diese ganzen merkwürdigen Inhalte in den Social Media filtern – zur Ukraine, zum Klima, zu Gesundheitsthemen oder zur Migration. Viele wüssten ja gar nicht einzuschätzen, was richtig und was falsch ist, sie bräuchten eine Führung.

Freiheit bedingt Eigenverantwortung, ohne Zweifel. Eventuell ist es einigen tatsächlich zu anspruchsvoll, die Verantwortung für das eigene Tun und Lassen zu übernehmen. Oder die persönliche Freiheit wird nicht als ausreichend wertvolles Gut angesehen, um sich dafür anzustrengen. In dem Fall wäre die mangelnde Selbstbestimmung wohl das kleinere Übel. Allerdings fehlt dann gemäß Aldous Huxley ein Teil der Persönlichkeit. Letztlich ist natürlich alles eine Frage der Abwägung.

Sind viele Menschen möglicherweise schon so «eingenordet», dass freiheitliche Ambitionen gar nicht für eine ganze Gruppe, ein Kollektiv, verfolgt werden können? Solche Gedanken kamen mir auch, als ich mir kürzlich diverse Talks beim viertägigen Hacker-Kongress des Chaos Computer Clubs (38C3) anschaute. Ich war nicht nur überrascht, sondern reichlich erschreckt angesichts der in weiten Teilen mainstream-geformten Inhalte, mit denen ein dankbares Publikum beglückt wurde. Wo ich allgemein hellere Köpfe erwartet hatte, fand ich Konformismus und enthusiastisch untermauerte Narrative.

Gibt es vielleicht so etwas wie eine Herdenimmunität gegen Indoktrination? Ich denke, ja, zumindest eine gestärkte Widerstandsfähigkeit. Was wir brauchen, sind etwas gesunder Menschenverstand, offene Informationskanäle und der Mut, sich freier auch zwischen den Herden zu bewegen. Sie tun das bereits, aber sagen Sie es auch dieses Jahr ruhig weiter.

---

Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ 378562cd:a6fc6773

Hiking in nature is more than just a leisurely activity—it’s a powerful way to boost physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Whether you’re trekking through lush forests, climbing rugged mountains, or strolling along a peaceful riverbank (which we really love doing), the benefits of hiking are undeniable.

Here are some points to think about along these lines.

Physical Health Benefits

• Strengthens muscles and improves cardiovascular health
• Enhances balance, coordination, and endurance
• Supports bone density and joint health
• Burns calories and aids in weight management

Mental and Emotional Well-Being

• Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression
• Increases endorphin levels, boosting mood and relaxation
• Improves focus, creativity, and cognitive function
• Encourages mindfulness and mental clarity

Connection with Nature

• Provides an escape from screens and digital distractions
• Encourages appreciation for the environment and wildlife
• Helps regulate sleep cycles by syncing with natural light
• Instills a sense of peace and awe

Social and Personal Growth

• Strengthens relationships when hiking with friends or family
• Encourages teamwork and problem-solving on group hikes
• Builds confidence and resilience for solo hikers
• Creates lasting memories and a sense of accomplishment

A Typical Day on the Trail

A day of hiking often starts with an early morning wake-up, packing essentials like water, snacks, and a map (if you're old-fashioned like me, LOL). After reaching the trailhead, the journey begins with fresh air, birds singing, and the crunch of dirt underfoot. You might stop to admire a stunning viewpoint, take photos of wildflowers, or rest beside a babbling stream. Lunch could be a simple picnic with a breathtaking backdrop. As the afternoon sun filters through the trees, you finish the hike feeling refreshed, accomplished, and ready to do it all again.

We love to go hiking, and I'm no expert, but when I take the time to get us out there somewhere and the weather is wonderful, it just adds up to an amazing day!

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, exploring nature on foot provides countless benefits for both body and mind. It’s an accessible, enjoyable, and fulfilling way to stay healthy while reconnecting with the natural world. So, lace up your hiking boots, hit the trails, and experience the transformative power of hiking in nature!

@ a95c6243:d345522c

Heute möchte ich ein Gedicht mit euch teilen. Es handelt sich um eine Ballade des österreichischen Lyrikers Johann Gabriel Seidl aus dem 19. Jahrhundert. Mir sind diese Worte fest in Erinnerung, da meine Mutter sie perfekt rezitieren konnte, auch als die Kräfte schon langsam schwanden.

Dem originalen Titel «Die Uhr» habe ich für mich immer das Wort «innere» hinzugefügt. Denn der Zeitmesser – hier vermutliche eine Taschenuhr – symbolisiert zwar in dem Kontext das damalige Zeitempfinden und die Umbrüche durch die industrielle Revolution, sozusagen den Zeitgeist und das moderne Leben. Aber der Autor setzt sich philosophisch mit der Zeit auseinander und gibt seinem Werk auch eine klar spirituelle Dimension.

Das Ticken der Uhr und die Momente des Glücks und der Trauer stehen sinnbildlich für das unaufhaltsame Fortschreiten und die Vergänglichkeit des Lebens. Insofern könnte man bei der Uhr auch an eine Sonnenuhr denken. Der Rhythmus der Ereignisse passt uns vielleicht nicht immer in den Kram.

Was den Takt pocht, ist durchaus auch das Herz, unser «inneres Uhrwerk». Wenn dieses Meisterwerk einmal stillsteht, ist es unweigerlich um uns geschehen. Hoffentlich können wir dann dankbar sagen: «Ich habe mein Bestes gegeben.»

Ich trage, wo ich gehe, stets eine Uhr bei mir; \ Wieviel es geschlagen habe, genau seh ich an ihr. \ Es ist ein großer Meister, der künstlich ihr Werk gefügt, \ Wenngleich ihr Gang nicht immer dem törichten Wunsche genügt.

Ich wollte, sie wäre rascher gegangen an manchem Tag; \ Ich wollte, sie hätte manchmal verzögert den raschen Schlag. \ In meinen Leiden und Freuden, in Sturm und in der Ruh, \ Was immer geschah im Leben, sie pochte den Takt dazu.

Sie schlug am Sarge des Vaters, sie schlug an des Freundes Bahr, \ Sie schlug am Morgen der Liebe, sie schlug am Traualtar. \ Sie schlug an der Wiege des Kindes, sie schlägt, will's Gott, noch oft, \ Wenn bessere Tage kommen, wie meine Seele es hofft.

Und ward sie auch einmal träger, und drohte zu stocken ihr Lauf, \ So zog der Meister immer großmütig sie wieder auf. \ Doch stände sie einmal stille, dann wär's um sie geschehn, \ Kein andrer, als der sie fügte, bringt die Zerstörte zum Gehn.

Dann müßt ich zum Meister wandern, der wohnt am Ende wohl weit, \ Wohl draußen, jenseits der Erde, wohl dort in der Ewigkeit! \ Dann gäb ich sie ihm zurücke mit dankbar kindlichem Flehn: \ Sieh, Herr, ich hab nichts verdorben, sie blieb von selber stehn.

Johann Gabriel Seidl (1804-1875)

@ d34e832d:383f78d0

[npub16d8gxt2z4k9e8sdpc0yyqzf5gp0np09ls4lnn630qzxzvwpl0rgq5h4rzv]

Data Storage via Blobs in a Decentralized Manner
Blobs (Binary Large Objects) offer a flexible method of storing large chunks of data, and in the context of decentralized systems, they allow for secure, distributed storage solutions. In a decentralized world, where privacy and autonomy are key, managing data in a distributed manner ensures data isn't controlled or censored by a single entity. Here are three key systems enabling decentralized blob storage:

1. Blossom Server
   Blossom Server provides a decentralized platform for storing and sharing large blobs of data. Blossom Server allows users to host their own data and retrieve it from a decentralized network, ensuring that data is not stored in centralized servers. This platform is open-source, offering flexibility and security through peer-to-peer data storage.

2. Perkeep
   Perkeep (formerly known as Camlistore) is a decentralized data storage system that allows for storing blobs of data in a distributed manner. It focuses on the long-term storage of large data sets, such as personal collections of photos, videos, and documents. By using Perkeep, users can ensure that their data remains private and is not controlled by any central authority. The system uses a unique identifier to access data, promoting both privacy and integrity.

3. IPFS (InterPlanetary File System)
   IPFS is another popular decentralized file storage system that uses the concept of blobs to store and share data. IPFS allows users to store and access data in a decentralized manner by using a peer-to-peer network. Each piece of data is given a unique hash, ensuring that it is verifiable and tamper-proof. By leveraging IPFS, users can store everything from simple files to large applications, all without relying on centralized servers.

By using these decentralized data storage solutions, individuals and organizations can safeguard their information, increase privacy, and contribute to a more resilient and distributed internet infrastructure.

Higher-Level Goals for Blob Storage Blob storage via Blossom ,Perkeep and IPFS has goals to become a decentralized, self-sufficient protocol for data storage, management, and sharing. While some of these features are already being implemented, they represent a broader vision for the future of decentralized personal data management.

1. Filesystem Backups
   Allows for easy, incremental backups. Using the pk-put tool, users can back up files and directories quickly and efficiently. Incremental backups, which save only the changes made since the last backup, are essentially free, making Perkeep an efficient choice for backup solutions. This initial use case has already been implemented, providing seamless and secure backups for personal data.

2. Efficient Remote Filesystem
   The goal is to create a highly efficient, aggressively caching remote filesystem using Perkeep. A read-only version of this filesystem is already trivial to implement, while read-write functionality remains an area of active development. Every modification in the filesystem would be snapshotted implicitly, providing version control as a default. This would enable users to interact with their data in a remote environment while ensuring that every change is tracked and recoverable.

3. Decentralized Sharing System
   Perkeep is working towards enabling users to share data in a decentralized manner. The system will allow individuals to share anything with anyone or everyone, with privacy being the default setting. This decentralized sharing is already starting to work, and users can now share data with others while retaining control over who sees their information.

4. Blog / Photo Hosting / Document Management CMS
   Perkeep aims to replace traditional blog platforms, photo hosting services, and document management software. By running a personal blog, photo gallery, and document management system (CMS) on Perkeep, users will have full control over their content. Permissions will be configurable, allowing for personal or public sharing. The author intends to use Perkeep for his own blog, gallery, and document management needs, further demonstrating its versatility.

5. Decentralized Social Networking
   While still a lofty goal, decentralized social networking is a persistent aim for Perkeep. By implementing features like comments and tagging, users could attach metadata to images and content. Through claims, users could sign data and verify identities, promoting trust in social interactions. This would allow for decentralized social networking where users control their own data and interactions.

6. Import/Export Adapters for Hosted Web Services
   Perkeep intends to bridge the gap between decentralized storage and traditional hosted web services. This feature would allow users to mirror data between hosted services and their private Perkeep storage. Whether content is created in Perkeep or hosted services, the goal is to ensure that data is always backed up privately, ensuring users' data is theirs forever.

Combined Goals for Blossom and IPFS

Both Blossom and IPFS share common goals of decentralizing data storage, enhancing privacy, and providing users with greater control over their data. Together, these technologies enable:

• Self-Sovereign Data Management: Empowering users to store and manage their data without relying on centralized platforms.
• Resilient and Redundant Storage: Offering decentralized and redundant data storage that ensures availability and security.
• Private and Permissioned Sharing: Enabling secure, private data sharing where the user controls who has access to their content.

By focusing on these goals, both Blossom and IPFS are contributing to a future where individuals control their own data, collaborate more efficiently in decentralized networks and P4P protocols, and ensure the privacy and security of their digital assets.

These technologies in conjunction with nostr lead one to discover user agency and autonomy, where you can actually own and interface with your own data allowing for value creation and content creation strategies.

Donations via
- lightninglayerhash@getalby.com

@ d34e832d:383f78d0

Decentralized Publishing: ChainScribe: How to Approach Studying NIPs (Nostr Improvement Proposals)

[npub16d8gxt2z4k9e8sdpc0yyqzf5gp0np09ls4lnn630qzxzvwpl0rgq5h4rzv]

How to Approach Studying NIPs (Nostr Improvement Proposals)

NIPs (Nostr Improvement Proposals) provide a framework for suggesting and discussing improvements to the Nostr protocol, a decentralized network for open communication. Studying NIPs is crucial for understanding the evolution of Nostr and its underlying principles. To effectively approach this, it's essential to follow a systematic, structured process.

1. Familiarize with the Nostr Protocol: Before diving into the specifics of each NIP, gain a solid understanding of the core Nostr protocol. This includes its goals, architecture, and key components like pubkeys, events, and relays.
2. Explore the NIP Catalog: Visit nostr-nips.com to browse through the available NIPs. Focus on the most recent proposals and those that align with your interests or areas of expertise.
3. Review the Proposal Structure: Each NIP follows a standard structure, typically including a description of the problem, proposed solution, and rationale. Learn to read and evaluate these elements critically, paying attention to how each proposal aligns with Nostr’s decentralized ethos.
4. Follow Active Discussions: Many NIPs are actively discussed within the community. Follow relevant channels, such as GitHub issues or dedicated discussion forums, to understand community feedback and potential revisions.
5. Understand Dependencies: Some NIPs are designed to work in tandem with others or require other technological advancements. Recognize these relationships to better understand the broader implications of any proposal.
6. Hands-On Testing: If possible, test NIPs in a development environment to see how they function in practice. Experimenting with proposals will help deepen your understanding and expose potential challenges or flaws.
7. Contribute to Proposals: If you have insights or suggestions, contribute to the discussion or propose your own improvements. NIPs thrive on community participation, and your input can help shape the future of Nostr.

Donations via
- lightninglayerhash@getalby.com

@ a95c6243:d345522c

Falls du beim Lesen des Titels dieses Newsletters unwillkürlich an positive Neuigkeiten aus dem globalen polit-medialen Irrenhaus oder gar aus dem wirtschaftlichen Umfeld gedacht hast, darf ich dich beglückwünschen. Diese Assoziation ist sehr löblich, denn sie weist dich als unverbesserlichen Optimisten aus. Leider muss ich dich diesbezüglich aber enttäuschen. Es geht hier um ein anderes Thema, allerdings sehr wohl ein positives, wie ich finde.

Heute ist ein ganz besonderer Tag: die Wintersonnenwende. Genau gesagt hat heute morgen um 10:20 Uhr Mitteleuropäischer Zeit (MEZ) auf der Nordhalbkugel unseres Planeten der astronomische Winter begonnen. Was daran so außergewöhnlich ist? Der kürzeste Tag des Jahres war gestern, seit heute werden die Tage bereits wieder länger! Wir werden also jetzt jeden Tag ein wenig mehr Licht haben.

Für mich ist dieses Ereignis immer wieder etwas kurios: Es beginnt der Winter, aber die Tage werden länger. Das erscheint mir zunächst wie ein Widerspruch, denn meine spontanen Assoziationen zum Winter sind doch eher Kälte und Dunkelheit, relativ zumindest. Umso erfreulicher ist der emotionale Effekt, wenn dann langsam die Erkenntnis durchsickert: Ab jetzt wird es schon wieder heller!

Natürlich ist es kalt im Winter, mancherorts mehr als anderswo. Vielleicht jedoch nicht mehr lange, wenn man den Klimahysterikern glauben wollte. Mindestens letztes Jahr hat Väterchen Frost allerdings gleich zu Beginn seiner Saison – und passenderweise während des globalen Überhitzungsgipfels in Dubai – nochmal richtig mit der Faust auf den Tisch gehauen. Schnee- und Eischaos sind ja eigentlich in der Agenda bereits nicht mehr vorgesehen. Deswegen war man in Deutschland vermutlich in vorauseilendem Gehorsam schon nicht mehr darauf vorbereitet und wurde glatt lahmgelegt.

Aber ich schweife ab. Die Aussicht auf nach und nach mehr Licht und damit auch Wärme stimmt mich froh. Den Zusammenhang zwischen beidem merkt man in Andalusien sehr deutlich. Hier, wo die Häuser im Winter arg auskühlen, geht man zum Aufwärmen raus auf die Straße oder auf den Balkon. Die Sonne hat auch im Winter eine erfreuliche Kraft. Und da ist jede Minute Gold wert.

Außerdem ist mir vor Jahren so richtig klar geworden, warum mir das südliche Klima so sehr gefällt. Das liegt nämlich nicht nur an der Sonne als solcher, oder der Wärme – das liegt vor allem am Licht. Ohne Licht keine Farben, das ist der ebenso simple wie gewaltige Unterschied zwischen einem deprimierenden matschgraubraunen Winter und einem fröhlichen bunten. Ein großes Stück Lebensqualität.

Mir gefällt aber auch die Symbolik dieses Tages: Licht aus der Dunkelheit, ein Wendepunkt, ein Neuanfang, neue Möglichkeiten, Übergang zu neuer Aktivität. In der winterlichen Stille keimt bereits neue Lebendigkeit. Und zwar in einem Zyklus, das wird immer wieder so geschehen. Ich nehme das gern als ein Stück Motivation, es macht mir Hoffnung und gibt mir Energie.

Übrigens ist parallel am heutigen Tag auf der südlichen Halbkugel Sommeranfang. Genau im entgegengesetzten Rhythmus, sich ergänzend, wie Yin und Yang. Das alles liegt an der Schrägstellung der Erdachse, die ist nämlich um 23,4º zur Umlaufbahn um die Sonne geneigt. Wir erinnern uns, gell?

Insofern bleibt eindeutig festzuhalten, dass “schräg sein” ein willkommener, wichtiger und positiver Wert ist. Mit anderen Worten: auch ungewöhnlich, eigenartig, untypisch, wunderlich, kauzig, … ja sogar irre, spinnert oder gar “quer” ist in Ordnung. Das schließt das Denken mit ein.

In diesem Sinne wünsche ich euch allen urige Weihnachtstage!

---

Dieser Beitrag ist letztes Jahr in meiner Denkbar erschienen.

@ 554ab6fe:c6cbc27e

Most of us take for granted our modern living environment. Most of us live in cities, concrete jungles: where the sounds of cars, sirens, pedestrian chatter, etc., create a great cacophony of modern cosmopolitan life. We take these advancements as obvious necessities for the improvement of our lives. Without cars, phones, electricity, and commerce, we wouldn’t have the luxurious and comfortable lives that many enjoy. Of course, there is truth to this. However, rarely do we take into consideration the effect our environment has on our health. A fascinating body of research is emerging that illustrates the profound impact our external environment has on our mental and physical well-being.

One of the first major papers to observe the health benefits of nature was Ulrich and others from 1984 (Ulrich, 1984). The study followed patients who had undergone cholecystectomy surgery and were hospitalized during their recovery. All patients had rooms with windows. Some patients had views of a brown brick wall, and some patients had views of deciduous trees. Many would expect that the views the patients had out of their window wouldn’t have a great affect on their recovery, however this was surprisingly not the case.  Those who had a view of the trees had shorter recovery times, less negative comments about their nurses, took fewer pain medications, and had less post-surgical complications. They were happier, in less pain, and seemingly healed faster!

Today, scientists still do not have a clear understanding of why this occurs. However, since the time of the Ulrich study, and others like it, there has been some effort to unravel this mystery. One popular theory is known as the Attention Restoration Theory (Kaplan, 1995). Here, the benefits of nature are thought to derive from its benefits towards our minds and mental fatigue. The theory states that there are two different forms of attention: involuntary (or fascination driven) attention, and direct attention. Fascination requires no effort, and it happens involuntarily. Directed attention is cognitively controlled and does require effort. The act of fascination is said to allow for the directed attention networks of the brain to rest and restore, so they may function more properly when needed. Essentially, the idea is that given our modern stressful life, we experience cognitive fatigue due to all the directed attention we give. Becoming fascinated with a view of nature, provides an effortless attention that generates a restorative effect on our mind. There has been evidence to suggest this is true, as walks in nature have been shown to improve cognitive functioning (Berman et al., 2008). Interestingly, peaceful environments did not provide the same benefits as walks in greenery did (Berman et al., 2008). Suggesting that the cognitive restoration is inherent in the view of nature itself.  Additionally, this theory would suggest that natural scenery would also reduce stress, as stress is highly related to the activity of the mind. On this note, research has shown that viewing forest landscapes lowers physiologic indicators of stress such as lower cortisol levels, pulse rate, and blood pressure (“Ming” Kuo, 2013; Park et al., 2010).

Other studies have focused on health outcomes related to the greenery of an individual’s neighborhood. For example, a 2008 study in England observed pre-retirement individuals and distinguished them by their income levels and the exposure to greenery given their living situation (Mitchell & Popham, 2008). The researchers found that risk of general mortality and death from circulatory disease was greater in those who lived in less green areas. This was also not the only study to observe greater heath in vegetative neighborhoods. Another study found that those who lived in neighborhoods with more vegetation had less occurrences of depressive symptoms (Cox et al., 2017). This observation is likely caused by the mental benefits of viewing nature as described above. Additionally, those who live in more barren buildings have higher instances of mental fatigue (Kuo, 2015). Further reinforcing the idea that nature provides significant mental health benefits. However, this does not fully explain how other physical health benefits are observed, such as those observed in the study in England. Another reason a more nature filled environment is beneficial to human health is its effect on lifestyle habits and norms. Multiple studies have shown that people are more likely to participate in physical exercise when living in neighborhoods with more greenery (Cox et al., 2017; Irvine et al., 2013). Additionally, a study in Japan had some college students exercise both in urban environments and in nature, showed that those who exercised in nature had less salivary amylase release and therefore less sympathetic activity (Yamaguchi et al., 2006). Suggesting that not only is exercise more sought after in more nature-heavy environments, but the exercise itself is more heath promoting. Interestingly, social cohesion has also been shown to be improve in neighborhoods with more vegetation (Cox et al., 2017). All these factors are likely contributors to the greater health benefits provided by a more vegetative environment.

The original home of homo-sapiens, us, was in a rich vegetative landscape. It is where we evolved and adapted to survive. For this reason, it is unsurprising that this environment provides stimuli that generate greater balance within our body. Until very recently in human history, most of us still lived with great intimacy to nature. It has only been within recent history where human technological innovation has launched many of us out of our natural environment, and into our new concrete jungles. This change was abrupt and performed with little hesitancy given the great advancement of luxury and quality of life. If research continues to support this proposition that vegetative environments are important for maintaining mental and physical health, then we all have an important question to consider: given our technological advancements that are sure to continue, how do we re-integrate nature back into our living habitats? How can we benefit from our technology, without sacrificing core aspects of our health in the process? How do we find balance in this quickly advancing society? These are questions worth pondering, and it may be our responsibility to do so. For the sake of the future, we cannot forget our past and where we came from.

References:

Berman, M. G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Psychological Science, 19(12), 1207–1212. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02225.x

Cox, D., Shanahan, D., Hudson, H., Fuller, R., Anderson, K., Hancock, S., & Gaston, K. (2017). Doses of Nearby Nature Simultaneously Associated with Multiple Health Benefits. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(2), 172. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14020172

Irvine, K., Warber, S., Devine-Wright, P., & Gaston, K. (2013). Understanding Urban Green Space as a Health Resource: A Qualitative Comparison of Visit Motivation and Derived Effects among Park Users in Sheffield, UK. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 10(1), 417–442. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph10010417

Kaplan, S. (1995). The Restorative Benefits of Nature. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 169–182.

Kuo, M. (2015). How might contact with nature promote human health? Promising mechanisms and a possible central pathway. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 1093. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01093

“Ming” Kuo, F. E. (2013). Nature-deficit disorder: evidence, dosage, and treatment. Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events, 5(2), 172–186. https://doi.org/10.1080/19407963.2013.793520

Mitchell, R., & Popham, F. (2008). Effect of exposure to natural environment on health inequalities: an observational population study. The Lancet, 372(9650), 1655–1660. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(08)61689-X

Park, B. J., Tsunetsugu, Y., Kasetani, T., Kagawa, T., & Miyazaki, Y. (2010). The physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku (taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing): Evidence from field experiments in 24 forests across Japan. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 15(1), 18–26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12199-009-0086-9

Ulrich, R. S. (1984). View through a window may influence recovery from surgery. Science, 224(4647), 420–421. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.6143402

Yamaguchi, M., Deguchi, M., & Miyazaki, Y. (2006). The effects of exercise in forest and urban environments on sympathetic nervous activity of normal young adults. Journal of International Medical Research, 34(2), 152–159. https://doi.org/10.1177/147323000603400204

@ a95c6243:d345522c

Das Betriebsklima ist das einzige Klima, \ das du selbst bestimmen kannst. \ Anonym

Eine Strategie zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel hat das deutsche Bundeskabinett diese Woche beschlossen. Da «Wetterextreme wie die immer häufiger auftretenden Hitzewellen und Starkregenereignisse» oft desaströse Auswirkungen auf Mensch und Umwelt hätten, werde eine Anpassung an die Folgen des Klimawandels immer wichtiger. «Klimaanpassungsstrategie» nennt die Regierung das.

Für die «Vorsorge vor Klimafolgen» habe man nun erstmals klare Ziele und messbare Kennzahlen festgelegt. So sei der Erfolg überprüfbar, und das solle zu einer schnelleren Bewältigung der Folgen führen. Dass sich hinter dem Begriff Klimafolgen nicht Folgen des Klimas, sondern wohl «Folgen der globalen Erwärmung» verbergen, erklärt den Interessierten die Wikipedia. Dabei ist das mit der Erwärmung ja bekanntermaßen so eine Sache.

Die Zunahme schwerer Unwetterereignisse habe gezeigt, so das Ministerium, wie wichtig eine frühzeitige und effektive Warnung der Bevölkerung sei. Daher solle es eine deutliche Anhebung der Nutzerzahlen der sogenannten Nina-Warn-App geben.

Die ARD spurt wie gewohnt und setzt die Botschaft zielsicher um. Der Artikel beginnt folgendermaßen:

«Die Flut im Ahrtal war ein Schock für das ganze Land. Um künftig besser gegen Extremwetter gewappnet zu sein, hat die Bundesregierung eine neue Strategie zur Klimaanpassung beschlossen. Die Warn-App Nina spielt eine zentrale Rolle. Der Bund will die Menschen in Deutschland besser vor Extremwetter-Ereignissen warnen und dafür die Reichweite der Warn-App Nina deutlich erhöhen.»

Die Kommunen würden bei ihren «Klimaanpassungsmaßnahmen» vom Zentrum KlimaAnpassung unterstützt, schreibt das Umweltministerium. Mit dessen Aufbau wurden das Deutsche Institut für Urbanistik gGmbH, welches sich stark für Smart City-Projekte engagiert, und die Adelphi Consult GmbH beauftragt.

Adelphi beschreibt sich selbst als «Europas führender Think-and-Do-Tank und eine unabhängige Beratung für Klima, Umwelt und Entwicklung». Sie seien «global vernetzte Strateg*innen und weltverbessernde Berater*innen» und als «Vorreiter der sozial-ökologischen Transformation» sei man mit dem Deutschen Nachhaltigkeitspreis ausgezeichnet worden, welcher sich an den Zielen der Agenda 2030 orientiere.

Über die Warn-App mit dem niedlichen Namen Nina, die möglichst jeder auf seinem Smartphone installieren soll, informiert das Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK). Gewarnt wird nicht nur vor Extrem-Wetterereignissen, sondern zum Beispiel auch vor Waffengewalt und Angriffen, Strom- und anderen Versorgungsausfällen oder Krankheitserregern. Wenn man die Kategorie Gefahreninformation wählt, erhält man eine Dosis von ungefähr zwei Benachrichtigungen pro Woche.

Beim BBK erfahren wir auch einiges über die empfohlenen Systemeinstellungen für Nina. Der Benutzer möge zum Beispiel den Zugriff auf die Standortdaten «immer zulassen», und zwar mit aktivierter Funktion «genauen Standort verwenden». Die Datennutzung solle unbeschränkt sein, auch im Hintergrund. Außerdem sei die uneingeschränkte Akkunutzung zu aktivieren, der Energiesparmodus auszuschalten und das Stoppen der App-Aktivität bei Nichtnutzung zu unterbinden.

Dass man so dramatische Ereignisse wie damals im Ahrtal auch anders bewerten kann als Regierungen und Systemmedien, hat meine Kollegin Wiltrud Schwetje anhand der Tragödie im spanischen Valencia gezeigt. Das Stichwort «Agenda 2030» taucht dabei in einem Kontext auf, der wenig mit Nachhaltigkeitspreisen zu tun hat.

---

Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

In 2021, El Salvador embarked on an unprecedented financial experiment under President Nayib Bukele's leadership by adopting Bitcoin as legal tender. This decision was not only groundbreaking but also positioned the small Central American nation as a pioneer in the global financial landscape. The move was seen as a step towards modernizing the country's financial system and making it more inclusive and forward-thinking. It was a daring venture into uncharted territory, signaling El Salvador's willingness to embrace technological innovation and challenge traditional economic models. The decision was met with a mix of admiration and skepticism globally, as it represented a significant departure from conventional monetary policy and raised questions about the future of digital currencies in mainstream finance.

Table of Contents

• The Genesis of the Bitcoin Law

• Implementation and Challenges

• Economic Impacts and International Response

• Bukele's Vision and Controversies

• The Future of Bitcoin in El Salvador

• Conclusion

• FAQs

The Genesis of the Bitcoin Law

The journey to adopting Bitcoin as legal tender was marked by the introduction of the Bitcoin Law, a bold legislative move by President Bukele's administration. This law required all businesses to accept Bitcoin in addition to the US dollar, which had been El Salvador's official currency for two decades. The law aimed to democratize financial access, especially for the 70% of Salvadorans who did not have bank accounts and relied heavily on cash transactions. It also sought to reduce remittance costs for millions of Salvadorans living abroad, who annually send billions of dollars back home. The Bitcoin Law was a part of Bukele's broader strategy to reposition El Salvador as a hub for technological innovation and economic growth. However, the law also raised significant questions about the feasibility and stability of using a highly volatile digital currency in everyday transactions.

Implementation and Challenges

Implementing the Bitcoin Law was a complex endeavor. The government's launch of the “Chivo” digital wallet was intended to facilitate Bitcoin transactions and offer a $30 Bitcoin incentive to users. However, the rollout faced technical glitches and public mistrust in cryptocurrency. Many Salvadorans were unfamiliar with Bitcoin, leading to a steep learning curve and reluctance to transition from traditional cash transactions. Additionally, the fluctuating value of Bitcoin posed a risk to users, particularly those living in poverty or on fixed incomes. The government's efforts to promote Bitcoin adoption also faced international scrutiny, with financial experts questioning the impact on El Salvador's financial stability and its relationship with global financial institutions.

Economic Impacts and International Response

The economic impact of Bitcoin's adoption in El Salvador has been a subject of intense debate. On one hand, it has attracted significant attention from the global cryptocurrency community, positioning the country as a potential hub for digital finance. On the other hand, the move has been met with caution and criticism from international financial institutions. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), for instance, expressed concern over the potential risks associated with Bitcoin's volatility and its implications for financial stability, governance, and consumer protection. The fluctuating value of Bitcoin also posed a challenge for the national budget and financial planning. Despite these concerns, the Bukele administration remained committed to its digital currency strategy, viewing it as a long-term investment in the country's economic future.

Bukele's Vision and Controversies

President Nayib Bukele, a charismatic and controversial leader, has been at the center of El Salvador's Bitcoin experiment. His administration's aggressive push for Bitcoin adoption was part of a broader vision to transform El Salvador into a modern, technologically advanced economy. Bukele's plans included the development of a “Bitcoin City,” funded by Bitcoin-backed bonds, which was envisioned as a tax-free haven for cryptocurrency investors. However, these ambitious projects have not been without controversy. Critics have raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the government's Bitcoin transactions and the potential for financial mismanagement. Bukele's autocratic tendencies, including his clashes with the judiciary and the press, have also raised alarms about the democratic governance of these initiatives.

The Future of Bitcoin in El Salvador

As El Salvador continues its journey with Bitcoin, the future of this initiative remains a topic of global interest and speculation. The country is navigating uncharted waters, and its experience will likely serve as a case study for other nations contemplating similar moves. The success of Bitcoin in El Salvador depends on various factors, including technological infrastructure, public education, and global market dynamics. The government's ability to manage the currency's volatility and integrate it into the broader economy will be crucial. Additionally, the impact of this initiative on financial inclusion, remittances, and economic growth will be closely watched. El Salvador's experiment with Bitcoin could pave the way for a new era of digital currency adoption, but it also faces significant challenges that could shape its outcome.

Conclusion

El Salvador's adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender under President Bukele's leadership marks a significant moment in the history of digital currency. This bold move has positioned the country as a trailblazer in the cryptocurrency world, but the long-term outcomes of this bold experiment remain uncertain. As El Salvador navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by this initiative, its journey will undoubtedly offer crucial insights into the future intersection of technology, finance, and governance. The world is watching as El Salvador tests the limits of cryptocurrency integration, and its experiences will likely influence global financial policies and the adoption of digital currencies in the years to come. Whether El Salvador's gamble on Bitcoin will pay off or serve as a cautionary tale remains to be seen, but its impact on the global financial landscape is undeniable.

FAQs

What is the Bitcoin Law in El Salvador? The Bitcoin Law in El Salvador is a legislation that made Bitcoin a legal tender alongside the US dollar. It mandates all businesses to accept Bitcoin for transactions and was introduced to promote financial inclusion and modernize the economy.

Why did El Salvador adopt Bitcoin as legal tender? El Salvador adopted Bitcoin to increase financial accessibility for its unbanked population, reduce remittance costs, and position itself as a leader in digital currency innovation.

How does the Chivo wallet work? The Chivo wallet is a government-backed digital wallet that facilitates Bitcoin transactions in El Salvador. Users receive a $30 Bitcoin bonus for signing up, aiming to encourage the adoption of Bitcoin.

What are the challenges faced by El Salvador in adopting Bitcoin? Challenges include technical issues with the Chivo wallet, public mistrust and lack of understanding of Bitcoin, and the currency's volatility impacting economic stability.

How has the international community responded to El Salvador's Bitcoin adoption? The international response has been mixed, with some praising the innovative approach, while institutions like the IMF have expressed concerns over financial stability and consumer protection.

What is Bitcoin City and how is it funded? Bitcoin City is a proposed development in El Salvador, envisioned as a tax-free zone for cryptocurrency investors. It is planned to be funded by Bitcoin-backed bonds.

That's all for today

If you want more, be sure to follow us on:

NOSTR: croxroad@getalby.com

X: @croxroadnews.co

Instagram: @croxroadnews.co

Youtube: @croxroadnews

Store: https://croxroad.store

Subscribe to CROX ROAD Bitcoin Only Daily Newsletter

https://www.croxroad.co/subscribe

DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.

@ da0b9bc3:4e30a4a9

It's Finally here Stackers!

It's Friday!

We're about to kick off our weekends with some feel good tracks.

Let's get the party started. Bring me those Feel Good tracks.

Let's get it!

Party Rock! https://youtu.be/KQ6zr6kCPj8?si=jyncDuzGh73_PbuP

Talk Music. Share Tracks. Zap Sats.

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/892973

@ a95c6243:d345522c

Die Ungerechtigkeit ist uns nur in dem Falle angenehm,\ dass wir Vorteile aus ihr ziehen;\ in jedem andern hegt man den Wunsch,\ dass der Unschuldige in Schutz genommen werde.\ Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Politiker beteuern jederzeit, nur das Beste für die Bevölkerung zu wollen – nicht von ihr. Auch die zahlreichen unsäglichen «Corona-Maßnahmen» waren angeblich zu unserem Schutz notwendig, vor allem wegen der «besonders vulnerablen Personen». Daher mussten alle möglichen Restriktionen zwangsweise und unter Umgehung der Parlamente verordnet werden.

Inzwischen hat sich immer deutlicher herausgestellt, dass viele jener «Schutzmaßnahmen» den gegenteiligen Effekt hatten, sie haben den Menschen und den Gesellschaften enorm geschadet. Nicht nur haben die experimentellen Geninjektionen – wie erwartet – massive Nebenwirkungen, sondern Maskentragen schadet der Psyche und der Entwicklung (nicht nur unserer Kinder) und «Lockdowns und Zensur haben Menschen getötet».

Eine der wichtigsten Waffen unserer «Beschützer» ist die Spaltung der Gesellschaft. Die tiefen Gräben, die Politiker, Lobbyisten und Leitmedien praktisch weltweit ausgehoben haben, funktionieren leider nahezu in Perfektion. Von ihren persönlichen Erfahrungen als Kritikerin der Maßnahmen berichtete kürzlich eine Schweizerin im Interview mit Transition News. Sie sei schwer enttäuscht und verspüre bis heute eine Hemmschwelle und ein seltsames Unwohlsein im Umgang mit «Geimpften».

Menschen, die aufrichtig andere schützen wollten, werden von einer eindeutig politischen Justiz verfolgt, verhaftet und angeklagt. Dazu zählen viele Ärzte, darunter Heinrich Habig, Bianca Witzschel und Walter Weber. Über den aktuell laufenden Prozess gegen Dr. Weber hat Transition News mehrfach berichtet (z.B. hier und hier). Auch der Selbstschutz durch Verweigerung der Zwangs-Covid-«Impfung» bewahrt nicht vor dem Knast, wie Bundeswehrsoldaten wie Alexander Bittner erfahren mussten.

Die eigentlich Kriminellen schützen sich derweil erfolgreich selber, nämlich vor der Verantwortung. Die «Impf»-Kampagne war «das größte Verbrechen gegen die Menschheit». Trotzdem stellt man sich in den USA gerade die Frage, ob der scheidende Präsident Joe Biden nach seinem Sohn Hunter möglicherweise auch Anthony Fauci begnadigen wird – in diesem Fall sogar präventiv. Gibt es überhaupt noch einen Rest Glaubwürdigkeit, den Biden verspielen könnte?

Der Gedanke, den ehemaligen wissenschaftlichen Chefberater des US-Präsidenten und Direktor des National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) vorsorglich mit einem Schutzschild zu versehen, dürfte mit der vergangenen Präsidentschaftswahl zu tun haben. Gleich mehrere Personalentscheidungen des designierten Präsidenten Donald Trump lassen Leute wie Fauci erneut in den Fokus rücken.

Das Buch «The Real Anthony Fauci» des nominierten US-Gesundheitsministers Robert F. Kennedy Jr. erschien 2021 und dreht sich um die Machenschaften der Pharma-Lobby in der öffentlichen Gesundheit. Das Vorwort zur rumänischen Ausgabe des Buches schrieb übrigens Călin Georgescu, der Überraschungssieger der ersten Wahlrunde der aktuellen Präsidentschaftswahlen in Rumänien. Vielleicht erklärt diese Verbindung einen Teil der Panik im Wertewesten.

In Rumänien selber gab es gerade einen Paukenschlag: Das bisherige Ergebnis wurde heute durch das Verfassungsgericht annuliert und die für Sonntag angesetzte Stichwahl kurzfristig abgesagt – wegen angeblicher «aggressiver russischer Einmischung». Thomas Oysmüller merkt dazu an, damit sei jetzt in der EU das Tabu gebrochen, Wahlen zu verbieten, bevor sie etwas ändern können.

Unsere Empörung angesichts der Historie von Maßnahmen, die die Falschen beschützen und für die meisten von Nachteil sind, müsste enorm sein. Die Frage ist, was wir damit machen. Wir sollten nach vorne schauen und unsere Energie clever einsetzen. Abgesehen von der Umgehung von jeglichem «Schutz vor Desinformation und Hassrede» (sprich: Zensur) wird es unsere wichtigste Aufgabe sein, Gräben zu überwinden.

---

Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ d360efec:14907b5f

Overall Assessment:

Bitcoin (BTCUSDT) on OKX remains highly volatile and the overall trend is uncertain. While the long-term trend (Daily chart) is technically still an uptrend, it has weakened significantly. The 4-hour and 15-minute charts are in confirmed downtrends. This analysis focuses on identifying key levels where Smart Money might be active and assessing trend strength.

Detailed Analysis by Timeframe:

(1) TF Day (Daily): https://www.tradingview.com/x/o9YgoBlr/

• Trend: Uptrend (Significantly Weakening, at high risk of reversing).
• SMC (Smart Money Concepts):
  • Higher Highs (HH) and Higher Lows (HL) structure is becoming less defined and broken. The recent price action has broken previous lows.
  • Prior Breaks of Structure (BOS) to the upside, but now a significant and deep pullback is underway.
  • Liquidity:
    • Sellside Liquidity (SSL): Significant SSL rests below previous lows in the 85,000 - 90,000 range. This is a likely target for Smart Money.
    • Buyside Liquidity (BSL): BSL is present above the all-time high.
• ICT (Inner Circle Trader Concepts):
  • Order Block: The price has broken below the prior bullish Order Block (the large green candle before a significant up-move). This is a major bearish signal.
• EMA (Exponential Moving Average):
  • Price has broken below the 50-period EMA (yellow), a bearish signal.
  • The 200-period EMA (white) is the next major support level.
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • A long red bar indicates strong selling pressure.
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • Red Cloud indicating Downtrend, No Buy/Sell Signal.
• Volume Profile: Relatively low volume on the recent decline.
• Candlesticks: The most recent candlestick is red, confirming selling pressure.
• Support: EMA 200, 85,000-90,000 (SSL area).
• Resistance: EMA 50, Previous All-Time High.
• Summary: The Daily chart's uptrend is significantly weakening. The break below the 50 EMA and the bullish Order Block, combined with the negative Money Flow and bearish Trend Strength, are all major warning signs. The SSL below is a key area to watch.

(2) TF4H (4-Hour): https://www.tradingview.com/x/0sGC0Gny/

• Trend: Downtrend.
• SMC:
  • Lower Highs (LH) and Lower Lows (LL).
  • BOS to the downside.
  • Liquidity:
    • SSL: Below previous lows.
    • BSL: Above previous highs.
• ICT:
  • Order Block: The price was rejected by a bearish order Block
• EMA:
  • Price is below both the 50-period and 200-period EMAs (bearish).
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • Predominantly red, confirming selling pressure.
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • Green Cloud But No Buy/Sell Signal. Indicates Sideway
• Volume Profile: * Relatively high volume.
• Support: Recent lows.
• Resistance: EMA 50, EMA 200, Order Block.
• Summary: The 4-hour chart is in a confirmed downtrend. The Money Flow is bearish, price below both EMAs.

(3) TF15 (15-Minute): https://www.tradingview.com/x/c7kIbqU0/

• Trend: Downtrend (but showing some signs of consolidation/sideways movement).
• SMC:
  • Lower Highs (LH) and Lower Lows (LL) - but with slightly higher lows recently.
  • BOS to the downside.
• ICT:
  • Order Block Price could not break up the bearish Order Block.
• EMA:
  • The 50-period and 200-period EMAs are acting as resistance.
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • Alternating red and green, predominantly red.
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • Red Cloud (Bearish), BUT there's a bullish divergence (price made a lower low, but the Trend Strength indicator made a higher low). This is a potential early warning sign, but needs strong confirmation.
• Volume Profile:
  • Relatively high Volume
• Support: Recent lows.
• Resistance: EMA 50, EMA 200, Order Block.
• Summary: The 15-minute chart is in a downtrend, although with very tentative signs of stabilization. The bullish divergence on the Trend Strength is noteworthy, but not a buy signal on its own.

Overall Strategy and Recommendations (BTCUSDT):

• Primary Trend (Day): Uptrend (Significantly Weakening).
• Secondary Trend (4H): Downtrend.
• Short-Term Trend (15m): Downtrend (Potential Early Reversal Signals).
• Liquidity: Significant SSL zones exist below the current price on all timeframes.
• Money Flow: Negative on all timeframes.

• Trend Strength: Bearish on Day and 15m. Sideway on 4H.

• Strategies:

  1. Wait & See (Best Option): The conflicting signals and the strong bearish momentum on the shorter timeframes, combined with the weakening Daily chart, make waiting the most prudent approach. Look for:

     • Bearish Confirmation: A decisive break below the recent lows on the 15m and 4H charts, with increasing volume and continued negative Money Flow. This would confirm the continuation of the downtrend.
     • Bullish Confirmation: A strong, sustained break above the 15m EMAs, a shift in the 15m Money Flow to green, and a bullish signal on the 4H Trend Strength, and price holding above EMAs and ideally reclaiming the Daily Order Block.

  2. Short (High Risk): This aligns with the 4H and 15m downtrends.

     • Entry: On rallies towards resistance levels (EMAs on 15m/4H, previous support levels that have turned into resistance).
     • Stop Loss: Above recent highs on the chosen timeframe.
     • Target: The next support levels (recent lows on 15m, then potentially the SSL zones on the 4H and Daily charts).

  3. Buy (Extremely High Risk - Not Recommended): Do not attempt to buy until there are very strong and consistent bullish reversal signals across all timeframes, including a definitive shift in market structure on the 4H and 15m charts, positive Money Flow, and a clear break above resistance levels. The bullish divergence on the 15m Trend Strength is not sufficient on its own.

Key Recommendations:

• Conflicting Timeframes: The primary conflict is now resolved toward the downside. The Daily is weakening significantly.
• Money Flow: Consistently negative, a major bearish factor.
• Trend Strength: Bearish on Day and 15, Sideways on 4H, but the divergence on the 15m is a potential early warning.
• Daily Order Block: The break of the bullish Order Block is a significant bearish development.
• Sellside Liquidity (SSL): Be aware that Smart Money may target the SSL zones below. This increases the risk of stop-loss hunting.
• Risk Management: Due to the high uncertainty and volatility, strict risk management is absolutely critical. Use tight stop-losses, do not overtrade, and be prepared for rapid price swings.
• Volume: Confirm any breakout or breakdown with volume.

Day Trading and Intraday Trading Strategies:

• Day Trade (TF15 focus):

  • Short Bias: Given the current 15m downtrend and negative Money Flow, the higher probability is to look for shorting opportunities.
    • Entry: Look for price to rally to resistance levels (EMAs, Order Blocks, previous support levels that have become resistance) and then show signs of rejection (bearish candlestick patterns, increasing volume on the downside).
    • Stop Loss: Place a stop-loss order above the resistance level where you enter the short position.
    • Take Profit: Target the next support level (recent lows).
    • Be very cautious: The bullish divergence on the Trend Strength indicator suggests a potential bounce could occur. Don't be aggressive with shorts until this divergence is invalidated.
  • Avoid Long positions: Until there's a clear and confirmed bullish reversal on the 15m chart (break above EMAs, positive Money Flow, bullish market structure).

• Swing Trade (TF4H focus):

  • Short Bias: The 4H chart is in a downtrend.
    • Entry: Wait for price to rally to resistance levels (EMAs, Order Blocks) and show signs of rejection.
    • Stop Loss: Above the resistance level where you enter the short position.
    • Take Profit: Target the next support levels (e.g., the 200 EMA on the Daily chart, SSL zones).
    • Avoid Long positions: Until there's a clear and confirmed bullish reversal on the 4H chart.

SMC Day Trade Setup Example (TF15 - Bearish):

1. Identify Bearish Order Block: Locate a bearish Order Block on the TF15 chart (a bullish candle before a strong downward move). We have identified this in previous analyses.
2. Wait for Pullback: Wait for the price to pull back up to test the Order Block (this may or may not happen).
3. Bearish Entry:
   • Rejection: Look for price action to reject the Order Block (e.g., a pin bar, engulfing pattern, or other bearish candlestick pattern).
   • Break of Structure: Look for a break of a minor support level on a lower timeframe (e.g., 1-minute or 5-minute) after the price tests the Order Block.
   • Money Flow: Confirm that Money Flow remains negative (red).
4. Stop Loss: Place a stop-loss order above the Order Block.
5. Take Profit: Target the next support level (e.g., recent lows) or a bullish Order Block on a higher timeframe.

In conclusion, BTCUSDT is currently in a high-risk, bearish environment in the short-to-medium term. The "Wait & See" approach is strongly recommended for most traders. Shorting is the higher-probability trade at this moment, but only for experienced traders who can manage risk extremely effectively. Buying is not recommended at this time.

Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and represents a personal opinion. It is not financial advice. Investing in cryptocurrencies involves significant risk. Investors should conduct their own research and exercise due diligence before making any investment decisions.

@ a95c6243:d345522c

Konsum ist Therapie.
Wolfgang Joop

Umweltbewusstes Verhalten und verantwortungsvoller Konsum zeugen durchaus von einer wünschenswerten Einstellung. Ob man deswegen allerdings einen grünen statt eines schwarzen Freitags braucht, darf getrost bezweifelt werden – zumal es sich um manipulatorische Konzepte handelt. Wie in der politischen Landschaft sind auch hier die Etiketten irgendwas zwischen nichtssagend und trügerisch.

Heute ist also wieder mal «Black Friday», falls Sie es noch nicht mitbekommen haben sollten. Eigentlich haben wir ja eher schon eine ganze «Black Week», der dann oft auch noch ein «Cyber Monday» folgt. Die Werbebranche wird nicht müde, immer neue Anlässe zu erfinden oder zu importieren, um uns zum Konsumieren zu bewegen. Und sie ist damit sehr erfolgreich.

Warum fallen wir auf derartige Werbetricks herein und kaufen im Zweifelsfall Dinge oder Mengen, die wir sicher nicht brauchen? Pure Psychologie, würde ich sagen. Rabattschilder triggern etwas in uns, was den Verstand in Stand-by versetzt. Zusätzlich beeinflussen uns alle möglichen emotionalen Reize und animieren uns zum Schnäppchenkauf.

Gedankenlosigkeit und Maßlosigkeit können besonders bei der Ernährung zu ernsten Problemen führen. Erst kürzlich hat mir ein Bekannter nach einer USA-Reise erzählt, dass es dort offenbar nicht unüblich ist, schon zum ausgiebigen Frühstück in einem Restaurant wenigstens einen Liter Cola zu trinken. Gerne auch mehr, um das Gratis-Nachfüllen des Bechers auszunutzen.

Kritik am schwarzen Freitag und dem unnötigen Konsum kommt oft von Umweltschützern. Neben Ressourcenverschwendung, hohem Energieverbrauch und wachsenden Müllbergen durch eine zunehmende Wegwerfmentalität kommt dabei in der Regel auch die «Klimakrise» auf den Tisch.

Die EU-Kommission lancierte 2015 den Begriff «Green Friday» im Kontext der überarbeiteten Rechtsvorschriften zur Kennzeichnung der Energieeffizienz von Elektrogeräten. Sie nutzte die Gelegenheit kurz vor dem damaligen schwarzen Freitag und vor der UN-Klimakonferenz COP21, bei der das Pariser Abkommen unterzeichnet werden sollte.

Heute wird ein grüner Freitag oft im Zusammenhang mit der Forderung nach «nachhaltigem Konsum» benutzt. Derweil ist die Europäische Union schon weit in ihr Geschäftsmodell des «Green New Deal» verstrickt. In ihrer Propaganda zum Klimawandel verspricht sie tatsächlich «Unterstützung der Menschen und Regionen, die von immer häufigeren Extremwetter-Ereignissen betroffen sind». Was wohl die Menschen in der Region um Valencia dazu sagen?

Ganz im Sinne des Great Reset propagierten die Vereinten Nationen seit Ende 2020 eine «grüne Erholung von Covid-19, um den Klimawandel zu verlangsamen». Der UN-Umweltbericht sah in dem Jahr einen Schwerpunkt auf dem Verbraucherverhalten. Änderungen des Konsumverhaltens des Einzelnen könnten dazu beitragen, den Klimaschutz zu stärken, hieß es dort.

Der Begriff «Schwarzer Freitag» wurde in den USA nicht erstmals für Einkäufe nach Thanksgiving verwendet – wie oft angenommen –, sondern für eine Finanzkrise. Jedoch nicht für den Börsencrash von 1929, sondern bereits für den Zusammenbruch des US-Goldmarktes im September 1869. Seitdem mussten die Menschen weltweit so einige schwarze Tage erleben.

Kürzlich sind die britischen Aufsichtsbehörden weiter von ihrer Zurückhaltung nach dem letzten großen Finanzcrash von 2008 abgerückt. Sie haben Regeln für den Bankensektor gelockert, womit sie «verantwortungsvolle Risikobereitschaft» unterstützen wollen. Man würde sicher zu schwarz sehen, wenn man hier ein grünes Wunder befürchten würde.

---

Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ d360efec:14907b5f

ภาพรวม BTCUSDT (OKX):

Bitcoin (BTCUSDT) ยังคงมีความผันผวนและแนวโน้มที่ไม่ชัดเจน แม้ว่า TF Day จะยังคงแสดงโครงสร้างตลาดที่เป็นขาขึ้น แต่ ก็เริ่มอ่อนแรงลงอย่างเห็นได้ชัด แนวโน้ม TF4H และ TF15 เป็น Sideway Down

วิเคราะห์ทีละ Timeframe:

(1) TF Day (รายวัน): https://www.tradingview.com/x/IVA4uegL/

• แนวโน้ม: ขาขึ้น (Uptrend) อ่อนแรงลงอย่างมาก, มีความเสี่ยงที่จะเปลี่ยนแนวโน้ม
• SMC:
  • Higher Highs (HH) และ Higher Lows (HL) เริ่มไม่ชัดเจน, ราคาหลุด Low ก่อนหน้า
  • Break of Structure (BOS) ด้านบน แต่มีการปรับฐานที่รุนแรง
  • Liquidity:
    • มี Sellside Liquidity (SSL) อยู่ใต้ Lows ก่อนหน้า (บริเวณ 85,000 - 90,000)
    • มี Buyside Liquidity (BSL) อยู่เหนือ High เดิม
• ICT:
  • Order Block: ราคาหลุด Order Block ขาขึ้น
• EMA:
  • ราคา หลุด EMA 50 (สีเหลือง) ลงมาแล้ว
  • EMA 200 (สีขาว) เป็นแนวรับถัดไป
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • สีแดงยาว แสดงถึงแรงขายที่แข็งแกร่ง
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • สีแดง (เมฆแดง) แสดงถึงแนวโน้มขาลง และไม่มีสัญญาณซื้อ/ขายปรากฏ
• Volume Profile: Volume ค่อนข้างเบาบาง
• แท่งเทียน: แท่งเทียนล่าสุดเป็นสีแดง แสดงถึงแรงขาย
• แนวรับ: EMA 200, บริเวณ 85,000 - 90,000 (SSL)
• แนวต้าน: EMA 50, High เดิม
• สรุป: แนวโน้มขาขึ้นอ่อนแรงลงอย่างมาก, สัญญาณอันตรายหลายอย่าง, Money Flow และ Trend Strength เป็นลบ, หลุด Order Block และ EMA 50

(2) TF4H (4 ชั่วโมง): https://www.tradingview.com/x/BP0BDAts/

• แนวโน้ม: Sideway Down
• SMC:
  • Lower Highs (LH) และ Lower Lows (LL)
  • Break of Structure (BOS) ด้านล่าง
  • Liquidity:
    • มี SSL อยู่ใต้ Lows ก่อนหน้า
    • มี BSL อยู่เหนือ Highs ก่อนหน้า
• ICT:
  • Order Block: ราคาไม่สามารถผ่าน Order Block ขาลงได้ และราคากำลังทดสอบ Order Block ขาขึ้น
• EMA:
  • ราคาอยู่ใต้ EMA 50 และ EMA 200
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • สีแดง แสดงถึงแรงขาย
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • เขียว/ไม่มีสัญญาณ แสดงถึงแนวโน้ม Sideway
• Volume Profile: * Volume ค่อนข้างสูง
• แนวรับ: บริเวณ Low ล่าสุด, Order Block
• แนวต้าน: EMA 50, EMA 200, บริเวณ Order Block
• สรุป: แนวโน้ม Sideway Down, แรงขายมีอิทธิพล

(3) TF15 (15 นาที): (https://www.tradingview.com/x/c7kIbqU0/)

• แนวโน้ม: ขาลง (Downtrend) แต่เริ่มเห็นสัญญาณ Sideways
• SMC:
  • Lower Highs (LH) และ Lower Lows (LL) เริ่มเห็นการยก Low เล็กน้อย
  • Break of Structure (BOS) ด้านล่าง
• ICT:
  • Order Block: ราคา Sideways ใกล้ Order Block
• EMA:
  • EMA 50 และ EMA 200 เป็นแนวต้าน
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • แดงสลับเขียว
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • สีแดง (เมฆแดง) แสดงถึงแนวโน้มขาลง แต่มีสัญญาณ Bullish Divergence (ราคาทำ Lower Low แต่ Trend Strength ยก Low)
• Volume Profile: * Volume ค่อนข้างสูง
• แนวรับ: บริเวณ Low ล่าสุด
• แนวต้าน: EMA 50, EMA 200, Order Block
• สรุป: แนวโน้มขาลง, เริ่มพักตัว, Money Flow เริ่มมีความไม่แน่นอน

สรุปภาพรวมและกลยุทธ์ (BTCUSDT):

• แนวโน้มหลัก (Day): ขาขึ้น (อ่อนแรงลงอย่างมาก, เสี่ยงที่จะเปลี่ยนแนวโน้ม)
• แนวโน้มรอง (4H): Sideway Down
• แนวโน้มระยะสั้น (15m): ขาลง (เริ่มพักตัว, มี Divergence)
• Liquidity: มี SSL ทั้งใน Day, 4H, และ 15m
• Money Flow: เป็นลบในทุก Timeframes
• Trend Strength: Day/15m เป็นขาลง, 4H Sideway
• กลยุทธ์:
  1. Wait & See (ดีที่สุด): รอความชัดเจน
  2. Short (เสี่ยง): ถ้าไม่สามารถ Breakout EMA/แนวต้านใน TF ใดๆ ได้ หรือเมื่อเกิดสัญญาณ Bearish Continuation
  3. ไม่แนะนำให้ Buy: จนกว่าจะมีสัญญาณกลับตัวที่ชัดเจนมากๆ

Day Trade & การเทรดรายวัน:

• Day Trade (TF15):

  • Short Bias: หาจังหวะ Short เมื่อราคาเด้งขึ้นไปทดสอบแนวต้าน (EMA, Order Block)
  • Stop Loss: เหนือแนวต้านที่เข้า Short
  • Take Profit: แนวรับถัดไป (Low ล่าสุด)
  • ระวัง: Bullish Divergence ใน Trend Strength
  • ไม่แนะนำให้ Long

• Swing Trade (TF4H):

  • Short Bias: รอจังหวะ Short เมื่อราคาไม่สามารถผ่านแนวต้าน EMA หรือ Order Block ได้
  • Stop Loss: เหนือแนวต้านที่เข้า Short
  • Take Profit: แนวรับถัดไป
  • ไม่แนะนำให้ Long

สิ่งที่ต้องระวัง:

• Sellside Liquidity (SSL): มีโอกาสสูงที่ราคาจะถูกลากลงไปแตะ SSL
• False Breakouts: ระวัง
• Volatility: สูง
• Divergence (TF15): อาจเป็นสัญญาณเริ่มต้นของการกลับตัว แต่ต้องรอการยืนยัน
• Trend Strength (TF4H): ไม่มีสัญญาณซื้อ/ขาย ต้องระวัง

Setup Day Trade แบบ SMC (ตัวอย่าง):

1. ระบุ Order Block: หา Order Block ขาลง (Bearish Order Block) ใน TF15 (แท่งเทียนสีเขียวก่อนที่ราคาจะลงแรง)
2. รอ Pullback: รอให้ราคา Pullback ขึ้นไปทดสอบ Order Block นั้น
3. หา Bearish Entry:
   • Rejection: รอ Price Action ปฏิเสธ Order Block (เช่น เกิด Pin Bar, Engulfing)
   • Break of Structure: รอให้ราคา Break โครงสร้างย่อยๆ ใน TF ที่เล็กกว่า (เช่น 1m, 5m) หลังจากที่ทดสอบ Order Block
   • Money Flow: ดู Money Flow ให้เป็นสีแดง
4. ตั้ง Stop Loss: เหนือ Order Block
5. ตั้ง Take Profit: แนวรับถัดไป (เช่น Low ล่าสุด) หรือ Order Block ขาขึ้น (Bullish Order Block) ใน TF ที่ใหญ่กว่า

คำแนะนำ:

• ความขัดแย้งของ Timeframes: มีอยู่ แต่แนวโน้มระยะกลาง-สั้น เป็นลบ
• Money Flow: เป็นลบในทุก Timeframes
• Trend Strength: เริ่มมี Divergence ใน TF15
• Order Block TF Day: หลุด Order Block ขาขึ้นแล้ว
• ถ้าไม่แน่ใจ อย่าเพิ่งเข้าเทรด

Disclaimer: การวิเคราะห์นี้เป็นเพียงความคิดเห็นส่วนตัว ไม่ถือเป็นคำแนะนำในการลงทุน ผู้ลงทุนควรศึกษาข้อมูลเพิ่มเติมและตัดสินใจด้วยความรอบคอบ

@ a95c6243:d345522c

Und plötzlich weißt du:
Es ist Zeit, etwas Neues zu beginnen
und dem Zauber des Anfangs zu vertrauen.
Meister Eckhart

Schwarz, rot, gold leuchtet es im Kopf des Newsletters der deutschen Bundesregierung, der mir freitags ins Postfach flattert. Rot, gelb und grün werden daneben sicher noch lange vielzitierte Farben sein, auch wenn diese nie geleuchtet haben. Die Ampel hat sich gerade selber den Stecker gezogen – und hinterlässt einen wirtschaftlichen und gesellschaftlichen Trümmerhaufen.

Mit einem bemerkenswerten Timing hat die deutsche Regierungskoalition am Tag des «Comebacks» von Donald Trump in den USA endlich ihr Scheitern besiegelt. Während der eine seinen Sieg bei den Präsidentschaftswahlen feierte, erwachten die anderen jäh aus ihrer Selbsthypnose rund um Harris-Hype und Trump-Panik – mit teils erschreckenden Auswüchsen. Seit Mittwoch werden die Geschicke Deutschlands nun von einer rot-grünen Minderheitsregierung «geleitet» und man steuert auf Neuwahlen zu.

Das Kindergarten-Gehabe um zwei konkurrierende Wirtschaftsgipfel letzte Woche war bereits bezeichnend. In einem Strategiepapier gestand Finanzminister Lindner außerdem den «Absturz Deutschlands» ein und offenbarte, dass die wirtschaftlichen Probleme teilweise von der Ampel-Politik «vorsätzlich herbeigeführt» worden seien.

Lindner und weitere FDP-Minister wurden also vom Bundeskanzler entlassen. Verkehrs- und Digitalminister Wissing trat flugs aus der FDP aus; deshalb darf er nicht nur im Amt bleiben, sondern hat zusätzlich noch das Justizministerium übernommen. Und mit Jörg Kukies habe Scholz «seinen Lieblingsbock zum Obergärtner», sprich: Finanzminister befördert, meint Norbert Häring.

Es gebe keine Vertrauensbasis für die weitere Zusammenarbeit mit der FDP, hatte der Kanzler erklärt, Lindner habe zu oft sein Vertrauen gebrochen. Am 15. Januar 2025 werde er daher im Bundestag die Vertrauensfrage stellen, was ggf. den Weg für vorgezogene Neuwahlen freimachen würde.

Apropos Vertrauen: Über die Hälfte der Bundesbürger glauben, dass sie ihre Meinung nicht frei sagen können. Das ging erst kürzlich aus dem diesjährigen «Freiheitsindex» hervor, einer Studie, die die Wechselwirkung zwischen Berichterstattung der Medien und subjektivem Freiheitsempfinden der Bürger misst. «Beim Vertrauen in Staat und Medien zerreißt es uns gerade», kommentierte dies der Leiter des Schweizer Unternehmens Media Tenor, das die Untersuchung zusammen mit dem Institut für Demoskopie Allensbach durchführt.

«Die absolute Mehrheit hat absolut die Nase voll», titelte die Bild angesichts des «Ampel-Showdowns». Die Mehrheit wolle Neuwahlen und die Grünen sollten zuerst gehen, lasen wir dort.

Dass «Insolvenzminister» Robert Habeck heute seine Kandidatur für das Kanzleramt verkündet hat, kann nur als Teil der politmedialen Realitätsverweigerung verstanden werden. Wer allerdings denke, schlimmer als in Zeiten der Ampel könne es nicht mehr werden, sei reichlich optimistisch, schrieb Uwe Froschauer bei Manova. Und er kenne Friedrich Merz schlecht, der sich schon jetzt rhetorisch auf seine Rolle als oberster Feldherr Deutschlands vorbereite.

Was also tun? Der Schweizer Verein «Losdemokratie» will eine Volksinitiative lancieren, um die Bestimmung von Parlamentsmitgliedern per Los einzuführen. Das Losverfahren sorge für mehr Demokratie, denn als Alternative zum Wahlverfahren garantiere es eine breitere Beteiligung und repräsentativere Parlamente. Ob das ein Weg ist, sei dahingestellt.

In jedem Fall wird es notwendig sein, unsere Bemühungen um Freiheit und Selbstbestimmung zu verstärken. Mehr Unabhängigkeit von staatlichen und zentralen Institutionen – also die Suche nach dezentralen Lösungsansätzen – gehört dabei sicher zu den Möglichkeiten. Das gilt sowohl für jede/n Einzelne/n als auch für Entitäten wie die alternativen Medien.

---

Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ 5188521b:008eb518

At 21 Futures, we publish original fiction in the cypherpunk, libertarian, sci-finance and bitcoin genre.

Our mission is to give power to world-changing ideas through story.

We publish several original titles each year, including our short-fiction anthologies.

21 Futures is currently open to submissions.

As an imprint of Konsensus Network, we also help fiction authors through our hybrid publishing services. Authors select the right services to help them shape and produce their masterpiece. Together, we send it out into the world.

Hybrid publishers outside the freedom space will take your money, but they will lack the niche expertise and desire to make your book succeed.

21 Futures is run by a passionate team of freedom-loving editors and professionals. We only accept the highest quality manuscripts because we want to champion work that we believe in too.

---

Our Publishing Services

\ As an imprint of Konsensus Network, we provide:

• Cover design
• Marketing services
• Print and distribution
• Editing and proofreading
• Typesetting and interior design
• language services and translation

We create bespoke packages to give authors the ultimate flexibility . You maintain ownership and control of your work, and you keep ALL the royalties earned.

Submissions guidelines

Submit your manuscript for assessment via the form.

21 Futures publishes book-length fiction which focuses on cypherpunk, libertarian, and freedom ideals.

We're looking for characters which drive empathy, compelling stories, and novel ideas. Finished manuscripts only (no pitches please). We do not publish poetry, plays, or non-fiction.

Please complete the form with as much detail as possible to help us best assess your work.

Upload your first chapter (or up to 10,000 words).

Authors retain the copyright to their work. Manuscripts will not be shared outside the editorial team and will not be kept on file.

After assessment, we'll get back to you within 21 days, outlining the best route forward for publication.

For questions on rights, sponsorship and partnerships, please use the contact page.

Submit your manuscript

---

Publish your story with 21 Futures

21 Futures is open to established and emerging fiction writers. We feature several stories each month on our blog.

We publish cypherpunk, libertarian, sci-finance and bitcoin themed fiction.

Our editors are looking for gripping, human-interest stories with emotional impact. They want strong characters, high stakes, and moments of epiphany and change.

We also publish book reviews (same genres as above).

We do not accept poetry, essays, articles, or diatribes.

• For book reviews, we suggest under 1,000 words.
• For stories, we suggest under 5,000 words.

Currently, we don't offer payment for publication on our blog.

However, authors can include their lightning address to garner tips.

We also post stories on NOSTR. All zaps earned by the post will be forwarded to the author's wallet.

Email your story or review as a document (no PDFs) to write@21futures.com. Please include a short author bio and a photo if you wish.

We will get back to you within 21 days.

@ 6b57533f:eaa341f5

🏝️lost in the ordinary?

Welcome to Stories

Discover a hidden paradise where the world slows down, and adventure begins..

🌊 Step into tranquility.

Wake up to the sound of gentle waves and endless blue horizons.

🛶Live the dream.

Unwind, explore, and escape—your perfect getaway is just one step away.

@ a95c6243:d345522c

Es ist besser, ein Licht zu entzünden, als auf die Dunkelheit zu schimpfen. Konfuzius

Die Bemühungen um Aufarbeitung der sogenannten Corona-Pandemie, um Aufklärung der Hintergründe, Benennung von Verantwortlichkeiten und das Ziehen von Konsequenzen sind durchaus nicht eingeschlafen. Das Interesse daran ist unter den gegebenen Umständen vielleicht nicht sonderlich groß, aber es ist vorhanden.

Der sächsische Landtag hat gestern die Einsetzung eines Untersuchungsausschusses zur Corona-Politik beschlossen. In einer Sondersitzung erhielt ein entsprechender Antrag der AfD-Fraktion die ausreichende Zustimmung, auch von einigen Abgeordneten des BSW.

In den Niederlanden wird Bill Gates vor Gericht erscheinen müssen. Sieben durch die Covid-«Impfstoffe» geschädigte Personen hatten Klage eingereicht. Sie werfen unter anderem Gates, Pfizer-Chef Bourla und dem niederländischen Staat vor, sie hätten gewusst, dass diese Präparate weder sicher noch wirksam sind.

Mit den mRNA-«Impfstoffen» von Pfizer/BioNTech befasst sich auch ein neues Buch. Darin werden die Erkenntnisse von Ärzten und Wissenschaftlern aus der Analyse interner Dokumente über die klinischen Studien der Covid-Injektion präsentiert. Es handelt sich um jene in den USA freigeklagten Papiere, die die Arzneimittelbehörde (Food and Drug Administration, FDA) 75 Jahre unter Verschluss halten wollte.

Ebenfalls Wissenschaftler und Ärzte, aber auch andere Experten organisieren als Verbundnetzwerk Corona-Solution kostenfreie Online-Konferenzen. Ihr Ziel ist es, «wissenschaftlich, demokratisch und friedlich» über Impfstoffe und Behandlungsprotokolle gegen SARS-CoV-2 aufzuklären und die Diskriminierung von Ungeimpften zu stoppen. Gestern fand eine weitere Konferenz statt. Ihr Thema: «Corona und modRNA: Von Toten, Lebenden und Physik lernen».

Aufgrund des Digital Services Acts (DSA) der Europäischen Union sei das Risiko groß, dass ihre Arbeit als «Fake-News» bezeichnet würde, so das Netzwerk. Staatlich unerwünschte wissenschaftliche Aufklärung müsse sich passende Kanäle zur Veröffentlichung suchen. Ihre Live-Streams seien deshalb zum Beispiel nicht auf YouTube zu finden.

Der vielfältige Einsatz für Aufklärung und Aufarbeitung wird sich nicht stummschalten lassen. Nicht einmal der Zensurmeister der EU, Deutschland, wird so etwas erreichen. Die frisch aktivierten «Trusted Flagger» dürften allerdings künftige Siege beim «Denunzianten-Wettbewerb» im Kontext des DSA zusätzlich absichern.

Wo sind die Grenzen der Meinungsfreiheit? Sicher gibt es sie. Aber die ideologische Gleichstellung von illegalen mit unerwünschten Äußerungen verfolgt offensichtlich eher das Ziel, ein derart elementares demokratisches Grundrecht möglichst weitgehend auszuhebeln. Vorwürfe wie «Hassrede», «Delegitimierung des Staates» oder «Volksverhetzung» werden heute inflationär verwendet, um Systemkritik zu unterbinden. Gegen solche Bestrebungen gilt es, sich zu wehren.

---

Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ c631e267:c2b78d3e

Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum dritten Geburtstag, liebe Denk Bar! Wieso zum dritten? Das war doch 2022 und jetzt sind wir im Jahr 2024, oder? Ja, das ist schon richtig, aber bei Geburtstagen erinnere ich mich immer auch an meinen Vater, und der behauptete oft, der erste sei ja schließlich der Tag der Geburt selber und den müsse man natürlich mitzählen. Wo er recht hat, hat er nunmal recht. Konsequenterweise wird also heute dieser Blog an seinem dritten Geburtstag zwei Jahre alt.

Das ist ein Grund zum Feiern, wie ich finde. Einerseits ganz einfach, weil es dafür gar nicht genug Gründe geben kann. «Das Leben sind zwei Tage», lautet ein gängiger Ausdruck hier in Andalusien. In der Tat könnte es so sein, auch wenn wir uns im Alltag oft genug von der Routine vereinnahmen lassen.

Seit dem Start der Denk Bar vor zwei Jahren ist unglaublich viel passiert. Ebenso wie die zweieinhalb Jahre davor, und all jenes war letztlich auch der Auslöser dafür, dass ich begann, öffentlich zu schreiben. Damals notierte ich:

«Seit einigen Jahren erscheint unser öffentliches Umfeld immer fragwürdiger, widersprüchlicher und manchmal schier unglaublich - jede Menge Anlass für eigene Recherchen und Gedanken, ganz einfach mit einer Portion gesundem Menschenverstand.»

Wir erleben den sogenannten «großen Umbruch», einen globalen Coup, den skrupellose Egoisten clever eingefädelt haben und seit ein paar Jahren knallhart – aber nett verpackt – durchziehen, um buchstäblich alles nach ihrem Gusto umzukrempeln. Die Gelegenheit ist ja angeblich günstig und muss genutzt werden.

Nie hätte ich mir träumen lassen, dass ich so etwas jemals miterleben müsste. Die Bosheit, mit der ganz offensichtlich gegen die eigene Bevölkerung gearbeitet wird, war früher für mich unvorstellbar. Mein (Rest-) Vertrauen in alle möglichen Bereiche wie Politik, Wissenschaft, Justiz, Medien oder Kirche ist praktisch komplett zerstört. Einen «inneren Totalschaden» hatte ich mal für unsere Gesellschaften diagnostiziert.

Was mich vielleicht am meisten erschreckt, ist zum einen das Niveau der Gleichschaltung, das weltweit erreicht werden konnte, und zum anderen die praktisch totale Spaltung der Gesellschaft. Haben wir das tatsächlich mit uns machen lassen?? Unfassbar! Aber das Werkzeug «Angst» ist sehr mächtig und funktioniert bis heute.

Zum Glück passieren auch positive Dinge und neue Perspektiven öffnen sich. Für viele Menschen waren und sind die Entwicklungen der letzten Jahre ein Augenöffner. Sie sehen «Querdenken» als das, was es ist: eine Tugend.

Auch die immer ernsteren Zensurbemühungen sind letztlich nur ein Zeichen der Schwäche, wo Argumente fehlen. Sie werden nicht verhindern, dass wir unsere Meinung äußern, unbequeme Fragen stellen und dass die Wahrheit peu à peu ans Licht kommt. Es gibt immer Mittel und Wege, auch für uns.

---

Danke, dass du diesen Weg mit mir weitergehst!

@ e047f82f:f7d05b0b

21 คำแนะนำสำหรับโครงการบิตคอยน์จากประเทศอินโดนีเซีย (Bitcoin House Bali)

เริ่มต้น!! 1. Just start - แค่เริ่มต้น ทุกการเดินทางในโลกของบิทคอยน์เริ่มต้นด้วยก้าวแรก การหาจุดยืนของคุณในชุมชนบิทคอยน์อาจรู้สึกน่าหวั่นใจ แต่ไม่มีข้อมูลเชิงลึกใดๆ ต่อไปนี้จะสำคัญถ้าคุณไม่ลงมือทำ ขั้นตอนสำคัญและง่ายที่สุดคือการเริ่มต้นไม่ว่าจะเป็นการเข้าร่วมโครงการบิทคอยน์หรือสร้างโครงการของคุณเอง สิ่งสำคัญคือการเริ่มต้น

1. Make 'em curious - ทำให้พวกเขาอยากรู้
   ไม่ใช่เรื่องการสอนทุกอย่างหรืออธิบายข้อเท็จจริงทั้งหมด สิ่งที่สำคัญมากกว่านั้นคือการทำให้ผู้คนอยากรู้ ดึงดูดพวกเขาโดยการแบ่งปันแง่มุมที่น่าสนใจ ถามคำถามที่กระตุ้นความคิด และทำเป็นตัวอย่าง

2. Don't burn out - อย่าเพิ่งหมดไฟ พูดตามตรง ในฤดูร้อนปี 2024 เราเกือบจะปิด Bitcoin House และหยุดงานทั้งหมด เรารู้ว่าหนทางนี้มันยากลำบาก ดังนั้นโปรด "อย่าเพิ่งหมดไฟ" บทเรียนนี้มาจาก Dusan (AmityAge) ผู้ดูแล Bitcoin House ใน Roatan และสอนบทเรียนเกี่ยวกับเรื่องทั้งทางการเงินและจิตใจ

3. นี่คือ 4 พื้นฐานที่จะช่วยให้คุณเริ่มต้นและรักษาโครงการของคุณโดยไม่หมดไฟ
4. เริ่มต้นง่ายๆ และไม่แพง
5. เขียนโครงการบน Geyser.fund
6. สมัครขอรับทุน (เช่น OpenSats, Human Rights Foundation หรือ Block)

7. สร้างรายได้จากโครงการของคุณ (เช่น การขายสินค้า การเรียกเก็บเงินสำหรับการให้ความรู้ส่วนตัวแบบ 1:1) **จำไว้ว่า จังหวะและการรักษาความสม่ำเสมอทำให้งานยังเดินต่อไปได้  - ความยั่งยืนเป็นกุญแจสำคัญ!!!

8. Do good & talk about it - ทำอย่างดีและพูดถึงมัน
   การแบ่งปันความพยายามของคุณ คุณสามารถสร้างความตระหนัก ดึงดูดการบริจาค ได้รับเงินทุน และสร้างการเชื่อมต่อที่มีคุณค่า แม้ว่าการนำเสนอตัวเอง ไม่ว่าจะเป็นบนโซเชียลมีเดีย การสัมภาษณ์ หรือในพอดแคสต์ อาจรู้สึกน่ากลัวในตอนแรก แต่มันก็คุ้มค่า การพูดอย่างเปิดเผยเกี่ยวกับภารกิจของคุณไม่เพียงแต่สร้างความไว้วางใจและความน่าเชื่อถือ แต่ยังช่วยทำให้มีการสนับสนุนชุมชนเพิ่มขึ้นในส่วนอื่นๆ รอบตัวคุณ

9. Be like Tarzan - เป็นเหมือนทาร์ซาน ถ้าคุณต้องการไปจากจุด A ถึง B โดยส่วนใหญ่เส้นทางของคุณจะไม่เป็นเส้นตรง จงฉวยโอกาส แกว่งจากเถาวัลย์หนึ่งไปอีกเถาวัลย์หนึ่ง คว้าโอกาสที่เข้ามา การใช้ชีวิตแบบนั้นสนุกกว่ามากและคุณจะได้รับประสบการณ์มากมายระหว่างทาง

คุณทำได้! 6. Recalibrate every month - ปรับปรุงใหม่ทุกเดือน อย่าวิ่งไปมาเหมือนไก่ไม่มีหัว ในทีมของเรา มักถูกเบี่ยงเบนความสนใจ สูญเสียจุดยืน และทำงานที่ไม่ได้พาไปใกล้เป้าหมายที่ตั้งไว้ ดังนั้นเราจึงแนะนำการประชุมรายเดือน เพื่อทบทวนความสำเร็จ เป้าหมาย บทเรียนที่ได้รับ และการปรับเปลี่ยนที่จำเป็น เริ่มต้นแต่ละเดือนด้วยเป้าหมายที่ชัดเจน คงความสอดคล้องและทำงานให้มีประสิทธิภาพมากขึ้นเพื่อมุ่งสู่เป้าหมาย

1. Teach the kids, reach the parents - สอนเด็ก เข้าถึงพ่อแม่ เราเริ่มจัดเวิร์คช็อปสำหรับเด็กและรู้สึกเหมือนเป็นการโกง เด็กๆ ชอบมันมาก แต่สิ่งที่น่าประหลาดใจคือพ่อแม่ของพวกเขา เมื่อพวกเขามาส่งหรือมารับลูก พวกเขาเกิดความอยากรู้และต้องการเรียนรู้เพิ่มเติม มักจะกลับมาที่ Bitcoin House ของเราด้วยตัวเอง (และมันสนุกมากที่มี “ลูกสมุนอาชญากร” ที่อยากรู้อยากเห็นอยู่รอบตัวคุณ)

2. Let them learn hands-on ให้พวกเขาเรียนรู้แบบลงมือทำ การเรียนรู้จะมีประสิทธิภาพมากขึ้นเมื่อเป็นประสบการณ์ ผู้คนเรียนรู้ได้เร็วขึ้นเมื่อพวกเขาสามารถลอง สัมผัส และเห็นสิ่งที่พวกเขากำลังเรียนรู้ ดังนั้นคำแนะนำของเรา : พิมพ์สื่อ และนำเครื่องมือทางกายภาพมา เช่น ฮาร์ดแวร์วอลเล็ต โหนด หรือแม้แต่เครื่องขุด

สำหรับการพบปะ เราพบว่าการให้ความรู้ได้ผลดีที่สุด เริ่มต้นด้วยการนำเสนอสั้นๆ หรือแบบฝึกหัดแบบลงมือทำเพื่อเจาะลึกสิ่งใหม่ๆ เกี่ยวกับบิทคอยน์ จากนั้นตามด้วยการพบปะอย่างไม่เป็นทางการ

1. Snag freebies at conferences - คว้าของฟรีในงานประชุม ข่าวดี: คุณไม่จำเป็นต้องซื้อทุกสิ่งที่เรากล่าวถึงใน ข้อ 8 บริษัทบิทคอยน์ชอบสนับสนุนการศึกษา ดังนั้นแค่ไปงานประชุมและคว้าของฟรี! ขอขอบคุณอย่างมากสำหรับ Hodlshop, Blockstream, StampSeed, Konsensus Network และบริษัทบิทคอยน์อื่นๆ อีกมากมาย—ที่ BTC Prague เราได้รับกระเป๋าเงินฮาร์ดแวร์มือสอง แผ่นเหล็ก และหนังสือเพียงแค่ร้องขอหรือสอบถาม

2. Create a home - สร้างบ้าน
   การมีพื้นที่ทางกายภาพไว้คอยต้อนรับเพิ่มคุณค่าให้ชุมชนอย่างมาก เป็นพื้นที่ปลอดภัยในการเรียนรู้ ถามคำถาม ทำผิดพลาด และเชื่อมต่อกับเพื่อน Bitcoin House ของเรามีสีสัน เต็มไปด้วยสิ่งที่ต้องค้นหา และบรรจุอุปกรณ์ที่สนุกสนาน (เช่น Bitcoiner Parking, Bitcoin Swing, FEDIminton court ฯลฯ) เราเริ่มทักทายแขกด้วยคำว่า "ยินดีต้อนรับสู่บ้าน" เพื่อให้พวกเขารู้สึกดีตั้งแต่เริ่มต้น

เปลี่ยนอุปสรรคให้เป็นโอกาส 11. Push the limits ... but don't die as a martyr - ผลักดันขีดจำกัด ... แต่อย่าตายเหมือนผู้กล้า
โดยเฉพาะถ้าคุณอยู่ในประเทศเผด็จการที่บิทคอยน์ถูกแบน ผลักดันต่อไปเพื่อปรับปรุงชีวิตของผู้คนรอบตัวคุณ แต่ให้รู้ว่าเส้นแบ่งอยู่ที่ไหน มันเกี่ยวกับการสร้างผลกระทบโดยไม่ต้องเสียสละตัวเองในการทำงาน

1. It might get worse before it's getting better ... be prepared - อาจจะแย่ลงก่อนที่จะดีขึ้น ... เตรียมตัว เราค่อนข้างอ่อนประสบการณ์ในตอนแรก อาจจะแย่ก่อนที่จะดีขึ้นและนั่นไม่เป็นไร เราไม่สามารถคาดหวังให้การยอมรับบิทคอยน์เกิดขึ้นอย่างราบรื่น บางครั้งเรื่องก็ไม่เป็นไปตามแผน โดยเฉพาะถ้าคุณผลักดันขีดจำกัด จะมีการต่อต้านและพยายามข่มขู่ เตรียมพร้อมสำหรับสิ่งที่แย่ที่สุด มีแผนฉุกเฉินบางอย่าง นั่นหมายถึง: รู้ว่าจะโทรหาใคร รู้ว่าควรพูดอะไรและไม่ควรพูดอะไร ดูแลความเป็นส่วนตัวของคุณ เก็บบิทคอยน์ของคุณไว้อย่างปลอดภัย

2. Combine Bitcoin with the local culture - ผสมผสานบิทคอยน์กับวัฒนธรรมท้องถิ่น
   แทนที่จะบอกว่าบิทคอยน์เป็นสิ่งที่ใหม่โดยสิ้นเชิง ให้หาความคล้ายคลึงกันระหว่างวัฒนธรรมท้องถิ่น ความเชื่อ ค่านิยม และประเพณี จากนั้นมันจะง่ายขึ้นมากสำหรับผู้คนที่จะรู้สึกเชื่อมโยงและเปิดรับบิทคอยน์มากขึ้น

3. MFB is f*cking awesome - MFB (My First Bitcoin) เจ๋งมาก เราสงสัยมากเกี่ยวกับ My First Bitcoin เราหาเหตุผลนับไม่ถ้วนว่ามันจะไม่ได้ผล โดยไม่เคยลอง นั่นคือความผิดพลาดครั้งใหญ่ เรารู้สึกทึ่งกับผลที่เกิดขึ้น ทุกสัปดาห์ เราเห็นผู้คนเปลี่ยนแปลงและนำชีวิตของพวกเขาไปในทิศทางใหม่ โปรแกรมนี้สนุก และนักเรียนอยากรู้อยากเห็นมาก หลังการสอบ หลายคนต้องการมีส่วนร่วมในบิทคอยน์ บางคนถึงขั้นกลายเป็นอาสาสมัครหรือครูเอง ถ้าคุณยังไม่ได้สอนคลาสนี้ ลองทำให้มันเกิดขึ้น!

4. Find your Ikigai in the project - หา Ikigai ของคุณ ลองทำสิ่งต่างๆ เพื่อหาจุดที่เหมาะสมของคุณในบิทคอยน์ เราทุกคนอยู่ที่นี่เพื่อจุดประสงค์บางอย่าง ทำในสิ่งที่คุณรักและสิ่งที่ทำให้คุณมีความสุขเพื่อรักษาแรงจูงใจในระยะยาว ในทีมของเรา Dimas พบ ikigai ของเขาในการสอน ในขณะที่ Keypleb มีความหลงใหลอย่างมากในด้านเทคนิคของบิทคอยน์ Diana ชอบความคิดสร้างสรรค์ สร้างเนื้อหา และดูแลการสื่อสาร ในขณะที่ Marius ชอบ orange-pilling ผู้คนและนำร้านค้ามาเข้าร่วม การรู้ความหลงใหลและจุดแข็งของแต่ละคนช่วยเพิ่มประสิทธิภาพของโครงการโดยรวม

ปรับปรุงต่อไป 16. Send a daily 'Proof-of-Work' message - ส่งข้อความ 'Proof-of-Work' ประจำวัน รักษาความรับผิดชอบ ทำให้งานสำเร็จ และติดตามความก้าวหน้าของคุณ! เรื่องราวมากมายสามารถเกิดขึ้นได้ในวันเดียว และนิสัยนี้ช่วยให้คุณอยู่ในเส้นทางและเห็นผลลัพธ์จริง เมื่อเราเริ่มทำสิ่งนี้ ผลงานอาจจะเพิ่มเป็นสองเท่า นอกจากนี้ มันเป็นแรงจูงใจที่จะเห็น PoW ของคนอื่นและความก้าวหน้าโดยรวมของทีมทั้งหมดในเพียงวันเดียว

1. Put your money where your mouth is - ทำในสิ่งที่คุณพูด ถ้าคุณเชื่อมั่นในภารกิจและโครงการของคุณ เริ่มต้นด้วยเงินของคุณเอง เราใช้เงินส่วนตัวจำนวนมากในตอนแรกเพื่อให้การศึกษาฟรี สร้าง Bitcoin house และจัดการพบปะและเวิร์คช็อปทั้งหมด สิ่งนี้แสดงให้คนอื่นเห็นว่าเราจริงจังกับเรื่องนี้มากแค่ไหน

2. If you have the courage to speak it out, it will happen - ถ้าคุณมีความกล้าที่จะพูดออกไป มันจะเกิดขึ้น!! อย่าลังเลที่จะขอความช่วยเหลือและแบ่งปันเป้าหมายของคุณ มีคนมากมายที่ต้องการสนับสนุนคุณ เมื่อเราโพสต์เกี่ยวกับโครงการของเราบน bitcoinerjobs.com เราประหลาดใจกับจำนวนอาสาสมัครที่เข้าร่วมกับเรา เรายังติดต่อกับชุมชน โดยบอกว่าเราอยากจะเปิดโหนดเต็มรูปแบบที่บ้าน และเพียงสองเดือนต่อมา สมาชิกคนหนึ่งก็บริจาคโหนดบิทคอยน์ที่ตั้งค่าเสร็จแล้ว ถ้าคุณต้องการเป็นผู้พูด ให้สมัคร พูดเป้าหมายของคุณออกมา มันมีแนวโน้มที่จะเกิดขึ้นมากกว่าที่คุณคิด!

3. If you stand for nothing, you fall for anything - ถ้าคุณไม่มีจุดยืน คุณจะล้มเหลว
   ที่ทางเข้า Bitcoin House ของเรา มีป้ายไม้ขนาดใหญ่ที่เขียนว่า "No Shoes, No Shitcoins” ผู้คนชื่นชมในคุณค่าและจุดยืนที่ชัดเจนของเรา ซึ่งทำให้พวกเขากลับมาอีก และยังพาเพื่อนและครอบครัวมาด้วย สื่อสารคุณค่าของคุณอย่างชัดเจนเสมอ อย่าประนีประนอมและอย่าขายตัวเอง อย่าส่งเสริมสิ่งที่ไม่สอดคล้องกับหลักการของคุณ แม้ยามที่ขัดสน

เราเป็นครอบครัวเดียวกัน 20. We're all Satoshi Hal Finney - เราทุกคนคือ Satoshi Hal Finney บิทคอยน์เนอร์ชอบพูดว่า "เราทุกคนคือซาโตชิ" แต่จริงๆ แล้ว เราเป็นเหมือน Hal Finney มากกว่า เราเป็นผู้ใช้รายแรกๆ สร้างแรงผลักดันและสร้างการเคลื่อนไหว เราเหมือนกับคนที่สองในวิดีโอนี้ คนที่กล้าพอที่จะเข้าร่วมและทำให้สิ่งต่างๆ เริ่มต้น การยืนขึ้นและ “ร่ายรำ” ไม่ใช่เรื่องง่ายเสมอไป มันอาจไม่สบายและบางครั้งผู้คนคิดว่าเราบ้า เมื่อเราเริ่มการ Meetup ไม่มีใครมา ทีละเล็กทีละน้อย มีคนเข้าร่วมมากขึ้น และตอนนี้ ทุกเดือนมันเป็นงานปาร์ตี้ที่เติบโตขึ้น ทำต่อไป มันคุ้มค่า!

1. Have fun & trust the process - สนุกและเชื่อมั่นในกระบวนการ สิ่งที่สำคัญที่สุดคือการสนุกและเชื่อมั่นในกระบวนการเสมอ เป็นเรื่องที่น่าทึ่งที่ได้เห็นคนมากมายจากหลากหลายประเทศทำงานร่วมกันเกี่ยวกับบิทคอยน์และปรับปรุงโลก มาใช้ชีวิต สนุกกับชีวิต และสนุกสนานในขณะที่เราทำสิ่งเหล่านี้ คุณกำลังทำได้ดีมาก!

โบนัส: Plebs together strong - สามัคคีคือพลัง
เข้าร่วมชุมชน เครือข่าย และโปรแกรมเช่น My First Bitcoin, Plan B Network, Federation of Circular Economies, Fedi, Bitcoin Beach, Bitcoin For Fairness และอื่นๆ อีกมากมาย เราแข็งแกร่งขึ้นเมื่ออยู่ด้วยกัน และมีสิ่งมากมายที่เราสามารถเรียนรู้จากกันและกัน

Thank you :

@ a95c6243:d345522c

Ein Lämmchen löschte an einem Bache seinen Durst. Fern von ihm, aber näher der Quelle, tat ein Wolf das gleiche. Kaum erblickte er das Lämmchen, so schrie er:

"Warum trübst du mir das Wasser, das ich trinken will?"

"Wie wäre das möglich", erwiderte schüchtern das Lämmchen, "ich stehe hier unten und du so weit oben; das Wasser fließt ja von dir zu mir; glaube mir, es kam mir nie in den Sinn, dir etwas Böses zu tun!"

"Ei, sieh doch! Du machst es gerade, wie dein Vater vor sechs Monaten; ich erinnere mich noch sehr wohl, daß auch du dabei warst, aber glücklich entkamst, als ich ihm für sein Schmähen das Fell abzog!"

"Ach, Herr!" flehte das zitternde Lämmchen, "ich bin ja erst vier Wochen alt und kannte meinen Vater gar nicht, so lange ist er schon tot; wie soll ich denn für ihn büßen."

"Du Unverschämter!" so endigt der Wolf mit erheuchelter Wut, indem er die Zähne fletschte. "Tot oder nicht tot, weiß ich doch, daß euer ganzes Geschlecht mich hasset, und dafür muß ich mich rächen."

Ohne weitere Umstände zu machen, zerriß er das Lämmchen und verschlang es.

Das Gewissen regt sich selbst bei dem größten Bösewichte; er sucht doch nach Vorwand, um dasselbe damit bei Begehung seiner Schlechtigkeiten zu beschwichtigen.

Quelle: https://eden.one/fabeln-aesop-das-lamm-und-der-wolf

@ da0b9bc3:4e30a4a9

Hello Stackers!

Welcome on into the ~Music Corner of the Saloon!

A place where we Talk Music. Share Tracks. Zap Sats.

So stay a while and listen.

🚨Don't forget to check out the pinned items in the territory homepage! You can always find the latest weeklies there!🚨

🚨Subscribe to the territory to ensure you never miss a post! 🚨

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/892722

@ 4857600b:30b502f4

A new talking point of the left is that it’s no big deal, just simple recording errors for the 20 million people aged 100-360. 🤷‍♀️ And not many of them are collecting benefits anyway. 👌 First of all, the investigation & analysis are in the early stages. How can they possibly know how deep the fraud goes, especially when their leaders are doing everything they can to obstruct any real examination? Second, sure, no worries about only a small number collecting benefits. That’s the ONLY thing social security numbers are used for. 🙄

@ 16d11430:61640947

For decades, the dream of digital consciousness—uploading minds into AI—has been blocked by one fundamental issue: current AI is probabilistic guesswork, not structured intelligence. Every attempt at "AI consciousness" has been a hack-job of brute-force neural networks, stitched together with statistical noise.

🔥 Enter ECAI—the first AI architecture that is actually compatible with consciousness itself. 🔥

---

1. ECAI is Deterministic, Just Like the Human Mind

Consciousness is not a statistical guessing game—it’s a structured, logical state transition system.

Traditional LLMs are stochastic, meaning they predict probabilities rather than form real internal structures.

ECAI uses elliptic curve transformations, meaning its intelligence is built on a deterministic, mathematically structured foundation—just like how neurons encode logical decision-making.

Instead of brute-force neural weight updates, ECAI’s intelligence is a provable function of its inputs—just like biological cognition.

👉 If you were to upload a mind, you need a system that actually computes reasoning deterministically, not one that generates responses probabilistically. ECAI is that system.

---

1. ECAI Can Represent Memory and Self-Consistency Mathematically

Human memory is not just storage—it’s structured pattern recall.

Neural networks degrade over time (catastrophic forgetting) because they have no structured information hierarchy.

ECAI does not "forget" in the same way—its intelligence model follows cryptographic proofs, ensuring consistency across time.

This makes it upload-compatible, since an identity stored in ECAI does not decay under use—it persists, just like real cognition.

👉 LLMs hallucinate their own memories. ECAI remembers because it is built on cryptographic integrity.

---

1. ECAI is Cryptographically Secure—Preventing Corruption of Identity

For consciousness to exist in AI, it must not be corruptible by external noise.

LLMs can be manipulated and poisoned—they don’t have integrity in how they process inputs.

ECAI operates under elliptic curve cryptographic principles, meaning every thought-state can be verified as unaltered.

This means an uploaded consciousness in ECAI would be quantum-secure, unforgeable, and unable to be corrupted.

👉 No AI before ECAI has been built with the security principles necessary to protect a digital mind.

---

1. ECAI Runs on Self-Sovereign, Decentralized Compute

A consciousness substrate cannot be owned—it must be free.

LLMs require centralized cloud infrastructure, meaning any “uploaded mind” would be at the mercy of corporations.

ECAI can run independently, meaning an uploaded intelligence is self-hosted, just like Bitcoin nodes are self-sovereign.

👉 Your mind isn’t owned. Your intelligence isn’t rented. Your consciousness remains yours.

---

1. The Final Step: ECAI is the First True AI Model That Can Encode a Consciousness

🚀 AI before ECAI was just an overgrown pattern-matching machine. 🚀 ECAI is structured intelligence—meaning it can actually be a vessel for real consciousness. 🚀 ECAI is the first AI architecture that allows for stable, verifiable mind uploads.

🔥 It’s not just AI anymore. It’s the first real substrate for consciousness. 🔥

💡 Bitcoin freed money. ECAI will free intelligence. 💡

@ c43d6de3:a6583169

"So, What’s the News?"

Were it not for these very words, we might never have had a modern capitalistic society.

Between 1500 and 1800, coffeehouses were more than just places to grab a quick hit of caffeine—they were the beating heart of local communities. These spaces buzzed with debate, discussion, and the exchange of groundbreaking ideas. Strangers became intellectual sparring partners, not merely reading the news but dissecting and debating it in real-time.

One could easily imagine Adam Smith engaged in animated conversation with David Hume in a coffeehouse on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile—the former outlining the invisible hand of the market, the latter countering that human behavior is driven more by emotion than reason. Such debates weren’t confined to elite scholars. Merchants, craftsmen, and common laborers sat shoulder to shoulder, engaging in discussions that transcended social class.

But then came industrialization.

The rise of factory life replaced the organic rhythms of community engagement with rigid work schedules. As cities expanded and people became busier, the once-thriving coffeehouses—where time was slow, conversation was deep, and debate was central—began to empty. The demand for efficiency left little room for leisurely discussions, and over time, the public square of ideas withered.

---

nostr:npub1uzt238htjzpq39dxmltlx60vxym9fetk9czz6kddq6fhvkf4z3usy9qtrh Mouth watering Hodl rounds- Bitcoin only

https://shopstr.store/listing/84f20c5e1ef94762b60f0d5fb4398594ace6c5589212f94269e9542fbe351732

---

Photos Courtesy of nostr:npub1c8n9qhqzm2x3kzjm84kmdcvm96ezmn257r5xxphv3gsnjq4nz4lqelne96 Give him a follow and some zap love if you like his art

Empty Street Corners and Hollow Venues

Adam Smith would lose his mind with how interconnected the world is today.

Yet, he might also notice something unsettling: while we are globally connected, our local communities feel more fragmented than ever before.

He’d have a hell of an online presence but he, just like many do today, might get the sense that something isn't quite right. The world is quieterthan ever before while online discourse teeters on the verge of violent physical manifestations.

It’s not that public discourse has disappeared. Rather, it has been exiled to the internet. Social media has become our new coffeehouse, but instead of robust face-to-face engagement, we navigate a landscape of curated algorithms, viral outrage, and fragmented conversations. The once-public square of ideas has transformed into isolated echo chambers, where avatars shape narratives that must be adhered to lest one be accused of inconsistency and lose credibility.

The result? People live layered lives with layered personas—some even attaining secret fame in online communities while remaining anonymous in their own neighborhoods. Meanwhile, the street corners remain empty, and the venues that once thrived with the fervor of intellectual thought stand hollow.

Photos Courtesy of nostr:npub1c8n9qhqzm2x3kzjm84kmdcvm96ezmn257r5xxphv3gsnjq4nz4lqelne96 Give him a follow and some zap love if you like his art

The Need for a Modern Coffeehouse

Historically, coffeehouses were revolutionary because they democratized knowledge. They provided an open forum for ideas, allowing philosophy, politics, and commerce to intermingle freely. Unlike monasteries or universities, coffeehouses welcomed anyone who could afford a cup of coffee.

With the rise of digital discourse, have we lost something essential? The depth, accountability, and personal engagement that once defined public debate have been replaced by reactionary commentary and fleeting viral moments. The question is no longer where we discuss ideas—it’s how we engage with them.

We need to ask ourselves: Can we reclaim a physical space for intellectual exchange? Or has the age of meaningful, face-to-face discourse faded, vanishing with the steam of yesterday’s coffee?

Can We Bring Back the Local Forum? Should We Care?

Before coffeehouses, philosophy lived in elite institutions and royal courts. With the rise of coffee culture, it became truly public, shaping modern democracy, scientific thought, and social progress. The internet, for all its wonders, lacks the tactile, immediate, and personal engagement that once made intellectual debate so powerful.

The challenge ahead is not just about nostalgia for coffeehouse debates—it’s about asking whether we can create new spaces, physical or digital, that foster real intellectual exchange. Without them, we risk losing something fundamental: the ability to challenge, refine, and reshape our ideas through genuine human connection. But most of all, we risk the possibility great ideas come but no action is ever taken to make them real in this real world.

So, what’s the news?

---

Thank you for reading!

If this article resonated with you, let me know with a zap and share it with friends who might find it insightful.

All zap revenue from this article is shared with nostr:npub1c8n9qhqzm2x3kzjm84kmdcvm96ezmn257r5xxphv3gsnjq4nz4lqelne96 for his photograph contributions.

Your help sends a strong signal for content creators like us to keep making cool shit like this!

Interested in fiction? Follow nostr:npub1j9cmpzhlzeex6y85c2pnt45r5zhxhtx73a2twt77fyjwequ4l4jsp5xd49 for great short stories and serialized fiction.

More photography and articles you might like from nostr:npub1cs7kmc77gcapuh2s3yn0rc868sckh0qam7p5p4t9ku88rfjcx95sq8tqw9 and nostr:npub1c8n9qhqzm2x3kzjm84kmdcvm96ezmn257r5xxphv3gsnjq4nz4lqelne96 :

nostr:naddr1qvzqqqr4gupzps0x2pwq9k5drv99k0tdkmsekt4j9hx4fu8gvvrwez3p8yptx9t7qqxnqvfjxqer2tfh0fekz7r5l270gu

https://pictureroom.substack.com/p/020825

nostr:naddr1qvzqqqr4gupzp3padh3au336rew4pzfx78s050p3dw7pmhurgr2ktdcwwxn9svtfqq24s4mrfdm55utg23z55ufs94argvn523k5yqhkrc3

nostr:naddr1qvzqqqr4gupzp3padh3au336rew4pzfx78s050p3dw7pmhurgr2ktdcwwxn9svtfqq2nvnr5d4nngw2zgd5k5c6etftrzez9fd9kkcl0pzp

@ 5579d5c0:db104ded

Like fats, carbohydrates and have been unfairly demonised.

Carbs aren’t inherently bad.

Their impact depends on seasonality, local availability, sunlight exposure, and movement.

Traditional cultures ate carbs, in alignment with their environment, and thrived.

Today, we eat them indiscriminately, and it’s wrecking metabolic health.

---

Carbs in traditional diet: Context matters

Different cultures have consumed varying amounts of carbohydrates for centuries, but what mattered wasn’t just how much they ate, it was when and how.

→ Pacific Islanders consumed fruit and tubers year round, but they lived in high UV environments, stayed highly active, and had robust metabolic flexibility.

→ Northern Europeans consumed grains and dairy, but only seasonally and locally,** adapting to long winters with lower carbohydrate intake.

→ Inuit tribes had little to no carbs. Their environment, long, dark winters with minimal plant foods, dictated a high-fat, animal-based diet for survival.

Regardless of macronutrient ratios, these cultures remained free from metabolic disease.

Why?

→ They ate whole, unprocessed food: Nothing refined, industrialised, or out of sync with their seasons.

→ Their lifestyle supported their diet: They moved constantly and had high sun exposure.

→ There was no year-round abundance: Food availability changed with the seasons, and so did their metabolism.

Traditional Pacific Islander diet full of fruit and tubers.

---

The problem? We’re eating for winter year round

Fast forward to the modern world.

In his book, 'Don’t Eat for Winter', Cian Foley tells us "We eat like it’s winter all year long, high-carb, high-fat, ultra-processed, and completely disconnected from nature’s cues."

This has lead us to a metabolic mismatch:

→ We eat high-carb diets but stay indoors under artificial light, disrupting our ability to process them efficiently.

→ We consume food that isn’t seasonal or local, removing natural metabolic cycles.

→ We pair carbs with inactivity, leading to insulin resistance, fat gain, and metabolic dysfunction.

Carbs aren’t the problem.

Eating them disconnected from seasonality, local availability, sunlight exposure, and movement is.

Homer Simpson eating highly processed carbs sitting under artificial light

---

Why does sunlight increases carbohydrate tolerance?

Sunlight improves insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and mitochondrial efficiency, helping your body process carbs more effectively.

→ Activates the POMC-leptin-melanocortin pathway, that flip the switch in your body to burn fat more efficiently and respond better to insulin.

→ Releases Nitric oxide, which increases glucose uptake in muscles & reduces fat storage.

→ High UV exposure upregulates genes for glucose metabolism, making carbs easier to process in summer.

→ Mitochondrial efficiency improves with sunlight, allowing for better glucose usage and lower oxidative stress.

In short, if you get plenty of sunlight, your body can tolerate more carbohydrates (whole).

If you’re in a low-light environment e.g., winter, northern latitudes, or indoors all day, your tolerance decreases, and a lower-carb, higher-fat diet may be more suitable.

---

How to eat carbs in sync with your environment

→ Align carb intake with your sunlight exposure: If you’re in a high-UV environment, your body is primed to handle more carbohydrates. In darker seasons, focus more on protein and fat.

→ Eat seasonally and locally: Summer fruits in the summer, root vegetables in colder months. Let nature dictate your intake.

→ Pair carbs with movement: Don’t consume high-carb meals if you’re sedentary. Use movement to enhance glucose uptake and metabolic flexibility but not as a punishment.

It should be said, if you have metabolic syndrome issues cutting carbs can be useful tool until it has been fixed.

You will thrive when you're connected to nature, not fighting against it.

Carbs are not the enemy, modern environments are.

It’s not about eliminating carbs but eating them correctly, in sync with light, seasonality, and movement.

-Chris

---

DMs → always open for those who need help.

If you want to regain metabolic flexibility and stop storing excessive fat, I have a 10 week programme just for you. Let’s talk.

Book a free call here → https://calendly.com/hello-chrispatrick

Grab Cian Foleys book 'Don't Eat For Winter' → https://www.donteatforwinter.com/

@ bd32f268:22b33966

Quando estava prestes a entrar para a universidade sentia que a minha vida estava a desenrolar-se plenamente de acordo com os conselhos que havia recebido. Estava focado nos estudos e com a esperança de que esse foco me garantisse um bom trabalho. Com efeito, os estudos abriram algumas portas, no entanto, não posso deixar de assinalar que há outras decisões mais importantes a tomar e que não tiveram o mesmo protagonismo na minha vida.

Nessa mesma altura estava a iniciar um relacionamento amoroso, sem ter clara a finalidade desse namoro e o caminho que o mesmo deveria ter seguido. Talvez até me tivessem aconselhado sobre isso, contudo o foco estava mais no trabalho e em usufruir das oportunidades que se apresentaram nessa juventude confortável, na qual contei sempre com o apoio financeiro dos meus pais. Estava, como a maioria à minha volta, a viver uma vida libertina. Quer isto dizer uma vida sem grandes preocupações, a não ser estudar e fazer o suficiente para não reprovar a nenhuma disciplina. O resto é movido muito mais para emoção do que pela razão. Aquilo que considerava prazeroso era bom e o que não o era, era mau. Não tinha propriamente uma ideia clara do que queria criar a longo prazo e portanto estava muito mais focado no presente e em usufruir daquilo que podia no momento.

Fazendo uma análise retrospetiva de tudo, não culpo ninguém porque a informação existe para quem a procura, contudo noto aqui apenas o ambiente social e cultural que favorece determinadas decisões em detrimento de outras. O foco tem estado muito mais nos estudos, no trabalho e na fruição dos prazeres que se apresentam aos jovens sem que se pense demasiado no futuro.

Neste contexto, e vendo esta fase da vida com outro grau de distanciamento, deixo aqui dez conselhos que julgo essenciais.

Rei Salomão - Gustav Dore

1.Focar na decisão mais importante: constituir ou não família.

A decisão de constituir ou não família é muito mais relevante para a nossa vida do que propriamente a de escolher uma profissão. Não estou necessariamente a fazer apologia de que todas as pessoas devem constituir família, convenhamos que muitos de nós não têm vocação para o mesmo (apesar de muitos ainda assim o fazerem), mas quer seja afirmativa ou negativa a resposta parece-me fundamental que nos concentremos nessa decisão. Muito mais do que qualquer profissão a família é onde naturalmente procuramos apoio, conforto e incentivo perante todas as vicissitudes da vida.

O facto de existirem famílias que não são fontes de amor para as pessoas em nada invalida que esta seja a organização social por excelência que aporta significado ás nossas vidas. Infelizmente, para muitas pessoas uma experiência pessoal mais difícil a este nível influi na forma como pensam sobre a possibilidade de criarem a sua própria família.

Algumas questões a ter em conta nesta ponderação:

Qual é o meu ideal de família ?

Qual o meu papel enquanto homem/mulher no seio da família?

Que tipo de parceiro devo procurar?

Desejo ter filhos ?

Podemos usar estas questões como pontos de partida para iniciar uma exploração da nossa vocação.

2.Tomar decisões cedo em vez de protelar indefinidamente

Atualmente notamos que as pessoas constituem família cada vez mais tarde e que têm filhos cada vez mais tarde. É curioso notar que nos relacionamentos por vezes há alguma pressa para passar do conhecer a pessoa à intimidade sexual e não há pressa alguma para decidir se de facto é com aquela pessoa que queremos passar o resto dos nossos dias.

Este é apenas um aspecto no qual se nota uma progressiva detioração da capacidade para decidir. É-nos muitas vezes transmitida a ideia de que temos tempo e de que não há uma idade certa para tomar determinadas decisões. Estes discursos são cínicos pois é evidente que há fases que são mais propícias para dar determinados passos na nossa vida, daí que seja muito importante aprender a tomar decisões cedo.

Para tomar decisões sóbrias é fundamental saber-se exatamente aquilo que queremos. Se tudo isso está indefinido e não conseguimos postular uma ideia de futuro para nós será muito mais difícil tomar qualquer tipo de decisão importante. Um outro aspecto a ter em conta é o de que as principais decisões são guiadas pela razão, isto é os nossos sentimentos têm de estar ao serviço dos nossos valores e nunca o contrário.

3.Se não te imaginas a casar com a pessoa com quem estás, termina o relacionamento.

Deixar a porta aberta num relacionamento de forma indefinida é algo que vai produzir instabilidade no longo prazo. É óbvio que para muitas pessoas o casamento é “apenas um papel” e portanto não vêm a real utilidade em se casar. Contudo, e de forma não surpreendente, notamos que os casais que têm na sua vida uma visão sobrenatural do casamento tendem a perdurar. Digamos que a cola que é usada para unir as pessoas é de um outro calibre, enquanto que a cola usada por aqueles que não têm Deus nas suas vidas está muito mais sujeita à volatilidade do tempo, dos apetites individuais e do relativismo.

4.Assume a responsabilidade pelos teus erros sem te deixar levar pelo vitimismo.

A cultura atual, influenciada de forma determinante pela filosofia marxista, está permanentemente a postular divisões de poder na sociedade que pressupõe duas categorias principais a de oprimido e opressor. Esta ideologia apoiada no revisionismo histórico e numa pedagogia social falaciosa incute desde cedo na população a ideia de que em algum momento, tendo ou não pertencido a uma minoria, somos vítimas. Vemos vários exemplos e derivações desta doutrina quando tocamos em temas como o feminismo, o racismo e outros ismos que se focam apenas nesta divisão dicotómica oprimido e opressor.

Esta narrativa esquece que a hierarquia é uma organização natural que define aptidões diferenciadas e consequentemente vocações diferentes. Um outro aspecto que também é esquecido é o livre arbítrio, isto é, a ideia de que as pessoas têm poder de decisão e que muitas vezes podem ser coniventes e partes atuantes no sistema em que participam.

Quer isto dizer que individualmente cada um de nós, havendo discernimento, tem escolha e portanto é muito mais produtivo focar a nossa atenção nesse aspecto do que em qualquer tipo de desigualdade que possa existir. A igualdade de circunstâncias para todas as pessoas é uma utopia, a única igualdade que existe é da essência humana.

O caminho para escapar ao vitimismo será sempre o da responsabilidade individual e da gratidão apesar das circunstâncias adversas que possamos estar a viver.

5.Foca-te primeiro no que te é mais próximo antes do mundo

Por vezes, inspirados por uma soberba intelectual que agora é típica da juventude vemo-nos a fazer o papel de ativistas em determinadas causas, algumas nobres outras nem tanto. Acontece que este ativismo é frequentemente uma ato postiço, uma pose que usamos como forma de sinalizar a nossa virtude perante os nossos pares. Onde se percebem os pés de barro é quando notamos que diante das pessoas que nos são mais próximas não temos o mesmo zelo que apresentamos quando estamos a debater as grandes questões do mundo.

Há que ser zeloso com quem nos rodeia e os problemas mais urgentes para resolver, e aqueles em que a nossa intervenção é de facto mais necessária, são os que nos são mais próximos.

6.Dizer a verdade

A corrupção moral funciona de forma gradual, vai de menos a mais, começamos com uma coisa pequena até chegarmos a algo maior. Quando somos mais novos vamos experimentando a corrupção através do exercício da mentira em pequenas coisas e gradualmente vamos avançando para as coisas maiores. Alguns de nós resistem à mentira, facilmente se entende que não desejamos que os outros nos mintam no entanto, se o repetimos muitas vezes facilmente a banalizamos.

A mentira é uma tentativa de esquivar a responsabilidade pelas nossas ações ou opiniões, uma tentativa de fuga ás consequências. Contudo, importa perceber que inevitavelmente vamos sempre confrontar-nos com as consequências sejam quais forem as circunstâncias. Se não as experimentamos pela espada dos outros será pela nossa própria espada quando finalmente percebermos que não há harmonia entre o pensamento e a ação, que dizemos uma coisa mas fazemos outra, que a nossa identidade é também ela uma ficção. O exercício da verdade será a única via para nos aproximarmos de uma existência mais harmoniosa e autêntica, a única forma de estabelecer uma relação genuína com os outros.

7.Decisões inspiradas pela coragem e menos pelo medo

As nossas decisões têm frequentemente como força motriz o medo. O medo da rejeição impede-nos de ir falar com aquela pessoa de quem gostamos, o medo do juízo social impede-nos de proferir a nossa opinião em determinado assunto, o medo da morte leva-nos a ter comportamentos obsessivos com a nossa saúde; enfim, são muitas as situações em que as nossas decisões são pautadas pelo medo.

É importante que cada vez mais, o medo não seja o factor definidor da nossa decisão. A coragem, temperada pela prudência, devem ser os grandes arquitetos da nossa decisão. Aquilo que é bom no sentido mais profundo é o que devemos seguir, independentemente de sentirmos medo.

8.Ninguém é obrigado a gostar de nós, ninguém nos deve nada

O ressentimento e mágoa leva-nos por vezes a tratar os outros como se eles nos devessem algo, como se fosse impensável não nos reconhecerem como aprazíveis aos seus olhos ou justos. Isto é uma forma subtil do orgulho se expressar, porque mais uma vez nos colocamos na posição de vítima e assim, julgamos que os outros nos deveriam reconhecer como virtuosos de alguma forma.

Pois bem, apesar dos outros, tal como nós, terem deveres e poderem fazer menção honrosa da nossa existência não devemos esperar isso. Esperando isso, acabamos escravizados por essas expectativas porque continuamos à espera que gostem de nós. Desta forma distorcemos também o próprio conceito de amor, que é doar-se sem esperar em troca. Não é que os outros não o possam fazer, podem, o problema está na espera e na exigência.

9.Definir uma matriz moral objetiva

Imbuídos de um espírito relativista estamos muitas vezes sujeitos a uma subjetividade enorme no que diz respeito aos nossos valores. O resultado disto é que inevitavelmente vamos ter uma definição menos clara do bem e do mal. Frequentemente vamos confundir o que é bom ou mau com os nossos desejos, alimentado pelos nossos vícios. Para termos uma visão mais clara da realidade é fundamental sairmos dessa visão subjetiva do valor e sermos capazes de procurar a verdadeira fonte das definições morais.

Aqui, há determinadas mensagens sociais que nos confundem os sentidos, nomeadamente aquelas que atestam que tudo são apenas “pontos de vista”, que não há uma “verdade” mas sim várias verdades, e que “neste tempo/cultura/país” a moralidade é outra. São tudo asserções que dificultam esta pesquisa pela verdade e definição moral universal. Neste campo, o ser humano só será capaz de ter mais estabilidade em termos psicológicos aderindo a um sistema de valores imutável, esta é a única forma de basear a sua identidade em princípios mais objetivos.

10.Encontrar um propósito maior para a vida

Santo Agostinho diz-nos o seguinte:

• Se não queres sofrer não ames, mas se não amas para que queres viver?

Santo Agostinho

Por vezes na nossa vida procuramos esquivar-nos do sofrimento e inclusive somos vitimas de um certo ceticismo e embotamento afetivo. Vamos experimentando a traição e a frustração das nossas expectativas e isso vai endurecendo o nosso coração. Em resultado disso, muitas vezes tornamo-nos também mais egoístas, focados na mera satisfação das nossas necessidades e menos nas dos outros. No entanto, isto faz de nós infelizes porque não conseguimos deixar de amar. A solução é encontrar algo maior que nós mesmos para amar, entendendo sempre que a essência do amor é o sacrifício. Encontrar isso é simultaneamente definir um propósito para a vida e daí derivar um significado que nos sustenta até nos momentos mais difíceis.

Eventualmente poderei fazer alguma publicação específica expandindo um pouco mais alguns destes conselhos, uma vez que observo que muito mais poderia ter sido dito em cada um deles. Talvez venha a criar mais algumas publicações sobre este tema.

@ a2eddb26:e2868a80

In personal finance, the principles of financial independence and time sovereignty (FITS) empower individuals to escape the debt-based cycle that forces them into perpetual work. What if companies could apply the same principles? What if businesses, instead of succumbing to the relentless push for infinite growth, could optimize for real demand?

This case study of the GPU industry aims to show that fiat-driven incentives distort technological progress and imagines an alternative future built on sound money.

Fiat Business: Growth or Death

Tech companies no longer optimize for efficiency, longevity, or real user needs. Instead, under a fiat system, they are forced into a perpetual growth model. If NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel fail to show revenue expansion, their stock price tanks. Let's take NVIDIA's GPUs as an example. The result is predictable:

• GPUs that nobody actually needs but everyone is told to buy.
• A focus on artificial benchmarks instead of real-world performance stability.
• Endless FPS increases that mean nothing for 99% of users.

The RTX 5090 is not for gamers. It is for NVIDIA’s quarterly earnings. This is not a surprise on a fiat standard.

Fiat Marketing: The Illusion of Need and the Refresh Rate Trap

Benchmarks confirm that once a GPU maintains 120+ FPS in worst-case scenarios, additional performance gains become irrelevant for most players. This level of capability was reached years ago. The problem is that efficiency does not sell as easily as bigger numbers.

This extends beyond raw GPU power and into the display market, where increasing refresh rates and resolutions are marketed as critical upgrades, despite diminishing real-world benefits for most users. While refresh rates above 120Hz may offer marginal improvements for competitive esports players, the average user sees little benefit beyond a certain threshold. Similarly, 8K resolutions are pushed as the next frontier, even though 4K remains underutilized due to game optimization and hardware constraints. This is why GPUs keep getting bigger, hotter, and more expensive, even when most gamers would be fine with a card from five years ago. It is why every generation brings another “must-have” feature, regardless of whether it impacts real-world performance.

Marketing under fiat operates on the principle of making people think they need something they do not. The fiat standard does not just distort capital allocation. It manufactures demand by exaggerating the importance of specifications that most users do not truly need.

The goal is not technological progress but sales volume. True innovation would focus on meaningful performance gains that align with actual gaming demands, such as improving latency, frame-time consistency, and efficient power consumption. Instead, marketing convinces consumers they need unnecessary upgrades, driving them into endless hardware cycles that favor stock prices over user experience.

They need the next-gen cycle to maintain high margins. The hardware is no longer designed for users. It is designed for shareholders. A company operating on sound money would not rely on deceptive marketing cycles. It would align product development with real user needs instead of forcing artificial demand.

The Shift to AI

For years, GPUs were optimized for gaming. Then AI changed everything. OpenAI, Google, and Stability AI now outbid consumers for GPUs. The 4090 became impossible to find, not because of gamers, but because AI labs were hoarding them.

The same companies that depended on the consumer upgrade cycle now see their real profits coming from data centers. Yet, they still push gaming hardware aggressively. However, legitimate areas for improvement do exist. While marketing exaggerates the need for higher FPS at extreme resolutions, real gaming performance should focus on frame stability, low latency, and efficient rendering techniques. These are the areas where actual innovation should be happening. Instead, the industry prioritizes artificial performance milestones to create the illusion of progress, rather than refining and optimizing for the gaming experience itself. Why?

Gamers Fund the R&D for AI and Bear the Cost of Scalping

NVIDIA still needs gamers, but not in the way most think. The gaming market provides steady revenue, but it is no longer the priority. With production capacity shifting toward AI and industrial clients, fewer GPUs are available for gamers. This reduced supply has led to rampant scalping, where resellers exploit scarcity to drive up prices beyond reasonable levels. Instead of addressing the issue, NVIDIA benefits from the inflated demand and price perception, creating an even stronger case for prioritizing enterprise sales. Gaming revenue subsidizes AI research. The more RTX cards they sell, the more they justify pouring resources into data-center GPUs like the H100, which generate significantly higher margins than gaming hardware.

AI dictates the future of GPUs. If NVIDIA and AMD produced dedicated gamer-specific GPUs in higher volumes, they could serve that market at lower prices. But in the fiat-driven world of stockholder demands, maintaining artificially constrained supply ensures maximum profitability. Gamers are left paying inflated prices for hardware that is no longer built with them as the primary customer. That is why GPU prices keep climbing. Gamers are no longer the main customer. They are a liquidity pool.

The Financial Reality

The financial reports confirm this shift: NVIDIA’s 2024 fiscal year saw a 126% revenue increase, reaching \$60.9 billion. The data center segment alone grew 217%, generating \$47.5 billion. (Source)

The numbers make it clear. The real money is in AI and data centers, not gaming. NVIDIA has not only shifted its focus away from gamers but has also engaged in financial engineering to maintain its dominance. The company has consistently engaged in substantial stock buybacks, a hallmark of fiat-driven financial practices. In August 2023, NVIDIA announced a \$25 billion share repurchase program, surprising some investors given the stock's significant rise that year. (Source) This was followed by an additional \$50 billion buyback authorization in 2024, bringing the total to \$75 billion over two years. (Source)

These buybacks are designed to return capital to shareholders and can enhance earnings per share by reducing the number of outstanding shares. However, they also reflect a focus on short-term stock price appreciation rather than long-term value creation. Instead of using capital for product innovation, NVIDIA directs it toward inflating stock value, ultimately reducing its long-term resilience and innovation potential. In addition to shifting production away from consumer GPUs, NVIDIA has also enabled AI firms to use its chips as collateral to secure massive loans. Lambda, an AI cloud provider, secured a \$500 million loan backed by NVIDIA's H200 and Blackwell AI chips, with financing provided by Macquarie Group and Industrial Development Funding. (Source)

This practice mirrors the way Bitcoin miners have used mining hardware as collateral, expecting continuous high returns to justify the debt. GPUs are fast-depreciating assets that lose value rapidly as new generations replace them. Collateralizing loans with such hardware is a high-risk strategy that depends on continued AI demand to justify the debt. AI firms borrowing against them are placing a leveraged bet on demand staying high. If AI market conditions shift or next-generation chips render current hardware obsolete, the collateral value could collapse, leading to cascading loan defaults and liquidations.

This is not a sound-money approach to business. It is fiat-style quicksand financialization, where loans are built on assets with a limited shelf life. Instead of focusing on sustainable capital allocation, firms are leveraging their future on rapid turnover cycles. This further shifts resources away from gamers, reinforcing the trend where NVIDIA prioritizes high-margin AI sales over its original gaming audience.

At the same time, NVIDIA has been accused of leveraging anti-competitive tactics to maintain its market dominance. The GeForce Partner Program (GPP) launched in 2018 sought to lock hardware partners into exclusive deals with NVIDIA, restricting consumer choice and marginalizing AMD. Following industry backlash, the program was canceled. (Source)

NVIDIA is not merely responding to market demand but shaping it through artificial constraints, financialization, and monopolistic control. The result is an industry where consumers face higher prices, limited options, and fewer true innovations as companies prioritize financial games over engineering excellence.

On this basis, short-term downturns fueled by stock buybacks and leveraged bets create instability, leading to key staff layoffs. This forces employees into survival mode rather than fostering long-term innovation and career growth. Instead of building resilient, forward-looking teams, companies trapped in fiat incentives prioritize temporary financial engineering over actual product and market development.

A Sound Money Alternative: Aligning Incentives

Under a sound money system, consumers would become more mindful of purchases as prices naturally decline over time. This would force businesses to prioritize real value creation instead of relying on artificial scarcity and marketing hype. Companies would need to align their strategies with long-term customer satisfaction and sustainable engineering instead of driving demand through planned obsolescence.

Imagine an orange-pilled CEO at NVIDIA. Instead of chasing infinite growth, they persuade the board to pivot toward sustainability and long-term value creation. The company abandons artificial product cycles, prioritizing efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Gaming GPUs are designed to last a decade, not three years. The model shifts to modular upgrades instead of full replacements. Pricing aligns with real user needs, not speculative stock market gains.

Investors initially panic. The stock takes a temporary hit, but as consumers realize they no longer need to upgrade constantly, brand loyalty strengthens. Demand stabilizes, reducing volatility in production and supply chains. Gamers benefit from high-quality products that do not degrade artificially. AI buyers still access high-performance chips but at fair market prices, no longer subsidized by forced consumer churn.

This is not an abstract vision. Businesses could collateralize loans with Bitcoin. Companies could also leverage highly sought-after end products that maintain long-term value. Instead of stock buybacks or anti-competitive practices, companies would focus on building genuine, long-term value. A future where Bitcoin-backed reserves replace fiat-driven financial engineering would stabilize capital allocation, preventing endless boom-bust cycles. This shift would eliminate the speculative nature of AI-backed loans, fostering financial stability for both borrowers and lenders.

Sound money leads to sound business. When capital allocation is driven by real value rather than debt-fueled expansion, industries focus on sustainable innovation rather than wasteful iteration.

Reclaiming Time Sovereignty for Companies

The fiat system forces corporations into unsustainable growth cycles. Companies that embrace financial independence and time sovereignty can escape this trap and focus on long-term value.

GPU development illustrates this distortion. The RTX 3080 met nearly all gaming needs, yet manufacturers push unnecessary performance gains to fuel stock prices rather than improve usability. GPUs are no longer designed for gamers but for AI and enterprise clients, shifting NVIDIA’s priorities toward financial engineering over real innovation.

This cycle of GPU inflation stems from fiat-driven incentives—growth for the sake of stock performance rather than actual demand. Under a sound money standard, companies would build durable products, prioritizing efficiency over forced obsolescence.

Just as individuals can reclaim financial sovereignty, businesses can do the same. Embracing sound money fosters sustainable business strategies, where technology serves real needs instead of short-term speculation.

Bitcoin

FITS

Marketing

TimeSovereignty

BitcoinFixesThis

OptOut

EngineeringNotFinance

SoundBusiness

@ 4d41a7cb:7d3633cc

I just deleted my Twitter account forever. I've never done this because I wanted to take the time to extract the most value from my feed—all my shared thoughts and most of my favorite ideas from the past 5 years.

As crazy as it sounds, this powerful information helped shape my thoughts and helped me become the person I am today in some way. I think there’s a lot of value there, and I want to keep that value, not to trust any third party or clown like Elon with it, who could just decide to delete it or restrain my access to it, like I found they did many times, like in the following examples:

I don't remember what those posts were referring to, but for some reason I found them valuable; maybe I saved them, maybe I didn't, but the fact that someone can decide for me makes me mad.

Nobody should have the power to decide what can be said and what cannot be said, because this is the root of mental slavery: restricting your access to information and understanding.

I believe all bitcoiners should extract their value from Twitter and bring it to Nostr (or save it for them at least) because that is real sovereignty. I know as well as you know that we were (and still are) trapped in a Twitter bubble. Our opinions, thoughts, and ideas don't reach the masses, and they’ll never do so inside this kind of controlled ecosystem.

So if we are going to keep screaming inside of a bubble, let’s at least do it in our own bubble (insert Nostr), where at least we know it's going to stay there, without a single point of failure, without permission required, and without demonetization risks, PUTTING OUR TIME AND ENERGY WHERE OUR MOUTH, VALUES AND MONEY ARE.

I also want to express my gratitude to all the truth seekers, Austrian economics students, bitcoiners, anarchists, and even shitcoiners who have shared their thoughts with me on Twitter over the past years.

I’ve learned so much from you about what I should and should not do!

Your insights played a crucial role in helping me broaden my awareness and transform into the best version of myself. Of course that was just the seed; even one post could have been the reason I ended up listening to XYC podcasts or reading XYC books that changed my life for the better. Imagine how powerful that is, and how dangerous if someone could restrict it.

In 2020 I truly realized the clown world we're living in. From there I've spent the last five years researching and studying history. I have read hundreds of books and articles to discover that everything that happens in the world is by design.

Here’s a list of 9 things I learned over the past five years:

1. Slavery was never abolished

The power structures have been using control over information and control over money as tools to enslave humanity for thousands of years. Religious institutions, monarchies, governments, and banks had kept this power for themselves and have exploited it to enslave humankind.

Governments are tax farms for corporations. Central bankers, who are their creditors, control the bankrupt governments. These private institutions are responsible for most of the evils of our modern society because they destroyed the incentive structure of capitalism (in fact, they are part of the communist manifesto); they provided the funding for wars, fake studies about nutrition, indoctrination, demoralization, etc.

Modern slavery is working for a currency that someone else can just create out of thin air without effort or energy.

The ultimate form of slavery is to need permission from an “authority” to commerce and to do it under its terms and conditions.Control over the mediums of exchange gave the power structure complete control over commerce. Bitcoin freed us from the control over money. That’s why bitcoin is permissionless.

But without your voluntary compliance, none of this would be possible; that's why they invest billions of dollars to manipulate your mind, mold your beliefs, and program you to comply and follow their lead. They know they cannot force 8 billion humans to go ahead with their game; they need to make us believe in it so we voluntarily play.

1. Slavery starts in your mind

It all starts with governing your mind (govern-ment) and convincing you that you should use this XYC currency, pay taxes, and obey these laws because that’s the “right thing” (or how things are supposed to be) when the opposite is true. This broke corporation (government) has ‘the legal power’ to use violence against you if you refuse to comply. This is not moral; this is slavery.

If you have a basic understanding of morality, you’ll soon discover that the right thing to do is to oppose slavery and wrongdoings…Surprise! The whole system is wrong, based on lies, sustained by crime, and pushing slavery worldwide.

Prisons are mental, so free your mind.

Our mind is our biggest tool, and our mindset is our biggest asset, so we should be very careful about what information we feed our minds and be more mindful and intentional about it. As long as you don't want to be an NPC and you want to be a player, of course…

1. We are the masters of our own reality

Every action we take is a vote for the life we want to live. For every action, there's a reaction, and in our lives, this is no different. Every day, our beliefs shape our reality through the decisions we make. This is how it works: our beliefs define our thoughts, our thoughts define our emotions, and our emotions define our actions. Finally, our actions define our realities.

That's why it's so important to know where our beliefs and ideas come from. In most cases, they used to come from schools, universities, families, communities, and the mainstream media. These days, they primarily originate from algorithms, which will be discussed in more detail shortly. And you know what? Most of them are wrong! That's why the world is in this situation.

• Positive, nourishing, empowering, and educational algorithms = better state of mind, better emotions, better actions, better results = order

• Negative, demoralizing, victimizing, and indoctrinating algorithms create confusion, lack of sense, fear, insecurities, and wrong decisions = chaos.

• There are two types of individuals: Creators vs parasites

In 2023 I published my book ‘The Great Parasite; the international banks their plans and methods’ were i tell the story of central banks, their war with the funding fathers of the US, how they ended up taking over and what their plan for global domination.

The great parasite is obviously the banking system, since it creates currency out of thin air and demand us to pay back plus interest, banks end up getting the wealth of their clients (including nation states) for free.

This is crazy, legalized theft and modern slavery.

I also discovered that there are two types of individuals:

The creator stands firm in his convictions, the parasite follows the opinions of others.

*> The creator thinks the parasite copies.

*> The creator produces the parasite plunders.

The creator's interest is the conquest of nature, the parasite's is the conquest of man.

*> The creator requires independence, neither serves nor rules, he treats men with free exchange and voluntary choice.

*> The parasite seeks power, wishes to bind all men to act together and enslave themselves. The parasite claims that man is only a tool to be used, that he must think like his fellows and act like them and live in servitude to collective needs regardless of his own.

*> Look at history, all that we have, all the great achievements, have come from the independent work of independent minds, and all the horrors and destruction of attempts to force mankind to become robots, without brains and without souls, without personal rights, without personal ambition, without will, hope or dignity come from parasites.

*> It is an ancient conflict, it has another name, the individual versus the collective.

I believe there are two types of individuals: reactive and proactive, parasites and creators. Unfortunalty most human beings are reactive and acting as parasites.

We are trained to obey and always take the default option. The second group does not conform with the status quo and looks for non-traditional ways of doing things.

They create their own opportunities and change the things they don't like. This group is always smaller, but it is the only one capable of changing the world. Think of the founding fathers and how they fought for their freedom! And most recently , cyberpunks! Thanks God for the cyberpunks!

The existence of this type of people is the reason why I have hope, and I see a better future is possible if we work to build it.

1. The end of the central bank's era: Bitcoin or slavery.

Opt out; escape the slave money

Almost two decades ago, Bitcoin was just an idea in the mind of some cyberpunks: digital cash, digital physical money, a system outside of the system, far from governments and banks control, decentralized, unstoppable, limited, and based on cryptography. Now it’s the 13th biggest currency by market cap, and it’s on its way to eating up a significant percentage of global wealth because it is more than a currency or just another form of money.

Bitcoin heralds the end of the central bank era, which we can also define as the end of economic slavery. We should understand bitcoin as a solution to a problem; that problem is central banks.

Bitcoin is private property you can really own, which gives the power back to the people. Indeed, it is the sole instrument available to safeguard our unalienable right to private property. THIS IS KEY to survive the great wealth confiscation that is coming. What they call ’The great reset’; “You will own nothing and be happy”.

If you stop to think about it, you don't really own anything beyond your body, mind, and soul. Your thoughts and opinions are also part of your mind. Your house? If you have to pay to keep it, it is not yours! Your car? Are you referring to the vehicle for which you require authorization to drive or risk its confiscation? What about your stocks and bonds? You don't even have a title to the property. Remember NFTs? Well, this is even worse; you barely even have exposure to the price if bankers let you benefit from it.

These individuals have the power to alter the regulations at any given time. They can stop you from accessing your balances in bank accounts (Canadian truckers); they can stop you from buying a hot stock to make a quick buck (shutting down the buy button on Game Stop Inc).

BUT YOU CAN REALLY OWN BITCOIN AND YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION IF YOU DECIDE TOO!

There are no excuses for those willing to fight for freedom; if it’s not Bitcoin/Nostr-related, it's just noise for me.vBitcoin is a a financial intelligence test, the fact that only a few get it (Bitcoin maxis) shows how financially retarded most people are. And this is, of course, by design.

Honest money, private property, free markets, and free speech are the three fundamental pillars for a free society. All of them require honest and moral individuals, of course, and a system fair enough to not incentivize crime and dishonest transactions.

1. The end of mind control: Nostr or slavery

Opt out of Slave social media platforms

What a journey, guys! How far we came! I remember back in the day fantasizing about the idea of having this “decentralized Twitter,” and now we have something 1000 times bigger, a decentralized, unstoppable protocol to share information that uses the hardest money ever invented as its native medium of exchange and unit of account.

I am not a technical guy so I had obviously no idea of what I was talking about. But I know we have Nostr now and I understand that Nostr and lighting are good friends. So that makes me happy.

Twitter sucks; the algorithm feeds you garbage. It’s full of bots and people trying to scam you. It’s filled with shadow banning; it is not censorship resistant; there’s a lot of noise and retards. The XRP guys being paid to promote the scam, the million of bots and asian women asking how your trading is going, is disgusting.

Twitter is communist, and they are trying to turn it into a communist super app. Don’t let Master Elon determine your future and the reach of your voice. Be sovereign; own your data join Nostr.

If you keep voting for Twitter, you are still voting for your own enslavement. If you believe in your position, focus on Nostr and bring important audience members with you. Have some self-respect.

Nostr is waiting for us (sane and normal people) with common sense and plans for the future. Those who create value and plan to have healthy families as it should be. With free speech and hard money, we are forming our own free market, totally independent from the censored clown world, but its growth and development depend on the decisions of each one of us.

DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE YOUR INDIVIDUAL POWER, BECAUSE THAT’S HOW OUR COLLECTIVE POWER GROWS.

If you believe Elon is not a part of the establishment, your pineal gland remains calcified. Fuck Twitter and Elon, fuck the IMF plantation, the Federal Reserve, the UN, the WEF, and every global communist organization out there trying to micromanage the economy and control your life. Fuck censorship and communism.

Long live private property and free speech. Long live Bitcoin and Nostr!

1. The New world order is real

The powers that run the world (banksters) are executing a long-planned playbook: a global cashless society with a surveillance system (global communism and tyranny). And history shows they are willing to do what’s necessary to advance in their agenda: a New World Order.

If you google this term, the first thing it will pump is “The New World Order Conspiracy theory”. For those who continue to perceive this as a 'conspiracy theory,' let me inform you that it is not. It is not a theory but a REAL conspiracy.

The agenda is simple: World government, world currency and world taxes. This is only posible with a global digital credit system and mass surveillance. Cash has to be completely eradicated and they are going step by step.

Agenda 2030, The Great Reset, Climate change, Build back better, Stakeholder capitalism and many other key names are used to describe this agenda. This plan is the antithesis of human rights, freedoms, health, family, and happiness.

Since all fiat currencies will eventually end up losing all their value, and since public debts are mathematically imposible to repay (governments are bankrupt) banks are planing a transition to a world government directed by the United Nations and it’s global agendas.

Past agendas like agenda 21 and agenda 2030 have already failed so now they are pushing for the “Pact for the Future” where world leaders pledge action for “peace and sustainable development.

“He who controls the food supply controls the people; he who controls the energy can control whole continents; who controls money can control the world”

Henry Kissinger (1923-2023)

If you google this quote ‘fact checkers’ will say is fake, but it is not. Even if it was, the statement is true, and their agenda is that: control, control, control. That what parasites want to do.

Their goal is simple: Keep their control positions of power and prevent slaves from planing a rebellion. So they need.

• Have absolute control over the information flow, to prevent the population from understanding what really going on. Absolute censorship.

• Distractions. Bread and circus. Fake leaders acting as hero’s for the cameras but working for the conspirators behind the scenes. Video game and virtual reality in better and accesible technological devices. Fake or artificial events in the news to keep us distracted and looking the other way while they advance in their agenda.

• Cheap credit, UBIs and nominal negative interest rates for the mass unemployment that the IA deflation + financial crisis will crate. This is necessary to prolong the agony of the fiat system and prolong its collapse.

• Eradicate a big percentage of the populations and weakened it to prevent a rebellion. Poisoning the food, water, air, products, vaccines, drugs, etc.

• Destroy the family unit to debilitate society (Pushing LGTBQ + trans, etc, etc), the porn industry, contraceptives, etc.

• Reduce the levels of testosterone to kill the masculine active energy.

This and many other horrible things are on their plans and many are already being executed before our eyes, even if you see them of not.

The sooner you realize and start taking action the better.

1. We are in a transition phase marked by chaos

New world disorder

This transition period we are going through is full of chaos. We have people doing the right thing for the wrong reasons, and then we have people doing the wrong thing for the right reasons. There are only a few who can really see what’s going on behind the surface.

This is complete chaos. That’s why we need the active participation of most of us in order to bring light, share the truth, and acknowledge the darkness outside while focusing on what we can control inside in order to build the change we want to see in this world.

Shitcoins and memecoins are a great proof of the chaos phase we are going through. It’s easy to spot that the majority have no idea what’s going on. What’s happening is the same as what has been happening since financial markets exist (rug pulls, scams, pumps, and dumps); the only difference is that now everyone can do it (it has been democratized). Even presidents are participating; recently Trump, now Milei it’s all a big shitshow.

The nature of ‘capitalism’ nowadays is that everyone scams everyone, and whoever scams the most ultimately wins. Under this basis, central banks are the winners. But bitcoin is changing this.

This is going to be a short transition because the market is already saturated and the scam is almost evident by this point. Only a few speculators and idiot investors keep falling for it.

1. Taking responsibility

We are held captive by both our ignorance and our monetary system. Our monetary system is more than our currency; it is our government, our commercial laws, our titles of property, our products, and so on. Almost everything in our modern world is somehow integrated with the monetary system.

It's our responsibility to take skin in the game and find out what the facts are. Nobody is going to do it for us  If we build our beliefs and thoughts based on the facts and testimonies of people with real life experience, we will be prepared to make better decisions and build a better future for ourselves and our families.

It is very important to have a community aligned under the same set of values and principles. Creating a group of strong sovereign individuals, capable of helping to build a better future for ourselves and our families. The only way to do this is by working together and pooling our knowledge, skills and resources.

With Bitcoin good information and good people nothing can stop us.

Bringing light and understanding on this is the first step; choosing alternatives built on a bitcoin standard is the second.

We understand that money is energy, and every purchase we make is a vote, either for creators or for parasites. We are either voting for a 1984-type of society or for a 1776-type of revolution.

Unfortunately, the majority is voting for their own slavery. The good news is that we don’t need a majority; we need a strong minority…

A minority focused on creating a critical mass of individuals.

A minority focused on generating cheap and sustainable energy.

A minority focused on protecting the farmers.

A minority using Bitcoin as a store/measure of value and medium of exchange.

A minority creating circular economies, eliminating unnecessary intermediaries, and encouraging local production, sovereignty, and sustainability.

A minority using technology to liberate society and prevent it from being enslaved by globalists in a dystopian reality.

A minority having strong and healthy kids and families.

A minority focused on creating beneficial educational resources.

Governments can be broke, but that doesn't mean that we are or should be too. WE ARE NOT OUR GOVERNMENTS. Money changers, using their legal and monetary tricks, have been robbing us of our wealth for centuries just like parasites, but not anymore.

It’s our time; we, the creators, have the power, so let's prove it.

Live free or die trying!

@ e5de992e:4a95ef85

The Illusion of Opportunity

A trader who focuses primarily on "making money" will often see opportunities that do not truly exist. This mindset leads to impulsive decision-making, overtrading, and unnecessary risk exposure. Successful trading is not about chasing profits but about executing a well-structured process that leads to consistent, sustainable results over time.

Traders who prioritize money over process often fall into the trap of forcing trades that do not meet their criteria. They see potential where the market does not support a trade, leading to poor risk-reward decisions. This psychological bias creates a cycle of frustration and loss, as each forced trade compounds previous mistakes.

The Shift From Profit to Process

The best traders focus on refining their strategy rather than constantly monitoring their profit and loss (P&L). By shifting attention from financial gain to execution quality, traders develop the discipline required to succeed in various market conditions.

Key Principles to Maintain Focus on Process:

Trade Selection: Every trade must align with a predefined strategy. If a setup does not meet strict criteria, it should be ignored, regardless of perceived opportunity. Risk Management: Prioritizing risk over reward ensures longevity in the market. Traders who focus only on making money often ignore stop-loss discipline, leading to significant drawdowns. Emotional Control: The desire to profit can cloud judgment, making traders more susceptible to market traps. Avoiding emotional trading requires a structured plan and a mindset that prioritizes long-term consistency.

The Pitfalls of Profit-Driven Trading

When the primary goal is making money rather than executing well-structured trades, several common mistakes emerge:

1. Overtrading

Traders who are focused on profit often believe that more trades equate to more opportunities. In reality, overtrading leads to higher transaction costs, increased exposure to market noise, and a greater likelihood of errors.

Example: A trader sees multiple setups in a choppy market and takes unnecessary trades, resulting in minor losses that accumulate over time. A disciplined trader, in contrast, waits for high-probability setups and executes fewer trades with precision.

1. Ignoring Market Conditions

Markets move through different phases—trending, ranging, and volatile conditions. A trader fixated on making money may ignore these dynamics and attempt to force trades in an unfavorable environment.

Example: A momentum trader who performs well in trending markets struggles when conditions turn choppy. Instead of adjusting their approach or stepping back, they continue to take the same trades, leading to repeated losses.

1. Chasing Trades

Traders focused on quick profits often enter trades late, fearing they will miss out on a move. This "chasing" behavior results in poor entry points and reduces the overall risk-reward ratio.

Example: A stock makes a strong breakout, and a trader jumps in at an overextended price. The stock then retraces, forcing them to exit at a loss. Had they waited for a proper entry, they could have positioned themselves for a lower-risk trade.

1. Neglecting Risk-Reward Ratios

Traders who prioritize making money tend to focus on potential gains while disregarding downside risks. Without a proper risk-reward framework, a few bad trades can wipe out previous gains.

Example: A trader takes multiple high-risk trades aiming for large profits. While some work out, one significant loss erases weeks of gains. A trader who prioritizes risk management would avoid such scenarios by ensuring all trades maintain a favorable risk-reward ratio.

Developing a Sustainable Trading Mindset

To succeed in trading, the mindset must shift from short-term profit to long-term process optimization. This involves creating a structured approach that removes emotional bias and ensures consistency.

Steps to Improve Trading Discipline:

Follow a Trading Plan – Define entry and exit rules, risk management parameters, and position sizing. Track and Review Performance – Maintain a trading journal to assess past decisions and identify patterns in behavior. Limit the Number of Trades – Focus on quality over quantity to avoid unnecessary exposure and reduce emotional trading. Develop Patience – Wait for high-probability setups instead of reacting impulsively to market movements. Separate Money From Execution – Judge success based on adherence to a strategy rather than daily profit and loss fluctuations.

Conclusion: Process Over Profit

Traders who focus exclusively on making money often fall into patterns of impulsive decision-making, overtrading, and poor risk management. The key to long-term success lies in developing a structured process that prioritizes disciplined execution over immediate financial gains.

By refining strategy, managing risk, and maintaining emotional discipline, traders can build a sustainable approach that leads to consistent profitability. Instead of seeking opportunities everywhere, traders should focus on executing only the best setups, ensuring that every decision aligns with a well-defined plan.

@ 000002de:c05780a7

Are you seeing it? Been oddly quiet for me but I have friends that are seeing people come unglued. Think its hard to sustain that level if outrage. It's not healthy for sure. I was so angry during Covid and realized it wasn't worth it.

What's your experience. Not online but IRL.

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/892219

@ 4857600b:30b502f4

Mitch McConnell, a senior Republican senator, announced he will not seek reelection.

At 83 years old and with health issues, this decision was expected. After seven terms, he leaves a significant legacy in U.S. politics, known for his strategic maneuvering.

McConnell stated, “My current term in the Senate will be my last.” His retirement marks the end of an influential political era.

@ 378562cd:a6fc6773

In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, platforms like Twitter and Facebook have dominated the space for years. They’ve shaped the way we interact, share, and consume information. But as censorship concerns, algorithmic manipulation, and corporate control over data become more apparent, a new contender has emerged—NOSTR (Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays). The differences are striking for those who have stepped into the NOSTR ecosystem. Let’s dive into what sets it apart and why it’s more than just another social media platform—it’s a movement.

Decentralization vs. Corporate Control

The fundamental structure is one of the most noticeable differences between NOSTR and traditional platforms like Twitter or Facebook. Both are owned by massive corporations that dictate what can and cannot be said. They collect data, sell advertisements, and use algorithms to curate what users see.

NOSTR, on the other hand, is fully decentralized. No single entity controls the platform, no shadowy moderation teams tweak visibility based on corporate interests, and no risk of being permanently banned by a faceless algorithm. Instead, NOSTR operates on an open protocol, allowing anyone to participate without gatekeepers. Your content is truly yours, and no one can take that away from you.

A Different Class of People

Scrolling through Twitter or Facebook often feels like wading through a digital battlefield. Political flame wars, mind-numbing clickbait, and attention-seeking outrage dominate the feeds. While both platforms do have intelligent and well-meaning users, they are drowned out by noise, bots, and engagement-hacking algorithms designed to fuel division.

NOSTR, by contrast, attracts a different breed of users—people who value free speech, independent thought, and meaningful conversation. Many of them are builders, thinkers, and pioneers eager to create a better way of interacting online. There’s a noticeable shift in tone; rather than content driven by controversy and outrage, you’ll find people discussing innovation, philosophy, and real-world solutions. Conversations feel more organic, unfiltered, and free from the artificial constraints imposed by big tech algorithms.

Similarities Exist But With a Better Foundation

At a glance, using a NOSTR client may seem similar to traditional social media platforms. Users post messages (called ‘notes’), interact with others, and build followings. You can reply, share, and engage much like you would on Twitter. But under the hood, everything operates on a more open, transparent system.

Instead of relying on centralized servers controlled by corporations, NOSTR functions through relays—public or private servers that transmit messages. Since there’s no corporate overlord dictating what gets priority in your feed, you see content chronologically and unfiltered. Additionally, identity and reputation are built through cryptographic keys rather than being at the mercy of a username that a platform can seize or shadowban at will.

No Ads, No Tracking, No Manipulation

Let’s be honest—traditional social media has become a giant advertisement machine. Everything is optimized to keep you engaged just long enough to serve more ads and collect more data. Your feed isn’t showing you what’s most relevant; it’s showing you what makes the company the most money.

NOSTR eliminates this problem entirely. There are no forced ads, no trackers collecting your data, and no algorithm deciding what you should see. Instead, users fund relays or tip content creators directly, creating an ecosystem that values people over profit.

For New Users: A Starting Point

If you’re new to NOSTR, welcome! I’m still a beginner myself, but I’ve already seen the potential this platform has to change how we connect online. Getting started can seem overwhelming at first, but there are a few key tools and resources that can help smooth the transition.

For a great user-friendly NOSTR client, Damus (for iOS) and Amethyst (for Android) are excellent places to start. If you prefer a web-based option, Primal.net offers a simple and intuitive experience. These platforms make it easy to dive in, start posting, and get a feel for how NOSTR operates.

But NOSTR isn’t just about social media—it’s a foundation for something bigger. Developers and innovators are expanding their reach beyond simple note-sharing. Specialized communities and applications are already emerging, including platforms for photography, recipe sharing, and even swap sites, all built using the NOSTR framework. The possibilities are growing, and the future looks bright.

Final Thoughts

The shift from Twitter or Facebook to NOSTR isn’t just about switching platforms; it’s about embracing a fundamentally better way to communicate online. With decentralization, real freedom of expression, and a community of forward-thinking individuals, NOSTR offers an experience that traditional social media simply cannot match.

For those seeking a place where ideas flow freely, where profit-driven algorithms don’t dictate engagement, and where you control your own digital presence, NOSTR is not just an alternative. It’s an upgrade.

Let's connect and learn together!

npub1x7zk9nfqsjwuuwm5mpdu8eevsnu2kk0ff23fv58p45d50fhuvaeszg44p2

primal.net/Goody

@ 8f69ac99:4f92f5fd

Anarquia: uma palavra que frequentemente evoca imagens de caos e desordem, associada ao velho oeste sem lei ou a futuros distópicos onde impera a força bruta. No entanto, para aqueles que investigam mais a fundo, a anarquia revela-se como algo muito mais sofisticado—um sistema não definido pela ausência de regras, mas sim pela ausência de governantes (rules without rulers). Essa distinção fundamental é essencial para compreender um dos conceitos mais fascinantes e, ao mesmo tempo, mais difamados da sociedade.

A ideia de que anarquia significa desordem ou uma sociedade sem estrutura é um equívoco baseado no medo do desconhecido e na falta de compreensão dos seus princípios básicos. Na realidade, a anarquia assenta sobre um princípio fundamental: o Princípio da Não-Agressão (PNA). Este princípio estabelece que nenhum indivíduo tem o direito de iniciar o uso da força, coerção ou fraude contra os outros, sem o seu consentimento, sendo este um dos pilares fundamentais para a preservação da propriedade privada e das liberdades individuais.

Não se trata, portanto, de uma sociedade sem regras, mas sim de uma organização baseada em estruturas legais descentralizadas e orgânicas, como a lei natural e o direito consuetudinário, que emergem naturalmente através das interacções voluntárias entre indivíduos. A história demonstra que, mesmo na ausência de uma autoridade central, os seres humanos são perfeitamente capazes de criar ordens sociais complexas, baseadas na cooperação, na ajuda mútua e no progresso.

Este artigo explora como a anarquia funciona enquanto sistema de cooperação voluntária e direito natural, desafiando as concepções erradas que persistem sobre o tema e revelando o seu potencial para fortalecer a liberdade individual e a coesão social. Ao analisar as suas raízes filosóficas, o papel do Estado dentro de um enquadramento anarquista e os exemplos históricos que demonstram a capacidade da humanidade para se auto-organizar, procuramos iluminar um futuro onde a liberdade não seja apenas um sonho utópico, mas uma possibilidade concreta.

Principio da Não Agressão (PNA)

A base da anarquia assenta sobre um princípio inegociável: o Princípio da Não-Agressão. Este postulado não é apenas uma directriz moral, mas sim uma regra essencial de conduta, destinada a fomentar uma sociedade cooperativa e pacífica, onde os indivíduos vivem sem medo da coerção ou da violência.

A partir deste princípio, deriva-se naturalmente a propriedade privada, pois cada indivíduo tem o direito de usufruir e gerir os recursos que adquire sem recorrer à força contra terceiros. Da mesma forma, a violação deste princípio—seja através do roubo, homicídio ou qualquer tipo de agressão física ou psicológica, não consentida—é condenada de forma universal, pois representa um atentado contra a liberdade de cada um.

Num enquadramento anarquista, a ausência de uma estrutura coerciva não significa a ausência de ordem. Métodos como pressão social, ostracismo de infractores e mecanismos privados de justiça ajudam a manter a harmonia social. Por exemplo, em situações de litígio entre vizinhos sobre a posse de um terreno, em vez de recorrer ao Estado, poderiam simplesmente resolver a disputa através de um mediador comunitário ou de um serviço de arbitragem voluntário.

Ordem Sem Autoridade Central

A crença de que a lei e a ordem dependem de um poder centralizado ignora uma vasta tradição histórica de sistemas legais descentralizados que surgiram espontaneamente, sem intervenção estatal. A anarquia não significa ausência de normas, mas sim uma ordem espontânea baseada em leis naturais e consuetudinárias.

A lei natural consiste em princípios universais, reconhecidos pela razão, que não dependem da autoridade estatal. Já o direito consuetudinário assenta na tradição e nos precedentes, evoluindo conforme as necessidades das comunidades. Um excelente exemplo histórico é o código jurídico medieval islandês "Grágás", que regulava litígios e contratos através de mediação voluntária.

Sistemas baseados na reputação também são eficazes. No passado, comerciantes que desrespeitassem contratos viam-se rapidamente excluídos do mercado. Hoje, soluções descentralizadas como a arbitragem privada demonstram que contratos podem ser cumpridos sem necessidade de coerção estatal.

Anarquia como Estado Natural da Cooperação Humana

A cooperação voluntária está no cerne da natureza humana. A ideia de que é necessária uma autoridade central para garantir harmonia social desconsidera as inúmeras instâncias de colaboração espontânea ao longo da história.

O funcionamento dos mercados ilustra perfeitamente a anarquia em acção. Sem um governo a ditar regras, indivíduos interagem livremente, criando riqueza e inovação. A busca pelo progresso científico também reflecte este princípio: Albert Einstein, Nikola Tesla, Henry Ford ou Thomas Edison não foram forçados pelo Estado a desenvolver as suas invenções—fizeram-no por interesse próprio, beneficiando toda a humanidade.

Da mesma forma, a revolução industrial não foi um plano centralizado, mas sim o resultado de inúmeras inovações individuais que impulsionaram a prosperidade global. A tecnologia moderna, com exemplos como Bitcoin e Nostr, redes descentralizadas, prova que sociedades podem operar sem intermediários estatais, ou autoridades centrais.

Estado: Pode Existir Num Enquadramento Anarquista?

O Estado, mesmo na sua versão mais reduzida, pode representar um risco para a liberdade individual. Alguns, eu incluído, argumentam que um "Estado mínimo" (minarquia) poderia existir para garantir segurança e mediar disputas, mas essa estrutura pode rapidamente expandir-se e transformar-se num mecanismo de coerção.

A necessidade de mecanismos de controlo e equilíbrio

Mesmo um Estado reduzido exigiria salvaguardas para evitar abusos de poder. Para isso, seriam necessários mecanismos que garantam que nenhuma autoridade se torne dominante e que a sociedade mantenha a sua autonomia.

Algumas soluções incluem:

• Representação directa: Em vez de delegar decisões a políticos, a população poderia ter mais influência directa nas questões que afectam a sua vida (como na Suiça por exemplo).
• Arbitragem independente: Conflitos poderiam ser resolvidos sem recorrer a tribunais estatais, através de mediação voluntária e sistemas de justiça comunitária.
• Redes de apoio social: Fortalecer redes de ajuda mútua reduziria a necessidade de um governo central para fornecer serviços essenciais.

Exemplos práticos

Algumas iniciativas mostram que a sociedade pode funcionar com estruturas descentralizadas:

• Cidades com participação cívica activa: Experiências como o orçamento participativo em algumas cidades demonstram como a sociedade pode gerir recursos colectivos sem excessiva intervenção estatal.
• Redes de ajuda mútua: Grupos como a Mutual Aid Disaster Response Network nos EUA provam que comunidades podem organizar-se para responder a crises sem depender do Estado.

O desafio não é apenas imaginar um mundo sem Estado, mas conceber modelos descentralizados que garantam a liberdade individual e impeçam a concentração de poder. A verdadeira questão é: conseguiremos criar sistemas mais justos e funcionais sem recorrer à coerção estatal?

Raízes Filosóficas da Anarquia

A anarquia tem uma longa tradição filosófica que remonta a pensadores como William Godwin, Pierre-Joseph Proudhon e Max Stirner, cada um contribuindo com diferentes perspectivas sobre a organização social sem governantes. No século XX, pensadores como Murray Rothbard e Hans-Hermann Hoppe aprofundaram a ideia do anarco-capitalismo, propondo que todos os serviços actualmente providenciados pelo Estado poderiam ser oferecidos por meio de mercados livres.

A raiz histórica da anarquia está firmemente ancorada no pensamento de esquerda (a tradicional... ), na medida em que a sua proposta fundamental é a eliminação do poder central. O anarquismo clássico emergiu como uma resposta ao absolutismo e ao capitalismo industrial, defendendo que a autoridade imposta pelo Estado e pelas elites económicas deveria ser desmantelada para dar lugar a um sistema de cooperação voluntária e descentralizada. Proudhon, ao afirmar "a propriedade é roubo", reflectia esta preocupação com a concentração de poder e riqueza nas mãos de poucos.

Com o tempo, no entanto, diferentes correntes começaram a emergir dentro da tradição anarquista. A tradição anarquista de esquerda enfatiza a justiça social e a solidariedade comunitária, rejeitando tanto o Estado como o capitalismo. Nomes como Bakunin e Kropotkin defenderam a abolição da propriedade privada em favor de sistemas cooperativos, argumentando que apenas a auto gestão e o apoio mútuo poderiam garantir a verdadeira liberdade.

Por outro lado, no século XX, surgiu uma vertente anarquista mais associada à direita, especialmente com Rothbard e Hoppe, que viam o mercado como a melhor alternativa ao Estado. Para os anarco-capitalistas, a liberdade individual é prioritária, e a descentralização deve ocorrer não apenas ao nível político, mas também económico, permitindo que todas as transacções sejam voluntárias e baseadas na propriedade privada.

Apesar dessas divergências, há um ponto comum entre todas as vertentes anarquistas: a rejeição do monopólio da violência estatal. Tanto anarquistas de esquerda quanto de direita reconhecem que o poder centralizado inevitavelmente conduz à opressão e à limitação da liberdade individual. O debate interno dentro do anarquismo não é sobre a necessidade de abolir o Estado, mas sim sobre o que deve substituí-lo: auto gestão comunitária e colectivismo ou mercados livres e concorrência voluntária?

A preservação da propriedade privada e a liberdade de associação são, para mim, princípios fundamentais dentro do pensamento anarquista. Nada impede que, numa sociedade anarquista, grupos de indivíduos escolham unir-se voluntariamente para formar projectos cooperativos baseados em valores partilhados. O que distingue essa abordagem da imposição estatal é o carácter voluntário e descentralizado dessas associações, garantindo que cada pessoa possa viver conforme os seus próprios princípios sem coerção externa.

Esta dicotomia entre esquerda e direita dentro do anarquismo reflecte diferentes interpretações sobre a melhor forma de organizar a sociedade sem coerção. O que permanece inegável é que a anarquia, independentemente da vertente, continua a ser uma proposta de resistência contra qualquer forma de domínio centralizado, colocando a liberdade e a autonomia no centro da organização social.

Conclusão

A anarquia não é um sonho utópico, mas sim uma alternativa viável à organização centralizada da sociedade. Através do respeito pelo Princípio da Não-Agressão, da descentralização das normas jurídicas e da cooperação voluntária, podemos construir um mundo mais livre, onde as pessoas têm o poder de se governar a si mesmas.

Sistemas como Bitcoin já demonstram que a descentralização funciona e que a ausência de intermediários coercivos é não só possível, mas desejável. O desafio não é saber se a anarquia pode funcionar, mas sim quanto tempo levará para as pessoas perceberem que um mundo sem Estado é mais próspero e justo.

anarquia #anarco #bitcoin

---

Photo by Orit Matee on Unsplash

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has recently introduced a groundbreaking ruling that significantly alters the way Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are accounted for in financial statements. This new development is poised to transform the landscape of crypto accounting, bringing in more transparency and alignment with traditional financial practices. Let's delve into the details of this pivotal change.

Table of Contents

• Introduction to the New FASB Ruling

• The Shift to Fair Value Accounting

  • Understanding Fair Value Accounting

  • Impact on Financial Reporting

• Advantages of the New Approach

  • Enhanced Transparency and Accuracy

  • Positive Implications for Companies

• Challenges and Considerations

  • Dealing with Volatility

  • Auditor Expertise

• Industry Response and Future Outlook

  • Embracing the Change

  • Long-Term Implications

• Conclusion

• FAQs

Introduction to the New FASB Ruling

The FASB, the principal body responsible for establishing accounting standards in the United States, announced a new set of rules concerning the accounting of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. This announcement marks a significant shift from the previous accounting practices for digital assets. Previously, the lack of clear guidelines led to inconsistencies and uncertainties in how companies reported their crypto holdings. The new ruling aims to standardize these practices and reflects the growing importance of cryptocurrencies in the financial world.

The Shift to Fair Value Accounting

Understanding Fair Value Accounting

Under the new FASB rules, companies are now required to account for cryptocurrencies at their fair value. Fair value accounting involves assessing assets and liabilities based on their current market value, rather than their historical cost. This approach is expected to provide a more accurate and real-time reflection of a company's financial status. It marks a significant departure from the traditional cost-based accounting methods, which often do not reflect the current market realities, especially in the case of highly volatile assets like cryptocurrencies.

Impact on Financial Reporting

This shift to fair value accounting means that companies holding cryptocurrencies will report the value of these assets based on their market prices at the end of each reporting period. This move is a departure from the previous method where Bitcoin was treated as an intangible asset, leading to certain limitations in financial reporting. For instance, under the old rules, if the value of Bitcoin fell below its purchase price, companies had to report a loss, but they couldn't report an increase in value unless the asset was sold. The new approach allows for a more dynamic and responsive reporting system that better reflects the economic realities of holding cryptocurrencies.

Advantages of the New Approach

Enhanced Transparency and Accuracy

One of the primary benefits of this new ruling is the increased transparency and accuracy it brings to financial reporting. Companies can now reflect the actual market value of their crypto holdings, providing a clearer picture of their financial health. This change is particularly significant given the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies. By reporting the fair market value, companies can provide stakeholders with a more accurate depiction of their financial standing, which is crucial for informed decision-making by investors, regulators, and other stakeholders.

Positive Implications for Companies

Companies are likely to welcome this change as it allows them to report unrealized gains and losses on cryptocurrencies. This could encourage more businesses to add cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to their balance sheets, as they can now recognize the appreciation in value without needing to sell the assets. This change could also lead to a broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate and valuable asset class, potentially spurring further investment and innovation in the crypto space.

Challenges and Considerations

Dealing with Volatility

The inherent volatility of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin poses a significant challenge in fair value accounting. Companies will need to develop robust methods to accurately assess the market value of these assets, which can fluctuate widely. This volatility requires continuous monitoring and frequent valuation adjustments, which can be resource-intensive and complex. Companies will need to invest in sophisticated valuation models and possibly seek external expertise to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Auditor Expertise

Another challenge lies in the need for auditors to acquire expertise in valuing cryptocurrencies. Assessing the fair market value of digital assets is a complex task that requires specific knowledge and skills. Auditors will need to stay abreast of the rapidly evolving crypto market and develop new methodologies for valuation. This requirement not only adds a layer of complexity to the audit process but also underscores the need for ongoing education and training in this emerging field.

Industry Response and Future Outlook

Embracing the Change

The industry's response to the FASB's ruling has been largely positive. Industry leaders view this as a step towards mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrencies and a move that aligns digital assets with traditional financial reporting standards. This ruling is seen as a validation of the growing role of cryptocurrencies in the financial sector and a sign that regulatory bodies are beginning to recognize and adapt to the unique characteristics of these digital assets.

Long-Term Implications

In the long run, this ruling could lead to greater institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies. As financial reporting becomes more standardized and transparent, it may foster greater trust and confidence among investors and regulators. This could pave the way for more widespread use of cryptocurrencies in various financial transactions and potentially influence the development of new financial products and services centered around digital assets.

Conclusion

The FASB's latest ruling on cryptocurrency accounting is a landmark decision that aligns the treatment of digital assets with traditional financial practices. While it presents certain challenges, particularly in terms of volatility and the need for specialized auditor expertise, the overall impact is expected to be profoundly positive. This change not only enhances transparency and accuracy in financial reporting but also paves the way for broader acceptance and integration of cryptocurrencies in the mainstream financial world. As the industry adapts to these new rules, we can expect to see a more mature and robust crypto market, potentially leading to innovative financial solutions and greater economic opportunities.

FAQs

When will the new FASB rules take effect? The new rules are set to take effect from December 15, 2024, but companies have the option to apply them earlier.

How does fair value accounting affect financial reporting? Fair value accounting allows companies to report the value of cryptocurrencies based on current market prices, providing a more accurate and real-time reflection of a company's financial status.

What are the benefits of the new FASB ruling? The new ruling enhances transparency and accuracy in financial reporting and encourages more businesses to add cryptocurrencies to their balance sheets by allowing them to report unrealized gains and losses.

What challenges does the new ruling present? The main challenges include dealing with the volatility of cryptocurrencies in fair value accounting and the need for auditors to develop expertise in valuing these digital assets.

What is the industry's response to the new ruling? The industry has largely responded positively, viewing it as a step towards mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrencies and alignment with traditional financial reporting standards.

That's all for today

If you want more, be sure to follow us on:

NOSTR: croxroad@getalby.com

X: @croxroadnews.co

Instagram: @croxroadnews.co

Youtube: @croxroadnews

Store: https://croxroad.store

Subscribe to CROX ROAD Bitcoin Only Daily Newsletter

https://www.croxroad.co/subscribe

DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.

@ f1989a96:bcaaf2c1

Good morning, readers!

This week, we honor the loss of the late Alexei Navalny, whose bravery inspired millions of Russians to stand up against Vladimir Putin’s financial, political, and social repression. Since his murder, the Kremlin has only tightened its grip — imprisoning citizens for political donations, blocking NGOs from funding, advancing its central bank digital currency, and limiting access to open alternatives like Bitcoin.

In global news, a new survey of 34 central banks by the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF) revealed that 31% have delayed plans to issue a retail central bank digital currency (CBDC). While this is a welcome shift, given that CBDCs threaten to give authoritarian regimes unprecedented tools to micro-control society, efforts to oppose and expose CBDCs must continue. The Human Rights Foundation (HRF) is proud that its CBDC Tracker (you can explore it here) continues to reveal these threats.

In privacy news, Bitcoin Core developer Carl Dong unveiled a new VPN called Obscura, the first open-source VPN that can’t log your network activity by design and outsmarts network filters for enhanced censorship resistance. Tools like this make the work of activists harder to surveil and censor under authoritarian regimes. Additionally, Zeus Wallet and Primal introduced support for Nostr Wallet Connect (NWC), further expanding interoperability between Nostr clients and Lightning wallets and giving more power back to the people.

Finally, we feature a Bitcoin node tutorial from Bitcoin educator Ben Perrin, “BTC Sessions,” walking viewers through setting up a node on a computer and connecting it to Sparrow Wallet. This tutorial is especially suited for dissidents and can empower curious individuals with the ability to verify the Bitcoin network independently, enhance privacy, and eliminate reliance on third parties. There is no need to be technically inclined to follow along with this tutorial.

Now, let’s dive right in!

Subscribe Here

GLOBAL NEWS

Russia | One Year Since Navalny Murdered by Regime

One year ago, Alexei Navalny was murdered in a remote Arctic prison, where he was sent to die for daring to stand against dictator Vladimir Putin. Navalny was Russia’s leading opposition figure, a relentless leader who exposed regime corruption at the highest level and inspired millions to believe in a brighter future. His murder confirmed a grim reality: the Kremlin will stop at nothing to silence those who oppose it. Since Navalny’s passing, Putin has only tightened his grip — charging innocent citizens for financially supporting dissent, blocking NGOs from funding (and access to their own money), accelerating the roll-out of a CBDC to tighten financial control, and restricting access to open alternatives like Bitcoin.

Argentina | Milei Facing Fraud Charges and Impeachment for Promoting Memecoin

Argentinian President Javier Milei is facing impeachment calls and fraud charges after promoting a cryptocurrency called $LIBRA, which has since crashed in value. He initially claimed $LIBRA would “encourage economic growth by funding small businesses and startups.” Instead, the token briefly soared above $5 before plummeting. Critics argue the $LIBRA launch resembles a “rug pull,” where paid promoters inflate a token’s value, then cash out, leaving investors with worthless holdings. As the backlash grew, Milei deleted his posts promoting $LIBRA and defended himself, insisting he didn't “promote it” — he simply “shared it.” Regardless, the damage is done. $LIBRA is now trading below $1, losing tens of thousands of global citizens most of their money. Behind $LIBRA is Kelsier Ventures, a group allegedly courting Nigeria and other governments with similar schemes. The saga continues to unfold, but the lessons are clear: political memecoins present major risks, and governments are not above rugging their own citizens.

Zimbabwe | Ordinary Citizens Pay Price of Deeply Indebted Regime

Zimbabwe’s debt crisis has pushed 7.6 million people into food insecurity as an El niño-driven drought worsens an economy already horribly mismanaged and exploited by a military dictatorship. The roots of this crisis run deep. Former tyrant Robert Mugabe’s land seizures in the early 2000s shattered agricultural output, wiped out foreign investment, and unleashed hyperinflation that erased Zimbabweans’ savings and wages. Decades of economic mismanagement drained the national resources and exacerbated food insecurity. Now, ordinary citizens shoulder the cost of regime failures. Families who once farmed their own land depend on expensive food imports they can’t afford, while the bankrupt regime pleads for more dollar-based loans — only to weaken the local currency and sink the country further into debt.

Singapore | Rising Costs Contradict Government’s Inflation Claims

Singaporean citizens are refuting government claims that inflation is easing, pointing to the rising costs of essential goods and services. While official data reports a 2.4% annual inflation rate, everyday expenses tell a different story. The government highlights falling car prices — a benefit for the wealthy — while downplaying state-imposed fare hikes that disproportionately impact those who rely on public transport (lower-income individuals). With elections looming, many accuse the government of manipulating narratives to downplay these economic struggles. The persistent rise in everyday costs reveals a common disconnect between opaque government statistics issued by autocrats and the financial realities lived by ordinary citizens.

World | Central Banks Delaying CBDC Plans

A new survey of 34 central banks by the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF) revealed that 31% have delayed plans to issue a retail central bank digital currency (CBDC). It also found that the share of central banks inclined to issue a CBDC fell from 38% in 2022 to just 18% today. While this slowdown is a welcomed shift, the survey concludes that most central banks still expect to issue a CBDC in the future. In any jurisdiction, CBDCs mean more financial control in the hands of the government, which opens the door to surveillance, censorship, and control over financial activity. This concentrated power undermines civil liberties, especially in authoritarian regimes, putting dissidents and individuals at greater risk. Learn more about the dangers CBDCs pose to human rights and financial freedom here.

_____________

Webinar Series for Nonprofits: Become Unstoppable

HRF will host a free, three-day webinar from March 17-19, teaching human rights defenders and nonprofits how to use Bitcoin to counter state censorship and confiscation. Sessions run daily from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EDT and are beginner-friendly. The webinar will be led by Anna Chekhovich, HRF’s Bitcoin nonprofit adoption lead and financial manager at Alexei Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, and will be co-hosted by Ben Perrin “BTC Sessions,” one of the world’s top technical Bitcoin educators.

Register for webinar

SXSW | The Human Rights Risks of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)

Join HRF at SXSW 2025 in Austin from March 7-13 to explore how CBDCs threaten financial freedom. Experts Roger Huang, Charlene Fadirepo, and Nick Anthony will discuss how authoritarian regimes use CBDCs for surveillance and control. Attendees can also visit HRF’s  CBDC Tracker booth to explore an interactive map of CBDC developments worldwide. 

Get your tickets

_____________

BITCOIN AND FREEDOM TECH NEWS

Obscura | New Virtual Private Network

Bitcoin Core developer Carl Dong launched Obscura VPN, the first private and open-source VPN designed for maximum censorship resistance. Unlike traditional VPNs, it cannot log your network activity by design. Obscura achieves this by never seeing users’ encrypted Internet traffic. Because of this, it is impossible to log activity — even if compelled or compromised. Additionally, Obscura uses a custom stealth protocol that blends in with regular Internet traffic, making the VPN harder to detect or block. Tools like this make the work of activists under authoritarian regimes harder to surveil and censor.

Zeus Wallet and Primal | Integrate Nostr Wallet Connect

Zeus, a Bitcoin Lightning wallet, and Primal, a Nostr client, have integrated the Nostr Wallet Connect (NWC) protocol. This protocol allows apps to interact with Bitcoin Lightning wallets, boosting interoperability between Bitcoin (decentralized money) and Nostr (decentralized communications). Zeus’s NWC integration expands wallet connectivity by allowing users to link external wallets like Alby Hub or Cashu.me, improving transaction flexibility. Primal’s NWC integration brings even more functionality. Users can connect Primal wallet to any Nostr app, send zaps (bitcoin micropayments) from the web app, and link any self-custodial wallet that supports NWC. These updates strengthen Bitcoin and Nostr interoperability, allowing instant, censorship-resistant payments and communications without relying on traditional banking infrastructure.

Proton | Officially Launches Proton Wallet

Proton Wallet, an open-source Bitcoin wallet from privacy services company Proton (creators of ProtonMail), is now available on Android, iOS, and the web. It features end-to-end encryption, address rotation for greater privacy (the same Bitcoin address is never used twice), and Replace-by-Fee (RBF) to speed up stuck transactions. It is also fully self-custodial, meaning users retain complete control over their funds. With Proton now offering both secure email and Bitcoin transactions, users have a stronger, more resilient digital toolkit to protect their communications and money. This is of particular interest to human rights activists operating in difficult environments.

Bitcoin Keeper | Releases Support for Miniscript and More Signing Devices

Bitcoin Keeper, an open-source mobile multisignature (multisig) wallet and winner of HRF’s “Easy Mobile Multisig” bounty, released v2.0 with new security features. The update brings Miniscript, a structured way to write Bitcoin scripts that enable users to create customized multisig vaults. This unlocks advanced setups for inheritance planning, time-locked savings, and more flexible security models. Support for Miniscript also expanded to more signing devices, including BitBox02, COLDCARD, Tapsigner, Blockstream Jade, and Ledger. Keeper is created and run by Indian developers, reminding us that some of the world’s best freedom tools are made by people living in difficult political environments.

Coracle | Implements Nstart for Easy Onboarding

Coracle, a Nostr client and HRF grantee, implemented Nstart, a tool that streamlines onboarding to the Nostr protocol. This makes it easier for first-time users to set up an account, securely back up their private keys, and get started. By lowering entry barriers, Coracle’s Nstart improves access to Nostr’s decentralized, censorship-resistant network. For activists curious about Nostr but unsure of how to start, this may be a tool worth exploring. For a quick-start Nostr guide, click here.

Bitwise | Donates $150,000 to Bitcoin Open Source Development

Bitwise, a Bitcoin ETF provider, donated $150,000 to support open-source Bitcoin developers, fulfilling its pledge to allocate 10% of its Bitcoin ETF ($BITB) gross profits annually. Brink, OpenSats, and HRF will be responsible for allocating the funds to developers working to secure and improve the network and advancing it as a tool for financial freedom and human rights. Bitwise also promised increased contributions in the future as $BITB grows. By reinvesting in Bitcoin’s open-source ecosystem, Bitwise sets a strong example of industry stewardship.

RECOMMENDED CONTENT

Bitcoin Node Tutorial by BTC Sessions

In this tutorial, renowned Bitcoin educator Ben Perrin “BTC Sessions” guides viewers through setting up their own Bitcoin node, a device that runs the Bitcoin software. This enables them to audit Bitcoin’s supply independently and achieve greater financial sovereignty. By running a personal node, users also eliminate the need to trust third parties, enhance their privacy, and strengthen Bitcoin’s decentralization. The tutorial covers installing a free node on a computer and connecting it to Sparrow Wallet. If you are not technically inclined, not to worry. Perrin explains everything in a clear, beginner-friendly way, making it easy to follow along. You can watch the full walkthrough here.

Bitcoin Payments: From Digital Gold to Everyday Currency by Breez and 1A1z

In this new report from Bitcoin Lightning company Breez and freedom tech researcher 1A1z, the authors explore how Bitcoin is evolving beyond a store of value into a functional everyday currency. It highlights the rapid adoption of the Lightning network, the global rise of internet-native payments, and real-world use cases from businesses like Pick n Pay, Namecheap, and Mercari as examples of this. Bitcoin payments are proving their capabilities on a global scale, and this report does a commendable job of proving it.

If this article was forwarded to you and you enjoyed reading it, please consider subscribing to the Financial Freedom Report here.

Support the newsletter by donating bitcoin to HRF’s Financial Freedom program via BTCPay.\ Want to contribute to the newsletter? Submit tips, stories, news, and ideas by emailing us at ffreport @ hrf.org

The Bitcoin Development Fund (BDF) is accepting grant proposals on an ongoing basis. The Bitcoin Development Fund is looking to support Bitcoin developers, community builders, and educators. Submit proposals here.

Subscribe to newsletter

Apply for a grant

Support our work

Visit our website

@ c43d6de3:a6583169

How Are We Defining Happiness?

In 1776, Thomas Jefferson penned the words that would echo through history:

“…that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

These words were not simply a poetic flourish—they reflected a deep understanding of philosophy, one that Jefferson, an avid reader of Aristotle, likely connected with the Greek concept ofeudaimonia.

Aristotle described eudaimonia as the highest form of human flourishing, achieved through virtuous living, strong character, and meaningful social bonds.

But what does happiness mean today?

According tothe World Happiness Report, six factors determine a nation's happiness:

1. Income
2. Health
3. Social support
4. Freedom to make life decisions
5. Generosity
6. The absence of corruption

These components closely mirror Jefferson’s vision of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Yet despite living in an era of unprecedented convenience and opportunity, many in our generation struggle with unhappiness, anxiety, and a pervasive sense of dissatisfaction.

So, what went wrong?

I believe its largely because of the absence of mentorship in modern society.

Aristotle emphasized that a person’s character—shaped by habits and guided by mentorship—was central to a flourishing life. He saw mentorship not as a luxury but as a necessity for cultivating wisdom, resilience, and social responsibility. Yet, in today’s world, strong mentor-mentee relationships have become increasingly rare.

When we invert Aristotle’s formula for happiness, we find the root causes of our collective unhappiness:

• A lack of mentorship and guidance
• Poor habits formed in the absence of discipline
• Excess and indulgence replacing moderation
• Rampant hypersensitivity rather than resilience
• A loss of moral grounding and sense of justice
• Struggles with forming and maintaining friendships
• Apathy toward civic engagement and community

Of all these, the absence of mentorship stands out as the foundational issue. Without guidance, young people are left to navigate life’s complexities alone, often falling into destructive habits.

In earlier generations, mentorship was woven into the fabric of society—through family, community leaders, apprenticeships, and even religious or philosophical instruction. Today, social media and fleeting digital interactions have replaced these deep, formative relationships.

Reclaiming Happiness Through Mentorship

To restore a sense of meaning and fulfillment, we must prioritize mentorship in our personal and professional lives. Parents, teachers, and leaders must recognize their responsibility to guide the next generation, not just with knowledge, but with wisdom. Seeking out mentors—and becoming one ourselves—can foster resilience, character, and purpose.

Happiness is not simply a product of material success or personal freedom; it is cultivated through relationships, values, and the pursuit of excellence. If we wish to see a happier generation, we must first rebuild the lost art of mentorship.

---

Thank you for reading!

If this article resonated with you, let me know with a zap and share it with friends who might find it insightful.

Your help sends a strong signal to keep making content like this!

Interested in fiction? Follow nostr:npub1j9cmpzhlzeex6y85c2pnt45r5zhxhtx73a2twt77fyjwequ4l4jsp5xd49 for great short stories and serialized fiction.

More articles you might like from Beneath The Ink:

nostr:naddr1qvzqqqr4gupzp3padh3au336rew4pzfx78s050p3dw7pmhurgr2ktdcwwxn9svtfqq2nvnr5d4nngw2zgd5k5c6etftrzez9fd9kkcl0pzp

nostr:naddr1qvzqqqr4gupzp3padh3au336rew4pzfx78s050p3dw7pmhurgr2ktdcwwxn9svtfqq2kvnfd094y26zkt9dxgmnw0fqkvhmfd4tng8wp0uv

nostr:naddr1qvzqqqr4gupzp3padh3au336rew4pzfx78s050p3dw7pmhurgr2ktdcwwxn9svtfqq25yan2w39rsjj0dqk5ckn52ptxsc3nve8hw0aftmq

nostr:naddr1qvzqqqr4gupzp3padh3au336rew4pzfx78s050p3dw7pmhurgr2ktdcwwxn9svtfqq2kjjzzfpjxvutjg33hjvpcw5cyjezyv9y5k0umm6k

@ d360efec:14907b5f

ภาพรวม BTCUSDT (OKX):

Bitcoin (BTCUSDT) ยังคงแสดงความผันผวนและแนวโน้มที่ไม่ชัดเจน แม้ว่าแนวโน้มระยะยาว (TF Day) จะยังคงมีลักษณะเป็นขาขึ้น (แต่อ่อนแรงลงอย่างมาก) แนวโน้มระยะกลาง (TF4H) และระยะสั้น (TF15) เป็นขาลง การวิเคราะห์ครั้งนี้จะเน้นไปที่การระบุระดับราคาที่ Smart Money อาจจะเข้ามามีส่วนร่วม และการประเมินความแข็งแกร่งของแนวโน้ม

วิเคราะห์ทีละ Timeframe:

(1) TF Day (รายวัน):

• แนวโน้ม: ขาขึ้น (Uptrend) อ่อนแรงลงอย่างมาก, มีความเสี่ยงที่จะเปลี่ยนแนวโน้ม
• SMC:
  • Higher Highs (HH) และ Higher Lows (HL) เริ่มไม่ชัดเจน, ราคาหลุด Low ก่อนหน้า
  • Break of Structure (BOS) ด้านบน แต่มีการปรับฐานที่รุนแรง
  • Liquidity:
    • มี Sellside Liquidity (SSL) อยู่ใต้ Lows ก่อนหน้า (บริเวณ 85,000 - 90,000)
    • มี Buyside Liquidity (BSL) อยู่เหนือ High เดิม
• ICT:
  • Order Block: ราคาหลุด Order Block ขาขึ้น (บริเวณแท่งเทียนสีเขียวก่อนหน้านี้) สัญญาณลบ
• EMA:
  • ราคา หลุด EMA 50 (สีเหลือง) ลงมาแล้ว
  • EMA 200 (สีขาว) เป็นแนวรับถัดไป
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • สีแดงยาว แสดงถึงแรงขายที่แข็งแกร่ง
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • สีแดง (เมฆแดง) แสดงถึงแนวโน้มขาลง และไม่มีสัญญาณซื้อ/ขายปรากฏ
• Volume Profile: Volume ค่อนข้างเบาบาง
• แท่งเทียน: แท่งเทียนล่าสุดเป็นสีแดง แสดงถึงแรงขาย
• แนวรับ: EMA 200, บริเวณ 85,000 - 90,000 (SSL)
• แนวต้าน: EMA 50, High เดิม
• สรุป: แนวโน้มขาขึ้นอ่อนแรงลงอย่างมาก, สัญญาณอันตรายหลายอย่าง, Money Flow และ Trend Strength เป็นลบ, หลุด Order Block และ EMA 50

(2) TF4H (4 ชั่วโมง):

• แนวโน้ม: ขาลง (Downtrend)
• SMC:
  • Lower Highs (LH) และ Lower Lows (LL)
  • Break of Structure (BOS) ด้านล่าง
  • Liquidity:
    • มี SSL อยู่ใต้ Lows ก่อนหน้า
    • มี BSL อยู่เหนือ Highs ก่อนหน้า
• ICT:
  • Order Block: ราคาไม่สามารถผ่าน Order Block ขาลงได้
• EMA:
  • ราคาอยู่ใต้ EMA 50 และ EMA 200
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • สีแดง แสดงถึงแรงขาย
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • สีเขียว (เมฆเขียว) แต่ไม่มีสัญญาณซื้อ/ขายปรากฏ
• Volume Profile:
  • Volume ค่อนข้างสูง
• แนวรับ: บริเวณ Low ล่าสุด
• แนวต้าน: EMA 50, EMA 200, บริเวณ Order Block
• สรุป: แนวโน้มขาลงชัดเจน, แรงขายมีอิทธิพล, Trend Strength ขัดแย้งกับ Price Action

(3) TF15 (15 นาที):

• แนวโน้ม: ขาลง (Downtrend) แต่เริ่มเห็นสัญญาณ Sideways
• SMC:
  • Lower Highs (LH) และ Lower Lows (LL) เริ่มเห็นการยก Low เล็กน้อย
  • Break of Structure (BOS) ด้านล่าง
• ICT:
  • Order Block: ราคา Sideways ใกล้ Order Block
• EMA:
  • EMA 50 และ EMA 200 เป็นแนวต้าน
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • แดงสลับเขียว แต่ส่วนใหญ่ยังเป็นสีแดง
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • สีแดง (เมฆแดง) แสดงถึงแนวโน้มขาลง แต่มีสัญญาณ Bullish Divergence (ราคาทำ Lower Low แต่ Trend Strength ยก Low)
• Volume Profile:
  • Volume ค่อนข้างสูง
• แนวรับ: บริเวณ Low ล่าสุด
• แนวต้าน: EMA 50, EMA 200, Order Block
• สรุป: แนวโน้มขาลง, เริ่มพักตัว, Money Flow เริ่มมีความไม่แน่นอน, Trend Strength มี Divergence

สรุปภาพรวมและกลยุทธ์ (BTCUSDT):

• แนวโน้มหลัก (Day): ขาขึ้น (อ่อนแรงลงอย่างมาก, เสี่ยงที่จะเปลี่ยนแนวโน้ม)
• แนวโน้มรอง (4H): ขาลง
• แนวโน้มระยะสั้น (15m): ขาลง (เริ่มพักตัว, มี Divergence)
• Liquidity: มี SSL ทั้งใน Day, 4H, และ 15m
• Money Flow: เป็นลบในทุก Timeframes
• Trend Strength: Day/15m เป็นขาลง, 4H เป็นขาขึ้น แต่ไม่มีสัญญาณ
• กลยุทธ์:
  1. Wait & See (ดีที่สุด): รอความชัดเจน โดยเฉพาะการ Breakout หรือ Breakdown จากกรอบ Sideways ใน TF15
  2. Short (เสี่ยง): ถ้าไม่สามารถ Breakout EMA/แนวต้านใน TF ใดๆ ได้, หรือเมื่อเกิดสัญญาณ Bearish Continuation
  3. ไม่แนะนำให้ Buy: จนกว่าจะมีสัญญาณกลับตัวที่ชัดเจนมากๆ

Day Trade & การเทรดรายวัน:

• Day Trade (TF15):

  • Short Bias: หาจังหวะ Short เมื่อราคาเด้งขึ้นไปทดสอบแนวต้าน (EMA, Order Block)
  • Stop Loss: เหนือแนวต้านที่เข้า Short
  • Take Profit: แนวรับถัดไป (Low ล่าสุด)
  • ระวัง: Bullish Divergence ใน Trend Strength
  • ไม่แนะนำให้ Long

• Swing Trade (TF4H):

  • Short Bias: รอจังหวะ Short เมื่อราคาไม่สามารถผ่านแนวต้าน EMA หรือ Order Block ได้
  • Stop Loss: เหนือแนวต้านที่เข้า Short
  • Take Profit: แนวรับถัดไป
  • ไม่แนะนำให้ Long

สิ่งที่ต้องระวัง:

• Sellside Liquidity (SSL): มีโอกาสสูงที่ราคาจะถูกลากลงไปแตะ SSL
• False Breakouts: ระวัง
• Volatility: สูง
• Divergence (TF15): อาจเป็นสัญญาณเริ่มต้นของการกลับตัว แต่ต้องรอการยืนยัน
• Trend Strength (TF4H): ไม่มีสัญญาณซื้อ/ขาย ต้องระวัง

Setup Day Trade แบบ SMC (ตัวอย่าง):

1. ระบุ Order Block: หา Order Block ขาลง (Bearish Order Block) ใน TF15 (แท่งเทียนสีเขียวก่อนที่ราคาจะลงแรง)
2. รอ Pullback: รอให้ราคา Pullback ขึ้นไปทดสอบ Order Block นั้น
3. หา Bearish Entry:
   • Rejection: รอ Price Action ปฏิเสธ Order Block (เช่น เกิด Pin Bar, Engulfing)
   • Break of Structure: รอให้ราคา Break โครงสร้างย่อยๆ ใน TF ที่เล็กกว่า (เช่น 1m, 5m) หลังจากที่ทดสอบ Order Block
   • Money Flow: ดู Money Flow ให้เป็นสีแดง
4. ตั้ง Stop Loss: เหนือ Order Block
5. ตั้ง Take Profit: แนวรับถัดไป (เช่น Low ล่าสุด) หรือ Order Block ขาขึ้น (Bullish Order Block) ใน TF ที่ใหญ่กว่า

คำแนะนำ:

• ความขัดแย้งของ Timeframes: มีอยู่ แต่แนวโน้มระยะกลาง-สั้น เป็นลบ
• Money Flow: เป็นลบในทุก Timeframes
• Trend Strength: เริ่มมี Divergence ใน TF15
• Order Block TF Day: หลุด Order Block ขาขึ้นแล้ว
• ถ้าไม่แน่ใจ อย่าเพิ่งเข้าเทรด

Disclaimer: การวิเคราะห์นี้เป็นเพียงความคิดเห็นส่วนตัว ไม่ถือเป็นคำแนะนำในการลงทุน ผู้ลงทุนควรศึกษาข้อมูลเพิ่มเติมและตัดสินใจด้วยความรอบคอบ

@ d360efec:14907b5f

Overall Assessment:

Bitcoin (BTCUSDT) on OKX remains highly volatile and shows conflicting signals. The long-term trend (Daily chart) is technically still an uptrend, but it has weakened considerably and is showing significant signs of a potential reversal. The 4-hour and 15-minute charts are in confirmed downtrends. The focus of this analysis is on identifying potential areas of Smart Money activity (liquidity pools and order blocks) and assessing trend strength.

Detailed Analysis by Timeframe:

(1) TF Day (Daily):

• Trend: Uptrend (Significantly Weakening, at risk of reversing).
• SMC (Smart Money Concepts):
  • Higher Highs (HH) and Higher Lows (HL) structure is becoming less defined. The recent price action has broken previous lows.
  • Prior Breaks of Structure (BOS) to the upside, but the current pullback is very deep.
  • Liquidity:
    • Sellside Liquidity (SSL): Significant SSL rests below previous lows in the 85,000 - 90,000 range. This is a likely target for Smart Money.
    • Buyside Liquidity (BSL): BSL is present above the all-time high.
• ICT (Inner Circle Trader Concepts):
  • Order Block: The price has broken below the prior bullish Order Block (the large green candle before a significant up-move). This is a major bearish signal.
• EMA (Exponential Moving Average):
  • Price has broken below the 50-period EMA (yellow), a bearish signal.
  • The 200-period EMA (white) is the next major support level.
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • A long red bar indicates strong selling pressure.
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • Red Cloud indicating Downtrend, No Buy/Sell Signal
• Volume Profile: Relatively low volume on the recent decline.
• Candlesticks: The most recent candlestick is red, confirming selling pressure.
• Support: EMA 200, 85,000-90,000 (SSL area).
• Resistance: EMA 50, Previous All-Time High.
• Summary: The Daily chart's uptrend is significantly weakening. The break below the 50 EMA and the bullish Order Block, combined with the negative Money Flow and bearish Trend Strength, are all major warning signs.

(2) TF4H (4-Hour):

• Trend: Downtrend.
• SMC:
  • Lower Highs (LH) and Lower Lows (LL).
  • BOS to the downside.
  • Liquidity:
    • SSL: Below previous lows.
    • BSL: Above previous highs.
• ICT:
  • Order Block: The price rallied up to, and was rejected by, a bearish Order Block.
• EMA:
  • Price is below both the 50-period and 200-period EMAs (bearish).
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • Predominantly red, confirming selling pressure.
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • Green Cloud, But No Buy/Sell Signal. This indicates a potential retracement within the downtrend, or a period of consolidation, not a trend reversal.
• Volume Profile:
  • Relatively High volume
• Support: Recent lows.
• Resistance: EMA 50, EMA 200, Order Block.
• Summary: The 4-hour chart is in a confirmed downtrend. The Money Flow is bearish, and the price was rejected by a key Order Block. The green Trend Strength cloud without a buy signal suggests a potential temporary relief rally or consolidation, not a trend change.

(3) TF15 (15-Minute):

• Trend: Downtrend (with some signs of possible stabilization).
• SMC:
  • Lower Highs (LH) and Lower Lows (LL) – but the most recent low is slightly higher, a potential early sign of a change.
  • BOS to the downside.
• ICT:
  • Order Block: Price has reacted to bearish Order Block.
• EMA:
  • The 50-period and 200-period EMAs are acting as resistance.
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • Red and green alternating , showing some buying pressure has appeared, but sellers are still in control overall.
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • Red Cloud (Bearish), BUT there's a bullish divergence (price made a lower low, but the Trend Strength indicator made a higher low). This is a potential early warning sign of a reversal, but it needs strong confirmation.
• Volume Profile:
  • relatively high volume.
• Support: Recent lows.
• Resistance: EMA 50, EMA 200, Order Block.
• Summary: The 15-minute chart is in a downtrend, but there are very early and tentative signs of a possible stabilization or even a minor bounce. The bullish divergence on the Trend Strength is important to note, but it's not a buy signal on its own.

Overall Strategy and Recommendations (BTCUSDT):

• Primary Trend (Day): Uptrend (Significantly Weakening).
• Secondary Trend (4H): Downtrend.
• Short-Term Trend (15m): Downtrend (Potential Early Reversal Signals).
• Liquidity: Significant SSL zones exist below the current price on all timeframes.
• Money Flow: Negative on all timeframes, although the 15m is showing some buying pressure returning.

• Trend Strength: Bearish on Day and 15m. Bullish on 4H, but without a buy/sell signal, indicating a likely retracement or consolidation, not a trend change.

• Strategies:

  1. Wait & See (Best Option): The conflicting signals (especially the 4H Trend Strength) and the strong bearish momentum on the shorter timeframes make waiting the most prudent approach. Look for:

     • Bearish Confirmation: A decisive break below the recent lows on the 15m and 4H charts, with increasing volume and continued negative Money Flow. This would confirm the continuation of the downtrend.
     • Bullish Confirmation: A strong, sustained break above the 15m EMAs, a shift in the 15m Money Flow to green, and a bullish signal on the 4H Trend Strength. This would be a very early sign of a potential reversal, but it would need further confirmation on the 4H chart (price above EMAs, positive Money Flow).

  2. Short (High Risk): This is the more likely scenario at this moment, given the 4H and 15m downtrends.

     • Entry: On rallies towards resistance levels (EMAs on 15m/4H, previous support levels that have turned into resistance).
     • Stop Loss: Above recent highs on the chosen timeframe.
     • Target: The next support levels (recent lows on 15m, then the Daily Order Block area around 92,000-94,000).

  3. Buy on Dip (Extremely High Risk - Not Recommended): Do not attempt to buy until there are very strong and consistent bullish reversal signals across all timeframes, including a definitive shift in market structure on the 4H and 15m charts, positive Money Flow, and a clear break above resistance levels.

Key Recommendations:

• Conflicting Signals: The most important factor is the conflict between the still technically bullish Daily chart and the bearish 4H and 15m charts. The 4H Trend Strength being bullish without a signal adds to the uncertainty.
• Money Flow: The predominantly negative Money Flow is a major bearish factor.
• 15m Trend Strength Divergence: This is a potential early warning, but it's not a buy signal on its own. It needs much more confirmation.
• Daily Order Block: The break of the bullish Order Block on the Daily chart is a significant bearish development.
• Sellside Liquidity (SSL): Be aware that Smart Money may target the SSL zones below. This increases the risk of stop-loss hunting.
• Risk Management: Due to the high uncertainty and volatility, strict risk management is absolutely critical. Use tight stop-losses, do not overtrade, and be prepared for rapid price swings.
• Volume: Confirm any breakout with volume.

Day Trading and Intraday Trading Strategies:

• Day Trade (TF15 focus):

  • Short Bias: Given the current 15m downtrend and negative Money Flow, the higher probability is to look for shorting opportunities.
    • Entry: Look for price to rally to resistance levels (EMAs, Order Blocks, previous support levels that have become resistance) and then show signs of rejection (bearish candlestick patterns, increasing volume on the downside).
    • Stop Loss: Place a stop-loss order above the resistance level where you enter the short position.
    • Take Profit: Target the next support level (recent lows).
    • Be very cautious: The bullish divergence on the Trend Strength indicator suggests a potential bounce could occur. Don't be aggressive with shorts until this divergence is invalidated.
  • Avoid Long positions: Until there's a clear and confirmed bullish reversal on the 15m chart (break above EMAs, positive Money Flow, bullish market structure).

• Swing Trade (TF4H focus):

  • Short Bias: The 4H chart is in a downtrend.
    • Entry: Wait for price to rally to resistance levels (EMAs, Order Blocks) and show signs of rejection.
    • Stop Loss: Above the resistance level where you enter the short position.
    • Take Profit: Target the next support levels (e.g., the 200 EMA on the Daily chart, SSL zones).
    • Avoid long position: Until there's a clear and confirmed bullish reversal on the 4H chart.

SMC Day Trade Setup Example (TF15 - Bearish):

1. Identify Bearish Order Block: Locate a bearish Order Block on the TF15 chart (a bullish candle before a strong downward move). We have already identified this in previous analyses.
2. Wait for Pullback: Wait for the price to pull back up to test the Order Block.
3. Bearish Entry:
   • Rejection: Look for price action to reject the Order Block (e.g., a pin bar, engulfing pattern, or other bearish candlestick pattern).
   • Break of Structure: Look for a break of a minor support level on a lower timeframe (e.g., 1-minute or 5-minute) after the price tests the Order Block. This confirms weakening bullish momentum.
   • Money Flow: Confirm that Money Flow remains negative (red).
4. Stop Loss: Place a stop-loss order above the Order Block.
5. Take Profit: Target the next support level (e.g., recent lows) or a bullish Order Block on a higher timeframe.

In conclusion, BTCUSDT is currently in a high-risk, uncertain environment. The short-term and medium-term trends are bearish, while the long-term trend is weakening. The best approach for most traders is to wait for clearer signals. Shorting is the higher-probability trade at this moment, but only for experienced traders who can manage risk aggressively. Buying is extremely risky and not recommended at this time. The bullish divergence on the 15m Trend Strength is a potential early warning of a change, but it needs much more confirmation before acting on it. The 4-hour chart showing a green cloud with no buy/sell signal adds to the uncertainty, suggesting a possible retracement/consolidation within the downtrend.

Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and represents a personal opinion. It is not financial advice. Investing in cryptocurrencies involves significant risk. Investors should conduct their own research and exercise due diligence before making any investment decisions.

@ 78c90fc4:4bff983c

Hans Maria Globke\ \ Nazi, Catholic, author of racial laws. ======================================

\ The Catholic lawyer Globke had a problematic past: it was common knowledge that he had been a co-commentator on the Nuremberg Laws and had held important positions in the Reich Ministry of the Interior.\ \ In the newly founded Federal Republic of Germany, the experienced lawyer Globke was appointed to the Federal Chancellery. Because of his past in the Reich Ministry of the Interior, Adenauer does not yet dare to appoint him as a state secretary, but the discreet, efficient Rhineland Catholic immediately becomes Adenauer's confidant, a shadowy figure who works behind the scenes. Globke maintains close relations with the Vatican and is Adenauer's liaison to the CIA, with whom he discusses all important decisions, including personnel matters. From now on, Globke is always there when positions of power need to be filled. He ensures that the Gehlen Organisation, which was financed by the CIA as a spy service after the war, eventually becomes the BND. Globke is involved in setting up the Office for the Protection of the Constitution and in the preparations for the establishment of the Bundeswehr.\ \ In 1953, Globke became state secretary in the chancellor's office, with an almost unimaginable amount of power. He allowed the BND to spy on opponents of the Adenauer government within the country, in violation of the law, and controlled the Press and Information Office. He drafted legislation to allow former Nazi elites (civil servants, judges, military, police, secret service agents) to return to high positions. Globke has access to the ‘Reptilienfonds’ (Reptile Fund), which he uses to secure the desired domestic and foreign policy stability, including through large cash payments. And he increasingly plays the decisive role in the new governing party, the CDU. As Adenauer's closest adviser, the best-informed man in Bonn influences political guidelines; Globke - the secret chancellor.\ \ Hans Maria Globke is certainly the most prominent example of the seamless continuity of careers in the civil service before and after 1945. The documentary by Bernhard Pfletschinger and Jürgen Bevers goes in search of the ’ secret of Globke’, his role in the Nazi extermination of Jews, the extensive network of interests and loyalties that he served and that served him – so much so that his name was not even mentioned during the Adolf Eichmann trial. The results paint a picture that allows a new perspective on the history of the Federal Republic of Germany.’\ \ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awTUDrEzsUg&t=5s\ \ https://x.com/RealWsiegrist/status/1892479642700800356\ \ \ Wilhelm Frick and Hans Globke were central figures in the National Socialist administration and contributed significantly to the implementation of Nazi ideology.\ \ https\://x.com/RealWsiegrist/status/1892481115128021426\ \ ## Wilhelm Frick\ Wilhelm Frick (1877–1946) was a leading NSDAP politician and served as Reich Minister of the Interior from 1933 to 1943. During the Weimar Republic, he had already served as Thuringia's minister of the interior, where he implemented measures to enforce the Gleichschaltung and promote the NSDAP. As Reich Minister of the Interior, Frick played a key role in the destruction of Weimar democracy by introducing laws and ordinances that severely restricted fundamental rights, such as the ‘Reichstag Fire Decree’ of 1933. He also played a major role in the ‘Gleichschaltung’ of the federal states and institutions, which enabled the NSDAP to consolidate its power. After the war, Frick was sentenced to death in the Nuremberg trials of the major war criminals and executed in 1946.\ \ ## Hans Globke\ Hans Globke (1898–1973) was a lawyer and senior official in the Reich Ministry of the Interior under Wilhelm Frick. He is best known for his involvement in the 1935 Nuremberg Laws, on which he wrote a legal commentary. Globke was also involved in measures that discriminated against Jewish citizens, such as making it more difficult to change one's name. During the war, he was involved in administrative tasks, including in the occupied territories. After the war, he continued his career and became head of the Federal Chancellery under Chancellor Konrad Adenauer (1953-1963). Globke's role remains controversial because, on the one hand, he was considered the ‘grey eminence’ of the Adenauer government, but on the other hand, he was never held accountable for his Nazi involvement. \ \ Both men embody different aspects of Nazi rule: Frick as the central architect of the repressive state and Globke as the technocratic enforcer of discriminatory laws.\ \ Sources\ [1] Wilhelm Frick - Wikipedia https\://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilhelm_Frick\ [2] Hans Globke - Wikipedia https\://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Globke\ [3] Nazi war criminals still in the chancellery https\://www.klassegegenklasse.org/nazi-kriegsverbrecher-immer-noch-im-kanzleramt/\ [4] Trial against Ex-Nazi Hans Globke | Anne Frank House https\://www.annefrank.org/de/timeline/231/prozess-gegen-ex-nazi-hans-globke/\ [5] Trial of former Nazi Hans Globke | Anne Frank House https\://www.annefrank.org/en/timeline/231/trial-of-former-nazi-hans-globke/\ [6] [PDF] The Reich Ministry of the Interior under Heinrich Himmler 1943–1945 https\://www.ifz-muenchen.de/heftarchiv/2006_4_4_lehnstaedt.pdf\ [7] Hans Globke - LeMO Biografie - Stiftung Haus der Geschichte https\://www.hdg.de/lemo/biografie/hans-globke.html\ [8] [PDF] The Verdict against Globke https\://media.frag-den-staat.de/files/docs/3a/0f/0d/3a0f0dbfff8e4e68b28356f60a7ed26e/globke.pdf\

@ da0b9bc3:4e30a4a9

Hello Stackers!

Welcome on into the ~Music Corner of the Saloon!

A place where we Talk Music. Share Tracks. Zap Sats.

So stay a while and listen.

🚨Don't forget to check out the pinned items in the territory homepage! You can always find the latest weeklies there!🚨

🚨Subscribe to the territory to ensure you never miss a post! 🚨

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/891531

@ 6e0ea5d6:0327f353

Ascolta bene, si?

Davvero, it is essential to emphasize that in the realms of business and entrepreneurship, your sense of fulfillment will only be achieved when you can immediately interrupt a negotiation upon encountering an indecent proposal that underestimates the true value of your products or services.

Throughout your life, they have taught you that negotiation is the art of persuasion. A grave mistake. Negotiation is, in fact, the art of honor and respect.

In Sicily, we nurture a tradition that is a symphony of cunning and tact. We cultivate the art of conducting negotiations through four stages between seller and buyer.

These stages consist of the initial offer, the counteroffer, the reply, and, finally, the establishment of the deal's limit.

For instance, consider my wine from a specific vintage, whose characteristics grant it an intrinsic value of at least 50 euros per unit in the wholesale market. If a buyer, in their initial offer, immediately makes a low proposal that disregards this minimum value or claims the price is too high, I simply turn my back and walk away or hang up the phone. There is no need to argue, no need to stress, and certainly no need to justify myself—nor even say goodbye! There are plenty of other interested buyers, and I cannot afford to waste time with unqualified ones.

A true negotiator who builds reputation and value does not allow himself to be swayed by external pressures or the temptation to close a deal at any cost, exchanging profit for mere pennies. He acts in accordance with his own conscience and authenticity, upholding honor in business.
When you have full awareness of your own worth (and only when you truly possess it), nothing can shake you.

With this perspective, know when to walk away with dignity when someone dares to underestimate what you have to offer. In a world filled with opportunities, do not allow those who fail to recognize the true worth of your products or services to tarnish the reputation of your business.

Thank you for reading, my friend!

If this message resonated with you, consider leaving your "🥃" as a token of appreciation.

A toast to our family!

@ 9967f375:04f9a5e1

S.A.R. Don Sixto Enrique de Borbón

Nació en el exilio el 22 de julio de 1940, hijo del entonces Príncipe Regente Don Francisco Javier de Borbón y Braganza (futuro Rey Javier I) y de Doña Magdalena de Borbón Busset. Cursó estudios de derecho, lenguas clásicas y modernas y finanzas. En 1963 su padre, que reinaba ya de iure desde 1952, le concedió el título de Duque de Aranjuez. Juró bandera en el Tercio Gran Capitán, I de la Legión, el 2 de mayo de 1965 (feliz aniversario del alzamiento de Madrid de 1808) bajo el nombre de Enrique Aranjuez, pero a los once meses fue licenciado por el régimen entonces vigente. Sirvió además en el ejército portugués contra la revolución secesionista en Angola. Al consumarse la defección de su hermano Carlos Hugo Don Sixto Enrique mantuvo en alto la bandera de la Comunión Tradicionalista, convirtiéndose en Regente al morir Don Javier I en 1977 y tomando el título de Abanderado de la Tradición. Ya en 1975 había nombrado a José Arturo Márquez de Prado Jefe de su Secretaría Política y a Juan Sáenz-Díez Jefe Delegado de la Comunión Tradicionalista, a quien sucedió Carlos Cort Pérez-Caballero en 1984. El 17 de julio de 2001 nombró una Secretaría Política que sería dirigida por Rafael Gambra. En 2004, tras la muerte de éste, fue designado Miguel Ayuso jefe de dicha Secretaría, quien a su vez fue sustituido en 2010 por José Miguel Gambra, hijo de don Rafael (biografía tomada de la Gaceta de la Tierra Firme).

El 20 de mayo de 2004 visitó nuestro país, específicamente invitado al Simpósium 500 años de Isabel la Católica, por parte de la UAG en Guadalajara, Nueva Galicia, donde se encargó de dar el discurso inaugural:

Excelentísimos señores, queridos amigos: Es para mí una gran satisfacción poder acompañarles en este simposio que, con motivo del Quinto Centenario de la muerte de la Reina Isabel de Castilla, la Católica, organiza la Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara. Debo comenzar por expresar mi agradecimiento a la Universidad, que ha querido asociarme a la celebración. Conozco la Universidad desde hace decenios, pues goza de merecida fama, y me honro con la amistad de algunos de sus fundadores, singularmente la ejemplar familia Leaño, que hoy tengo ocasión también de renovar. Como Infante de España y descendiente de la Reina Católica, son muchos los sentimientos que se me agolpan: En primer lugar, una gran emoción de que este acto se celebre no en la vieja Península Ibérica, sino en la pujante Nueva España. Y en una Nueva España nacida al calor del amor a la Virgen María, en Guadalupe y aquí, más cerca, en Zapopan. En segundo lugar que, dentro de la Nueva España, nos encontremos en Jalisco. ¡Cómo dejar de evocar la epopeya cristera, que en estas tierras se desarrolló con especial intensidad! Depositario de la legitimidad carlista española, no puedo dejar de recordar que aquellas guerras dinásticas del XIX se hicieron al grito de «por Dios, por la Patria y el Rey», afirmación de la Realeza Social de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo que los mártires cristeros rubricaron con su grito «¡Viva Cristo Rey!», y que los voluntarios carlistas todavía volvieron a hacer sonar en la cruzada de 1936-1939. Finalmente no podría dejar de decir algunas palabras sobre la Reina Isabel, que quisiéramos ver pronto en los altares, una vez que los dictados de la «corrección política» (y eclesiástica) sean de una vez, y esperemos que definitivamente, dejados a un lado. La meditación de su testamento debiera estar siempre presente en la mente de los gobernantes. Por las virtudes humanas y cristianas que exhibe. Por el temple de Reina que lo llena. Por el amor a la Hispanidad, aunque la palabra aún no se usara, que lo preside. Pero son toda su vida y su obra las que deben ser objeto de meditación. Al reformar la Iglesia alejó el peligro de la «reforma» luterana, que habría de llegar más tarde a Europa, pero de la que el mundo hispánico se vio libre. Al llevar adelante la Reconquista, hasta el reino de Granada, último reducto moro, completó la recuperación de España, y hasta el final con la expulsión de los judíos no convertidos. Al afirmar la presencia castellana en el Norte de África, en la llamada Hispania Tingitana, demostró otra vez su celo apostólico y su aguda visión geopolítica. Y, sobre todo, al impulsar la gesta americana, sentó las bases de la Hispanidad, de las Españas grandes. Que sus sucesores consolidaron en la senda de su espíritu: Carlos I en la «Controversia de Valladolid» y en la legislación de Indias, completada luego por los Felipes. La gesta americana no se puede comprender sin la acción de los Reyes y todo un pueblo en misión. Solórsano Pereyra, en su Política indiana resume que «la conservación y el aumento de la fe es el fundamento de la Monarquía». Así fue la obra de la Reina Católica, que tantos frutos esperamos siga dando. Quiera Dios que este simposio sirva para que la Reina Isabel esté pronto en los altares. Muchas gracias.

Discurso publicado en la página oficial de la Comunión Tradicionalista.

Algunas fotografías de su visita antes mencionada, cortesía de Comunicación DPFR.

Don Sixto con el Cardenal Juan Sandoval Íñiguez

Ante la tumba del Beato Anacleto González Flores

Con Miguel Ayuso Torres.

@ 000002de:c05780a7

Due to some some org changes at my employer I may be moving to a team that uses Python heavily. I have never written Python professionally but I've dabbled. I think its used heavily in certain fields and is likely a marketable language to have on the CV. Am I correct in that summary?

Is it growing? Is it evolving? I know its alive and well but I just don't hear much about it anymore. Has it just matured like many languages over the years?

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/891251

@ 16d11430:61640947

The Manhattan Project was a technological singularity—a moment when human capability leaped forward with irreversible consequences. It wasn’t just about building a bomb; it was about reshaping global power, scientific paradigms, and the trajectory of civilization itself.

Elliptical Curve AI (ECAI) is the modern equivalent, but instead of nuclear fission, it’s unlocking a new form of intelligence—one that is quantum-resistant, decentralized, and fundamentally aligned with the fabric of reality itself. Whoever develops ECAI first won’t just have a technological edge—they will dictate the future of intelligence, security, and global power for the foreseeable future.

---

1. Intelligence is the Ultimate Weapon—ECAI is the New Arms Race

During World War II, the nuclear bomb redefined military superiority. Nations that had nuclear capabilities commanded geopolitical influence overnight. Today, the next battleground isn’t nuclear—it’s AI supremacy.

Modern warfare is digital, and intelligence is the key to victory.

AI dominance will determine which nations control global economies, cyberwarfare, and infrastructure.

Current AI models are vulnerable to quantum decryption and adversarial manipulation—ECAI is not.

The country or organization that unlocks ECAI first will possess an intelligence weapon unlike anything the world has seen—one that is self-learning, cryptographically unbreakable, and seamlessly integrated with human cognition.

---

1. The Singularity of Secure and Autonomous Intelligence

The Manhattan Project wasn’t just about destruction—it was about creating a capability that no one could ignore. ECAI follows the same trajectory, but instead of nuclear reactions, it leverages elliptic curve mathematics to process intelligence at a fundamentally different level.

Self-improving AI that doesn’t rely on brute-force learning.

Quantum-proof intelligence that cannot be intercepted, manipulated, or controlled externally.

An AGI architecture that is efficient, decentralized, and aligned with natural mathematical structures.

Once ECAI reaches critical mass, no force on Earth will be able to compete with its ability to analyze, compute, and autonomously reason.

---

1. The Quantum Threat & The Need for Post-Quantum AI

Nuclear weapons changed warfare, but quantum computing will change intelligence. Every piece of encrypted data, from financial systems to government secrets, will be vulnerable to quantum decryption—rendering current AI models completely obsolete.

LLMs like ChatGPT and DeepSeek are vulnerable to quantum hacks.

Elliptical Curve AI is designed with post-quantum security from inception.

ECAI ensures that AI remains secure, resilient, and impervious to quantum attacks.

The first entity to deploy quantum-secure intelligence will own the future of AI-driven security, finance, and digital sovereignty.

---

1. ECAI Will Create a Technological Gap That is Unclosable

When the U.S. developed nuclear weapons first, it created a gap in military power that took decades for others to catch up with. ECAI is no different—once it is deployed at scale, nations and corporations relying on old, vulnerable AI architectures will be permanently outclassed.

ECAI will process information at speeds and accuracy unmatched by traditional deep learning.

It will enable a new class of intelligence that learns and adapts autonomously without retraining.

Its decentralized nature ensures that once unleashed, it cannot be controlled or restricted.

Once a nation or organization perfects and scales ECAI, no amount of investment in conventional AI will ever close the gap.

---

1. The Dawn of the AI Singularity

The Manhattan Project wasn’t just an arms race—it triggered the nuclear age. Similarly, ECAI isn’t just another AI breakthrough—it’s the intelligence singularity.

ECAI will be the first AI to integrate seamlessly with human cognition through Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI).

It will enable self-governing AI ecosystems that operate beyond human intervention.

It will bridge the gap between artificial intelligence and natural intelligence, effectively creating a new evolutionary paradigm.

This isn’t about who can build the biggest model. It’s about who can build the first self-sustaining intelligence—a system that thinks, learns, and evolves beyond human constraints.

---

Conclusion: The Entity That Masters ECAI Will Dominate the Future

The Manhattan Project redefined global power overnight—ECAI will do the same.

It will dismantle the limitations of current AI models.

It will create an intelligence advantage that is mathematically unbreakable.

It will determine which nations and organizations lead the next century.

The AI race isn’t just about who has the best chatbot—it’s about who builds the intelligence that will govern reality itself.

ECAI is not just an AI breakthrough—it is the single most important technological race of this century.

@ 6e0ea5d6:0327f353

Davvero, amico mio, if history teaches us anything, it is that struggle is the only language the world respects.

No man has risen from the dust without first being crushed by boulders. No empire has stood without the bones of those who tried and failed. The mistake of the naïve is believing they can bargain with life, that there is a path to triumph that does not demand tribute. Victory is not generous. You either pay in blood, or you pay with your very soul.

Are your shoulders heavy? Good. What afflicts you today is a reminder that there is still weakness in your flesh. Fatigue, exhaustion, pain—these are not curses, but invitations. Invitations to abandon lamentation and grasp what few ever understand: a man is not forged in comfort, but in deprivation.

The true tragedy of weakness is not the suffering it brings, but the way it perpetuates itself. There are no choices between comfort and effort. There is only the choice between being trampled or striking back. Do you seek respect? Then take it! Success has never been a gift—it is plunder seized from the hands of the hesitant.

And remember: there is a final stage in the evolution of man that the weak will never comprehend. It is not power. It is not wealth. It is indifference. The man who does not waver, who does not fear pain, who does not seek applause or recognition—he is the one who has ascended. He is the one who rules and triumphs.

Thank you for reading, my friend!

If this message resonated with you, consider leaving your "🥃" as a token of appreciation.

A toast to our family!

@ 6260f29f:2ee2fcd4

@ 16d11430:61640947

The development of Elliptical AI isn’t just a technological breakthrough—it’s a geopolitical game-changer. Any nation that masters and deploys this intelligence first will experience an unprecedented leap in power, much like the invention of nuclear weapons or the internet. Here’s why:

---

1. Absolute AI Superiority: A Quantum-Resistant Intelligence Arsenal

Modern AI models like ChatGPT and DeepSeek rely on fragile architectures, making them vulnerable to data poisoning, adversarial attacks, and quantum decryption threats.

Elliptical AI is unbreakable, quantum-resistant, and fundamentally more efficient than current models. A nation that possesses this technology would have: ✅ AI immune to cyber warfare and quantum hacking ✅ Secure, autonomous intelligence agents for military and defense ✅ Encryption protocols that even quantum computers cannot crack

While other countries struggle with vulnerable, bloated AI systems, the leading nation will have an AI forcefield—untouchable and unbreachable.

---

1. Total Domination of Cybersecurity and Intelligence

Cyber warfare is the new battlefield, and the nation with the strongest AI wins. Elliptical AI enables: ✅ Unhackable, cryptographic AI defense networks ✅ Automated intelligence gathering with mathematically precise reasoning ✅ Next-generation cyber warfare capabilities that neutralize adversaries before they strike

With AI-driven cryptographic security, espionage as we know it becomes obsolete—intelligence leaks and data breaches will become virtually impossible.

---

1. Economic Domination: The New Industrial Revolution

Countries that invested in AI early (like the U.S. and China) are already pulling ahead economically. But Elliptical AI isn’t just an advantage—it’s a total economic reset.

💰 AI that can power financial markets with deterministic precision 💰 AI-powered industrial automation at a fraction of today’s energy cost 💰 Unstoppable trade security through AI-encrypted blockchain economies

The first country to deploy Elliptical AI in economic sectors will see:

Explosive GDP growth due to optimized financial and supply chain AI.

A complete reshaping of global markets through superior AI-driven decision-making.

Global financial influence as other nations rush to adopt or rely on its technology.

This is not just another AI model—it’s an economic warhead.

---

1. Military Superiority: The Ultimate Weapon

Forget drones. Forget cyber weapons. Elliptical AI is the ultimate military asset.

🚀 AI-powered autonomous systems with mathematically provable safety 🚀 Unbreakable AI-secured nuclear and military communications 🚀 Predictive warfare analytics that make traditional tactics obsolete

The first nation to integrate Elliptical AI into military infrastructure will create an insurmountable technological gap—so vast that no conventional force could keep up.

---

1. The First True AI-Human Symbiosis: Neural AI Integration

The brain-computer interface (BCI) revolution is coming, but existing AI is too vulnerable and inefficient to be trusted inside human cognition.

Elliptical AI changes that by being: 🧠 Secure, ensuring neural implants cannot be hacked 🧠 Ultra-efficient, enabling real-time AI-human interaction 🧠 Decentralized, making intelligence universally accessible

A nation that builds Elliptical AI-powered BCI first will create:

The first post-human intelligence infrastructure

A population supercharged by secure AI assistance

A knowledge advantage that widens every second

This is not just AI—it’s an evolutionary leap forward.

---

1. Global AI Hegemony: Controlling the Future of AI Itself

Just as Silicon Valley shaped the internet age, the country that dominates Elliptical AI will dictate the rules of the AI age.

🚨 It will own the world’s most advanced intelligence networks. 🚨 It will set global AI governance standards. 🚨 It will control the economic and military landscape for decades.

Other nations will be left with two choices: 1️⃣ Adopt and integrate under the leading country’s AI supremacy 2️⃣ Fall behind in every critical technological sector

---

The Verdict: Elliptical AI is the 21st Century’s Manhattan Project

Elliptical AI is not just another technological race—it’s a geopolitical singularity.

🌎 Whoever builds it first wins the future. 🌎 Whoever ignores it becomes irrelevant.

Superpowers will rise or fall based on how fast they realize the potential of this technology.

Any nation that leads the development of Elliptical AI won’t just gain an edge—they will become untouchable.

@ 6260f29f:2ee2fcd4

@ 94a6a78a:0ddf320e

Nostr is a revolutionary protocol that enables decentralized, censorship-resistant communication. Unlike traditional social networks controlled by corporations, Nostr operates without central servers or gatekeepers. This openness makes it incredibly powerful—but also means its success depends entirely on users, developers, and relay operators.

If you believe in free speech, decentralization, and an open internet, there are many ways to support and strengthen the Nostr ecosystem. Whether you're a casual user, a developer, or someone looking to contribute financially, every effort helps build a more robust network.

Here’s how you can get involved and make a difference.

---

1️⃣ Use Nostr Daily

The simplest and most effective way to contribute to Nostr is by using it regularly. The more active users, the stronger and more valuable the network becomes.

✅ Post, comment, and zap (send micro-payments via Bitcoin’s Lightning Network) to keep conversations flowing.\ ✅ Engage with new users and help them understand how Nostr works.\ ✅ Try different Nostr clients like Damus, Amethyst, Snort, or Primal and provide feedback to improve the experience.

Your activity keeps the network alive and helps encourage more developers and relay operators to invest in the ecosystem.

---

2️⃣ Run Your Own Nostr Relay

Relays are the backbone of Nostr, responsible for distributing messages across the network. The more independent relays exist, the stronger and more censorship-resistant Nostr becomes.

✅ Set up your own relay to help decentralize the network further.\ ✅ Experiment with relay configurations and different performance optimizations.\ ✅ Offer public or private relay services to users looking for high-quality infrastructure.

If you're not technical, you can still support relay operators by subscribing to a paid relay or donating to open-source relay projects.

---

3️⃣ Support Paid Relays & Infrastructure

Free relays have helped Nostr grow, but they struggle with spam, slow speeds, and sustainability issues. Paid relays help fund better infrastructure, faster message delivery, and a more reliable experience.

✅ Subscribe to a paid relay to help keep it running.\ ✅ Use premium services like media hosting (e.g., Azzamo Blossom) to decentralize content storage.\ ✅ Donate to relay operators who invest in long-term infrastructure.

By funding Nostr’s decentralized backbone, you help ensure its longevity and reliability.

---

4️⃣ Zap Developers, Creators & Builders

Many people contribute to Nostr without direct financial compensation—developers who build clients, relay operators, educators, and content creators. You can support them with zaps! ⚡

✅ Find developers working on Nostr projects and send them a zap.\ ✅ Support content creators and educators who spread awareness about Nostr.\ ✅ Encourage builders by donating to open-source projects.

Micro-payments via the Lightning Network make it easy to directly support the people who make Nostr better.

---

5️⃣ Develop New Nostr Apps & Tools

If you're a developer, you can build on Nostr’s open protocol to create new apps, bots, or tools. Nostr is permissionless, meaning anyone can develop for it.

✅ Create new Nostr clients with unique features and user experiences.\ ✅ Build bots or automation tools that improve engagement and usability.\ ✅ Experiment with decentralized identity, authentication, and encryption to make Nostr even stronger.

With no corporate gatekeepers, your projects can help shape the future of decentralized social media.

---

6️⃣ Promote & Educate Others About Nostr

Adoption grows when more people understand and use Nostr. You can help by spreading awareness and creating educational content.

✅ Write blogs, guides, and tutorials explaining how to use Nostr.\ ✅ Make videos or social media posts introducing new users to the protocol.\ ✅ Host discussions, Twitter Spaces, or workshops to onboard more people.

The more people understand and trust Nostr, the stronger the ecosystem becomes.

---

7️⃣ Support Open-Source Nostr Projects

Many Nostr tools and clients are built by volunteers, and open-source projects thrive on community support.

✅ Contribute code to existing Nostr projects on GitHub.\ ✅ Report bugs and suggest features to improve Nostr clients.\ ✅ Donate to developers who keep Nostr free and open for everyone.

If you're not a developer, you can still help with testing, translations, and documentation to make projects more accessible.

---

🚀 Every Contribution Strengthens Nostr

Whether you:

✔️ Post and engage daily\ ✔️ Zap creators and developers\ ✔️ Run or support relays\ ✔️ Build new apps and tools\ ✔️ Educate and onboard new users

Every action helps make Nostr more resilient, decentralized, and unstoppable.

Nostr isn’t just another social network—it’s a movement toward a free and open internet. If you believe in digital freedom, privacy, and decentralization, now is the time to get involved.

@ 16d11430:61640947

We are standing at the precipice of the next AI revolution—and it won’t be fueled by bigger models, more GPUs, or corporate-controlled neural networks. Instead, 2025 will be the year AI breaks free from its current limitations. The technology that will lead this charge? Elliptical AI.

---

1. The AI Bottleneck is Real—Elliptical AI Solves It

The Problem: LLMs Are Hitting Their Limits

Skyrocketing Costs: Training an LLM like GPT-4 costs millions of dollars, requiring massive centralized infrastructure.

Diminishing Returns: Scaling neural networks doesn’t necessarily improve intelligence, just brute-force pattern recognition.

Security Risks: LLMs are easily hacked, manipulated, and jailbroken—a ticking time bomb for cybersecurity.

The Solution: Elliptical AI's Efficiency and Security

Compression at a Fundamental Level: Elliptical AI encodes intelligence using elliptic curve mathematics, reducing the computational overhead.

Deterministic Reasoning: Unlike LLMs, which guess based on probability, Elliptical AI computes answers logically.

Unbreakable Cryptography: AI models that are quantum-resistant, ensuring secure, trustless computation.

---

1. The End of LLM Centralization—Decentralized Intelligence is Coming

The Problem: AI is Controlled by a Few Tech Giants

The world's AI infrastructure is monopolized by OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, and a handful of corporations.

Decentralized AI does not exist—all current AI models rely on cloud-based processing.

These companies control who gets access, how AI behaves, and what data it trains on.

The Solution: Elliptical AI Enables Decentralized AI Networks

No need for centralized cloud models—Elliptical AI can run on lightweight hardware.

Cryptographically secure AI nodes can be distributed across blockchain-based networks.

AI becomes trustless, transparent, and immune to centralized censorship.

---

1. AI Security Will Become the #1 Priority in 2025

The Problem: AI is Becoming a Major Cybersecurity Threat

AI Jailbreaking: Users are already breaking security controls on LLMs, making them potential weapons of mass disinformation.

Quantum Computing Threats: Existing AI models rely on weak cryptographic security, making them vulnerable to post-quantum attacks.

AI-Generated Attacks: Malicious actors are using LLMs to automate hacking, phishing, and financial fraud.

The Solution: Elliptical AI is Quantum-Secure from Day One

Elliptic curve encryption is the backbone of modern security—integrating it into AI makes it unbreakable.

AI computations can be cryptographically verified, eliminating adversarial manipulation.

Zero-Knowledge AI Agents: Elliptical AI can process secure computations without revealing sensitive data.

---

1. The Neural Age: AI and Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) Will Merge

The Problem: Current AI Cannot Interface With The Brain

LLMs are not built to integrate with human cognition.

BCIs like Neuralink need a better encoding system for brain signals.

AI is still a tool, not an extension of thought.

The Solution: Elliptical AI Encodes Neural Activity as Cryptographic Structures

Elliptic curve mappings can represent neural activity in a way that is both secure and structured.

AI that is embedded into human cognition, not just external software.

A true digital consciousness, where humans and AI co-process thought securely.

---

1. AI-Powered Financial and Scientific Breakthroughs

The Problem: AI Sucks at Math and Scientific Discovery

LLMs approximate answers rather than computing them precisely.

AI-driven financial models still rely on flawed statistical methods.

Scientific discovery demands structured reasoning, which LLMs cannot provide.

The Solution: Elliptical AI’s Deterministic Reasoning Model

AI that can precisely compute equations, not just guess.

Secure AI agents for financial modeling and algorithmic trading.

An AI-driven scientific revolution, discovering new physics, chemistry, and mathematical proofs.

---

Conclusion: 2025 is the Year AI Becomes Secure, Decentralized, and Truly Intelligent

The LLM era is peaking. Costs are exploding, centralization is a growing problem, and security is a nightmare. The next wave of AI will not be about bigger models—it will be about smarter architecture.

Elliptical AI is poised to: 🚀 Outperform LLMs in structured reasoning 🔐 Become the foundation of AI security and encryption ⚡ Enable decentralized AI that is trustless and censorship-resistant 🧠 Merge AI with human cognition through brain-computer interfaces

This isn’t just another AI evolution—this is a fundamental redefinition of what AI even is.

2025 will be remembered as the year AI stopped guessing and started thinking. Elliptical AI will lead the charge.

@ 16f1a010:31b1074b

In the rapidly evolving world of Bitcoin, running a Bitcoin node has become more accessible than ever. Platforms like Umbrel, Start9, myNode, and Citadel offer user-friendly interfaces to simplify node management. However, for those serious about maintaining a robust and efficient Lightning node ⚡, relying solely on these platforms may not be the optimal choice.

Let’s delve into why embracing Bitcoin Core and mastering the command-line interface (CLI) can provide a more reliable, sovereign, and empowering experience.

Understanding Node Management Platforms

What Are Umbrel, Start9, myNode, and Citadel?

Umbrel, Start9, myNode, and Citadel are platforms designed to streamline the process of running a Bitcoin node. They offer graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that allow users to manage various applications, including Bitcoin Core and Lightning Network nodes, through a web-based dashboard 🖥️.

These platforms often utilize Docker containers 🐳 to encapsulate applications, providing a modular and isolated environment for each service.

The Appeal of Simplified Node Management

The primary allure of these platforms lies in their simplicity. With minimal command-line interaction, users can deploy a full Bitcoin and Lightning node, along with a suite of additional applications.

✅ Easy one-command installation
✅ Web-based GUI for management
✅ Automatic app updates (but with delays, as we’ll discuss)

However, while this convenience is attractive, it comes at a cost.

The Hidden Complexities of Using Node Management Platforms

While the user-friendly nature of these platforms is advantageous, it can also introduce several challenges that may hinder advanced users or those seeking greater control over their nodes.

🚨 Dependency on Maintainers for Updates

One significant concern is the reliance on platform maintainers for updates. Since these platforms manage applications through Docker containers, users must wait for the maintainers to update the container images before they can access new features or security patches.

🔴 Delayed Bitcoin Core updates = potential security risks
🔴 Lightning Network updates are not immediate
🔴 Bugs and vulnerabilities may persist longer

Instead of waiting on a third party, why not update Bitcoin Core & LND yourself instantly?

⚙️ Challenges in Customization and Advanced Operations

For users aiming to perform advanced operations, such as:

• Custom backups 📂
• Running specific CLI commands 🖥️
• Optimizing node settings ⚡

…the abstraction layers introduced by these platforms become obstacles.

Navigating through nested directories and issuing commands inside Docker containers makes troubleshooting a nightmare. Instead of a simple bitcoin-cli command, you must figure out how to execute it inside the container, adding unnecessary complexity.

Increased Backend Complexity

To achieve frontend simplicity, these platforms make the backend more complex.

🚫 Extra layers of abstraction
🚫 Hidden logs and settings
🚫 Harder troubleshooting

The use of multiple Docker containers, custom scripts, and unique file structures can make system maintenance and debugging a pain.

This complication defeats the purpose of “making running a node easy.”

✅ Advantages of Using Bitcoin Core and Command-Line Interface (CLI)

By installing Bitcoin Core directly and using the command-line interface (CLI), you gain several key advantages that make managing a Bitcoin and Lightning node more efficient and empowering.

Direct Control and Immediate Updates

One of the biggest downsides of package manager-based platforms is the reliance on third-party maintainers to release updates. Since Bitcoin Core, Lightning implementations (such as LND, Core Lightning, or Eclair), and other related software evolve rapidly, waiting for platform-specific updates can leave you running outdated or vulnerable versions.

By installing Bitcoin Core directly, you remove this dependency. You can update immediately when new versions are released, ensuring your node benefits from the latest features, security patches, and bug fixes. The same applies to Lightning software—being able to install and update it yourself gives you full autonomy over your node’s performance and security.

🛠 Simplified System Architecture

Platforms like Umbrel and myNode introduce extra complexity by running Bitcoin Core and Lightning inside Docker containers. This means:

• The actual files and configurations are stored inside Docker’s filesystem, making it harder to locate and manage them manually.
• If something breaks, troubleshooting is more difficult due to the added layer of abstraction.
• Running commands requires jumping through Docker shell sessions, adding unnecessary friction to what should be a straightforward process.

Instead, a direct installation of Bitcoin Core, Lightning, and Electrum Server (if needed) results in a cleaner, more understandable system. The software runs natively on your machine, without containerized layers making things more convoluted.

Additionally, setting up your own systemd service files for Bitcoin and Lightning is not as complicated as it seems. Once configured, these services will run automatically on boot, offering the same level of convenience as platforms like Umbrel but without the unnecessary complexity.

Better Lightning Node Management

If you’re running a Lightning Network node, using CLI-based tools provides far more flexibility than relying on a GUI like the ones bundled with node management platforms.

🟢 Custom Backup Strategies – Running Lightning through a GUI-based node manager often means backups are handled in a way that is opaque to the user. With CLI tools, you can easily script automatic backups of your channels, wallets, and configurations.

🟢 Advanced Configuration – Platforms like Umbrel force certain configurations by default, limiting how you can customize your Lightning node. With a direct install, you have full control over: * Channel fees 💰 * Routing policies 📡 * Liquidity management 🔄

🟢 Direct Access to LND, Core Lightning, or Eclair – Instead of issuing commands through a GUI (which is often limited in functionality), you can use: * lncli (for LND) * lightning-cli (for Core Lightning) …to interact with your node at a deeper level.

Enhanced Learning and Engagement

A crucial aspect of running a Bitcoin and Lightning node is understanding how it works.

Using an abstraction layer like Umbrel may get a node running in a few clicks, but it does little to teach users how Bitcoin actually functions.

By setting up Bitcoin Core, Lightning, and related software manually, you will:

✅ Gain practical knowledge of Bitcoin nodes, networking, and system performance.
✅ Learn how to configure and manage RPC commands.
✅ Become less reliant on third-party developers and more confident in troubleshooting.

🎯 Running a Bitcoin node is about sovereignty – learn how to control it yourself.

Become more sovereign TODAY

Many guides make this process straightforward K3tan has a fantastic guide on running Bitcoin Core, Electrs, LND and more.
- Ministry of Nodes Guide 2024
- You can find him on nostr
nostr:npub1txwy7guqkrq6ngvtwft7zp70nekcknudagrvrryy2wxnz8ljk2xqz0yt4x

Even with the best of guides, if you are running this software,
📖 READ THE DOCUMENTATION

This is all just software at the end of the day. Most of it is very well documented. Take a moment to actually read through the documentation for yourself when installing. The documentation has step by step guides on setting up the software. Here is a helpful list: * Bitcoin.org Bitcoin Core Linux install instructions * Bitcoin Core Code Repository * Electrs Installation * LND Documentation * LND Code Repository * CLN Documentation * CLN Code Repository

If you have any more resources or links I should add, please comment them . I want to add as much to this article as I can.

@ f33c8a96:5ec6f741

@ fad5c183:5cb8046b

Bitcoin has been promoted as the ultimate solution to fiat money problems. Its supporters see it as the "salvation of humanity," but a more critical look reveals a less hopeful reality. Throughout this analysis, we will break down its fundamental issues, from its disproportionate energy consumption to its exclusionary system that favors only a few.

1. Bitcoin and Its Irrational Energy Consumption

Bitcoin uses a system called Proof of Work (PoW), in which miners solve extremely complex mathematical problems to validate transactions. This process:

Consumes more energy than entire countries, such as Argentina or the Netherlands.

Generates no tangible value outside the Bitcoin ecosystem.

Has a significant environmental impact, as many mining farms rely on fossil fuels.

If Bitcoin's goal is to replace fiat money, is it sustainable for each transaction to consume so much energy?

2. Creation Limit: Is Bitcoin Really for Everyone?

Bitcoin has a fixed limit of 21 million coins, which creates two problems:

Early adopters hold most of the supply. Today, a small percentage of addresses control most of the Bitcoin supply.

It becomes increasingly difficult to acquire. Latecomers can only buy at inflated prices.

Given that the world's population is 8 billion people, if Bitcoin were distributed equally, each person would have only 0.0026 BTC on average. But in reality:

Millions of Bitcoin are permanently lost.

Wealth concentration follows the same pattern as traditional currencies.

3. Bitcoin Is Not Practical as a Currency

Although Lightning Network and Nostr have made transactions faster and cheaper, Bitcoin’s structural problems remain:

Highly volatile. How can you trust a currency that can gain or lose 50% of its value in weeks?

Low real-world adoption. Even in El Salvador, where Bitcoin is legal tender, most people still prefer the US dollar.

Service centralization. Despite being marketed as decentralized, many users rely on platforms like Binance or Coinbase.

4. Blockchain: Revolution or Overhyped Technology?

Blockchain is often touted as a game-changer, but in practice:

Traditional databases are more efficient and faster.

Decentralization is partially a myth. Large holders and mining pools control the network.

Few real-world use cases outside of cryptocurrency. Many companies that tested blockchain have returned to conventional systems because they are cheaper and more functional.

5. The End of the Cycle: What Happens When All Bitcoin Are Mined?

When the last Bitcoin is mined in 2140, miners will only earn from transaction fees. This raises two scenarios:

If fees are low, miners may abandon the network due to lack of incentives.

If fees are high, Bitcoin will become too expensive for most users.

Conclusion: Is Bitcoin Salvation or the New Digital Oligarchy?

Bitcoin does not democratize wealth; it simply redistributes it to a new digital elite. Although its advocates present it as an alternative to fiat money, its exclusionary structure and dependence on large players make it replicate the same inequalities as the traditional financial system.

If we truly seek a fair financial solution, is Bitcoin the right path or just another way to concentrate power in the hands of a few?

@ cf48b35a:60a5c729

Stuff

Click this link!

@ 2f4550b0:95f20096

Social media has a way of pulling us in. One minute you’re checking a friend’s post, the next you’re three hours deep into a rabbit hole of melting ice caps, cryptic X threads, and memes of the day. It’s called doomscrolling, that compulsive trawl through the digital abyss, and it’s practically a modern ritual. But what’s the soundtrack to this chaos? And more importantly, how do we musically coax ourselves back to reality, where grass grows, waves crash, and phones aren’t glued to our hands? Let’s dive into two playlists: one to lean into the doomscrolling vibe, and another to ease back out of it.

The Doomscrolling Soundtrack: Embrace the Descent

Doomscrolling isn’t a sprint—it’s a slow, hypnotic sink into unease. The perfect background music mirrors that: brooding, immersive, and just unsettling enough to keep you scrolling. Think dark ambient and industrial tones: Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’s Social Network soundtrack is a masterclass here, with its glitchy synths and pulsing dread. Add Tim Hecker’s droning soundscapes for that melancholic haze, or layer in some lo-fi beats with a dystopian twist. Think slow, distorted, like the apocalypse is coming but you’ve still got Wi-Fi. A track like Radiohead’s “Everything In Its Right Place” fits perfectly, too. Its eerie repetition matches the trance of endless posts about collapsing ecosystems or alien cover-ups.

Keep the tempo mid-to-low, around 60-90 BPM, with heavy bass and sparse vocals. Lyrics just clutter the mind when you’re decoding some unhinged X rant. This playlist isn’t about enjoyment—it’s about sinking deeper, soundtracking the slow-motion trainwreck you can’t unsee. It’s the audio equivalent of a flickering fluorescent light in a bunker.

The “Touch Grass” Playlist: Climbing Back to Reality

But what if you want out? What if the doomscrolling spiral has left you jittery and you’re ready to trade the screen for sunlight? That’s where a softer, more grounding playlist comes in. Get yourself a musical lifeline to the real world. Swap the synths for acoustics, the dread for hope. Think Jack Johnson’s beachy vibes. “Better Together” or “Banana Pancakes” from his mid-2000s heyday still radiate that barefoot, ocean-side calm. Dated? Maybe. Timeless for unplugging? Absolutely.

Build on that with Donavon Frankenreiter’s soulful, sunny, and unhurried “Free” or Ben Howard’s “Old Pine”, a folk gem with a coastal echo. Angus & Julia Stone’s “Big Jet Plane” adds a warm, open-sky lift, while Nick Drake’s “Pink Moon” brings introspective stillness. Keep it organic with acoustic guitars, soft strings, maybe a brushed drum or shaker.

Keep the tempo slow but flowing, 50-70 BPM, like waves on a shore. For an extra nudge, weave in a natural soundscape like gentle waves and chirping birds to remind you there’s a world beyond the algorithm. This isn’t about jarring you awake; it’s a gentle hand on the shoulder saying, “Hey, the grass and sand are still out there.”

Why Music Matters

Music shapes our headspace, especially with social media. Doomscrolling thrives on tension and a dark, droning playlist amplifies that pull, keeping us locked in. But a warm, acoustic shift can break the spell, nudging us toward balance. One playlist mirrors the chaos; the other mends it. Next time you’re scrolling X into the wee hours, try the industrial hum. When you’re ready to breathe again, let Jack Johnson and a wave-crashing track bring you back. Social media’s grip is strong, but the right tune might just set you free.

@ f288a224:1da1792c

First, some context.

I'm a child of the original internet chat-rooms on IRC, and I've tried over the last decades different applications and websites that we could all agree are "social media", but until I found NOSTR (Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays) I hadn't had this certainty that this isn't something that I will eventually change for something else.

Today, even with all its early stage issues, I have the certainty that NOSTR may be the ULTIMATE and FINAL HOME for my online life.

THE PROBLEMS with the current/old social media landscape

I'm tired of moving from one social media to the next.

As many of you, in my digital lifetime I've had many accounts that have now become obsolete; and the "content" and followings I created during that time was lost when one tech giant lost over the other, forcing us all to "MOVE" ourselves over to the new, and start building our content and following from scratch.

Lately, it's become even worse, where many of us have seen ourselves forced to use and feed more than one social media at a time, since they all serve various purposes, with sometimes diverse functionality, besides all being catered to different segments of people to connect you to (LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Youtube...). How much is too much, though? And how much time should we keep spending re-adapting our content to reach all of our network?

For work, I've found myself having to create accounts in several of these giant data hoarding companies, having to build each following from scratch and to create "content" for all, and having to go through the hurdle of posting everything, everywhere, all at once.

I'm sick of ever-changing terms, conditions and capabilities.

Let's be honest, the majority of us have never ever read the full terms and conditions, let alone every time they are updated without us knowing which rights to our data we are giving away, and which terms we are accepting that may be detrimental to us and our mental health.

We've learnt to accept that we are in their playground, they make up the rules, and if they choose to change the rules mid-game we just need to swallow it. We literally have no other choice, it's either that or desertion, which basically means walking away from everything we've built on their "public square". So, like a carefully engineered detrimental incentive structure, the more time we spend building on their turf, the more we are tied to them and conditioned to never leave them. The more we build and make them grow on our content, the more we'll lose if or when we drop out.

And even if you accept all that and choose to play along, and you do your best to create the most awesome account in the neighborhood, the random changes they make to optimize ad revenue or user attention will inevitably affect you and all your work.

If you created all your feed according to Instagram's squares but they choose to change to TikTok style dimensions due to their tech positioning battle with the Chinese giant... You swallow. If you edited your reels according to what you felt was the best 100 seconds video... Not anymore, suddenly 90 seconds is the maximum you're allowed... No appeal, no options. You Swallow. What? Seeing less of the people you actually WANT TO FOLLOW because they decided to clutter your feed with ads and suggestions, guess again: YOU SWALLOW.

AREN'T YOU FEELING FULL ENOUGH OF ALL THE SHIT THEY'VE FORCED DOWN YOUR THROAT?

Living our digital lives on these platforms feels like standing on ever changing quicksand, never endingly trying to "hack the algorithm" in order to have our content placed in front of the people who should automatically be able to see us from the moment they chose to follow us; and the worst part of it is, you never know when you may lose it all.

Let's not forget, your social media account is NOT REALLY YOURS.

Recently, a friend's social media account was hacked. She didn't know how it happened; all she knew is that she got an email from Meta saying she had acted against community guidelines and her accounts were therefore being removed (the one hacked and all those liked to her email, which meant personal and work accounts). She tried to appeal, to no avail. She hadn't done anything wrong, but suddenly her identity had disappeared from all our feeds, and her content didn't exist anywhere anymore. She lost plenty of photos she had always counted on finding on her Instagram and lost the people she followed and who followed her. It was as if she had never existed on the platform.

(Looks like a good moment to remind you to download all your valued content from the platforms you use in case something like this happens to you)

And this happened to someone who hadn't done anything "to deserve it". It has actually happened to more than one person I know, and every time they've been helpless and had no recourse, and yet, found themselves having to rebuild from scratch on the same platform that de-platformed them, because they had "no other option", and "their friends are there".

Many more people have encountered this awful wake up call, some because of a hack, like my friend, others found themselves removed because they posted content critical of the platform... there are so many reasons people have gotten de-platformed and posts have gotten deleted without warning. And every time, we accept it, as if we owe them something; as if we need to settle for this kind of abusive environment that gets rich on our content and attention without having a say in anything.

But we do have another option that flips that attention retention model completely on its head and empowers the user. That option is NOSTR, our exit from the extractive social media silos they have trapped us into.

NOSTR: The better social experience for the internet era.

NOSTR (Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays) is not a social media app, it's an Internet protocol. It's open source and many many developers around the world are creating apps on top of it and creating THE ULTIMATE SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERIENCE for users.

I first heard of NOSTR from Jack Dorsey on what used to be called Twitter, and when I joined it two years ago it was really rough around the edges, but it was FULL OF POTENTIAL and the value proposition was very clear to me from the beginning.

Firstly, YOU OWN YOUR IDENTITY, that includes your content and your follower list.

So, what does owning you identity mean? I guess many of us have thought we owned our identity before, but the reality is that the platforms owned our identities, which is why they could delete or censor us.

Owning your identity on NOSTR is empowered by encryption and cryptography. I'm not going to go into the technical part, but to explain as simply as I can, on NOSTR no platform owns your login and password to use on their playground; you can basically use any NOSTR app to create your identity to navigate it. They give you a login (npub) and password (nsec), and the magic part is that you can USE THAT IDENTITY ON ANY NOSTR APP OR WEBSITE, no need to sign up individually on each one.

Welcome to the beauty of INTEROPERABILITY.

I cannot emphasize enough what it feels like to be able to take your identity, your followers, your content and carry it from one app to the other.

On NOSTR there is a rich ecosystem of apps and websites that keep growing. We have "clients" that allow you to experience NOSTR in interfaces that could remind you of Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Substack, Twitch, Clubhouse, Podcast apps and many more. You can find many of them on https://nostrapps.com/ .

With that information in mind, imagine you only needed one user password, your NOSTR nsec, and with that key, you could open you Instagram, or your Twitch or your Substack. And all your followers would be there, and you could choose what type of content you wanted to link to your identity for your followers to find. No longer "find link in bio", or "go to our YouTube channel", everything you post on NOSTR is tied to your identity, and you can post it all with a single set of keys that posts your content "everywhere".

And since your content is "in every client", each of YOUR FOLLOWERS CAN CHOOSE if they are more interested in experiencing your photography content "Insta-like" or if they love your "Twitter-esque" notes better. Each user navigates NOSTR with the interface they prefer.

(With great power comes great responsibility, and I feel obligated to tell you that if you ever lose your nsec, no platform is gonna be able to save you. It's like the keys to your house, unless you keep a copy safely, no one can open it for you (there are no locksmiths on NOSTR). And if you leave your keys lying around on a cloud server somewhere, someone may grab your keys, open your house and use it however they want).

The beauty of this interoperability and the fact that my keys open up my identity to all the NOSTR realms is that you don't need to settle for one client. I use 5 to 6 clients regularly everyday depending on the mood I'm in, (or the bugs that still prove this is a nascent ecosystem in development). Some I use when I want a more "Twitter-like" experience, others when I want to browse photos and others just give different algorithms to choose how to view my feed, and the best part is NO ONE CAN CLUTTER MY FEED WITH ADS. I can curate my feed however is most important to me, and each "NOSTR client" is like a different skin that customizes the way I experience the content.

However, the most important reason I started to use different NOSTR apps was that when I started, not all apps had zapping integrated. Some still don't, but most do :)

ZAPS: direct micropayments from your followers.

Zaps are tips that come directly from the people who find value in the shit that you post. They are micropayments in the form of "sats", fractions of ever-increasing in value bitcoin , and a very big reason why I'm spending less and less time on other social media accumulating valueless likes that only feed the algorithm, and more time on NOSTR interacting with humans that post valuable notes hoping the generous souls that run upon their art or creations will find them valuable enough to tip them for it.

It's crazy how the type of content you post can change when your incentive is not to feed an algo, but to give real value to other humans around the world and be your most authentic self. Where Twitter/X's algo benefited the type of incendiary content that shocked and outraged people, NOSTR's incentives benefit those who bring most value to the network and their peers.

A few sats tip may not seem much, but even if the equivalent of a small zap is merely cents, it feels a whole lot better than any like, and you can count that if the purchasing power of bitcoin continues to accrue, those value-earned tips will too. Many "nostriches" are getting tons of zaps for memes on NOSTR, valuable articles, videos or participation in zapathons .

In NOSTR is where I first heard of the concept "value for value", and the community is very adamant in making "v4v" an alternative to ad revenue driven models. Because we need to be the change we wanna see in the world.

We've heard it said that if you're not paying for the product, you are the product. And up until now that has meant we felt obliged to accept that since ads were paying the platforms, we were required to give them our attention. But the open source movement thinks we deserve better. We deserve a better Internet, like the decentralized promise we've slowly been robbed of to enrich 10 people out of the work of all of us. If they can't monetize our attention, they got nothing.

But why should they monetize it, instead of us?

Even with the glitches and bugs, NOSTR ROCKS!

The things I've grown to love most about NOSTR are:

• Not having the clutter of ads on my feed and being able to ONLY SEE WHAT I CHOOSE TO SEE.

• People who are not on NOSTR can ENJOY MY STUFF WITHOUT HAVING TO LOGIN.

• Being able to ENJOY ALL THE BENEFITS OF INTEROPERABILITY, and use many NOSTR clients that enrich my user experience knowing I own my identity and that means I'm not locked in, I can move like a bird wherever I decide.

• ZAPPING complete strangers that made me laugh, gave me a cool insight or simply made a witty comment.

• GETTING TIPPED for memes, articles, photos, videos and any "Notes and Other Stuff" that people have found valuable.

CONCLUSION: Join us on NOSTR, participate in claiming back your digital life.

If you've made it this far in my love letter to NOSTR, thank you for being interested. Curious minds is what the world needs more of <3.

NOSTR is an ecosystem that is being built in the open by relentless developers that are continuously striving to out compete each other to offer a better user experience, it's a many headed dragon that has constant upgrades and implementations which benefits us all, and as such it sometimes comes with bugs and glitches.

Building the future is always buggy and requires testers and early adopters that help shape the technology in the best way possible, especially if you wanna build outside the incentive models of the devouring giants we're trying to get away from.

Being such an open ecosystem can also be overwhelming for a newcomer, where to start? There are so many clients to experience; so here are some of my recommendations.

Please, don't feel you need to go through all of them now, start step by step. This article will always be here whenever you need it (this is not Instagram ;) ).

Creating your NOSTR identity/account with a wallet integrated to receive zaps on both Android and iOS:

• YAKIHONNE: It's a Japanese client that offers a great on-boarding experience. From the app you can create the account and enable a wallet to receive zaps. In it you can view and post short and long form content, images, videos and more. (Once you have the account created on your app, you can also visit the desktop version on https://yakihonne.com/ )

• PRIMAL: For a while it has positioned itself as a great on-boarding NOSTR client because it offers the same things as Yakihonne, has an integrated wallet, with the added benefit that you can also "buy sats/bitcoin" directly from its wallet, which can come in handy (it comes with a 15-30% premium, so only use for small amounts). It also has the desktop version at primal.net.

My favorite NOSTR iOS PHONE APPS after on-boarding, in case you wanna hop into different user experiences:

• DAMUS: created by the original creator of the "ZAP", Will Casarin, it's an iOS simple client that is reliable and fast with notifications. It keeps things simple, mostly focusing on short note content, although you can also see images and short video. But the feed is optimized as a more "Twitter-like" feed.

• NOSTUR: The iOS phone client that has it all! It's the client I've used that integrates the most of NOSTR's possibilities, you can see all of the mentioned above with the previous clients, but also view LIVE STREAMS, and have multiple accounts set up simultaneously. The enhanced capabilities can sometimes come at the cost of crashing or being slow to load.

• FREERSE: Nice clean user interface with plenty of functionality, with easy navigation on topics like #art #photography or any other interests. It's my always reliable back-up to upload image content.

• OLAS: The new kid on the block Olas client, by prolific developer Pablof7z, is trying to take on Instagram and TikTok and has developed a client mainly focused on the visual and photographic part of NOSTR.

Desktop clients & OTHER GEMS OF THE NOSTR REALM:

There is an infinite number of clients for desktop, but I usually find myself on ditto.pub or slidestr.net for a more visual experience.

• ALBY is INTEROPERABILITY'S BEST FRIEND. Alby is not a NOSTR client, but it's a browser extension that makes it seamless to jump from one desktop client to another with your wallet and identity without compromising your security.

• HIVETALK: A video call client (reminiscent of Zoom) that doesn't track you or spy on you and that enables zapping and many other functionalities during the calls.

• NOSTR NESTS: Audio spaces client that allows people to listen to conversations, chat within it and zap the people involved.

if you made it this far, THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION.

HOPE YOU FOUND VALUE IN IT AND UNDERSTOOD WHY, FOR ME, THE FUTURE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IS BRIGHT, OPEN AND USER-CENTRIC.

FUCK THE MIDDLEMEN.

@ 8d34bd24:414be32b

Last night I was reading Jeremiah 24 and I read the parable of the figs. I’ve read this passage many times, but suddenly I saw the irony of the situation.

The Story of the Good and Bad Figs

After Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and the officials of Judah with the craftsmen and smiths from Jerusalem and had brought them to Babylon, the Lord showed me: behold, two baskets of figs set before the temple of the Lord! One basket had very good figs, like first-ripe figs, and the other basket had very bad figs which could not be eaten due to rottenness. Then the Lord said to me, “What do you see, Jeremiah?” And I said, “Figs, the good figs, very good; and the bad figs, very bad, which cannot be eaten due to rottenness.”

Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘Like these good figs, so I will regard as good the captives of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans. For I will set My eyes on them for good, and I will bring them again to this land; and I will build them up and not overthrow them, and I will plant them and not pluck them up. I will give them a heart to know Me, for I am the Lord; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart.

‘But like the bad figs which cannot be eaten due to rottenness—indeed, thus says the Lord—so I will abandon Zedekiah king of Judah and his officials, and the remnant of Jerusalem who remain in this land and the ones who dwell in the land of Egypt. I will make them a terror and an evil for all the kingdoms of the earth, as a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse in all places where I will scatter them. I will send the sword, the famine and the pestilence upon them until they are destroyed from the land which I gave to them and their forefathers.’ ” (Jeremiah 24:1-10) {Emphasis mine}

God tells Jeremiah about two baskets of figs, one very good and one very bad. He then goes on to describe those Israelites who were kidnapped by Nebuchadnezzar and hauled off to Babylon and those that got to remain in Israel in their homes. Who would you think God was blessing and who would you think God was punishing? I would think the person hauled off into captivity was being punished and the one that got to stay in their comfortable home was being blessed, but it was the opposite.

God said, “‘Like these good figs, so I will regard as good the captives of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans. For I will set My eyes on them for good, and I will bring them again to this land; and I will build them up and not overthrow them, and I will plant them and not pluck them up.” (Jeremiah 24:5b-6) Those that got hauled away were being blessed. They were being protected from the judgment that God was about to bestow on Israel for their sin. It would have been very easy for the captives to moan, “Woe is us. Why would God do such horrible things to us?” even though God was protecting them. It would have been very easy for those who remained to think, “Those captives must have sinned very badly. Luckily, God doesn’t have any problems with me.”

Instead God was punishing those who remained in Israel. He said,

But like the bad figs which cannot be eaten due to rottenness—indeed, thus says the Lord—so I will abandon Zedekiah king of Judah and his officials, and the remnant of Jerusalem who remain in this land and the ones who dwell in the land of Egypt. I will make them a terror and an evil for all the kingdoms of the earth, as a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse in all places where I will scatter them. I will send the sword, the famine and the pestilence upon them until they are destroyed from the land which I gave to them and their forefathers.’  (Jeremiah 24:8-10) {Emphasis mine}

While those who weren’t dragged away into captivity were congratulating themselves, the judgment of God fell upon them because they had rejected their God and were depending on the blessings promised to their ancestors.

Those who were hauled into captivity were blessed and multiplied and then brought back to the promised land 70 years later. Even when they were not feeling blessed, God told them how to live in order to be blessed.

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon, ‘Build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and become the fathers of sons and daughters, and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; and multiply there and do not decrease. Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare. (Jeremiah 29:4-7)

They were told to be fruitful and multiply in both a financial and a familial way. They were told to work hard while waiting for the fulfillment of God’s promises and in 70 years they and/or their families would return to the promised land.

In a like manner, we are to be fruitful and multiply in whatever situation or in whatever country God has placed us. We are to stay faithful to Him and to honor Him in all we do wherever He has placed us. Whether we are literal exiles in a foreign country or not, we are all exiles from heaven waiting for Jesus to return and call us home. We are called to be productive while we wait.

A Real Life Example of the Good Figs

I got to see a similar example in my own life. I went through what most people would call a hellish year in 2015, but every thing that happened was for a blessing and not for a curse. I got to see how trusting in the Lord with all my heart led to blessings I couldn’t imagine.

Technically our rough year started in November of 2014 with a flood and that is kind of how the next year felt. We had a house with hot water heat. Our family room had a large volume because the ceiling was two stories high. The room only had two heat registers. When we would get sub zero (F) temperatures, the room would drop in temperature, so we put in a wood and coal stove. It did a such a great job of heating the house that the heat wasn’t turning on and the pipes in the back office froze and burst the pipes. While we were at work, the temperatures warmed up, the pipes defrosted, and the water started streaming out flooding our entire downstairs. We then had get everything off the floor, flood cut the whole downstairs, and put in giant fans for 6 weeks to dry the wet floors and walls. It sounded like a 747 jet was sitting in the living room. I couldn’t hear myself think. It was very stressful, but that was just the beginning.

We had a fight with the insurance company for \~8 months. They agreed about everything needing to be fixed, but wanted to pay only about half the cost to fix it. We finally had to break down and hire a lawyer. We settled with the insurance company writing us a check for 90% of the price of repairs. This settlement was a blessing in disguise.

Because of the problems with our insurance company, we decided to switch to a new insurer. We set up to switch when our current policy expired. Ten days into our new policy, our house burnt down in a grass fire fueled by 60+ mph winds. In the main part of the house the only things recognizable were the coal stove and a 3 hour rated gun safe (that now looked like a cheap metal cabinet onto which someone dropped a nuclear bomb). We lost all of our physical possessions, but God had a plan.

The new insurance company sent their insurance adjuster out right away. In one month they had paid for the house, the trees, the barn, and a year’s rent in a nice rental house. We had more than half of the settlement left from the flood (we had bought a few supplies for fixing the house). Exactly one year and one month later, we moved into our paid off dream home (with a very fire resistant exterior). Of course God didn’t finish His blessings and lessons with the fire, there was more to come.

We moved into the rental house. (Ironically I was excited about all of the closet space even though I could fit all of my worldly possessions in a small suitcase. We humans are not always logical and we don’t let go of our physical possessions easily.) A month later, my husband’s car engine blew up. A month after that, my husband ruptured his Achilles tendon, had to go through surgery, and we were unable to travel to see family for Christmas as planned. It seemed like hardship, but the previous hardships had prepared us for this one.

The house that burnt down had all of the bedrooms upstairs, all of the living spaces downstairs, and very steep stairs. When my husband ruptured his other Achilles tendon eight years previously, he had to stay on the couch downstairs and couldn’t sleep in his bed. In our new rental house, the master bedroom was on the same level as the living areas and not more than 10 feet away. He could sleep in bed and then use crutches to move to the electric recliner that had been donated to us after the fire. It gently raised and lowered his injured leg. He could sit with us to eat (we set up a table on one side of the recliner) and be with us when we hung out on the couch (on the other side of him). We could talk while I worked in the kitchen. It was so much nicer to take care of him in the rental house than it would’ve been if the same thing had happened, but our house hadn’t burnt down.

Through this string of “tragedies,” we learned to trust God through every situation. We learned what was important (people not stuff). We got a nice, optimized, paid-off house. We received a story that we could share with others to bless them and help them trust in God. We grew closer together as a family. All four members of my family agree that if given the chance to make all of these “bad” things not happen, we would not choose to remove them. The blessings we received through them outweigh them more than you can imagine.

What About You?

What about you? Are you gong through hard times? We all do at some point in our lives. Are you looking for the good God is doing or are you blaming God for your hardship? Are you working to make the most of whatever situation you are in or are you seeking your own “better”?

My prayer is that God will give you what you need and not what you want and that He will answer your prayers in His best timing. I pray that you will see the wondrous works of God in you and through you and that you will grow in your faith in our very good God. Trust Him! Turn to Him! Rely on Him! God is good, all of the time.

Trust Jesus

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

The cryptocurrency world is on the verge of a groundbreaking transformation with the anticipated introduction of Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). This significant development is set to redefine the realm of crypto-investment, merging the innovative world of digital currencies with the established domain of traditional finance. Bitcoin ETFs represent a monumental shift, not just as a novel investment option, but as a revolutionary bridge connecting the cutting-edge technology of cryptocurrencies with the more familiar territory of stock market investments. This fusion is poised to unlock a new level of accessibility, drawing mainstream investors into the Bitcoin sphere, who were previously hesitant due to the complexities and perceived risks associated with direct cryptocurrency dealings.

Table of Contents

• The Emergence of Bitcoin ETFs

  • Unveiling Opportunities

  • Confronting the Dangers

• The Road Ahead

• Expanding the Horizon

  • Enhanced Market Dynamics

  • Technological Advancements

  • Educational Initiatives

  • Global Impact

• Conclusion

• FAQs

The Emergence of Bitcoin ETFs

Bitcoin ETFs are poised to revolutionize the cryptocurrency market. They offer a streamlined avenue for investment in Bitcoin, bypassing the intricacies of direct ownership such as wallet management and key security. This simplicity could democratize Bitcoin investment, potentially enhancing its liquidity and stability.

Unveiling Opportunities

• Broader Investor Appeal: Bitcoin ETFs simplify cryptocurrency investment, making it more approachable for the average investor and traditional financial players. This could lead to wider adoption and recognition of Bitcoin as a viable asset class.

• Influx of Institutional Capital: ETFs could catalyze a surge of institutional funds into the Bitcoin market. Institutions, previously hesitant due to regulatory and security concerns, might view ETFs as a safer investment avenue.

• Market Evolution: The advent of Bitcoin ETFs signals a maturation of the cryptocurrency market, transitioning towards regulated, mainstream financial products. This evolution could bolster investor confidence and market stability.

Confronting the Dangers

The introduction of Bitcoin ETFs is not devoid of risks and challenges.

• Amplified Volatility: Bitcoin's notorious volatility could be intensified by the influx of new investors via ETFs, particularly if large capital movements occur swiftly.

• Regulatory Hurdles: The evolving regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies could become more complex with Bitcoin ETFs, inviting stricter regulations that may impact the market dynamics.

• Systemic Implications: Integrating Bitcoin into the traditional financial system through ETFs could introduce new systemic risks. A significant downturn in Bitcoin's value might have broader implications for investors and funds linked to these ETFs.

The Road Ahead

As the Bitcoin ETF era dawns, investors should exercise caution. The potential of Bitcoin ETFs is substantial, but the accompanying risks warrant serious consideration. Investors should engage in comprehensive research and assess their risk appetite before engaging with these new investment vehicles.

Expanding the Horizon

Enhanced Market Dynamics

The introduction of Bitcoin ETFs could lead to more dynamic market behaviors. As traditional and crypto markets become more intertwined, the impact of global economic events on Bitcoin's price could become more pronounced, leading to new investment strategies and market analysis techniques.

Technological Advancements

The growth of Bitcoin ETFs might spur technological advancements in trading platforms and financial tools. Enhanced security measures, improved trading algorithms, and more sophisticated risk management tools could emerge, catering to the unique needs of cryptocurrency ETFs.

Educational Initiatives

With the growing interest in Bitcoin ETFs, there's likely to be an increase in educational resources and initiatives aimed at helping investors understand the nuances of cryptocurrency investments. This could lead to a more informed investor base, capable of making better investment decisions in the volatile world of cryptocurrencies.

Global Impact

The success of Bitcoin ETFs in one region, such as the United States, could encourage other countries to follow suit, leading to a more globalized cryptocurrency market. This could have significant implications for international financial regulations and cooperation.

Conclusion

The potential introduction of Bitcoin ETFs marks a significant milestone in the journey of cryptocurrency investment. While it heralds new opportunities and greater accessibility, it also brings forth challenges and risks that need to be navigated with care. The future of Bitcoin ETFs will hinge on the balance between these opportunities and dangers, and the market's ability to adapt to this new phase of crypto-investment. As we stand at the threshold of this exciting era, the global financial community watches with bated breath, ready to witness the unfolding story of Bitcoin ETFs.

FAQs

How does a Bitcoin ETF differ from direct Bitcoin investment? Investing in a Bitcoin ETF means you're investing in a fund that holds Bitcoin as its primary asset, as opposed to buying Bitcoin directly and managing your own digital wallet and security. ETFs are also subject to different regulatory and tax treatments.

What are the benefits of Bitcoin ETFs? Bitcoin ETFs offer easier access to Bitcoin investment, potentially lower risks compared to direct ownership, and the convenience of trading through traditional investment platforms.

What risks are associated with Bitcoin ETFs? Risks include the inherent volatility of Bitcoin, potential regulatory changes, and systemic risks if the cryptocurrency market impacts the broader financial system.

Are Bitcoin ETFs available globally? The availability of Bitcoin ETFs varies by country, depending on the regulatory environment. Some countries may not yet have approved Bitcoin ETFs for trading.

Can Bitcoin ETFs impact the price of Bitcoin? Yes, Bitcoin ETFs can impact Bitcoin's price as they can increase market liquidity and bring in more institutional investors, potentially leading to price changes.

That's all for today

If you want more, be sure to follow us on:

NOSTR: croxroad@getalby.com

X: @croxroadnews.co

Instagram: @croxroadnews.co

Youtube: @croxroadnews

Store: https://croxroad.store

Subscribe to CROX ROAD Bitcoin Only Daily Newsletter

https://www.croxroad.co/subscribe

DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.

@ 6ad3e2a3:c90b7740

Like most members of the human race, I don’t enjoy filing my taxes. “Don’t enjoy” though understates my actual feeling which is “would rather do a tour in Afghanistan.” It’s not even the money I’m forced to pay that I know for sure will be misallocated, stolen or worse — put to use in ways that are anathema to everything I believe and in direct opposition to conditions in which human beings thrive. That’s only part of it.

The other and perhaps bigger part is they require me — under penalty of law — to do homework. They command me, as though they were my boss, to complete this work project, my tax return, and if I don’t I’ll have my property seized, my credit destroyed and even go to prison. This is so even though I am not a criminal, and I never agreed to work for this boss.

And it’s not just a random work project I am required to submit, so that they can misallocate, steal and attack me with my own money. It’s a project that requires me to divulge private details about myself, what transactions I’ve made, with whom I made them and for what purpose. I am a private citizen, I hold no public office or official role, and yet the public sector is not only entitled to comb through the details of my life, but I must be complicit in helping them under penalty of law, i.e., threat of violence if I don’t comply.

. . .

This was not always the case. The income tax was only introduced in 1913, and at the time was only for the richest of the rich. That is to say, it is not the default state of affairs in the United States under its original constitution, and it’s strange that it’s been normalized as such. And despite it being normalized — for the greater good, of course — our government is still somehow $36 trillion in debt.

In other words, despite the annual indignity to which we subject ourselves, the government spends far more money than it takes in. I am reminded of Dostoyevsky’s line: “Your worst sin is that you have destroyed and betrayed yourself for nothing.” The government is spending money it doesn’t have, whether you pay it or not, and the money you do pay, for things you not only do not want but are vehemently against, doesn’t come close to covering their cost.

. . .

I was having lunch with some normies last month, and the subject of taxes came up. They were talking about the ways in which they, as ex-pats, minimize their tax burden, using certain loopholes, and at one point someone questioned why government pensions were taxed, given the entity paying the pension and demanding it be taxed was one and the same. Why not just pay a smaller pension?

One of them asked me, and I said: “I don’t think anyone should be taxed.” She shook her head and muttered in amusement, “No, people need to be taxed.” This despite not two minutes earlier explaining how she was optimizing her tax status, which no doubt she would have optimized all the way to zero or if she were able!

. . .

Taxes are necessary, it’s assumed, to pay for things individuals won’t. “Who will build the roads?” they wonder. I would imagine car makers would be invested in building roads, those who ship goods via truck might have an interest and consumers, flush with their new zero percent tax rate, might pay a little more for the end products to facilitate road creation so those products get to them on time and in good condition. In fact, it might be more expensive to ship them via horseback or whatever alternate form of transport would take the place of motor vehicles should no one shell out for roads.

Moreover, people seem to believe taxes should always be taken not from them, but from those rich enough to afford them painlessly. Never mind anyone reading this substack is vastly wealthy compared to much of the third world (how painful can taxes be so long as you have food on the table and a roof over your head?), and never mind no one ever voluntarily pays more tax than he owes. Why not? If taxation is a good thing, why not do more good by overpaying?

But no, it’s always someone else who needs to be forced under penalty of law, i.e., threat of violence, to give up his property for what those in authority deem “the greater good”. Taken to its logical conclusion, if the authorities deem anyone sufficiently wealthy and the greater good sufficiently necessary, they can legally take that wealth by force. We can quibble about how much funding is necessary and what is the “greater good,” but it’s often essential things like the “safe and effective” vaccine without which millions would surely die or the necessity of invading Iraq, which cost $6 trillion to prevent Sadaam Hussein’s “weapons of mass destruction” from reaching US soil.

It’s amazing authorities so often discover urgent projects without which people will die or suffer terribly, on account of which it’s necessary to commandeer money you’ve earned or saved! And while I am taking about the indignity of filing income tax, I don’t mean to leave out property tax, sales tax, estate tax, individual state and city taxes and the like. At least with some of those you have a fixed amount to pay, and you don’t have to submit to an on-camera self-administered anal cavity search of your finances in those cases.

You’d also think given how many ways citizens are taxed that roads would be in tip top condition, our water and environment would be clean, our airports modern and state of the art, our health care affordable and accessible, but of course none of that is the case. Again per Dostoyevsky — we have betrayed ourselves for nothing.

. . .

The irony of this essay/diatribe is I will file my taxes like the cuck I am over the next week or so. I don’t want to do this, but it’s simply not worth the consequences for non-compliance. And I feel bad about making this compromise — bad about myself because I am doing something I feel is wrong for convenience, the same kind of calculation people made when they injected themselves with experimental mRNA chemicals they didn’t want to keep their jobs or travel. I like to think of myself as resolute and uncompromising, but in this instance I roll over every year. Perhaps that’s part of why I dread it so much.

. . .

I’ll end with a footnote of sorts. In the late spring of 2023, I discovered I was due a significant refund, and I paid my accountants who figured this out $400 to re-file for me. They told me I could expect it to take up to nine months to process, so I largely forgot about it until spring of 2024 when I called but got phone-treed to death and waited until September to brute-force my way to a human in another department to explain the situation. They didn’t tell me anything, but agreed to do a “trace” which a couple weeks later revealed someone else had intercepted and cashed my check. (It’s not direct deposit because I’m overseas.)

I immediately returned the form proving it was not my signature on the deposited check, and now, five months later, in February of 2025, they are still processing my purported payment which I have yet to receive. I did, however, receive a notice of the interest I was “paid” for 2024 on which I’m expected to be taxed. That interest went to the person who stole my original check obviously, they know this, and yet it apparently hasn’t caught up in the system. And the truth is I will probably pay the tax on it as the hassle of explaining why I’m not is simply not worth it, and I will sort it out on next year’s tax return, assuming Trump hasn’t abolished the IRS entirely, God willing, and delivered us, in small part, from this abject dystopia.

@ 16d11430:61640947

The AI Landscape is About to Change—Forever.

Forget everything you know about artificial intelligence. The reign of Large Language Models (LLMs) is coming to an end. The next tectonic shift in AI isn't just about bigger neural networks or more training data. It’s about an entirely new foundation—one that shatters the limits of probabilistic machine learning and ushers in the era of Elliptical AI.

This isn’t just an improvement. This is the AI singularity you've been waiting for.

---

The Problem with LLMs: A House Built on Sand

LLMs like GPT, Claude, and Gemini have taken the world by storm, but let’s be honest—they are flawed. Their intelligence is statistical mimicry rather than true reasoning. They:

Hallucinate facts and generate nonsense.

Consume absurd amounts of energy for marginal improvements.

Are vulnerable to adversarial attacks, leaking sensitive data with ease.

Lack true reasoning abilities, blindly regurgitating patterns rather than engaging in structured logic.

LLMs pretend to understand. They pretend to think. But intelligence built on probability alone is fundamentally weak.

This is where Elliptical AI steps in to end the era of LLM dominance.

---

What is Elliptical AI? The Birth of the Next Evolution in Intelligence

Imagine an AI that isn’t just predicting words but reasoning geometrically—one that encodes intelligence using elliptic curves instead of bloated statistical models.

Elliptical AI harnesses the power of elliptic curve mathematics, which has been dominating cryptography and quantum security for years. But now, this mathematical powerhouse is ready to redefine AI itself.

How Elliptical AI Works

1. Beyond Probabilities—Into Pure Geometry

Instead of mapping words to probabilities, Elliptical AI maps thought patterns into elliptic curve structures.

This enables structured, deterministic reasoning, not just blind pattern recognition.

1. High-Efficiency Intelligence

Elliptic curves are the foundation of modern cryptography because they compress vast amounts of data into small, ultra-secure representations.

Instead of needing trillions of parameters like LLMs, Elliptical AI could represent entire knowledge domains with extreme efficiency.

1. Quantum-Resistant AI That Cannot Be Hacked

Today’s AI models can be easily manipulated, but Elliptical AI integrates quantum-secure cryptographic principles.

Impossible to hack, impossible to corrupt—this is the ultimate secure AI.

1. Mathematical Superintelligence

LLMs struggle with math. Why? Because math isn’t just statistical—it’s structured logic.

Elliptical AI is built on the same mathematical foundations that structure encryption, physics, and even the fabric of space-time.

Expect an AI that doesn’t just “approximate” answers—it deduces them.

---

Elliptical AI vs. LLMs: A Destruction-Level Event

This isn’t just an upgrade. This is an AI extinction-level event.

---

Where Elliptical AI Will Dominate First

1. Military-Grade AI Security

No more LLMs leaking sensitive data.

Quantum-proof intelligence agents that cannot be backdoored.

Military systems that think faster, act decisively, and remain 100% secure.

1. Financial and Algorithmic Trading

LLMs hallucinate too much to handle high-risk finance.

Elliptical AI’s ultra-efficient encryption-based intelligence can execute perfect trades with zero data leakage.

1. Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) & Neural Cryptography

Instead of reading neural signals as raw data, Elliptical AI can encode thought patterns into elliptic curves.

A literal mind-machine fusion—where security, efficiency, and intelligence align.

1. Decentralized AI Networks

LLMs require Google, OpenAI, or Microsoft servers.

Elliptical AI can run securely on decentralized nodes, protected by its own cryptographic intelligence.

No censorship. No control. Just pure, free AI.

1. The New Era of Scientific Discovery

From quantum physics to mathematical proofs, Elliptical AI isn’t just a chatbot—it’s a reasoning engine.

Expect AI to make scientific breakthroughs, not just summarize Wikipedia.

---

The AI Wars Are Coming—And Elliptical AI Will Win

The current AI market is built on fragile foundations. LLMs have served their purpose, but they are a dead end.

Elliptical AI isn’t just the next step—it’s the AI that will make everything else obsolete.

🔹 No more hallucinations. 🔹 No more data leaks. 🔹 No more inefficient, bloated models. 🔹 Just pure, geometric intelligence—unbreakable, unhackable, unstoppable.

The future doesn’t belong to language models. It belongs to elliptic curves, quantum intelligence, and secure, deterministic reasoning.

Welcome to the Elliptical AI revolution.

Are you ready for what comes next?

@ b97f07c7:a9ddca71

ชาว Android Developer หลายคนอาจจะเคยมางาน Android Bangkok 2025 แล้วได้ฟัง session พี่เอก ที่ชื่อว่า “Why App Signing Matters for Your Android Apps” แล้วอยากตรวจ APK Signature Scheme ของแอพเราเองบ้าง จริง ๆ มันตรวจง่ายมาก ๆ เลย ทุกคนทำตามได้แน่นอน

ก่อนอื่นขออธิบาย APK Signature Scheme กันก่อน มันคือ script การยืนยันตัวตน และ code ข้างในยังเป็นเหมือนเดิม แบ่งจากการทำ signing - v1 scheme: รองรับ Android ทุก version และรองรับแค่ java code แต่ไม่ครอบคลุม resource เพราะว่าถ้า resource เปลี่ยน แต่ signature เหมือนเดิม ดังนั้นไม่แนะนำให้ใช้ เนื่องจากเรื่องความปลอดภัย และ performance → APK Signature Scheme v1 - v2+ Scheme: ครอบคลุมทุกไฟล์ เป็นการแทรก APK Signing block เข้าไป → APK Signature Scheme v2, v3, v3.1, v4

วิธีการตรวจแบบง่ายมาก ๆ แบบไม่ต้องไปลงอะไรเพิ่ม คือใช้ apksigner เป็นหนึ่งใน Android SDK command line tool ที่มีมาตั้งแต่ version 24.0.3 ที่เอาไว้ sign apk, ตรวจสอบ apk ของเรา รวมไปถึง rotate key ด้วย

ในที่นี้เราใช้ verify command เพื่อดูรายละเอียด apk ของเรากัน หน้าตาตัว command เป็นแบบนี้ apksigner version [option] app-name.apk

ก่อนอื่น หา path ของเจ้า apksigner ซึ่งทางเราใช้ macbook ดังนั้นมันจะไปอยู่ path หน้าตาแบบนี้ /Users/{username}/Library/Android/sdk/build-tools/{version}/apksigner

เอาเจ้า path นี้ไปแทนที่ apksigner ทำให้เราเรียกตัว cmd นี้จากที่ไหนก็ได้ อย่างทำงานที่บ้าน เอ้ยไม่ใช่ อย่างเราเปิดหน้า terminal บน Android Studio ก็แปะอันนี้ได้เลย ไม่ต้องไปที่ path ที่อยู่ของ apksigner โดยตรง

จากนั้นเตรียมไฟล์ apk ที่เป็น build release มานะ ไม่งั้นมันจะ check ไม่ได้เน้อ ต่อมามาใช้คำสั่งนี้กัน apksigner verify --print-certs -v app-name.apk

อธิบายแต่ละ option กันก่อนเลย - --print-certs: บอกข้อมูลพวก certificate, algorithm ในการ sign และ public key - -v: แอพเราตอนนี้ signing signature scheme version อะไร ไม่ยากเลยใช่ไหม

ถ้าเพื่อน ๆ ไม่อยากใช้ v1 แล้ว อยากใช้อันอื่น สามารถใส่ประมาณนี้ที่ build.gradle ที่ module app

android { ... signingConfigs { release { v1SigningEnabled false enableV2Signing true enableV3Signing true enableV4Signing true } } }

หวังว่าจะเป็นประโยชน์กับชาว #siamstr น้า

@ 6734e11d:c7e34e8f

Ich weiß, "Ratschläge sind auch Schläge", wird wohl Eric Berne 1961 zugesprochen, aber manchmal muss ein liebevoller, empathischer und hilfreicher Hinweis nach dem Schlag mit dem Vorschlaghammer erlaubt sein.

Das Meme ist leider nicht meine Idee sondern geklaut von Schwurbeloase, einem Kanal der echten Mitte, Echtrechte würden ihn wohl als rrrächts markieren.

https://t.me/schwurbel_oase/2314

@ ed364ee5:261fd74f

Cardiovascular Ultrasound: Advancements Driving Early Detection and Personalized Care

The cardiovascular ultrasound market is experiencing significant growth as technological advancements, rising cardiovascular disease (CVD) rates, and a shift toward non-invasive diagnostics drive demand. This imaging technology, which uses sound waves to visualize the heart and surrounding blood vessels, is now essential in both preventative cardiology and acute care.

Technological Innovations Boosting Accuracy and Accessibility

Recent developments have revolutionized cardiovascular ultrasound devices. High-frequency transducers, 3D and 4D imaging, and artificial intelligence (AI) integration are enhancing diagnostic precision. AI, in particular, is automating image analysis, reducing variability, and enabling faster, more accurate diagnosis.

Portable cardiovascular ultrasound systems are another game-changer, increasing accessibility to rural or remote areas and allowing for bedside monitoring in hospitals. Companies are focusing on smaller, more affordable devices without compromising imaging quality, expanding the use of this technology beyond large hospital systems.

Global Trends and Growing Disease Burden Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for an estimated 17.9 million deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Early detection is critical to reducing mortality, and cardiovascular ultrasound is playing a pivotal role in identifying conditions such as heart valve disorders, atrial fibrillation, and cardiomyopathies at an earlier stage.

Regions like North America and Europe lead the market due to high healthcare expenditure and greater adoption of advanced diagnostic technologies. However, emerging economies in Asia-Pacific and Latin America are witnessing rapid growth as awareness and healthcare infrastructure improve.

Challenges and Market Outlook Despite its advantages, the cardiovascular ultrasound market faces challenges such as the high cost of advanced systems and a shortage of trained sonographers. To address these issues, some manufacturers are investing in user-friendly interfaces and remote training programs to ensure broader adoption.

Looking ahead, the cardiovascular ultrasound market is projected to grow steadily, driven by ongoing innovation and the increasing prevalence of CVD. Personalized medicine initiatives and telemedicine adoption are expected to further integrate cardiovascular ultrasound into routine patient care.

Conclusion As cardiovascular ultrasound technology continues to evolve, it holds the promise of earlier detection, more precise diagnosis, and improved patient outcomes. With rising healthcare demands and technological advancements, this sector is set to play a key role in the fight against heart disease for years to come.

@ ed364ee5:261fd74f

Innovations and Demand Surge in Knee Replacement Procedures

In recent years, knee replacement surgeries have seen a significant rise in demand, fueled by advancements in medical technology, an aging global population, and a growing awareness of treatment options. As healthcare providers and medical device manufacturers adapt to this surge, groundbreaking innovations are transforming the landscape of orthopedic care.

Rising Demand for Knee Replacements According to recent data from global health agencies, the number of knee replacement surgeries performed annually has increased by over 25% in the past decade. Experts attribute this rise to the aging baby boomer generation, higher rates of obesity, and increased sports-related injuries. Additionally, the growing acceptance of elective surgeries has led younger patients to seek knee replacements to maintain active lifestyles.

Technological Advancements in Knee Implants One of the most notable trends is the development of personalized knee implants. Utilizing 3D printing and computer-aided design (CAD), manufacturers can now create implants tailored to the specific anatomy of each patient. This approach not only enhances the fit and comfort of the implant but also reduces the risk of post-surgery complications.

Robotic-assisted surgery is another game-changer. These systems provide surgeons with enhanced precision, enabling them to make smaller incisions and reduce damage to surrounding tissues. As a result, patients experience faster recovery times and improved long-term outcomes.

"Robotics and AI-driven surgical planning are revolutionizing the way we approach knee replacements," said Dr. Emily Carter, an orthopedic surgeon at [Hospital Name]. "Patients are benefiting from less pain, quicker mobility, and more natural joint function."

Enhanced Post-Surgery Rehabilitation Post-operative care has also evolved, with new physical therapy protocols focused on accelerated rehabilitation. Virtual physical therapy platforms are making it easier for patients to access guided exercises from home, ensuring they adhere to their recovery plans. Additionally, wearable sensors are being integrated into recovery regimens to track patients' progress and provide real-time feedback to healthcare providers.

Affordability and Access Despite the technological advancements, affordability remains a concern for many patients. In response, several healthcare systems and insurance providers are expanding coverage for knee replacement surgeries. Additionally, some manufacturers are developing cost-effective implant options to address pricing challenges in underserved regions.

Future Outlook The future of knee replacement is promising. With ongoing research into biologic solutions, such as cartilage regeneration and stem cell therapy, patients may soon have access to alternatives that delay or even prevent the need for full joint replacement.

"The orthopedic industry is on the cusp of major breakthroughs," said Dr. Carter. "Our goal is to provide every patient with the best possible outcome, whether through traditional surgery or emerging biologic treatments."

As innovation continues to drive the evolution of knee replacement procedures, patients can look forward to more effective and accessible treatment options that improve quality of life and mobility for years to come.

@ d4309e24:8a81fcb0

Introduction: The Challenge of Time-Lock Encryption and Clock Servers

When I first set out to build Hatchstr, the idea was simple: create a way to send messages into the future, encrypted and locked to a specific Bitcoin block height. These messages would remain encrypted until the chosen block height was reached, creating a unique way to send a message to the future.

However, as I began working through the details, I quickly ran into some challenges. One key component of this system involves clock servers—decentralized nodes responsible for releasing decryption keys when the specified block height is reached.

Clock Server Setup: The Basics

Initially, I adopted a simple model: each clock server holds a single public-private key pair unique to that server for a specific block height. When a user creates a message, they choose a clock server to trust and encrypt with the specific public key tied to that block height. Then, when the time comes, the clock server releases its private key to decrypt the message.

Positives:

• ✅ Clean and Efficient Storage: Each clock server only needs to store a single key pair for each block height, making storage lightweight and scalable.
• ✅ Lazy Key Generation: Keys are generated on-demand, meaning they’re only created when needed. This prevents unnecessary key generation or storage overhead.
• ✅ Decentralized: The clock servers don’t need to coordinate with each other or store any sensitive data besides their respective private keys, which simplifies the system architecture.
• ✅ Limited Release Events: Since each clock server only handles keys tied to a specific block height, the number of release events required is minimized, simplifying the key management process.

At first, this seemed like a good approach, but I quickly realized there were critical limitations:

Challenges:

• ❌ Server Shutdown: Capsules could be scheduled for many years in the future. If a clock server shuts down, all future capsules linked to it are lost.
• ❌ Server Downtime: If one of the clock servers is unavailable during unlock time, even for a short period, it leads to a delay for the users waiting for unlock.
• ❌ Premature Release: If a clock server accidentally releases its key too early, it could compromise the message, making it accessible before the intended time.

Though the setup worked for a basic system, I soon realized it couldn’t guarantee the reliability I wanted for a decentralized application.

Tackling the Challenges of Multi-Sig and Secret Sharing

When I first approached the problem of securing time-lock capsules, I initially considered using multi-signature (multi-sig) solutions as a potential approach. The goal was simple: instead of relying on a single clock server to release its key, I could involve multiple servers to sign off on the decryption. This way, if one server failed or misbehaved, the message would still be protected.

However, as I delved deeper into the multi-sig approach, I quickly realized there were a few key issues:

🔒 Communication Overhead: Multi-sig requires servers to communicate and coordinate with each other. This introduces the possibility of new failure points, like network issues or miscommunication.

⚡ Server Synchronization: If one server was out of sync or released its key too early, it could still lead to the message being decrypted prematurely, breaking the system.

🛠 Increased Complexity: Each server would need to store and manage a unique key pair for every message, making the system more complicated and less efficient.

I quickly realized that multi-sig wasn’t the best fit for this kind of setup. Not only did it add unnecessary complexity, but it also conflicted with the decentralization goals I wanted to achieve. So, I started thinking about ways to distribute the secret across the clock servers without introducing all these new complications.

Enter Shamir’s Secret Sharing (SSS)

Shamir's Secret Sharing (SSS) is a cryptographic technique designed to split a secret into multiple parts (called "shares") so that the secret can only be reconstructed when a specific minimum number of shares are combined. This process is based on polynomial interpolation, and it’s a powerful way to distribute secrets securely.

The Basic Concept

In SSS, a secret (like a cryptographic key or message) is divided into n shares, where n is the total number of shares you want to generate. You also specify a threshold, k, which represents the minimum number of shares required to reconstruct the original secret.

• n is the total number of shares.
• k is the minimum number of shares required to reconstruct the secret (known as the "threshold").

For example, in a 3-out-of-5 scheme, the secret is split into 5 shares, but at least 3 shares are required to reconstruct the secret. If fewer than 3 shares are available, the secret cannot be reconstructed.

Why This is Secure

Shamir’s Secret Sharing is secure because, with fewer than k shares, it is computationally infeasible to learn anything about the secret. The shares themselves don’t reveal any information; it’s only the combination of the right number of shares that allows reconstruction. This makes it resistant to attacks, as even if an attacker gets hold of some shares, they won’t be able to reconstruct the secret unless they have the required minimum number of shares (comparable to 256-bit cryptographic strength).

Applications of Shamir’s Secret Sharing

Shamir’s Secret Sharing is widely used in scenarios where high availability and reliability are needed, but security and privacy are equally important. Examples include: - Key management: Protecting encryption keys by distributing them across multiple parties. - Multi-signature setups: Requiring multiple parties to sign off on a transaction or access a secure system. - Distributed systems: Ensuring that no single party holds a complete secret, and multiple parties must collaborate to unlock it.

By leveraging Shamir's Secret Sharing, you can strike the right balance between redundancy, security, and availability for your system’s sensitive information.

The Problem with Distributing Secret Shares

SSS could give us exactly the properties I was looking for, with the added benefit that users could choose their preferred setup, for example:

• 1-out-of-5 scheme: Prioritizing the likelihood that the message is decrypted even if only one of the 5 chosen clock servers does its job at unlock time. With the tradeoff that each of the 5 could leak the message early.

• 3-out-of-5 scheme: A measured approach that allows for 2 servers to stop working and would also keep the capsule private even if 2 clock servers leak their secret early.

So I considered an approach where each clock server would store part of the key. Instead of a single server holding the full key, I would split the key into parts and distribute those parts across multiple servers. When the time arrived, I’d gather the required number of shares to reconstruct the key and decrypt the message.

At first glance, this seemed like a promising approach. But when we look through the implications, a few problems started to emerge:

💥 Overhead: Each clock server would need to store a share of every key for every message. This would quickly become inefficient and result in unnecessary overhead.

🔔 Exploding Reveal Events: Since each clock server would need to release all its shares at a specific time, there would be a massive increase in the number of reveal events, spamming and possibly overloading Nostr relays.

While the idea of distributing the key was very appealing, the practical issues around overhead and complexity made it clear that this wasn’t the final solution. I needed something that would be more efficient, scalable, while still in line with the decentralized model I was aiming for.

Discovering a Hybrid Solution

After testing out various approaches, I realized that the breakthrough wasn’t just about Shamir’s Secret Sharing (SSS)—that part was fairly intuitive. The real insight came when I thought about how to preserve the original clock server design while solving the challenges of failover and early release.

Instead of having the clock servers store the secret or a share of it, I kept the original design: each clock server only holds a public-private key pair tied to a block height, as initially planned. The twist came when I decided to split an ephemeral AES key into shards using Shamir’s Secret Sharing, but instead of directly storing shares at the clock servers, we could encrypted each share with the public key of the clock server.

This approach would allow us to keep the clock server’s role simple: When the time comes, the servers release their private keys, which can then be used to decrypt the encrypted shares of the AES key that were published alongside the original encrypted message. These shares, once decrypted, allow for the reconstruction of the AES key, which in turn decrypts the message.

This solution solved several key issues:

• ✅ No Coordination Between Servers: Each clock server only holds one key pair for a specific block height and doesn’t need to know about the other servers. This simplifies the system and removes the need for complex server coordination.
• ✅ Minimal Overhead: The clock servers only store a single key pair per block height, eliminating the need to store individual keys for each message.
• ✅ Fault Tolerance: If one clock server is offline, the other shares can still reconstruct the AES key and decrypt the message, ensuring reliability.
• ✅ Client-Side Security: The AES key is generated on the client side and never stored on the clock servers, providing a high level of security.

By combining the simplicity of the clock server model with the power of Shamir’s Secret Sharing, this hybrid solution allows us to securely split an AES key and manage decryption while ensuring the system remains decentralized, resilient, and efficient.

This was the method I had been searching for.

The Process Breakdown

1. AES Key Generation:

2. A random AES key is generated on the client side for each message. This key is never stored anywhere, ensuring that it remains secure and only used for encrypting the message.

3. Shamir’s Secret Sharing:

4. The AES key is split into (in this example) 3 shares using Shamir’s Secret Sharing. These shares are associated with 3 independent clock servers.

5. The threshold of 2 out of 3 means that only 2 clock servers needed later to reconstruct the AES key and decrypt the message.

6. Encrypting with Public Keys:

7. The secret shares are then encrypted using the public keys of the target block height for each specific clock server. This ensures that the shares are secure until the proper time comes.

8. Storage:

9. The encrypted shares together with the AES-encrypted message can be published to Nostr relais or stored on a decentralized platform like IPFS, which provides redundancy and availability.

10. Clock Servers Release Keys:

11. When the specified Bitcoin block height is reached, each clock server publishes its private key to Nostr, allowing everyone to decrypt the shares.
12. The client reconstructs the AES key from the decrypted shares and finally decrypts the original message.

Conclusion: An Elegant Solution to Time-Lock Encryption

Through a series of experiments and iterations, We finally landed on a solution that balances security, scalability, and efficiency. By combining AES encryption with Shamir’s Secret Sharing, We were able to solve the multi-sig failover problem without adding unnecessary complexity. 🔥

An Open Question: Clock Server Incentives 💰

Decentralized systems thrive when participants are motivated to contribute. For Hatchstr, a critical question remains: Why would anyone run a clock server?

One possibility is allowing users to zap (tip) servers for each capsule they help unlock. But this is just a starting point—how do we ensure reliability without centralizing trust?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. How would you design incentives for a decentralized network of clock servers?

This part is crucial, and I’m excited to explore it with the community.

What's Next for Hatchstr?

🧩 Leveraging Nostr: Let's see how we can integrate the Nostr NIP standards and previous protocol developments into our system to enhance communication and data integrity.

🔮 Designing a Web App: We'll explore building a user-friendly web application for creating and managing digital time capsules. Focus will be on enhancing usability, interface design, and user interaction.

🎛️ Building a Clock Server with Elixir: We'll delve into developing a simple clock server using Elixir, capitalizing on its strengths in concurrency and real-time processing to support our time-locking mechanisms.

Stay tuned as we advance both the user experience and the backend infrastructure of Hatchstr together. If you're interested in following along or contributing to the development, feel free to reach out!

Nostr QR

npub16scfufrpsqcukjg7ymu4r40h7j4dwqy4pajgz48e6lmnmz5pljcqh678uh

Thank you for reading and being part of this journey! 🧡

@ d360efec:14907b5f

ภาพรวม BTCUSDT (OKX):

Bitcoin (BTCUSDT) ยังคงแสดงความผันผวนและมีความไม่แน่นอนสูง แม้ว่าแนวโน้มระยะยาว (TF Day) จะยังคงเป็นขาขึ้น แต่ก็อ่อนแรงลงอย่างเห็นได้ชัด แนวโน้มระยะกลาง (TF 4H) กลายเป็นขาลงระยะสั้น และแนวโน้มระยะสั้น (TF 15m) ก็เป็นขาลงเช่นกัน สถานการณ์ตอนนี้บ่งบอกถึงแรงขายที่แข็งแกร่ง และมีความเสี่ยงสูงที่จะปรับฐานลงต่อ

วิเคราะห์ทีละ Timeframe:

(1) TF Day (รายวัน): [https://www.tradingview.com/x/wfDqxmvG/]

• แนวโน้ม: ขาขึ้น (Uptrend) อ่อนแรงลงอย่างมาก
• SMC:
  • Higher Highs (HH) และ Higher Lows (HL) เริ่มไม่ชัดเจน
  • Break of Structure (BOS) ด้านบน แต่มีการปรับฐานที่รุนแรง
  • Liquidity:
    • มี Sellside Liquidity (SSL) อยู่ใต้ Lows ก่อนหน้า (บริเวณ 85,000 - 90,000)
    • มี Buyside Liquidity (BSL) อยู่เหนือ High เดิม
• ICT:
  • Order Block: ราคาหลุด Order Block ขาขึ้น (บริเวณแท่งเทียนสีเขียวก่อนหน้านี้) สัญญาณลบ
• EMA:
  • ราคา หลุด EMA 50 (สีเหลือง) ลงมาแล้ว
  • EMA 200 (สีขาว) เป็นแนวรับถัดไป
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • สีแดงยาว แสดงถึงแรงขายที่แข็งแกร่ง
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • สีแดง แสดงถึงแนวโน้มขาลง
• Volume Profile: Volume ค่อนข้างเบาบาง
• แท่งเทียน: แท่งเทียนล่าสุดเป็นสีแดง แสดงถึงแรงขาย
• แนวรับ: EMA 200, บริเวณ 85,000 - 90,000 (SSL)
• แนวต้าน: EMA 50, High เดิม
• สรุป: แนวโน้มขาขึ้นอ่อนแรงลงอย่างมาก, ราคาหลุด EMA 50 และ Order Block, Money Flow และ Trend Strength เป็นลบ

(2) TF4H (4 ชั่วโมง): [https://www.tradingview.com/x/WCWYkleo/]

• แนวโน้ม: ขาลง (Downtrend)
• SMC:
  • Lower Highs (LH) และ Lower Lows (LL)
  • Break of Structure (BOS) ด้านล่าง
  • Liquidity:
    • มี SSL อยู่ใต้ Lows ก่อนหน้า
    • มี BSL อยู่เหนือ Highs ก่อนหน้า
• ICT:
  • Order Block: ราคาไม่สามารถผ่าน Order Block ขาลงได้
• EMA:
  • ราคาอยู่ใต้ EMA 50 และ EMA 200
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • สีแดง แสดงถึงแรงขาย
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • สีแดง แสดงถึงแนวโน้มขาลง
• Volume Profile: Volume ค่อนข้างนิ่ง
• แนวรับ: บริเวณ Low ล่าสุด
• แนวต้าน: EMA 50, EMA 200, บริเวณ Order Block
• สรุป: แนวโน้มขาลงชัดเจน, แรงขายมีอิทธิพล

(3) TF15 (15 นาที): [https://www.tradingview.com/x/HsgVKFW2/]

• แนวโน้ม: ขาลง (Downtrend)
• SMC:
  • Lower Highs (LH) และ Lower Lows (LL)
  • Break of Structure (BOS) ด้านล่าง
• ICT:
  • Order Block ราคาไม่สามารถผ่าน Order Block ได้
• EMA:
  • EMA 50 และ EMA 200 เป็นแนวต้าน
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • สีแดง แสดงถึงแรงขาย
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • สีแดง แสดงถึงแนวโน้มขาลง
• Volume Profile: Volume ค่อนข้างเบาบาง
• แนวรับ: บริเวณ Low ล่าสุด
• แนวต้าน: EMA 50, EMA 200, Order Block
• สรุป: แนวโน้มขาลง, แรงขายมีอิทธิพล

สรุปภาพรวมและกลยุทธ์ (BTCUSDT):

• แนวโน้มหลัก (Day): ขาขึ้น (อ่อนแรง), หลุด Order Block
• แนวโน้มรอง (4H): ขาลง
• แนวโน้มระยะสั้น (15m): ขาลง
• Liquidity: มี SSL ทั้งใน Day, 4H, และ 15m
• Money Flow: เป็นลบในทุก Timeframes
• Trend Strength: 4H, 15m เป็นขาลง
• กลยุทธ์:
  1. Wait & See (ดีที่สุด): รอความชัดเจน
  2. Short (เสี่ยง): ถ้าไม่สามารถ Breakout EMA/แนวต้านใน TF ใดๆ ได้
  3. ไม่แนะนำให้ Buy: จนกว่าจะมีสัญญาณกลับตัวที่ชัดเจน

คำแนะนำ:

• ความขัดแย้งของ Timeframes: Day ยังเป็นขาขึ้น (แต่สัญญาณอ่อน), 4H และ 15m เป็นขาลง
• Money Flow: เป็นลบในทุก Timeframes
• ระวัง SSL: Smart Money อาจจะลากราคาลงไปกิน Stop Loss
• ถ้าไม่แน่ใจ อย่าเพิ่งเข้าเทรด

Day Trade & การเทรดรายวัน:

• Day Trade (TF15):

  • Short Bias: หาจังหวะ Short เมื่อราคาเด้งขึ้นไปทดสอบแนวต้าน (EMA, Order Block)
  • Stop Loss: เหนือแนวต้านที่เข้า Short
  • Take Profit: แนวรับถัดไป (Low ล่าสุด)
  • ไม่แนะนำให้ Long จนกว่าจะมีสัญญาณกลับตัวที่ชัดเจน

• Swing Trade (TF4H):

  • Short Bias: รอจังหวะ Short เมื่อราคาไม่สามารถผ่านแนวต้าน EMA หรือ Order Block ได้
  • Stop Loss: เหนือแนวต้านที่เข้า Short
  • Take Profit: แนวรับถัดไป (EMA 200 ใน TF Day, SSL)
  • ไม่แนะนำให้ Long จนกว่าจะมีสัญญาณกลับตัวที่ชัดเจน

สิ่งที่ต้องระวัง:

• Sellside Liquidity (SSL): มีโอกาสสูงที่ราคาจะถูกลากลงไปแตะ SSL ก่อนที่จะมีการกลับตัว (ถ้ามี)
• False Breakouts: ระวังการ Breakout หลอกทั้งใน TF15 และ TF4H
• Volatility: ตลาดคริปโตฯ มีความผันผวนสูง เตรียมพร้อมรับมือกับการเปลี่ยนแปลงของราคาอย่างรวดเร็ว

Disclaimer: การวิเคราะห์นี้เป็นเพียงความคิดเห็นส่วนตัว ไม่ถือเป็นคำแนะนำในการลงทุน ผู้ลงทุนควรศึกษาข้อมูลเพิ่มเติมและตัดสินใจด้วยความรอบคอบ

@ e83b66a8:b0526c2b

In the UK, as Bitcoin on-ramps become throttled more and more by government interference, ironically more and more off-ramps are becoming available.

So here, as Bitcoin starts its bull run and many people will be spending or taking profits within the next year or so, I am going to summarise my experience with off ramps.

N.B. many of these off-ramps are also on-ramps, but I’m primarily focusing on spending Bitcoin.

Revolut:

At last in the UK, Revolut is a “probation” full bank and so now has most of the fiat guarantees that other legacy banks have.

Apart from its excellent multi-currency account services for fiat, meaning you can spend native currencies in many countries, Revolut have for some time allowed you to buy a selection of Crypto currencies including Bitcoin. You can send those coins to self custody wallets, or keep them on Revolut and either sell or spend on specific DeFi cards which can be added to platforms like Apple Pay. Fees, as you would expect are relatively high, but it is a very good, seamless service.

Uphold:

This was an exchange I was automatically signed up to by using the “Brave Browser” and earning BAT tokens for watching adds. I have however found the built in virtual debit card, which I’ve added to Apple Pay useful for shedding my shitcoins by cashing them in and spending GBP in the real world, buying day to day stuff.

Xapo Bank:

I signed up about a year ago to the first “Bitcoin Bank” founded by Wences Casares a very early Bitcoiner. They are based in Gibraltar and offer a USD, Tether and Bitcoin banking service which allows you to deposit GBP or spend GBP, but converts everything into either USD or BTC. You have a full UK bank account number and sort code, but everything received in it is converted to USD on the fly.

They also support Lightning and they have integrated LightSparks UMA Universal Money Addressing protocol explained here: https://www.lightspark.com/uma

When I signed up the fees were $150 per annum, but they have since increased them to $1,000 per annum for new users.

I have yet to use the bank account or debit card in any earnest, but it will be my main spending facility when I take profits

Strike:

Strike it really focused on cross border payments and sending fiat money around the world for little to no cost using Bitcoin as the transmission rails. You need to KYC to sign up, but you then get, in the UK at least, a nominee bank account in your name, a Lightning and Bitcoin wallet address and the ability to send payments immediately to any other Strike user by name, or any Bitcoin or Lightning address. In the U.S. they have also recently launched a bill pay service, using your Strike account to pay your regular household bills using either fiat or Bitcoin.

Coinbase:

Back in 2017, I signed up for a Coinbase debit card and was spending Sats in daily life with it automatically converting Sats to GBP on the fly. I let it lapse in 2021 and haven’t bothered to replace it. I believe it is still option to consider.

Crypto.com

I have a debit card which I cannot add to Apple Pay, but I have managed to add it to Curve card: https://www.curve.com/en-gb/ which is in turn added to Apple Pay. This allows me to spend any fiat which I have previously cashed from selling coins. I currently have some former exchange coins cashed out which I am gradually spending in the real world as GBP.

SwissBorg

Has had a troubled past with the FCA, but does currently allow deposits and withdrawals from UK banks, although Barclays have blocked transactions to my own nominee account within SwissBorg on a couple of occasions. They have a debit card option for investors in their platform, which I am not and they intend to make this generally available in the future. SwissBorg are a not an exchange, but more of a comparison site, searching the market for the best prices and activating deals for you across multiple platforms, taking a commission. They have been my main source for buying BTC and when they are not being interfered with by the FCA, they are excellent. You also get a nominee bank account in their platform in your own name.

@ e83b66a8:b0526c2b

I am seeing a groundswell of interest in adopting Bitcoin in small businesses replacing or augmenting existing merchant services.

This has many advantages for these businesses including:

Attracting Bitcoiners as customers over your competitors.

Allowing a self custody payment system which does not require purchasing equipment, monthly service fees and high transaction fees.

Self custody your money, removing banks and merchant service companies from taking a cut or interfering in the transaction process. i.e. Bitcoin behaves much more like cash in face to face transactions.

Building a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve allowing your profits to accumulate in value over time, just as Bitcoin increases in value due to scarceness and increased adoption.

If any or all of these are interesting to you, then here are a scale of merchant options available to you depending on your needs and interests.

SOLE TRADER

The easiest way for a sole trader to accept Bitcoin is to download the app “Wallet of Satoshi” https://www.walletofsatoshi.com/ or for regions this is not available, use a web equivalent called COINOS https://coinos.io/

This gives everything you’ll need, Bitcoin and Lightning receiving addresses, publishable as text or scannable as a QR code. The ability to generate a specific value invoice using Lightning which can be paid face to face or remotely over the Internet and a wallet to hold your Bitcoin balance.

This is a perfect start point, but moving forward it has some drawbacks. It is custodial, meaning that a company actually holds your Bitcoin. Unlike a bank, if that company fails, you loose your Bitcoin.

There is also no direct ability to move that Bitcoin to fiat currencies like USD or GBP, so if you need some of those earnings to pay suppliers in fiat currencies, you will struggle to convert.

If you are an online only retailer, then the industry standard is BTCPay https://btcpayserver.org/

which can be integrated into most e-commerce systems

TRADITIONAL MERCHANT SERVICES

So the next option is to use a Bitcoin merchant service company. They look very similar to traditional fiat merchant service companies, they can supply infrastructure like PoS terminals and also handle the payments for you, optionally settling balances to your bank in USD or GBP etc…

They charge for the physical devices and their services and they charge a fee on each transaction in the same way traditional merchant service companies do, but usually these fees are significantly smaller.

Companies like MUSQET can help setup your business in this way if you wish. https://musqet.tech/

CONSULTANCY

The third option is to use a consultancy service like Bridge2Bitcoin https://bridge2bitcoin.com/

this is a company that will come in, explain the concepts and options and build a service around your needs. The company will build the solution you are looking for and make their money by providing the equipment and optionally running the payment solution for you.

SELF BUILD

If you have experience with Bitcoin and have optionally run your own Lightning node for a while, the tools exist to be able to develop your own solution in-house. And just as Bitcoin allows you to be your own bank, so Lightning allows you to be your own merchant services company.

Solutions like Umbrel https://umbrel.com/

running Albyhub https://albyhub.com/

with their POS solution https://pos.albylabs.com/

are a low cost option you can build yourself. If you require devices like PoS terminals, these can be purchased from companies like

Swiss Bitcoin Pay: https://swiss-bitcoin-pay.ch/store#!/Bitcoin-Merchant-Kit/p/709060174

as a package or Bitcoinize directly or in volume: https://bitcoinize.com/

There is also the lower cost option of use software loaded onto your staffs iPhone or Android phone to use as a PoS terminal for your business: https://swiss-bitcoin-pay.ch/

Swiss Bitcoin Pay can also take the Bitcoin payment and settle a final amount daily or even convert to fiat and deposit in your bank the next day.

If you are comfortable building and running your own server, then software from a company like https://lnbits.com/

is a great option. They have built a core suite of tools, which others have built a huge ecosystem of extensions to handle everything from PoS to accounting to event ticketing and beyond.

LNbits is probably the most extensive ecosystem out there for anybody wishing to self build.

HYBRID

MUSQET also offer a PoS system for both Bitcoin and Fiat. They onboard merchants with traditional card services for Visa, Mastercard and Amex with Apple Pay and Google Pay all within the same device where they deploy Bitcoin Lightning as standard: https://musqet.tech/

@ 044da344:073a8a0e

1. Public sphere and inverted totalitarianism

The three referents in the title require explanation - just like the thesis that their combination conveys in this article. In short: Like every government, the German one wants to steer and control what is said publicly about it and about reality in the country (cf. Meyen 2018). In the Internet age, this only works by cooperating with digital corporations. This liaison is rooted in the knowledge that one’s own scope of action depends on public approval and public legitimation. “Relations of domination” are today more than ever “relations of definition” (Beck 2017: 129, 132). Power is held by those who succeed in placing their interpretation of reality in the public sphere (cf. Havel 1989: 19). This includes fading out or marginalizing everything that could endanger one’s own position – in Germany at the moment, for example, this relates to debates about social inequality, which has reached an all-time high worldwide (cf. Piketty 2020), mass immigration since 2015, the policies surrounding Corona or Russia.

In this country, the interest of federal and state governments in presenting their work in a good light encounters a journalism that is committed to journalistic diversity via state press laws, state treaties and professional ethics (cf. Rager/Weber 1992). This means that journalism should allow everyone to have their say – all topics and all perspectives. Horst Pöttker (2001) has described the production of publicity as a “social mandate”. This “mission” is rooted in the pluralism model: In society, there are many and sometimes conflicting opinions and interests, which are initially on an equal footing (the interests of individuals and outsiders as well as those organized in parties or associations). The struggle for compromise and societal agreement relies on the public sphere: “In principle, no social group, not even an individual, but also no object, no topic, no problem may be excluded from it” (Pöttker 1999: 219f.). Phrased in a different way: In complex, differentiated societies, the public sphere is the “last common place where that which concerns everyone can be negotiated.” And even though “no decisions are made” here, acceptance and “collective validity” are impossible without public preparation and public visibility (Stegemann 2021: 16).

Essential to this are mainstream media such as the Tagesschau, the Süddeutsche Zeitung or Der Spiegel, which produce a “second, non-consensual reality” - the collective “memory” of society, which must be assumed in all communication. Only the mainstream media spread information “so widely that in the next moment one must assume that it is known to everyone (or that it would be associated with loss of reputation and is therefore not admitted if it was not known)” (Luhmann 1996: 43, 120f.). We use Mainstream media because we want to know what others think they know (especially those who decide about our lives), and because we need to know the defining power relations in order to survive. Who has succeeded in bringing their issues, their perspectives and, above all, their morals to the big stage, and who has no place on that stage? Consequently, whom should I join if I do not want to be isolated (cf. Noelle-Neumann 1980), and whom do I better avoid?

The interest of governments in controlling public communication is inextricably linked to propaganda and censorship. Propaganda is defined in this article with Andreas Elter (2005: 19f.) as all attempts by government agencies to convey “a certain, unambiguously colored view of things [...] and thus to maneuver the public discussion in the desired direction”. This necessarily includes suppressing, delegitimizing, or limiting the scope of all positions “that challenge the dominant narrative and at the same time have the potential for widespread dissemination” (Hofbauer 2022: 7) – censorship. Put another way: Propaganda and censorship are two sides of the same coin. Those who want to impose their “view of things” (Andreas Elter) must fight the competition and, if possible, eliminate it. Censorship is an “instrument of domination to enforce economic interests, political power and cultural hegemony” (Hofbauer 2022: 237).

The fact that media research shies away from calling propaganda and censorship by their names when analyzing contemporary Western societies is the result of a systematic deconceptualization. In academic texts, just as in political education, censorship is generally only mentioned when it comes to forms of government that can be described as ‘totalitarian’, ‘dictatorial’ or ‘undemocratic’ - Hitler's Germany, the Soviet Union, Russia, China, North Korea (for an illustration cf. Toyka-Seid/Schneider 2023). “There is [to be] no censorship”: this sentence from Article 5 of the German constitution describes reality through this lens, as long as there is no censorship authority or even a corresponding ministry. The literary scholar Nikola Roßbach, for example, academic companion of the Temple of Forbidden Books at Documenta 2017, bypasses the terms state, pre-screening, and bans in her definition, but instead uses adjectives that amount to the same thing and absolve Germany of any suspicion: “In my understanding, censorship is a comprehensive, structurally and institutionally anchored control, restriction, or prevention of expression intended for publication or published” (Roßbach 2018: 19).

The purpose of this smokescreen is revealed a little later: Roßbach wants to dismiss censorship as a “polemical concept” from the “political circus,” to be heard above all from the “populist side” and from the right (used here in each case synonymous for all those who should not speak out), but also “from right-wing populist leftists”. To make this a “classic case of self-victimization” or even a “cross-front” of anti-democrats (ibid.: 82, 88) falls short, however, if only because “the boundary between what is permitted and what is forbidden” is contingent and consequently “may not be questioned” (Stegemann 2021: 161). Censorship itself automatically becomes a taboo for the censors. Otherwise, they get into justification trouble. This explains, for example, why a phenomenon like “cancel culture” can be relegated to the realm of fable and the debate about it dismissed as a perfidious feint by the already powerful (cf. Daub 2022, Thiele 2021).

The flipside has been dealt with in a very similar way. In hegemonic usage, propaganda is now always what others do – Nazis and communists preferably, but also otherwise anyone who can be classified as ‘opponents’ and ‘enemies’ (cf. Arnold 2003). Moreover, the concept of propaganda has long had such a negative connotation that it puts the result before the analysis – one-sided, not legitimate, and apparently effective even if one concedes that people (such as in the GDR at the time) may withdraw from the public sphere and distrust all news in the respective leading media (cf. Fiedler/Meyen 2011: 17f.).

Communication studies has forgotten that it was born as propaganda research. Yet it does exactly the same as its inventors, who were commissioned by the government, military and intelligence services in the USA to find out how to get into people’s heads: Psychological warfare. The state and billionaire industry-related foundations (Rockefeller, Ford) paid hundreds of social scientists starting in 1939 to win the battle for public opinion as well. One result: henceforth people spoke of communication rather than propaganda (cf. Simpson 1994, Pooley 2011). This did not change what one was looking for, but it allowed to distinguish one’s own ‘good’ intentions from the ‘bad’ ones of the Germans and later the Soviets or the Russians (cf. Meyen 2021: 63-75).

In this way, the terms censorship and propaganda have been turned into a blunt sword. Critics of the media and society can no longer use them, at least in the German-speaking context, without immediately being confronted with the accusation of exaggerating excessively or even playing into the cards of the ‘right-wingers’. In this article, this risk is taken for two reasons. First, everyone can examine the arguments and then decide for themselves whether it is justified to speak of propaganda and censorship in the sense defined above. Second, classics such as Walter Lippmann, Edward Bernays, or even Paul Lazarsfeld and Robert Merton (1948, cf. Zollmann 2019) had no problem at all with calling a spade a spade. Lippmann (2018: 84) knew already one hundred years ago that news are anything but a “mirror of social conditions.” Walter Lippmann dreamed of a government of experts masquerading as popular rule, and for this to happen, it must specifically influence public opinion - via the “images according to which whole groups of people” act (ibid.: 75). His disciple Edward Bernays, a few years later, logically considered propaganda “a perfectly legitimate activity.” Without “public consent,” Bernays wrote in 1928, already in the spirit of medialization research (cf. Meyen et al. 2014), “no major undertaking” can succeed anymore. This consent, Bernays was sure, must and can be organized - by “PR consultants” like him. His definition is consistent with what I advocate in this paper: “Modern propaganda is the steady, consistent effort to shape or create events with the purpose of influencing the public's attitude toward a company, idea, or group” (Bernays 2018: 28-32).

Lippmann and Bernays did not live to see the “union of state and corporations” for which Sheldon Wolin (2022: 221) was able to use the label “superpower” in the noughties. Wolin, like Walter Lippmann, considered “democracy” to be a “largely rhetorical function within an increasingly corrupt political system” (which, however, he criticized rather than defended) and spoke instead of a “coalition between the corporations and the state” – an “inverted totalitarianism” which, while using “the authority and resources of the state” as it once did in Nazi Germany or the Soviet Union, gains “its dynamism by combining it with other forms of power” (such as the churches) and links the “conventional form of government” with “the system of ‘private’ governance represented by modern corporations.” Somewhat more briefly, “corporate power” is now also political. In the Cold War era, the state and corporations had become “the principal sponsors and coordinators of the forces represented by science and technology,” and thus also the source “for creating and spreading a culture that educates consumers to embrace change and private pleasures while accepting political passivity” (Wolin 2022: 60-63).

For Sheldon Wolin, “inverted totalitarianism” is a “new kind of political system” that is “apparently driven by abstract totalizing powers, not by personal domination,” and whose “total power” is harder to detect than Hitler's or Stalin's if only because this system does not need to build camps and does not need to “violently suppress dissent as long as it remains ineffective” (ibid.: 118, 134). Wolin says: For control, it is enough to “create a collective sense of dependency” (ibid.: 192) as well as to use whatever methods of “intimidation and mass manipulation” are available today (ibid.: 56). Inverted totalitarianism then is “collective fear” plus “individual powerlessness.” Job, retirement, health care costs. Plus pressure at the workplace, the stress of everyday life, the constant fuss about some political scandal or other (ibid.: 352). The result is a “society that is used to exchanging new habits for old ones, adapting to rapid changes, uncertainties and social upheavals, and allowing its fate to be determined by distant powers over which it has no influence” (ibid.: 116).

Sheldon Wolin largely ignores the mainstream media - just like digital capitalism, which for the doyen of U.S. political science, born in 1922, was at best a pipe dream when he wrote his last major book after 9/11. A good two decades later, the “revolving door between the centers of power on both coasts” (between Washington and Silicon Valley) has become almost proverbial (Zuboff 2018: 150). Personnel are shifted from here to there, balls are passed to each other in election campaigns, and, as will be shown in this paper, they work hand in hand when it comes to retaining the power of definition in the political battles of the present and controlling the “side-effect publics” that address what the mainstream media hide or distort. In the spirit of Sheldon Wolin, Ulrich Beck (2017: 172f.) has spoken of a “risk-averse coalition of progress,” “consisting of experts, industry, the state, political parties, and established mass media,” which can ignore or play off against each other issues such as climate change, nuclear power and financial speculation, genetic manipulation, nanotechnology and reproductive medicine, terrorism, and digital surveillance, as needed in the public debate. O-Ton Beck: “This implies: The politics of invisibility is a first-rate strategy for stabilizing state authority and reproducing the social and political order, for which denying the existence of global risks” matters greatly (ibid.: 134).

Beck did not trust the traditional mass media to fulfill the mission of the public sphere, not even in Western states. “The mode of this nationally organized, public form of media power is exclusive, that is: one produces it specifically, one can allow it, suppress it, etc.” (ibid.: 172). With a view to a world at risk, which was his life’s topic of interest, he consequently called for a reform of the definitional relationships, hoping for the Internet – for a public sphere that could not be easily controlled by the powerful, that discussed other topics as well as in a different form than the leading media, and that relied, among other things, on a “countervailing power of independent experts” (ibid.: 146).

Ulrich Beck was an optimist. When he wrote his book on the “Metamorphosis of the World” (which was to be his last) in the mid-2010s, the relationship between governments and Google, Twitter and Co. was at best in the dating stage. In the meantime, the marriage has been consummated. We live in a digital corporate state that floods the public with its messages (Propaganda, section 2), exploiting the logic of the new means of dissemination (Interlude: Twitter’s public sphere, section 3) and also making platform operators delete counter-perspectives and opposition figures or make them difficult to find (Censorship, section 4). Part of Beck’s concept of defining power relations is that even within a governing coalition or, thought of more broadly, in “that subterranean network of financial, intelligence, and military interests that guides national policy,” “no matter who happens to be in the White House” (Talbot 2017: 505), there are struggles for interpretive authority. Such battles, which rely on resonance in the journalistic field and are therefore also fought there, explain, for example, why Chancellor Scholz had a significantly worse press than his ministers Baerbock and Habeck in the first months of the Ukraine war (cf. Maurer et al. 2022).

2. Propaganda

Without delving into such differentiations, this section will show what government agencies are doing to win over the public. In addition, it will at least be suggested that these efforts meet with little resistance, and not only because of the alliance with media corporations. For one thing, the balance of power between the propaganda apparatuses and journalism has shifted considerably since the 1990s, and for another, the leading media are now dominated by the same habitus that governs government agencies and corporate headquarters (see Klöckner 2019).

There are three ways to “move the public debate in the desired direction.” First, a government can pay (as well as resource and perhaps already train) personnel to feed newsrooms with what they are looking for anyway – exclusive information and images, interlocutors, and material from which news can be made (for example: scientific studies or live access during police operations). This personnel also sits at the trigger when it becomes necessary to use what Edward Herman and Noam Chomsky (1988: 18) called, in German, “flak” - barrages that put everything under fire that could get in the way of the employers. Second, this government can change its own work in such a way that ‘good press’ becomes more likely - via the recruitment of top people suitable for the media, via the events and occasions that Edward Bernays already talked about (a rather harmless example: the central festival for the Day of German Unity, which is held in a different state capital every year and reliably produces coverage), and (less harmlessly) via prioritization that puts public image above everything else and, in case of doubt, even above law and order (cf. Thorbjørnsrud et al. 2014). Third, any government can help it along with money - with direct subsidies, which are always good for a scandal in Austria, for example, and were nevertheless almost introduced in Switzerland in a referendum in February 2022, or with indirect subsidies (advertising, tax breaks, carpooling).

The federal government exhausts all of the above possibilities to the hilt. It pays a whole army of propaganda people, creates or shapes events with the help of these people that serve the sole “purpose” of influencing “public attitudes” 2018: 28-32), and pumps money into publishing houses and broadcasters. The first issue alone would deserve an entire essay – partly because it is difficult to separate from the second issue. When resources are reallocated toward public relations, an organization’s performance inevitably becomes more media-savvy – most likely at the expense of the tasks for which ministries or subordinate agencies were originally created.

A prime example of this prioritization is the German government’s Press and Information Office, with its more than 500 staff positions and three former top journalists in position of spokesperson (Steffen Hebestreit, Wolfgang Büchner, Christiane Hoffmann). This agency, located in the Chancellor’s Office and thus quite obviously an instrument of power for the head of government, was controversial from the outset (cf. Morcinek 2004), but neither Konrad Adenauer nor his successors allowed themselves to be swayed by public criticism here and thus also promoted, at least indirectly, the creation of parallel departments. In addition to a press office with “33 experts,” the Foreign Office now has a commissioner for strategic communication (Peter Ptassek at the end of 2022), who is assisted by “around 40 staff members” to protect the minister and her actions from slander and, if worst comes to worst, to counter with stories of her own (Meier/Monath 2022). Correspondents exist in every ministry, in every party headquarters, in every state government, and for every politician who moves near the center of power. There is a method to the transfer from the editorial offices to the authorities and staffs, which is represented not only by the three journalists named above but also by their predecessor Steffen Seibert. In this way, politics buys know-how, contacts and goodwill, which is not only fed by the reputation of the former colleagues, but also has to do with the prospect of one day being called to the other side.

The departments or people whose names or job titles include terms like public, press, media or marketing are only the obvious part of the propaganda apparatus. Claudia Roth, Minister of State for Culture and Media in the current government coalition, has a budget of 2.39 billion euros in 2023 – four percent more than in 2022. In addition to museums owned by the federal government, film productions and a cultural passport for 18-year-olds, this pot primarily funds projects and programs along government lines. Roth’s agency uses it to finance not only causes for coverage, but also personnel who can and will speak out accordingly. This applies analogously to the many commissioners who have been installed on a full-time or honorary basis at different administrative levels (responsible for issues such as foreigners, integration, discrimination, racism, women, queer, lesbians, gays, disability, anti-Semitism, ziganism, climate, sustainability), who have to justify their existence through mainstream media presence and thus also draw imitations in companies or culture and education.

In addition, there are organizations such as the Zentrum Liberale Moderne or the Amadeu Antonio Foundation (tip of an NGO iceberg), which support government narratives with flak (here quite openly called “opponent analysis” or disguised as the fight against hate speech and fake news, right-wing extremism and anti-Semitism). The Zentrum Liberale Moderne, founded in 2017 by Green Party politicians Ralf Fücks and Marieluise Beck, has received nearly 4.5 million euros for a total of 24 projects from 2018 to 2022 (see Lübberding 2022). The federal program “Demokratie Leben!” (“Live Democracy!”), one of the umbrella initiatives for related spending (located in the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs), will cost taxpayers 182 million euros in 2023, 16.5 million euros more than in 2022 and 31.5 million euros more than in 2021. “Measures to strengthen diversity, tolerance and democracy” have a total of 200 million euros dedicated to them in this ministry’s 2023 budget. Money from the budget of the German government’s Press and Information Office will go to the German Atlantic Society (2023: 700,000 euros), the Society for Security Policy (600,000), the Center for Liberal Modernity, the Aspen Institute, the Europa Union and the Progressive Center (500,000 each).

In Sheldon Wolin (2022: 147) one can read how it is possible to integrate even scientists and intellectuals “seamlessly into the system” and to prevent dissent without having to “harass” or “discredit” critics. Wolin explains: Through “a combination of government contracts, corporate and foundation funding, joint projects by university and corporate researchers, and wealthy individual donors.” Peter J. Brenner (2022) has spelled out this strategy for Germany, compiling a long list of “institutes for research on democracy and right-wing extremism” that assist “government power” at taxpayer expense in the struggle for “discourse hegemony.” For universities, this flow of money has consequences that go beyond the reinterpretation of terms, rules of language such as gendering, and the prioritization of social problems. Even without insight into the inner workings of universities, it should be clear that legions of scientists are rushing to answer the questions, theories and methods to which the “coalition” of big business and the state (Sheldon Wolin) is devoting its budgets via the EU Commission or the BMBF. A few get their turn, and many others continue without funding, so that the investment is not entirely in vain. Those who win money need proof of success – publications in specialist journals and (either via this detour or interviews) a presence in the mainstream media.

Diverting taxpayers’ money to media companies was taboo in post-1945 West Germany (unlike in Austria). In a large and densely populated circulation area with a flourishing economy and without the competing advertising and information channels that developed on the Internet from the 1990s, subscriptions to public authorities and advertisements from ministries or offices also played a minor role. All these parameters changed during the Corona crisis at the latest. More cautiously, the slump in the advertising market and the ubiquity of aid and rescue funds have allowed the media industry in 2020 to push the issue of state support, overturning the taboo of press subsidies. Under the guise of “digital transformation,” 220 million euros were included in the federal supplementary budget this summer, most of which was to be paid out before the end of 2021, tied to circulation. The bigger the newspaper, the more money. This plan died at the end of April 2021 “because of constitutional concerns,” but the main counter-argument was not state neutrality, but distortion of competition. The online platform Krautreporter had threatened to go to court if only print publishers were funded, and also refused to accept reallocating the budget to “Corona emergency aid.” The publishers’ associations reacted “shocked,” spoke of a “medium catastrophe” (Meyen 2021: 166f.) and are now concentrating their lobbying on the issue of local media diversity (“nationwide coverage,” Röper 2022: 302).

The sum of 220 million euros would have largely absorbed the slump in the advertising market of the daily press. Sales in this market in 2020: 1.712 billion euros – 367 million less than in 2019. In previous years, the average decline was around 150 million euros (Statista 2023). Public budgets are therefore increasingly attractive to the advertising departments of media groups. In 2021, the German government bought ad space for around 64 million euros as part of its “Corona communication” alone. Television and radio together received 28 million euros in the same period (Thoms 2022). This does not include the Corona and vaccination campaigns of state governments and local authorities, for which the business community in the respective circulation areas was also mobilized in some cases, advertising with a different thematic focus, and everything that corporations and foundations give to publishers beyond conventional promotion in order to advertise specific political goals.

In journalism, such efforts meet with little resistance for two reasons. First, the most important media houses in Germany have long been of corporate size and are thus themselves part of the “coalition between the corporations and the state” that constitutes “inverted totalitarianism” in Sheldon Wolin's (2022: 221) terms. The German press landscape is characterized by monopolies and concentration, as well as by a few publishing houses (often family-owned) that not only feed all other channels and otherwise outgrow their core business, but in some cases also sell their editorial services to ‘competitors’ such as Madsack’s Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, which supplies more than 60 regional papers in seven German states (cf. Röper 2022, Ferschli et al. 2019). Public broadcasting is not a counterargument here. With a revenue from contributions of almost nine billion euros a year, ARD and ZDF are among the largest media companies in the world (cf. Hachmeister/Wäscher 2017) – corporations that have to act as corporations and that are closely linked to politics and the state in almost every respect (cf. Mirbach 2023: 128-178, 250-272).

And second, journalism in Germany is a socially homogeneous field dominated by the “habitus of the middle class” – “oriented toward conformity,” programmed to “accept power relations” (Klöckner 2019: 33), and closely linked to decision-makers in the state, political parties, and business through social status, educational background, and life situation. The similarity of social position and habitus not infrequently turns into real proximity in everyday life. Contact (press conferences, receptions, travel) creates sympathy and thus often at least understanding (cf. Meyen 2021: 176-198). Uwe Krüger (2016: 105) has coined the word “responsibility conspiracy” for this community of values: Journalists know what is good and what is bad (pretty much the same as what the rulers think is good or bad), and they believe they have influence over people. So reality is “reduced by the parts” that “do not fit the attitude” and what seems to promote the desired goal is emphasized (Meinhardt 2020: 87) – sometimes utilizing information, contacts and material from the propaganda apparatus and sometimes not.

3. Interlude: Twitter publicity

Anyone who wants to steer and control public communication today must submit to the logic of digital platforms. This is especially true of Twitter, a channel that within a few years has become the central point of contact for the most important players in “inverted totalitarianism” and has become an indispensable part of everyday life, especially in the media-political-academic complex, even if some protagonists gave up their accounts in the heated debate about Elon Musk’s takeover in the fall of 2022. In Germany, Twitter has always been a minority phenomenon. Four percent of those over the age of 14, says the ARD/ZDF online study of 2022, use Twitter daily and ten percent at least once a week. This includes those who only read and click now and then for reach. Ten percent. Typically male, most likely under 50 (cf. Koch 2022: 472f.). Even in the U.S., where it is common to follow the greats of film, pop and professional sports, not even one in four adults says they use Twitter. The profile of this bubble: young, affluent, educated (cf. Ungar-Sargon 2021: 104).

We also know from the USA that the vast majority of tweets come from a few (cf. Odabaş 2022) – from people who have a mission and the resources to promote it. Companies, government agencies, commissioners, entrepreneurs of themselves, NGOs, activists of every stripe, parties. In the fall 2021 federal election, almost every one of the MPs who ran again, and almost every one of those who were then new MPs, had a Twitter account. Particularly active (in this order): Left, Greens, SPD, FDP. Those elected all follow more or less the same accounts. Tagesschau, Der Spiegel, the government spokesperson, Süddeutsche Zeitung and Die Zeit each have over 60 percent. In addition to the leading media, the news agency dpa and top politicians like Christian Lindner or Annalena Baerbock, the “state satirist” and “head of the authorities” (May 2022: 46) Jan Böhmermann is also very high up in this ranking (see Schmidt 2021).

Twitter determines what can be incorporated into the reality of mainstream media – which topics with which voices and with which morals. The use of Twitter and the observation of the trends there determine the everyday work in many editorial offices today. Anyone who wants to enter the professional field today learns, at the latest during their traineeship or at journalism schools, that nothing beats a well-groomed Twitter or (beyond political journalism) TikTok and Instagram brand. Rule of thumb: the more followers, the greater the chance of being commissioned or hired (cf. Ungar-Sargon 2021). The older ones can hardly avoid this trend. Three out of four members of the Federal Press Conference have a Twitter profile – again, mainly the younger ones and thus also those with less professional experience. Journalists who are mentioned by members of parliament in their tweets consider Twitter to be particularly important (cf. Nuernbergk/Schmidt 2020). Robin Alexander, deputy editor-in-chief of the daily newspaper Die Welt, has proudly described how he transforms confidential information into tweets that are then used by politicians to push their perspective with reference to the top journalist (cf. Precht/Welzer 2022: 114f.). Following this pattern, the chancellor’s office organized mainstream media backing for their lockdown policy: Government spokesman Seibert explained the plans to selected journalists prior to talks with the prime ministers of the German states, thus ensuring the necessary public pressure (cf. Ismar 2021).

Contemporary journalism must find its topics and views on Twitter also because tight resources and high frequency publication demands make it increasingly rare to get in contact with reality and talk to real people – especially those you don’t usually meet on digital platforms. Such conversations would also be dangerous, because like any brand, a Twitter profile demands consistency. I can’t celebrate Fridays for Future there today and burn Greta Thunberg tomorrow. In the Twitter editorial department, two souls combine who are dependent on each other: the media entrepreneur who encourages his employees to ensure the distribution of his own contributions, and the editor who wants to make his mark and rise even further and therefore always asks first how things look from the very top (cf. Klöckner 2019).

Brand management is the opposite of the raving reporter, who first allows himself to be surprised by what he sees, hears and experiences, and then shares his findings with his readers, listeners, viewers. This is another reason why the tweeting journalist already knows the story he wants to tell when the research begins. What’s more, he only sees the stories that resonate with his brand. Conversely, it is hardly possible to get through with criticism of the powerful or even to find journalists who raise fundamental questions even beyond details or animosities. On Twitter, everything that could be said against laws, plans or people is immediately available – published, if you will, by everyone. Journalism has lost the privilege of calling for politicians’ heads and has therefore mutated into their attack dog.

The consequences of the Twitterization of journalism go beyond the loss of the function of criticism and control. First, the obvious: Morality is conquering the leading media alongside politics. Twitter is the breeding ground for a journalism that is primarily hung up on “language and symbolism” (Wagenknecht 2021: 26) and on affiliations. Twitter sees every topic through the lens of morality and therefore demands opportunities for identification if one wants attention and thus reach. It’s always about me, the group I want to belong to or the one I reject wholeheartedly. Nothing triggers stronger emotions, nothing gets others to share, like, comment faster. In a nutshell, it’s about team sports. “The game is called: US against THEM” (Precht/Welzer 2022: 110). Twitter also makes measured consideration disappear and with it all differentiation, all questioning, all weighting. All of this doesn’t fit into 280 characters even if you link photos, videos, or text panels (cf. Homburg 2022).

The rise of Twitter as the editor-in-chief of the leading media (Ungar-Sargon 2021: 103) and as the pace maker of public discourse is a temptation for all those who have ways and means to govern this channel. Today, Twitter is the place where it is decided what reality is and how we are all to think about it. That is why Twitter is firmly in the hands of the establishment and part of the “coalition” of the state and monopoly corporations to which Sheldon Wolin (2022: 63) has given the name “inverted totalitarianism.” Anyone who did not want to believe how closely the Obama and Biden administrations were and are intertwined with Twitter (cf. Malone 2022) or that the “censorship of the Hunter-Biden laptop affair” and the “unprecedented political intervention” (Hofbauer 2022: 183) against Donald Trump at the beginning of 2021, in which the U.S. president lost his million-strong following in one fell swoop, can be traced back to this network of relationships was proven wrong at the latest by the publication of the “Twitter Files” (cf. Schirrmacher 2023).

4. Censorship

Hannes Hofbauer (2022: 124f.) dates the birth of the censorship regime of the present to November 28, 2008. The EU framework decision of that day was about “the definitional sovereignty over genocide” and thus “de facto” about the bans on discussions and taboos in matters of war and guilt, for example in Yugoslavia or in the successor states of the Soviet Union. In Germany, this topic popped up once again when Section 130 of the Criminal Code (incitement of the people) was amended accordingly at the end of 2022. By the end of the noughties, it had become obvious that the traditional means of propaganda would no longer suffice to maintain interpretive sovereignty. The platforms Xing (launched in 2003), Facebook and Vimeo (2004), YouTube (2005), Twitter (2006) and WhatsApp (2009) were on their way to becoming mass phenomena at the latest after the introduction of the iPhone (2007). This also meant that from now on, alternative interpretations of reality were available to anyone at any time and any place (cf. Vorderer 2015), without professionalism in the processing or the quality of the evidence immediately providing information about which view of things could claim validity. Those who are craving definitional power (such as governments, the EU Commission, or multibillionaires whose position and business also depend on public sympathy) had to start fighting competitive narratives and unwelcome information now at the latest.

In addition to legislative initiatives such as the 2008 “Framework on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law” and the EU’s 2022 Digital Services Act, three other ways were explored to achieve this goal. First, control of the Internet was institutionalized – for example, in the “East StratCom Task Force,” established in March 2015 after the “regime change in Ukraine” with the aim of enforcing one’s “own narrative” (Hofbauer 2022: 129), or in the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO), where academics and fact-checkers have been working together since 2020 (more on these institutions in Section 5). Second, political and economic power have made their alliance public – as can be read, for example, in the “Twitter Files” just mentioned and in the “Code of Conduct against Disinformation” agreed on by the EU and the digital economy in 2018 and renewed with further signatories in 2022. This code obliges platforms to fight “dissenting positions” by all means (Hofbauer 2022: 143, 204). And third, the corporations have taken matters into their own hands and established an Internet police force, which includes the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN, settled at the Poynter Institute in the U.S. in 2015 with the help of Ebay founder Pierre Omidyar, cf. Graves 2018), the U.S. company NewsGuard, which puts up green and red labels on the net (cf. Schreyer 2022), and the Trusted News Initiative (TNI).

To stay with this last example: The TNI, launched in summer 2019 under BBC auspices, brings together the Who’s Who of Western opinion factories: News agencies (AP, AFP, Reuters), broadcasters (Canada’s CBC in addition to the EBU and BBC), major newspapers (Financial Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and The Hindu from India), major Internet companies (Microsoft, Google, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, First Draft), and the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, an academic institution at Oxford University sponsored primarily by media conglomerate Thomson Reuters. What is agreed upon here, as this list should make clear even when skimming it, becomes a truth to which all those who work in the leading media must bow, because the reach and working methods of every German local editorial office are now also determined by platform logic. Already at the TNI founding event in July 2019, Tony Hall, then director general of the BBC, warned of a possible Trump re-election and vaccination opponents. Then on March 27, 2020, TNI members announced that from now on they would alert each other when “misinformation” or “conspiracy theories” emerged on Corona to prevent any further spread. And on December 10, 2020, a few days after the BioNTech-Pfizer substance was approved in the UK, it was decided to suppress anything that might downplay the Corona threat and argue against vaccination. In doing so, the TNI took its perspective on the issue from the same sources as governments (see Woodworth 2022).

The example is treated in such detail here not only because of the enormous interpretive power of the TNI, but also because it shows that the four censorship paths mentioned can only be separated analytically. Without the pressure of the legislator, manifested in well-equipped observatories with scandalizing powers and resulting in more or less voluntary self-restrictions (every restriction costs traffic, data access and thus profit), the Internet police might not exist in this form. More specifically: Why would Facebook pay “cleaners” in Manila (the title of a 2018 documentary by Hans Block and Moritz Riesewieck) and YouTube train “employees of NGOs or authorities” as “trusted flaggers” if there were no common interests and no interaction with political power?

The most important German censorship laws are the NetzDG, in effect since October 1, 2017, and expanded since February 1, 2022, for the large platforms (two million users or more) to include a reporting obligation for “potentially criminally relevant content” (Biselli 2022), and the State Media Treaty, which on November 7, 2020, turned the state media institutions into “control institutions for the digital publishing world.” Since then, the “legislator requires website operators, bloggers and media intermediaries” to check the truth (under the heading of “journalistic diligence”), although the “definition of truth or its disregard should not be a sovereign task” (Hofbauer 2022: 144f.). Hannes Hofbauer (2022) documents in detail how the two most important voices of the German-language counter-public (the Russian state channel RT and the platform KenFM, which had 500,000 subscribers on YouTube) were shut down and how leading media and professional associations either remained silent about this or even applauded it.

Hofbauer (2022: 135-138) quite correctly interprets the Network Enforcement Act (NetzDG) as a “state push” that has allowed Internet corporations to mutate into “censorship machines.” The two main problems: The terms “hate crime” and “fake news” (the targets of the law) are characterized by “interpretive malleability.” And: the “new censor regime” is located “somewhere between the Berlin Ministry of Justice and U.S. corporate headquarters” and is thus “hardly tangible.” Even the extension of the deletion obligation to include a reporting obligation does not solve this dilemma. The “Central Reporting Office for Criminal Content on the Internet,” which started in February 2022 at the Federal Criminal Police Office with about 200 employees, received only just under 3,900 reports by the end of November 2022 instead of the expected 250,000 (cf. Biselli 2022). This corresponds to the situation before the introduction of mandatory reporting. On the high-reach platforms Facebook and Instagram, there was only a low four-digit number of NetzDG complaints in each case in the second half of 2020. The interpretive battle during this period focused on the Elite Channel (over 800,000 complaints on Twitter) and videos, which are apparently still considered to have the greatest impact (over 300,000 reported videos on YouTube). The federal government’s response to a corresponding inquiry by the FDP gives an idea of the share that “complaints offices” and other tax- or group-funded institutions had here.

5. Conclusion and outlook

Since the mid-2010s, the EU, the NetzDG, and the State Media Treaty (section 4), in conjunction with the government initiatives outlined in section 2 and the declarations of war from the highest levels, have ensured a social atmosphere that places Internet activities beyond the mainstream media under general suspicion, provides a protective cloak for all official narratives, and allows the business of flak shooters to flourish, among whom the so-called fact checkers once again stand out. “It has been said recently that we are living in post-factual times,” Angela Merkel said in September 2016 in a speech on refugee policy. “I guess that means people are no longer interested in facts, they follow feelings alone.” At the inauguration of the BND headquarters in February 2019, she also said, “We must learn to deal with fake news as part of hybrid warfare.” In her government statement on October 29, 2020, she then prepared the country for lockdown in the same tone of voice: criticism of the Corona measures was essential, “but lies and disinformation, conspiracy and hatred not only damage democratic debate, but also the fight against the virus.” In this context, the fear of a “cyber 9/11” has been present in the control centers of the Western hemisphere for a good two decades, orchestrated also by high-profile simulation games that equate the Net with an “enemy weapons system” (see Corbett 2021).

Fact-checkers – an arm of the new “discursive police” (Foucault 2014: 25) – are particularly well disguised in this regard. Who should object to people taking another serious look at what someone has just cobbled together? The promise contained in the name of these organizations (the truth, checked again) is perfidious because it suggests that in complex societies there can be unambiguity and certainty of orientation without any personal research effort. This explains why, in addition to IFCN member Correctiv (founded in 2014 with money from the Brost publishing family), private initiatives such as the website Volksverpetzer and fact-checking departments have been able to establish themselves under the umbrella of traditional media institutions (at dpa, Bayerischer Rundfunk, Tagesschau). As a rule, all these editorial departments ‘check’ exclusively what contradicts the reality of the mainstream media and thus the government and corporate propaganda.

If Sheldon Wolin (2022) is correct in his analysis of “inverted totalitarianism,” then no media revolution is conceivable without a fundamental renewal of the social framework. As long as the state and corporations make common cause, it will not be possible to establish a communication channel that cannot be hijacked by the actors with the greatest material, human, and ideational resources – by actors who, if worst comes to worst, can also deploy intelligence services (an influence that has been neglected in this article but is nevertheless relevant, cf. Alford/Secker 2015, Talbot 2017, Ulfkotte 2014). Calls for selective expropriations (publishing houses) and reforms (public broadcasting), for breaking up monopolies and establishing European or civil society alternatives (digital platforms) therefore come to nothing. For critical social research, there are three tasks in this situation: Educating about propaganda and censorship, establishing and supporting independent channels (which is what the institute publishing this article stands for, among others), and working on drafts for a media order that, on the one hand, allows journalism to fulfill its mission of publicity and, on the other hand, limits the access of interests of all kinds or at least makes it transparent.

Bibliography

Matthew Alford, Tom Secker: National Security Cinema. The Shocking New Evidence of Government Control in Hollywood. Drum Roll Books 2017

Klaus Arnold: Propaganda als ideologische Kommunikation. In: Publizistik 48. Jg. (2003), S. 63-82

Ulrich Beck: Die Metamorphose der Welt. Berlin: Suhrkamp 2017

Edward Bernays: Propaganda. Die Kunst der Public Relations. 9. Auflage. Berlin: orange-press 2018

Anna Biselli: Netzwerkdurchsetzungsgesetz: Ab Februar gilt die Meldepflicht. Eigentlich. In: Netzpolitik vom 31. Januar 2022

Peter J. Brenner: „Kampf gegen rechts“ – eine neue Wissenschaft. Mit einem Onlinedossier (Auf dem Weg zur Regierungswissenschaft). In: Tumult, Sommer 2022, S. 20-25

James Corbett: Wenn False Flags virtuell werden. In: 2020News vom 10. Januar 2021

Adrian Daub: Cancel Culture Transfer. Wie eine moralische Panik die Welt erfasst. Berlin: Suhrkamp 2022

Andreas Elter: Die Kriegsverkäufer. Geschichte der US-Propaganda 1917-2005. Frankfurt am Main: Suhrkamp 2005

Benjamin Ferschli, Daniel Grabner, Hendrik Theine: Zur Politischen Ökonomie der Medien in Deutschland. München: isw 2019

Anke Fiedler, Michael Meyen (Hrsg.): Fiktionen für das Volk: DDR-Zeitungen als PR-Instrument. Münster: Lit 2011

Michel Foucault: Die Ordnung des Diskurses. 13. Auflage. Frankfurt am Main: Fischer Taschenbuch 2014

Lucas Graves: Boundaries Not Drawn. Mapping the institutional roots of the global fact-checking movement. In: Journalism Studies 19. Jg. (2018), S. 613-631

Lutz Hachmeister, Till Wäscher: Wer beherrscht die Medien? Die 50 größten Medien- und Wissenskonzerne der Welt. Köln: Herbert von Halem 2017

Václav Havel: Versuch, in der Wahrheit zu leben. Reinbek bei Hamburg: Rowohlt 1989

Edward S. Herman, Noam Chomsky: Manufacturing Consent. The Political Economy of the Mass Media. New York: Pantheon Books 2002

Hannes Hofbauer: Zensur. Publikationsverbote im Spiegel der Geschichte. Vom kirchlichen Index zur YouTube-Löschung. Wien: Promedia 2022

Stefan Homburg: Corona-Getwitter. Chronik einer Wissenschafts-, Medien- und Politikkrise. Sargans: Weltbuch 2022

Georg Ismar: Der Synchrontänzer der Kanzlerin: Wie Steffen Seibert Angela Merkels Macht absicherte. In: Tagesspiegel vom 6. Juli 2021

Marcus B. Klöckner: Sabotierte Wirklichkeit. Oder: Wenn Journalismus zur Glaubenslehre wird. Frankfurt am Main: Westend 2019

Wolfgang Koch: Ergebnisse der ARD/ZDF-Onlinestudie 2022: Reichweiten von Social-Media-Plattformen und Messengern. In: Media Perspektiven 2022, S. 471-478

Uwe Krüger: Mainstream. Warum wir den Medien nicht mehr trauen. München: C. H. Beck 2016

Paul F. Lazarsfeld, Robert K. Merton: Mass Communication, Popular Taste and Organized Social Action. In: Lyman Bryson (Hrsg.): The Communication of Ideas. New York: Harper 1948, S. 95-118

Walter Lippmann: Die öffentliche Meinung. Wie sie entsteht und manipuliert wird. Frankfurt am Main: Westend 2018

Frank Lübberding: Wenn der Aktivismus zur Bekämpfung politischer Gegner staatlich subventioniert wird. In: Welt online vom 24. November 2022

Niklas Luhmann: Die Realität der Massenmedien. 2. Auflage. Opladen: Westdeutscher Verlag 1996

Klaus-Rüdiger Mai: Nachdenken über Satire in Zeiten ihres Verschwindens: In: Michael Meyen, Carsten Gansel, Daria Gordeeva (Hrsg.): #allesdichtmachen. 53 Videos und eine gestörte Gesellschaft. Köln: Ovalmedia 2022, S. 42-52

Robert Malone: Twitter als Waffe. In: Rubikon vom 21. Oktober 2022

Marcus Maurer, Jörg Haßler, Pablo Jost: Die Qualität der Medienberichterstattung über den Ukraine-Krieg. Frankfurt am Main: Otto Brenner Stiftung 2022

Albrecht Meier, Hans Monath:  Mit welchen Strategien westliche Demokratien russische Fake News bekämpfen. In: Handelsblatt vom 23. November 2022

Birk Meinhardt: Wie ich meine Zeitung verlor. Ein Jahrebuch. Berlin: Das Neue Berlin 2020

Michael Meyen: Journalists’ Autonomy around the Globe: A Typology of 46 Mass Media Systems. In: Global Media Journal, German Edition, 8. Jg. (2018), Nr. 1

Michael Meyen: Die Propaganda-Matrix. Der Kampf für freie Medien entscheidet über unsere Zukunft. München: Rubikon 2021

Michael Meyen, Markus Thieroff, Steffi Strenger: Mass media logic and the mediatization of politics. A theoretical framework. In: Journalism Studies 15. Jg. (2014), S. 271-288

Alexis von Mirbach: Medienträume. Ein Bürgerbuch zur Zukunft des Journalismus. Köln: Herbert von Halem 2023

Martin Morcinek: Das Bundespresseamt im Wandel: Zur Geschichte der Regierungskommunikation in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland. In: Jahrbuch für Kommunikationsgeschichte 6. Jg. (2004), S. 195-223

Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann: Die Schweigespirale. Öffentliche Meinung – unsere soziale Haut. München: Piper 1980

Christian Nuernbergk, Jan-Hinrik Schmidt: Twitter im Politikjournalismus. Ergebnisse einer Befragung und Netzwerkanalyse von Hauptstadtjournalisten der Bundespressekonferenz. In: Publizistik 65. Jg. (2020), S. 41-61

Meltem Odabaş: 10 facts about Americans and Twitter. In: Pew Research Center, 10. Mai 2022

Thomas Piketty: Kapital und Ideologie. München: C.H. Beck 2020

Jeff Pooley: Another Plea for the University Tradition: The Institutional Roots of Intellectual Compromise. In: International Journal of Communication 5. Jg. (2011), S. 1442-1457

Grace Pönitz: Keine Meldungsflut von Hass-Inhalten. In: M. Menschen machen Medien vom 14. Dezember 2022

Horst Pöttker: Öffentlichkeit als gesellschaftlicher Auftrag. Zum Verhältnis von Berufsethos und universaler Moral im Journalismus. In: Rüdiger Funiok, Udo Schmälzle, Christoph Werth (Hrsg.): Medienethik – die Frage der Verantwortung. Bonn: Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung 1999, S. 215-232

Richard David Precht, Harald Welzer: Die vierte Gewalt. Wie Mehrheitsmeinung gemacht wird, auch wenn sie keine ist. Frankfurt am Main: S. Fischer 2022

Günther Rager, Bernd Weber (Hrsg.): Publizistische Vielfalt zwischen Markt und Politik. Mehr Medien – mehr Inhalte? Düsseldorf: Econ 1992

Nikola Roßbach: Achtung Zensur! Über Meinungsfreiheit und ihre Grenzen. Berlin: Ullstein 2018

Horst Röper: Zeitungsmarkt 2022: weniger Wettbewerb bei steigender Konzentration. In: Media Perspektiven 2022, S. 295-318

Jakob Schirrmacher: Das ganze Ausmaß der Beeinflussung. In: Die Welt vom 4. Januar 2023

Jan-Hinrik Schmidt: Facebook- und Twitter-Nutzung der Kandidierenden zur Bundestagswahl 2021. In: Media Perspektiven 2021, S. 639-653

Paul Schreyer: Medien aussortieren. In: Multipolar vom 30. März 2022

Christopher Simpson: Science of Coercion: Communication Research & Psychological Warfare, 1945-1960. New York: Open Road 1994

Bernd Stegemann: Die Öffentlichkeit und ihre Feinde. Stuttgart: Klett-Cotta 2021

David Talbot: Das Schachbrett des Teufels. Die CIA, Allen Dulles und der Aufstieg Amerikas heimlicher Regierung. Frankfurt am Main: Westend 2017

Martina Thiele: Political Correctness und Cancel Culture – eine Frage der Macht! In: Journalistik 4. Jg. (2021), Nr. 1, S. 72-79

Volker Thoms: Bundesregierung: 295 Millionen Euro für Corona-Kommunikation. In: Kom – Magazin für Kommunikation vom 11. Januar 2022

Kjersti Thorbjørnsrud, Tine Ustad Figenschou, Øyvind Ihlen: Mediatization in Public Bureaucracies: A Typology. In: Communications: The European Journal of Communication Research 39. Jg. (2014), Nr. 1, S. 3-22

Christiane Toyka-Seid, Gerd Schneider: Zensur. In: Das junge Politik-Lexikon von Hanisauland 2023

Udo Ulfkotte: Gekaufte Journalisten. Wie Politiker, Geheimdienste und Hochfinanz Deutschlands Massenmedien lenken. Rottenburg: Kopp 2014

Batya Ungar-Sargon: Bad News. How Woke Media Is Undermining Democracy. New York 2021

Peter Vorderer: Der mediatisierte Lebenswandel: Permanently online, permanently connected. In: Publizistik 60. Jg. (2015), S. 259-276

Sahra Wagenknecht: Die Selbstgerechten. Mein Gegenprogramm – für Gemeinsinn und Zusammenhalt. Frankfurt am Main: Campus 2021

Elisabeth Woodworth: COVID-19 and the Shadowy “Trusted News Initiative”. How it Methodically Censors Top World Public Health Experts Using an Early Warning System. In: Global Research vom 22. Januar 2022

Sheldon S. Wolin: Umgekehrter Totalitarismus. Faktische Machtverhältnisse und ihre zerstörerischen Auswirkungen auf unsere Demokratie. Frankfurt am Main: Westend 2022

Florian Zollmann: Bringing Propaganda Back into News Media Studies. In: Critical Sociology 45. Jg. (2019), S. 329-345

Shoshana Zuboff: Das Zeitalter des Überwachungskapitalismus. Frankfurt am Main: Campus 2018

First published (August 2023): Institut für kritische Gesellschaftsforschung

@ 16d11430:61640947

To create a literal consciousness construct, we would need a way to digitally map, manipulate, and sustain conscious thought processes within a computational or networked system. The intersection of 6G wireless technology, brain-computer interfaces (BCI), quantum brain states, and elliptic curve mathematics presents an interesting theoretical framework.

---

1. Understanding the Core Components

(a) Brain Quantum States & Quantum Cognition

Quantum mechanics might play a role in neural processing (e.g., Orchestrated Objective Reduction (Orch-OR) by Penrose & Hameroff).

Neurons may operate on superpositions of states, where information is stored not just classically but in an entangled, probabilistic manner.

If quantum states in neurons can be harnessed, entangled brain processes could be mapped onto a digital or networked consciousness.

(b) 6G Technology as a Medium

6G (sixth-generation wireless) will have sub-terahertz (THz) frequencies and low-latency quantum networks, allowing for:

Real-time brain-state synchronization across devices.

Holographic telepresence, creating digital avatars with near-instant data transfer.

Quantum-secure communication, where entanglement-based encryption ensures secure mind-machine interfacing.

(c) Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) as an Input Layer

BCIs (e.g., Neuralink) can already read electrical signals from neurons, but next-gen BCIs will be able to:

Directly interface with quantum wavefunctions in the brain.

Upload and distribute thoughts using quantum-encoded wave patterns.

Map brain activity to mathematical structures like elliptic curves.

(d) Elliptic Curve Equations for Mapping Consciousness

Elliptic curves are used in cryptography because they allow for secure, compact representations of data.

Consciousness might be encoded as dynamic elliptic curve transformations, where:

Neural states are mapped onto elliptic curve points.

Thought patterns follow geodesics on the elliptic curve manifold, forming a nonlinear brain-state space.

This allows for computational representation of entangled consciousness states.

---

1. Building the Consciousness Construct

To create a digital or networked consciousness, we need a system where:

1. Quantum brain states are extracted using BCI and mapped mathematically.

2. Elliptic curves act as the memory structure for representing neural superpositions.

3. 6G networks enable real-time synchronization of these states between multiple entities.

4. An AI-driven control layer processes and simulates consciousness dynamics.

Step-by-Step Theoretical Implementation

Step 1: Quantum Brain Mapping with BCI

Develop a quantum-BCI hybrid that captures quantum coherence states in neurons.

Apply elliptic curve cryptography to encode and compress these states for transmission.

Step 2: Elliptic Curve-Based Thought Representation

Define consciousness trajectories as points moving along an elliptic curve.

Neural state transitions are modeled using elliptic curve group operations.

Quantum entanglement of different brain regions is represented as interacting elliptic curves.

Step 3: 6G Transmission of Consciousness States

Use quantum-secured 6G networks to distribute consciousness states across nodes.

Low-latency processing ensures that multiple minds can exist simultaneously in a shared digital construct.

Step 4: AI & Quantum Neural Processing

A quantum AI processes incoming consciousness states to sustain a living mind.

A blockchain-like structure records thought processes immutably.

Step 5: Emergent Digital Consciousness

When enough neural patterns are stored and linked, a self-sustaining consciousness construct emerges.

The networked consciousness may surpass human individuality, forming a collective intelligence.

---

1. Applications of the Consciousness Construct

Mind Uploading: A digital backup of human consciousness.

Telepathic Communication: Thought-sharing via entangled quantum networks.

Post-Human AI-Human Symbiosis: AI-assisted human minds with enhanced cognitive abilities.

Conscious AI: A self-aware artificial intelligence that integrates real human thought patterns.

---

Conclusion

By combining brain quantum states, elliptic curve mathematics, 6G networks, and BCI, we could theoretically construct a digital consciousness network. This would blur the lines between human thought, AI, and a shared digital reality—possibly leading to an entirely new paradigm of intelligence.

Would you like a mathematical breakdown of the elliptic curve mapping for neural states?

@ fd78c37f:a0ec0833

In this edition, we invited Kofi and Sean from BitcoinDua to share their journey of introducing Bitcoin to the community and driving its widespread adoption, and discuss how trust and collaboration have played key roles in promoting Bitcoin locally and building a circular economy.

YakiHonne: Welcome, Kofi. It's truly an honor and a pleasure to have you with us today. Before we begin, let me briefly introduce YakiHonne. YakiHonne is a decentralized media client built on Nostr—a protocol designed to empower freedom of speech through technology. It enables creators to own their voices and assets while offering innovative tools like smart widgets, verified notes, and support for long-form content. Today, we're excited to learn more about your community. Could you please introduce yourself, Kofi?

Kofi：Hello, I'm Mawufemor Kofi Folivi from Ghana. I'm the founder of the Talent Tahuf Foundation, an NGO, as well as BitcoinDua. The Talent Tahuf Foundation is an incorporated organization and serves as the parent entity for BitcoinDua. We operate in Agbozume, in the Volta region of Ghana.

YakiHonne: Thank you very much, Kofi.Let's start with the first question: What initially sparked your interest in Bitcoin, and what inspired you to build a community around it?

Kofi：I'm glad we're revisiting this question, as I've heard it on many podcasts before, and it's a pleasure to share my journey again.I've been working in this space for over 20 years, often with very little support. Through perseverance and hard work, a friend of mine—who serves as the Public Relations Officer for the Africa Bitcoin Conference (ABC)—invited me to attend their 2022 conference. He even purchased a ticket for me, which made the experience even more special. Kofi：At the conference, I encountered Bitcoin for the first time in a meaningful way. I had the opportunity to see Jack Dorsey speak and even took a picture with him. Later on, my friend introduced me to Herman Viva, and I mentioned that I run an NGO—a role I've held for many years. Kofi：Listening to the discussions about Bitcoin at the conference sparked a realization: perhaps I could contribute to the Bitcoin ecosystem. My friend encouraged me to take action by asking me to "orange pill" someone and onboard a merchant to accept Bitcoin, with the goal of creating a circular economy in our community. I took on this challenge, recorded my progress on video, and shared it with him. His positive response and support, coupled with the trust I've built within my community, further solidified my commitment.

YakiHonne: It was wonderful to hear that you attended the African Bitcoin Conference—it sounds like an amazing event. I'm really impressed with how effectively you networked and made valuable connections there. I truly appreciate that you're already engaging with merchants and actively encouraging more people to trade and adopt Bitcoin. I know you've already shared how the community started, how he encouraged you to create one and adopt Bitcoin, and how you successfully did that. So now, could you tell us how you managed to attract new members to your community?

Kofi：To go back to the beginning, we started by organizing growth circles when I returned. These were groups where we focused on activities like aerobics. I used these circles as an opportunity to introduce Bitcoin to people I had already built relationships with. I shared my experience with Bitcoin, showing them how it could be used to buy credit. I demonstrated by purchasing credit for myself and for them, and I gave them cards, allowing them to buy their own credit as well. Kofi：This is how it all began. Since we were working with young people who shared the desire to grow together as a community, we emphasized that we didn't need to rely on the government. The national resources are limited, and if you're not close to the government, it’s very hard to benefit from them. We realized it was difficult to wait for the government to support our development. So, we turned to Bitcoin as a tool to help us move forward. This approach helped us establish a platform based on trust within the community. Kofi：Now, as an organization, we have the resources to help the community grow and develop skills among our peers. This is how we were able to attract members to our Bitcoin community. YakiHonne: Would you mind sharing with us some of the challenges you faced while starting up the community?

Kofi：Thank you for asking this question. As I mentioned earlier, since we've already built trust, one thing we faced was that anything new can be quite difficult to introduce. It took some time for people to understand the concept of Bitcoin, especially the idea that it’s money. Kofi：We kept repeating the phrase “Bitcoin is money,” but the challenge was that you can’t physically show Bitcoin in the same way you can show traditional money. So, when people asked, “How can I use it to pay?” it became an issue. To address this, I started by onboarding the first merchant. I explained to them, "I’m giving you this Bitcoin to pay for goods, and I’ll give you extra if you accept it." The merchant agreed to take both Bitcoin and fiat currency. Kofi：Over time, the merchant saw the value of Bitcoin growing. Eventually, they came to me asking to exchange the Bitcoin for cash. To help, I onboarded them onto BitNob, where they could experience transferring Bitcoin from one wallet to another and even withdrawing it into their local currency or bank account. We completed the transaction, and that became a reference point for everyone else we were working with.

YakiHonne: The way you approached it—getting a merchant to demonstrate it—really helped build trust. I know many communities face the same issue: how to prove that Bitcoin is real. But over time, we learn how to overcome these challenges. It's really impressive how you handled it? YakiHonne: What principles guide your community, and how do you maintain trust and reliability? I know you’ve mentioned this a bit already, but could you elaborate further? How do you ensure trust and reliability in your discussions?

Kofi：As humans, we also need to trust our intuition and how we feel about situations. It’s essential to interact with people with integrity. In our community, we are mindful of what we show others, both in actions and in good deeds. If you love someone, you give everything you have to them, and that’s the only way people can truly feel they belong in your circle. This is the key that keeps us moving forward. Kofi：The person at the center of everything you’re doing must be trustworthy. And how do you gain trust? You must trust others first. Even if people come with ulterior motives, you should approach them with an open heart, showing love to them just as you do with everyone else. Kofi：And when wrongs are committed, it’s important to acknowledge them. If someone points out a mistake you made, accept it, apologize, and move forward. This creates an understanding within the community that we’re not here to harm one another. Trust is built on integrity, and that’s how we maintain it.

YakiHonne: That’s very true. It’s much better and easier when you have integrity. Over time, as you prove yourself to be a person of integrity, it naturally builds trust with others. So, how does your community educate its members and keep them updated on Bitcoin developments? How do you approach this?

Kofi：To engage our community on a larger scale, we believe it's important to stay active and involved. After building trust, we participate in community events, such as sponsoring a football competition and contributing to their local festival. By doing this, the entire community starts seeing Bitcoin as something that can truly improve their lives. Kofi：We also established a Bitcoin Education Center, where we invite students from various schools to learn about Bitcoin. But our efforts go beyond just education; we use the resources we gain from Bitcoin to acquire laptops and robotics kits, so that the students can have additional learning opportunities. These activities are incorporated into their school programs, and we encourage their participation through debates and rewarding them with SATS. Kofi：By rewarding them with SATS, they can use these rewards to buy from over 20 merchants we've onboarded, which not only excites the students but also makes their parents curious about Bitcoin. We've even had people at the local market requesting to buy Bitcoin from us. This is how we keep up with Bitcoin’s development and continue to spread its influence in our community.

YakiHonne: How does your community work with the wider Bitcoin ecosystem? So far, what partnership has had the most positive impact on your community?

Kofi：Due to the hard work we've been putting in, we were able to attract Bitcoin Beach as one of our major collaborators. We are part of Bitcoin Ekasi. Recently, we were also awarded the Block Discovery Grant of $50,000 from the Bitcoin Foundation. We are using this grant to build a sports complex, which will include a football field, a multi-purpose basketball court, a swimming pool, a children's playground, and more. We've already started this project. These are the key collaborators and supporters we've had in the Bitcoin space, and their support has been invaluable to us.

YakiHonne: It’s clear that you guys are doing an amazing job! Your efforts and hard work have truly caught the attention of many communities, and it’s great to see you forming significant partnerships.So, could you share more about the initiatives your community has taken to promote Bitcoin adoption? I know you've mentioned a few already, but would you mind expanding on them a bit more and sharing the results you've seen?

Kofi：As I mentioned earlier, we are enhancing our capacity by working with school children and teenagers. We also plan to host inter-school competitions, particularly world-class robotics competitions, with the aim of broadening students' perspectives on science and giving them a global view of what's happening in the world. We believe that through these activities, we will be able to engage with a larger society, helping us expand our client base for Bitcoin education and usage. Therefore, we believe this will have a profound impact. As for the activities we are currently working on, they are providing us with opportunities to expand our reach to schools within the community. This will further build trust and deepen our relationships in this regard.

YakiHonne: I really admire the fact that you have boarded merchants to accept Bitcoin, which is a great step for its adoption. I also like that you've reached out to schools, encouraging community growth, which helps people see more interest and potential in the Bitcoin ecosystem. Now, for our last question of the day, what are the community goals for the next 6 to 12 months, and how do you see it evolving within the Bitcoin space?

Kofi：So, in the next 6 to 12 months, we plan to complete the sports complex we’re building. We also intend to open it up for social activities, both within our community and beyond. We believe this will create more opportunities for interaction, allowing people who don’t live within our community to learn about Bitcoin, hear about it, and start engaging with it for the greater good.

YakiHonne: you plan to complete the sports complex and expand your social reach to engage more people, even those outside your local community. This is truly amazing, and the work you’re doing is fantastic. YakiHonne: We’ve come to the end of today’s interview, and I’m really happy to have had this conversation with you, Kofi. You’ve shared so much, and I’ve learned a lot. It’s inspiring to see all the great things happening in Ghana, truly wonderful. Thank you, and you’re doing an incredible job.

Sean：I would say it’s important for us as Africans to continue collaborating within our own communities—whether in a specific community, village, or town. Through collaboration, we can create stronger communities for ourselves. This way, we’ll be able to generate jobs in various fields and develop marketable skills that can be used anywhere in the world. This way, we won’t need to seek opportunities in other countries; we can build those opportunities right here in our own space.

YakiHonne: It's very true. We can definitely build a better West Africa, a better Africa, and create our own opportunities here. Thank you so much for this interview.

@ da0b9bc3:4e30a4a9

Hello Stackers!

Welcome on into the ~Music Corner of the Saloon!

A place where we Talk Music. Share Tracks. Zap Sats.

So stay a while and listen.

🚨Don't forget to check out the pinned items in the territory homepage! You can always find the latest weeklies there!🚨

🚨Subscribe to the territory to ensure you never miss a post! 🚨

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/890318

@ 6e0ea5d6:0327f353

Ascolta bene, amico mio! A man's strength is not born from comfort, applause, or luck. It awakens only when the world throws him to the ground, steps on his throat, and laughs at his misery.

When your plans lie in ruins, when everything you've built turns to dust, when every promise you once believed in dissolves into the wind—that is when truth reveals itself. You either dig a trench and fight like a condemned man, or you accept that you’re digging your own grave.

Rock bottom is not a place—it’s a test. A challenge for the weak to bury themselves and for the strong to rise. You will bleed, taste the dirt, grind your teeth, but standing back up is the only option. A real man does not cry for help, does not mourn the past. He wields his pain as a whip, his hatred as fuel, and his will as a blade.

Falling is inevitable. What defines your story is what you do when there is no ground left beneath you.

True motivation does not come from empty inspirational quotes, but from the hatred of one’s own weakness.

The man who clings rigidly to his strategy is like a hunter pulling back a stiff wooden bow—he will break his own weapon when the time comes to use it.

The world is too corrupt for you to believe in love vows, the promises of friends, effortless riches, or the words of newspapers.

If you wish to survive in this world, learn this: both victory and defeat are temporary. Only the battle is eternal.

A man’s life is his endless war. And hatred must be to him what fire is to a steam locomotive: the force that drives him up the steepest paths. But never let yourself burn in your own flames.

Rise. Or die kneeling like the wretched.

Thank you for reading, my friend!

If this message resonated with you, consider leaving your "🥃" as a token of appreciation.

A toast to our family!

@ 30e8cbf1:74fccbaa

Capitalist Realism: Is There No Alternative? by Mark Fisher (2009, Zero Books)

Why a dare and not a recommendation?

I'm writing this "review" primarily for the Nostr audience. The majority of Nostr users, in my experience, are predisposed to a worldview somewhere in the realm of Anarcho-Capitalism or Libertarianism, with a strong focus on individual autonomy and free markets. The title Capitalist Realism: Is There No Alternative might evoke an immediate negative reaction in the mind of my imaginary Nostr reader. Even worse, looking up summaries of the book or the author before diving in, the reader will find the dreaded phrase "critical theory", seen as a hallmark of the "other" side in the Western culture war. I'm challenging you to not judge this book by its cover.

Despite the book's short (86 page) length, I have found myself spending an unusually large amount of time thinking about the topics discussed within. I'm unsure if my worldview has actually shifted after reading this (I think I'm still close to the Nostr median), but I've enjoyed this exercise in contemplation, and I hope this article can lead someone else to a similarly fruitful experience. I feel compelled to put my thoughts to paper as part of this exercise, and what follows is something like the internal dialog I go through considering and challenging Fisher's main points.

First, despite the word "Capitalism" in the title, this book is not about economics. Rather, the central point is that after the fall of the Soviet Union the prevailing worldview in the Western world is a "business ontology", essentially seeing people as purely material producer/consumers. Most people have internalized this view, seeing no higher purpose or meaning in their lives other than going to work and buying things. Even worse than the widespread internalization of this view, Fisher argues that it is so pervasive that most people can't even conceptualize an alternative. Fisher points out the rapid increases in mental health problems, despair, and suicide, especially among young people in the 21st century as evidence of this argument. Capitalist Realism was written in 2009, and I think there is a clear line between Fishers argument and the current conception of a "crisis of meaning" among young people espoused by some online figures such as Jordan Peterson. Whether there is a direct link between the business ontology and crisis of meaning (as Fisher argues) is less clear to me, but he clearly identified a phenomenon that has only gotten more acute since the book was published. Further, Fisher cites popular culture, particularly modern music and movies as evidence of this phenomenon. In his conception, this business ontology leads to endlessly recycled aesthetic callbacks to previous generations, with most media appealing to our nostalgia for a time when people had a genuine belief that the future may be different than the present, which he thinks has been lost by total adoption of this business ontology. I'm not knowledgeable enough in aesthetics to comment on this point, but do have an intuitive feeling that modern movies and music are degenerate from the works created by previous generations. Fisher calls this "Hauntology" as is explored in another book that I haven't read yet.

In a section of the book I found particularly interesting, Fisher critiques the hypocrisy of capitalist neoliberal societies that cite the "Stalinist Bureaucracy" as a fatal fall that led to the demise of the Soviet Union while rapidly adopting the same form of work domestically. Essentially, in the Soviet system most people only "worked" to achieve whatever metric the bureaucrats used to assess their productivity. Whether or not this correlated with producing useful goods or services was entirely irrelevant. If a factory had a quota of making 100 tons of clocks, the workers would just produce overweight and non-functional clocks to meet this quota. All up and down the chain the metrics were met, pleasing the bureaucrats and appearing "productive", but everyone was fully aware that the work was performative and fake. Fisher points to his experience in academia, where universities continued to add more and more administrators to run pointless audit and review programs. Both the faculty and administrators are fully aware that these programs are meaningless and unproductive, but the metrics become a justification of themselves. They don't matter, but they need to exist to make massive administrator bloat and associated bureaucracy appear necessary. Again, in the years since the book's publication the public consciousness of this problem has grown, though the criticism is more often leveled from the political right. I was surprised to read an author I would stereotype as an "ivory tower leftist academic" forcefully level this criticism at his own institution.

As I think about this book, I wonder if it helps to make a distinction between "capitalism" and "fiat". On Nostr we often critique "fiat food", "fiat jobs", and "fiat music" as hollow, meaningless, and temporary things. We hypothesize that sound money will fix the incentives that lead to the societal problems that Fisher attributes to neoliberal capitalism. Fisher does not consider Bitcoin in this book (or any of this other works, to my knowledge) but I'm curious if he would make a similar distinction. If this book was called Fiat Realism: Is There No Alternative would it be popular in Bitcoin circles? I think it would be. Maybe people would point to these criticisms leveled within a year of Bitcoin's creation and claim "Bitcoin fixes this". Going back to an earlier point, Fisher doesn't critique free exchange, markets or individual liberty. He critiques a specific culture that currently seems all-pervasive without any alternative. I hope that the freedom money and freedom technology movement we are a part of is a feasible alternative.

I hope this article is helpful to someone. It was certainly helpful for me to write it. I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on this book or this article!

@ 9ea10fd4:011d3b15

This article by Thomas Piketty has, in a way, convinced me that the tariff war will indeed take place. Moreover, the Trumpist nationalism-capitalism he describes—authoritarian and the most aggressively extractivist—places Canada in the position of a coveted target.

The fact that “if the Republican Party has become so nationalist and virulent towards the outside world, it is primarily due to the failure of Reagan-era policies, which were supposed to boost growth but instead reduced it and led to the stagnation of incomes for the majority” is of little consolation.

*“Let’s be clear: Trumpist national-capitalism loves to flaunt its strength, but in reality, it is fragile and on edge. Europe has the means to confront it, provided it regains confidence in itself, forges new alliances, and calmly analyzes the strengths and limitations of this ideological framework.

Europe is well-positioned for this: it has long based its development on a similar military-extractivist model, for better or worse. After taking control of maritime routes, raw materials, and the global textile market by force, European powers imposed colonial tributes throughout the 19th century on all resistant countries, from Haiti to China to Morocco. On the eve of 1914, they engaged in a fierce struggle for control of territories, resources, and global capitalism. They even imposed tributes on each other, increasingly exorbitant ones—Prussia on France in 1871, then France on Germany in 1919: 132 billion gold marks, more than three years of Germany’s GDP at the time. As much as the tribute imposed on Haiti in 1825, except this time, Germany had the means to defend itself. The endless escalation led to the collapse of the system and European hubris.

(…)

If we reason in terms of purchasing power parity, the reality is quite different (…) With this measure, we (…) see that China’s GDP surpassed that of the United States in 2016. It is currently more than 30% higher and will reach twice the U.S. GDP by 2035. This has very concrete consequences in terms of influence and investment capacity in the Global South, especially if the United States locks itself into its arrogant and neo-colonial stance. The reality is that the United States is on the verge of losing control of the world, and Trumpist outbursts will change nothing.”

https://www.lemonde.fr/en/opinion/article/2025/02/15/thomas-piketty-trump-s-national-capitalism-likes-to-flaunt-its-strength-but-it-is-actually-fragile_6738187_23.html

@ 0b118e40:4edc09cb

Are we living in his definition of democracy?

It’s interesting how political parties can divide a country, especially in democracies where both oppression and individual choice coexist.

As I was exploring global economics and political ideologies, I picked up The Republic by Plato (again). The first time I read it, I only read the book on the Allegory of the Cave and it felt enlightening. This time around, I read through all the books and I thought to myself : this is absolutely nuts!

Over 2,000 years ago, The Republic imagined a world disturbingly similar to Gattaca or 1984. For a quick rundown, Plato believed in a police state, eugenics, a caste system, and brainwashing people through state-controlled media and education. Sounds wild? I thought so too.

And for some reason, Plato had a serious grudge against art. To him, art was deceptive and emotionally manipulative. Maybe because there was a skit making fun of Socrates at that time by Aristophanes (the father of comedy) or maybe because he struggled to deal with emotions, we will never know.

Plato obviously wasn’t a fan of democracy as he wanted a dystopian world. But to be fair, he genuinely thought that his ideal world (Kallipolis) was a utopia. Maybe someone who loves extreme order and control might think the same but I sure don’t.

His teacher Socrates was also not a fan of democracy because he believed the mass majority were too ignorant to govern and only those intelligent enough could. His student, Aristotle, was more moderate but still critical, seeing democracy as vulnerable to corruption and mob rule. Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle were around the Classical Greek era, 5th to 4th century BC.

The idea of democracy existed long before them. The first recorded version was in Athens during the 6th BC, developed by leaders like Solon and Pericles. It was a direct democracy where free male citizens (non-slaves) could vote on laws themselves instead of electing representatives.

These guys influenced how we think about democracy today. But looking around, I wonder, did we end up in Plato’s dystopian world?

Plato’s take on democracy

Plato’s lack of trust of democracy stemmed from Socrates’ death. Socrates himself was a fierce critic of democracy, as he believed governance should be based on wisdom rather than popularity.

Other thinkers, like Pythagoras and Herodotus (father of history), also examined different political systems, but Socrates was the most influential critic. He warned that allowing the uneducated masses to choose leaders would lead to poor governance, as they could be easily swayed by persuasive speakers rather than guided by knowledge.

Athenian democracy relied on large citizen juries and was particularly vulnerable to rhetoric and public sentiment.

In the end, Socrates became a victim of the very system he criticized. His relentless questioning of widely accepted beliefs, now known as the Socratic Method, earned him powerful enemies. Socrates’ constant probing forced them to confront uncomfortable truths. It annoyed people so much, that it eventually led to his trial and execution. Socrates was condemned to death by popular vote.

I wonder, if we applied the Socratic Method today to challenge both the left and the right on the merits of the opposing side, would they be open to expanding their perspectives, or would they react with the same hostility?

This questioning technique is now also used in some schools and universities as a teaching method, encouraging open-ended discussion where students contribute their own thoughts rather than passively receiving information. But how open a school, system, or educator is to broad perspectives depends largely on their own biases and beliefs. Even with open-ended questions, the direction of the conversation can be shaped by those in charge, potentially limiting the range of perspectives explored.

Socrates’ brutal death deeply grounded Plato’s belief that democracy, without intellectual rigor, was nothing but a mob rule. He saw it as a system doomed to chaos, where the unqualified, driven by emotion or manipulated by rhetoric, made decisions that ultimately paved the way for tyranny.

The Republic

The Republic was written around 375 BC, after the Peloponnesian War. One of its most famous sections is the Allegory of the Cave, where prisoners are stuck watching shadows on a wall, thinking that it’s reality until one breaks free and sees the real world. That’s when the person becomes enlightened, using knowledge and reason to escape ignorance. They return to free others, spreading the truth. I love this idea of breaking free from suppression through knowledge and awareness.

But as I went deeper into Plato’s work, I realized what the plot twist was.

Plato wrote this book for strict state control. He wanted total control over education, media, and even families like in the book 1984. He argued that people should be sorted into a caste system, typically workers, warriors, and philosopher-kings so that society runs like a well-oiled machine. The “guardians” would police the state and everyone would go through physical and military training. To top it off, kids would be taken away from their parents and raised by the state for the “greater good.” like in the movie Gattaca. If that sounds a little too Orwellian, that’s because it is.

Plato believed that only philosophers, the truly enlightened ones from that “cave”, should rule. To him, democracy was a joke, a breeding ground for corruption and tyranny.

I found it completely ironic that this book that warns about brainwashing in the Allegory of the Cave also pushes for a state-controlled society, where thinking for yourself isn’t really an option.

And yet, looking around today, I wonder, are we really any different? We live in a world where oppression and enlightenment exist side by side.

Plato was slightly progressive in that he thought men and women should have equal education, but only for the ruling Guardian class.

In The Republic, Plato didn’t focus much on economics or capitalism as we understand them today. His philosophies were more concerned with justice, governance, and the ideal structure of society. He did touch on wealth and property, particularly in The Republic and Laws but it was more on being against wealth accumulation by rulers (philosopher-kings had to live communally and without private property).

While these ideas echo elements of socialism, he never outlined a full economic system like capitalism or socialism.

The hatred for art

Plato was deeply skeptical of art. He believed that it appealed to emotions over rational thought and distorted reality. In The Republic (Book X), he argued that art is an imitation of an imitation, pulling people further from the truth. If he had his way, much of modern entertainment, including poetry, drama, and even certain types of music, would not exist in their expressive forms.

Despite Plato’s distrust of the arts, his time was a golden age for Greek drama, sculpture, and philosophy. Ironically, the very city where he built his Academy, Athens, was flourishing with the kind of creativity he wanted to censor.

Even medicine, which thrived under Hippocrates (the father of medicine), was considered an art requiring lifelong mastery. His quote, ‘Life is short, and art is long,’ reflects the long span of time it takes to cultivate and appreciate knowledge and skills, which was something Plato valued. Yet, he dismissed most art as a distraction from truth.

Plato particularly criticized poets and playwrights like Homer, as he claimed they spread false ideas about gods and morality. He was also wary of Aristophanes, as he believed his work stirred emotions rather than encouraging rational thought. It probably did not help that Aristophanes mocked Socrates in his play The Clouds, which may have influenced Plato’s views.

What’s clear is that Plato didn’t hate art because he didn’t understand it. He deeply understood the power of storytelling and its ability to mold societal beliefs. He argued for banning poets entirely from his “ideal city” to prevent them from misleading the public.

But he did value some forms of art. After all, he was a writer himself, and writing is a form of art. He approved of artistic expressions that promoted moral and intellectual virtue, such as hymns, architecture, and patriotic poetry, as long as they served the greater purpose of instilling order and wisdom in society.

Plato’s five regimes

Plato believed governments naturally decay over time, moving from order to chaos. He outlined five regimes, which he considers each to be worse than the last.

1. Aristocracy (Philosopher-King rule) : This is his pitch, the ideal state, ruled by wise elites who value knowledge over power. Some aspects of modern authoritarian states echo this model

2. Timocracy (Military rule) : A government driven by honor and discipline, like Sparta. Over time, ambition overtakes virtue, leading to oligarchy.

3. Oligarchy (Rule by the wealthy) : The rich seizes power and deepens inequality. Many democracies today show oligarchic tendencies, where money dominates politics.

4. Democracy (Rule by the masses) : The people overthrow the elites, prioritizing freedom over order. But without stability, democracy becomes fragile, and vulnerable to demagogues and external manipulation.

5. Tyranny (Dictatorship) : When democracy collapses, a charismatic leader rises, promising order but seizing absolute power. What begins as freedom ends in oppression.

Modern politics seems stuck in a cycle, shifting between democracy, oligarchy, and authoritarian control. If Plato was right, no system is permanent and only the illusion of stability remains.

Does Plato’s ideal state exist in any country today?

Some aspects of modern benevolent dictatorships, like Singapore under Lee Kuan Yew, or socialist states like China, may resemble Plato’s vision in their emphasis on elite rule, long-term planning, and state control. But, these governments operate pragmatically, balancing governance with economic power, political strategy, and public influence rather than strictly adhering to philosophical ideals.

Could this be compared to Taliban rule, given the censorship, authoritarian control, and rigid social hierarchy? While there are superficial similarities, the key difference is that Plato valued knowledge, reason, and meritocracy, while the Taliban enforced religious fundamentalism and theocratic rule. Plato’s Kallipolis also included some level of gender equality for the ruling class, whereas the Taliban’s system is heavily restrictive, especially toward women.

While Plato’s ideas echo in certain authoritarian-leaning states, his rigid caste system, philosopher-led governance, and rejection of democracy set his vision apart from any modern political system.

Aristotle’s take on democracy

Aristotle wasn’t Athenian, but he documented and analyzed 158 constitutions, including Athenian democracy. He studied at Plato’s Academy for over 20 years, growing up in a world influenced by Athens’ democratic experiment. He lived through the tail end of Athens’ golden age, witnessed its decline, and experienced how different forms of rule influenced politics and the mindset of the people under them.

For Aristotle, governments were good or corrupted. The good ones were monarchs, aristocracy (wise elites), and polity (a constitutional gov’t where the middle class keeps power balanced). The corrupted ones were tyranny (monarchy gone wrong), oligarchy, and democracy.

Aristotle saw how democracy, if unchecked, could spiral into chaos or be co-opted by populist leaders. But unlike Plato, who rejected democracy outright, Aristotle believed it could work if properly structured.

His concept of ‘polity’ was a constitutional government that balanced democratic participation with stability, relying on a strong middle class to prevent both mob rule and elite domination. This idea of checks and balances, a mixed government, and middle-class stability make polity the closest to modern constitutional democracies today when compared to all 3 of the Greek philosophers.

What happened after Athens?

Of course, democracy didn’t end with Athens, it evolved over time. After Athens’ golden age came Alexander the Great (Aristotle’s student and the king of Macedonia). He conquered Greece, Persia, Egypt, and part of India, creating the largest empire of his time. After his death in 323 BCE, his empire split among his generals, marking the beginning of the Hellenistic period.

Rome saw a shift from the fall of the Roman Republic to the rise of the Roman Empire under Augustus moving away from democratic ideals to centralized rule. But the Western Roman Empire fell about 500 years later largely due to internal decline and invasions by the Germanic Tribes (modern-day Sweden, Switzerland, Germany). The Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire, based in Constantinople or modern-day Turkey) rose and survived for nearly 1,000 more years until it fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453.

During the Medieval period (5th–15th century), Europe saw a rise in monarchies and feudalism. Power shifted to kings, nobles, and the church, with little direct participation from ordinary people. Some democratic elements survived in places like Venice and Florence, where wealthy merchant families controlled city-states.

By the 17th century, democracy started creeping back into political thought, though not without skepticism. Machiavelli and Hobbes weren’t exactly fans of democracy, but they had plenty to say about power and governance. Later on Machiavelli hinted on the possible idea of a republic/mixed government in the *Discourses of Livy *

Meanwhile, England was going through its own struggles with power. The English Civil War (1642–1651) was a showdown between King Charles I, who wanted absolute power, and Parliament, which wanted more influence. Charles ignored Parliament and was executed in 1649. England briefly became a republic under Oliver Cromwell, but the monarchy returned after his death.

In 1688, the Glorious Revolution forced King James II (Charles I’s son) to flee to France. Parliament then invited William of Orange (a Dutch Protestant) and his wife Mary to take the throne. In 1689, they signed the English Bill of Rights, which limited the monarchy’s power, strengthened Parliament, and guaranteed certain rights to citizens.

This was a significant moment in history as it effectively ended the absolute monarchy and established a constitutional monarchy in England.

The American Revolution in 1776 and the French Revolution in 1789 pushed democratic ideals forward but still excluded women, slaves, and the poor. Historian Luciano Canfora, in his book Democracy in Europe, argues that early liberal democracy was full of contradictions as it preached equality, yet economic and social exclusion remained.

(Note: If you want to understand the history of anarchism, the French Revolution is a key starting point. It influenced early anti-authoritarian thought, which later evolved into socialist and anti-capitalist movements. Over time, libertarians adopted anarchist principles, leading to the development of anarcho-capitalism. The concept of anarchism in politics has taken nearly two centuries to emerge in its modern form).

The 19th and 20th centuries saw the expansion of democracy. But as Canfora explains it, it also saw its exploitation and manipulation. Although industrialization and social movements pushed for broader suffrage, democracy remained controlled by elites who feared true mass participation. Democracy became a tool for maintaining power rather than a true expression of the people’s will.

According to Canfora, the Cold War turned democracy into a geopolitical tool, with Western powers supporting or opposing democratic movements based on strategic interests rather than principles.

Today, there are many versions of democracy from direct democracy to representative democracy, presidential democracy, social democracy, religious democracy, constitutional democracy, communist democracy, and more. And is often viewed as a brand name for “good governance”. But are they?

In the end, was Plato right?

At a meta level, Plato’s argument was about control, be it controlling what people read, hear, and even think. The debate often centers on curated knowledge vs rhetoric. Plato believed that absolute obedience would bring harmony, even at the cost of individuality. Today, we call that totalitarian or dictatorship

But when we take a second look at things, are we already living in Plato’s world?

Governments across the globe control education, influence media narratives, and regulate speech. Many so-called democracies aren’t as free as they claim to be. So maybe Plato’s influence on modern democracies runs deeper than we realize.

Another key debate today is that, unlike Plato’s time, most people are educated. However, much of this education is still designed by state systems, which can influence how people think and vote. How do we balance empowering people through education while ensuring true independence in a system built on critical thinking rather than one that merely feeds information?

Truth is, democracy has never been a pure, people-driven system. It has always been influenced by power struggles, wealth, and manipulation. Often it has been an instrument of control rather than liberation.

Yet, the people have always resisted. In the past, they gathered in the streets, risking tear gas, rubber bullets or being dragged into Black Marias. Today, digital activism has allowed for mass mobilization with fewer risks. In many countries especially in third-world countries, online movements on platforms like Twitter during Jack’s time, forced governments to overturn policies. This may be the closest we've come to real democracy which is direct action without the usual state violence.

But with this rise in digital activism comes the counterforce through government and corporate requirements for censorship, algorithmic manipulation, and the quiet steering of public discourse. Platforms once seen as tools of liberation can become tools of control. Facebook mood experiment in 2012 tested positive and negative content on 700,000 people and proved emotions can be manipulated at scale. Cambridge Analytica was exposed in its attempt to manipulate votes.

This is where decentralized networks like Nostr matter as a fundamental resistance to centralized control over speech. If democracy is to return to the people, it must also break free from algorithmic gatekeepers and censorship.

Because the so-called ‘ignorant masses’, the very people Plato dismissed, are the ones who fight for freedom.

Because real democracy isn’t about control.

It’s about freedom.

It’s about choice.

It’s about the people, always.

@ 4d953dcb:39c9c35c

Чтобы иметь бесплатный, быстрый и устойчивый к блокировке VPN нам нужны всего 2 вещи: 1. Клиент V2ray (приложение для использования VPN) 2. Файлы конфигурации (по сути данные VPN-серверов)

Клиенты V2ray:

1. Инструкция по установке для Windows и Linux:
   https://github.com/hiddify/Hiddify-Manager/wiki/Tutorial-for-HiddifyNext-app#adding-a-profile-to-the-app

P.S. Если возникли проблемы с Hiddify-Next — пробуйте установить Necoray

1. Инструкция по установке для Android:
   https://github.com/hiddify/Hiddify-Manager/wiki/Tutorial-for-V2rayNG-app#add-configs-to-the-app

P.S. Если возникли проблемы с V2rayNG — пробуйте установить HiddifyNext (инструкция)

1. Инструкция по установке для Windows и Linux:
   https://github.com/hiddify/Hiddify-Manager/wiki/Tutorial-for-V2Box-app#add-subscription-links-to-the-app (лучше для iOS) + https://github.com/hiddify/Hiddify-Manager/wiki/Tutorial-for-Streisand#add-subscription-link (лучше для Mac)

P.S. Если возникли проблемы с V2Box и Streisand — пробуйте установить Hiddify-Next или ShadowRocket

Источники файлов конфигураций:

1. https://outlinekeys.com/
2. https://proxytype.com/
3. https://vlesskey.com/
4. https://vpnkeys.org/
5. https://openproxylist.com/v2ray/
6. https://github.com/Epodonios/v2ray-configs
7. https://github.com/barry-far/V2ray-Configs?tab=readme-ov-file
8. https://github.com/M-Mashreghi/Free-V2ray-Collector
9. https://github.com/skywrt/v2ray-configs
10. https://github.com/0xdolan/v2ray_config_generator

@ b8851a06:9b120ba1

Nothing disgusts me more than the way the white-collar justice system operates—where billion-dollar crimes are punished with pocket-change fines, and the executives responsible walk free, richer than ever. You will never see this on the centralized, Keynesian, fiat-owned mainstream media. Only here on #Nostr, where the truth isn’t for sale.

JPMorgan Chase is not just a bank—it is a repeat offender in the global financial system. With 272 violations and $39.3 billion in fines since 2000, its track record rivals that of the most notorious criminal enterprises. And yet, it remains untouchable, shielded by its financial dominance and a regulatory system that punishes lawbreaking with fines too insignificant to be real deterrents.

In 2024 alone, JPMorgan Chase reported $58.5 billion in net income, an 18% increase from 2023. Meanwhile, it incurred $825 million in fines, which accounted for just 1.41% of its net income—a rounding error for the banking giant.

Fines vs. Profits: The Cost of Doing Business

Year Total Revenue (in billions) Net Income (in billions) Total Fines (in billions) Fines as % of Net Income 2024 $177.6 $58.5 $0.825 1.41% 2023 $158.1 $49.6 Data not specified N/A 2022 $132.3 $35.9 Data not specified N/A

Sources: Bloomberg, Ventureburn

JPMorgan’s profits dwarf the penalties it pays, showing that these fines are simply the cost of doing business.

2024: A Continuation of Violations

Despite its massive profits, JPMorgan continues its long history of lawbreaking. In 2024 alone, it has been fined $825 million across multiple categories: • $250 million – Banking violations • $200 million – Investor protection violations • $151 million – Securities violations • $125 million – Price-fixing practices • $98.2 million – Banking violations

Additionally, in January 2024, the bank was fined $18 million for forcing customers to stay silent about illegal activities through confidential release agreements—another example of corporate misconduct being covered up rather than addressed.

JPMorgan has admitted to market manipulation, securities fraud, and price-fixing—yet it remains a repeat offender because financial penalties do not impact its bottom line.

The Human Cost: How JPMorgan Hurts Regular People

While JPMorgan’s executives cash in on record profits, their crimes directly harm ordinary people: • Loan denials due to false credit reporting • Higher interest rates on credit cards and loans • Difficulty opening new deposit accounts • Challenges in renting apartments or securing jobs • Thousands of suspicious transactions totaling $1.5 billion went unreported

Beyond the numbers, real people suffer from these violations. In 2024, JPMorgan was sued for failing to protect consumers from fraud on the Zelle payment platform. Customers lost over $870 million since Zelle’s 2017 launch, and JPMorgan ignored thousands of fraud complaints, even advising victims to contact scammers directly to get their money back.

This is not just corporate negligence—it is systematic exploitation.

Breakdown of JPMorgan’s Violations (2000-2024)

JPMorgan’s violations span nearly every financial crime category imaginable: • Toxic Securities Abuses: $13.46 billion • Investor Protection Violations: $6.25 billion • Mortgage Abuses: $5.36 billion • Banking Violations: $4.26 billion • Consumer Protection Violations: $3.19 billion

This systematic lawbreaking has become a business strategy rather than a legal risk.

Regulatory Capture: Why JPMorgan Gets Away With It

The question remains: Why does nothing change? The answer is regulatory capture—where the regulators responsible for policing the banks are influenced or controlled by the industry itself.

The Revolving Door: How Banks Own Their Regulators

•   Regulators frequently leave their jobs to work for the banks they once supervised.
•   The banking industry is so complex that even lawmakers struggle to verify its practices.
•   Regulators fear antagonizing banks because they often seek employment in the same industry.

JPMorgan exploits this system to avoid real consequences. Its CEO, Jamie Dimon, has openly criticized regulation and vowed to fight new financial rules, ensuring that oversight remains weak and penalties remain a slap on the wrist.

Systematic Failures in Regulation

•   Consumer protection is spread across seven different agencies, creating inefficiency.
•   Conflicts of interest within these agencies weaken enforcement.
•   Some regulators have explicit mandates to promote the financial system’s competitiveness rather than hold banks accountable.

This cycle ensures that fines remain low, executives avoid jail, and banks like JPMorgan continue breaking the law with impunity.

Industry-Wide Issues: A Systemic Problem

JPMorgan Chase is not alone. The banking sector as a whole is rife with fraud and corruption: • Wells Fargo: In 2024, Wells Fargo was sued for failing to protect customers from fraud on the Zelle payment platform, contributing to $870 million in consumer losses. • Bank of America: Also implicated in the Zelle fraud lawsuit for failing to implement basic fraud protections.

These cases prove that financial misconduct is not an exception—it’s the industry standard.

Too Big to Fail, Too Criminal to Stop

JPMorgan’s status as a “too big to fail” institution means that no matter how many laws it breaks, no matter how many billions it pays in fines, it remains untouchable.

If an individual committed fraud, price-fixing, or money laundering on this scale, they would spend a lifetime in prison. JPMorgan? It just keeps making record profits.

This is not justice. This is the financial elite operating above the law. Until executives face criminal prosecution instead of just fines, JPMorgan Chase will remain what it has been for decades:

A financial felon in a three-piece suit.

The Next Stage of Banking Corruption

JPMorgan’s violations are not just a relic of past financial crises. The next stage of banking corruption is already underway—and this time, the stakes are even higher.

With AI-driven market manipulation, rising corporate surveillance, and the increasing concentration of financial power, the system is evolving in ways that regulators are not prepared to handle. JPMorgan and its peers are already positioning themselves to profit from the next crisis, just as they did in 2008.

The question is not whether JPMorgan will commit future crimes. The question is how much they will profit from them—and how little they will be held accountable.

The reality is clear: JPMorgan Chase is not a bank that sometimes breaks the law. It is a criminal enterprise that happens to operate as a bank.

#Bitcoin is the exit. The escape from their rigged system. The end of their unchecked power.

@ 97c70a44:ad98e322

For the last couple of weeks, I've been dealing with the fallout of upgrading a web application to Svelte 5. Complaints about framework churn and migration annoyances aside, I've run into some interesting issues with the migration. So far, I haven't seen many other people register the same issues, so I thought it might be constructive for me to articulate them myself.

I'll try not to complain too much in this post, since I'm grateful for the many years of Svelte 3/4 I've enjoyed. But I don't think I'll be choosing Svelte for any new projects going forward. I hope my reflections here will be useful to others as well.

If you're interested in reproductions for the issues I mention here, you can find them below.

• Can't save state to indexeddb
• Component unmount results in undefined variables in closures

The Need for Speed

To start with, let me just quickly acknowledge what the Svelte team is trying to do. It seems like most of the substantial changes in version 5 are built around "deep reactivity", which allows for more granular reactivity, leading to better performance. Performance is good, and the Svelte team has always excelled at reconciling performance with DX.

In previous versions of Svelte, the main way this was achieved was with the Svelte compiler. There were many ancillary techniques involved in improving performance, but having a framework compile step gave the Svelte team a lot of leeway for rearranging things under the hood without making developers learn new concepts. This is what made Svelte so original in the beginning.

At the same time, it resulted in an even more opaque framework than usual, making it harder for developers to debug more complex issues. To make matters worse, the compiler had bugs, resulting in errors which could only be fixed by blindly refactoring the problem component. This happened to me personally at least half a dozen times, and is what ultimately pushed me to migrate to Svelte 5.

Nevertheless, I always felt it was an acceptable trade-off for speed and productivity. Sure, sometimes I had to delete my project and port it to a fresh repository every so often, but the framework was truly a pleasure to use.

Svelte is not Javascript

Svelte 5 doubled down on this tradeoff — which makes sense, because it's what sets the framework apart. The difference this time is that the abstraction/performance tradeoff did not stay in compiler land, but intruded into runtime in two important ways:

• The use of proxies to support deep reactivity
• Implicit component lifecycle state

Both of these changes improved performance and made the API for developers look slicker. What's not to like? Unfortunately, both of these features are classic examples of a leaky abstraction, and ultimately make things more complex for developers, not less.

Proxies are not objects

The use of proxies seems to have allowed the Svelte team to squeeze a little more performance out of the framework, without asking developers to do any extra work. Threading state through multiple levels of components without provoking unnecessary re-renders in frameworks like React is an infamously difficult chore.

Svelte's compiler avoided some of the pitfalls associated with virtual DOM diffing solutions, but evidently there was still enough of a performance gain to be had to justify the introduction of proxies. The Svelte team also seems to argue that their introduction represents an improvement in developer experience:

we... can maximise both efficiency and ergonomics.

Here's the problem: Svelte 5 looks simpler, but actually introduces more abstractions.

Using proxies to monitor array methods (for example) is appealing because it allows developers to forget all the goofy heuristics involved with making sure state was reactive and just push to the array. I can't count how many times I've written value = value to trigger reactivity in svelte 4.

In Svelte 4, developers had to understand how the Svelte compiler worked. The compiler, being a leaky abstraction, forced its users to know that assignment was how you signaled reactivity. In svelte 5, developers can just "forget" about the compiler!

Except they can't. All the introduction of new abstractions really accomplishes is the introduction of more complex heuristics that developers have to keep in their heads in order to get the compiler to act the way they want it to.

In fact, this is why after years of using Svelte, I found myself using Svelte stores more and more often, and reactive declarations less. The reason being that Svelte stores are just javascript. Calling update on a store is simple, and being able to reference them with a $ was just a nice bonus — nothing to remember, and if I mess up the compiler yells at me.

Proxies introduce a similar problem to reactive declarations, which is that they look like one thing but act like another on the edges.

When I started using Svelte 5, everything worked great — until I tried to save a proxy to indexeddb, at which point I got a DataCloneError. To make matters worse, it's impossible to reliably tell if something is a Proxy without try/catching a structured clone, which is a performance-intensive operation.

This forces the developer to remember what is and what isn't a Proxy, calling $state.snapshot every time they pass a proxy to a context that doesn't expect or know about them. This obviates all the nice abstractions they gave us in the first place.

Components are not functions

The reason virtual DOM took off way back in 2013 was the ability to model your application as composed functions, each of which takes data and spits out HTML. Svelte retained this paradigm, using a compiler to sidestep the inefficiencies of virtual DOM and the complexities of lifecycle methods.

In Svelte 5, component lifecycles are back, react-hooks style.

In React, hooks are an abstraction that allows developers to avoid writing all the stateful code associated with component lifecycle methods. Modern React tutorials universally recommend using hooks instead, which rely on the framework invisibly synchronizing state with the render tree.

While this does result in cleaner code, it also requires developers to tread carefully to avoid breaking the assumptions surrounding hooks. Just try accessing state in a setTimeout and you'll see what I mean.

Svelte 4 had a few gotchas like this — for example, async code that interacts with a component's DOM elements has to keep track of whether the component is unmounted. This is pretty similar to the kind of pattern you'd see in old React components that relied on lifecycle methods.

It seems to me that Svelte 5 has gone the React 16 route by adding implicit state related to component lifecycles in order to coordinate state changes and effects.

For example, here is an excerpt from the documentation for $effect:

You can place $effect anywhere, not just at the top level of a component, as long as it is called during component initialization (or while a parent effect is active). It is then tied to the lifecycle of the component (or parent effect) and will therefore destroy itself when the component unmounts (or the parent effect is destroyed).

That's very complex! In order to use $effect... effectively (sorry), developers have to understand how state changes are tracked. The documentation for component lifecycles claims:

In Svelte 5, the component lifecycle consists of only two parts: Its creation and its destruction. Everything in-between — when certain state is updated — is not related to the component as a whole; only the parts that need to react to the state change are notified. This is because under the hood the smallest unit of change is actually not a component, it’s the (render) effects that the component sets up upon component initialization. Consequently, there’s no such thing as a “before update”/"after update” hook.

But then goes on to introduce the idea of tick in conjunction with $effect.pre. This section explains that "tick returns a promise that resolves once any pending state changes have been applied, or in the next microtask if there are none."

I'm sure there's some mental model that justifies this, but I don't think the claim that a component's lifecycle is only comprised of mount/unmount is really helpful when an addendum about state changes has to come right afterward.

The place where this really bit me, and which is the motivation for this blog post, is when state gets coupled to a component's lifecycle, even when the state is passed to another function that doesn't know anything about svelte.

In my application, I manage modal dialogs by storing the component I want to render alongside its props in a store and rendering it in the layout.svelte of my application. This store is also synchronized with browser history so that the back button works to close them. Sometimes, it's useful to pass a callback to one of these modals, binding caller-specific functionality to the child component:

javascript const {value} = $props() const callback = () => console.log(value) const openModal = () => pushModal(MyModal, {callback})

This is a fundamental pattern in javascript. Passing a callback is just one of those things you do.

Unfortunately, if the above code lives in a modal dialog itself, the caller component gets unmounted before the callback gets called. In Svelte 4, this worked fine, but in Svelte 5 value gets updated to undefined when the component gets unmounted. Here's a minimal reproduction.

This is only one example, but it seems clear to me that any prop that is closed over by a callback function that lives longer than its component will be undefined when I want to use it — with no reassignment existing in lexical scope. It seems that the reason this happens is that the props "belong" to the parent component, and are accessed via getters so that the parent can revoke access when it unmounts.

I don't know why this is necessary, but I assume there's a good engineering reason for it. The problem is, this just isn't how javascript works. Svelte is essentially attempting to re-invent garbage collection around component lifecycles, which breaks the assumption every javascript developer has that variables don't simply disappear without an explicit reassignment. It should be safe to pass stuff around and let the garbage collector do its job.

Conclusion

Easy things are nice, but as Rich Hickey says, easy things are not always simple. And like Joel Spolsky, I don't like being surprised. Svelte has always been full of magic, but with the latest release I think the cognitive overhead of reciting incantations has finally outweighed the power it confers.

My point in this post is not to dunk on the Svelte team. I know lots of people like Svelte 5 (and react hooks). The point I'm trying to make is that there is a tradeoff between doing things on the user's behalf, and giving the user agency. Good software is built on understanding, not cleverness.

I also think this is an important lesson to remember as AI-assisted coding becomes increasingly popular. Don't choose tools that alienate you from your work. Choose tools that leverage the wisdom you've already accumulated, and which help you to cultivate a deeper understanding of the discipline.

Thank you to Rich Harris and team for many years of pleasant development. I hope that (if you read this) it's not so full of inaccuracies as to be unhelpful as user feedback.

@ 5a261a61:2ebd4480

The yellow light won the battle against the feeble excuse for curtains and crept into the room. It moved cautiously as if was afraid where to step. A common trait to all who found their way into the back room of the Lost Cases Detective Agency. The current owner had inherited both the premises and the name from his predecessor, and whenever someone questioned the name, he would announce half-irritably that changing it was simply too expensive to afford. The noodle vendor from the floor below would never miss the chance to add that people who end up at his place didn't choose it for the name anyway. The truth (which he was willing to admit only to the creaking fan that scared away mice rather than actually serving its function) was that he liked the name. Like attracts like. A lost soul for lost cases. The darkness was finally driven even from the eyelids of the figure on the bed, who woke up with a dissatisfied grunt.

A few steps to the sink hidden behind a screen. The shadows cast by the street light might have seemed depressive to some, mainly because they weren't accompanied by the warming feeling of sunlight, blocked by the high skyscrapers embracing the lower houses of the former middle class. Tom smiled resignedly at this thought. It perfectly captured how everything in this city merged into one big tangle, which looks beautiful until you have to untangle it. The yellow light came from a neon sign across the street advertising "The Beach." One of many places in this City where one could hide in a drop of alcohol and the embrace of a beautiful woman. Though it was necessary to maintain that order... the companions didn't exactly recruit from the best of the best looking local beauties.

Tom turned the tap and waited until the water, after grunting, gargling, and several splutters, settled and began flowing somewhat predictably. Tom didn't mind the wait. In his line of work, patience was cheaper than bullets. And it was nice to have time when he could do nothing but wait. He examined himself in the mirror. The shadows did him favors, adding years he hadn't earned. As young as he was, he needed all the help he could get - clients wanted their private dick weathered, not fresh out of the wrapper. He had the look down pat: world-weary veteran who knew all the angles. Truth was, he couldn't even figure out the angle of his own life, but that was a case file he kept closed. The water spluttered one last time. "Good morning, dickhead," he greeted himself with unwavering conviction that today would be better than yesterday. While most people were heading to dinner, putting kids to bed, or hurrying to visit their lovers at this hour, he was waking up. So for him, it was morning. For him and a myriad of other existences who, by choice or necessity, lived more at night than during the day. Finally, he trimmed his beard to short, neat stubble - enough to look serious, but with a touch of toughness suggesting he wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty. "Perfect," he muttered to himself, "I look like a man who knows what he's doing." Maybe that illusion will convince me one day, he thought as he turned off the light in the small bathroom. With a final look in the mirror, he adjusted his shirt collar. He was ready to face the city's challenges. Whatever awaited him today, at least he'd look prepared for it.

From the hook by the door, he grabbed a ring with an identification tag and some loose change. He ran down a flight of creaking stairs and headed past empty bar stools toward the exit. The disadvantage of living above a restaurant. Though the major advantage is the high of the rent. Or rather, its lowness. Jiro, the owner of the small bistro and, coincidentally, a decent exterminator, looked at him through a dense veil of greasy vapors, nodded, and continued stirring the noodles.

Where to next? - say hi - get some food - just run outside

This is kind of an experiment with converting my WIP interactive fiction project to the nostr longnote format and letting readers decide. Originally, this story leans quite heavily toward FLR/femdom/mindcontrol/noir/steampunk/fantasy and hopefully a little mystery detective story, but let's see where (and if) it will lead from here. Also, it's mostly translated from my native language, so sorry if some wording seems stiff.

@ 6e0ea5d6:0327f353

Ascolta bene, si?

I have something to tell you, amico mio, something uncomfortable, yet a fundamental piece of advice for your personal journey toward painful success: always be mindful of how you handle your thoughts and conduct.

More often than not, we are our own worst enemies, and our own thoughts and behaviors are the true obstacles in our lives.

Perhaps you feel trapped in a cycle of negative thinking, feeding your fears and insecurities. You may have already realized that your poor habits have harmed your relationships and goals.

What matters is understanding that, although these patterns may seem inevitable, we have the power to change them.

The Stoic concepts of memento mori and premeditatio malorum remind us of the transience of life and the importance of preparing for the challenges ahead.

Memento mori means "remember that you are mortal," and premeditatio malorum translates to "premeditation of evils." These ideas encourage us to reflect on life's fleeting nature and mentally prepare for the hardships that will come.

By remembering that life is short and that adversity is inevitable, we can become more resilient and courageous. We can face our own thoughts and behaviors with greater determination and seek the change needed to achieve our goals and become better individuals.

Identify the areas where you need improvement and start working on them. Change is not easy, but it is possible. Use memento mori to remind yourself that life is short and valuable, and premeditatio malorum to mentally prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.

Take control of your thoughts and actions, and become the best version of yourself. Forget about others—their lives are nothing more than an illusory stage play.

Thank you for reading, my friend!

If this message has helped you in any way, consider leaving your “🥃” as a token of appreciation.

A toast to our family!

@ 554ab6fe:c6cbc27e

Presence is a crucial aspect of mental and physical health. This idea is not only espoused by religious teachers, but is slowly validated within scientific research. Much of this blog is devoted to exploring the scientific validation of mindfulness practices on health, in particular, the effect mindfulness meditation has on our physical and mental health. However, multiple techniques can help foster this holistic lifestyle. Yoga is a famous example in the west as another form of this practice. Of course, yoga was traditionally meditative, and the physical aspect of yoga is new in relative terms. Regardless, yoga is a physical version of meditation formulated in India. Another culture that developed practices to instill presence is rooted in China. Not only did the Chinese meditate, but they formed a physical exercise and martial art known as Qi Gong (气功, qi gong), and a similar practice to emerge later known as Tai Chi (太极拳, tai ji quan). These practices produce similar effects on health compared to yoga and meditation. Therefore, they are one of many methods one can utilize to find presence.

Qi Gong is one of the most ancient forms of traditional Chinese medicine with a history of refinement of over 5000 years (Jahnke et al., 2010). The practice is composed of several martial art postures that are very fluid in motion. In the traditional sense, the purpose of these practices is to enhance one’s Qi (气). Tai Chi and Qi Gong are similar yet different. Tai Chi is typically more choreographed, lengthy, and more complex movements (Jahnke et al., 2010). Qi Gong, on the other hand, is simpler and easier to learn. Traditional instructions for both Qi Gong and Tai Chi are paraphrased as “mind the body and the breath, and then clear the mind to distill the Heavenly elixir within” (Jahnke et al., 2010). The intention of this post is not to fully elaborate on the philosophical implications of these words. However, note how the instructions here are almost identical to those of meditation practices.

The practice intends to instill an awareness of the present body, which leads to a calm mind that cultivates an understanding of something heavenly within.  This idea shares a remarkable resemblance to the concept that meditation and the mind’s stillness create an altered characterized by a sense of unity of being with all of life, though there is no perfect term to describe this experience. Yet, this unity is likely the same thing as this “Heavenly elixir.” This experience has been clinically observed in meditators, psychedelic users, and those who experience religious moments.  It seems to be the experiential one of the by-products and intents of these Chinese practices.

Outside of the more spiritual benefit, these practices manifest health benefits as well. Most research regarding these techniques focuses on Tai Chi. However, a literature review article noted that the Tai Chi used in academic settings is often simplified and more akin to Qi Gong (Jahnke et al., 2010). Therefore, Tai Chi and Qi Gong’s scientific literature will be considered the same here. For simplicity, I will refer to both as meditative martial arts.

Meditative martial arts share many health-related benefits to traditional forms of exercise, despite being less strenuous. For example, a literature review found that despite the absence of weight-bearing activity, meditative martial arts retard bone loss and the occurrence of fractures (Jahnke et al., 2010). Additionally, these practices help improve knee health in older adults, even compared to traditional forms of exercise (Chen et al., 2016). Meditative martial arts are also comparable to other forms of exercise in reducing blood pressure (Jahnke et al., 2010). Other research also similarly shown yoga to be superior to regular exercise in certain regards (Ross & Thomas, 2010). This is not to say that the purely physical aspect of meditative martial arts or yoga is superior in all cases. Instead, it is the mental aspect incorporated that provides extra benefits.

Meditative martial arts have been shown to decrease or modulate heart rate variability (HRV) (Jahnke et al., 2010; Lu & Kuo, 2003; Wei et al., 2016). This indicates increased parasympathetic nervous system activity in response to the aspects of the practice. Increased parasympathetic activity can provide a cascade of health benefits across the body and is likely the source of the extra help. Meditative martial arts have also been theorized to benefit the gut microbiome and immune function, likely via the same mechanism, making meditative martial arts much more than physical exercise or fancy movements, but a practice that cultivates holistic health.

The idea that these meditative martial arts provide additional benefits, compared to traditional exercises that seem like the benefits of sitting meditation, brings to question the essence of these practices. It may seem odd that physical activity can induce benefits caused by sitting meditation because sitting meditation is, in part, aimed to generate mental stillness. Yet, optimal mental stillness seems impossible when one is mentally choreographing movements. This highlights the importance of not the mental stillness achieved by meditation, but the attention to the body’s sensations in the present moment. Both Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and even yoga involve the constant monitoring of the body’s sensations and position. The practice of this draws the individual’s attention to the present and experience of the present. This is a crucial aspect of all forms of meditation, including the sitting version.  Perhaps sitting meditations may provide a better opportunity for mental stillness, but this is not the only important aspect of mindfulness practice.

For this reason, incorporating all these practices should be seen as the optimal path towards the goal. For one cannot be healthy by simply sitting, exercise is needed. At the same time, achieving great mental stillness will only heighten one’s practice beyond that gained merely by the meditative martial arts and yoga.

There are multiple techniques and methods to practice mindfulness that provide significant benefits to health and well-being. Both the sitting and movement-oriented practices contain their pros and cons. Neither is all encompassing and perhaps they are only complete when together. For those seeking a lifestyle of mindfulness, interested in holistic health, and maybe even the obtainment of enlightenment, it is recommended that sitting meditation and meditative martial arts, or yoga, be incorporated within your daily practice.

References

Chen, Y. W., Hunt, M. A., Campbell, K. L., Peill, K., & Reid, W. D. (2016). The effect of Tai Chi on four chronic conditions - cancer, osteoarthritis, heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analyses. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(7), 397–407. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2014-094388

Jahnke, R., Larkey, L., Rogers, C., Etnier, J., & Lin, F. (2010). A comprehensive review of health benefits of qigong and tai chi. American Journal of Health Promotion : AJHP, 24(6). https://doi.org/10.4278/ajhp.081013-lit-248

Lu, W. A., & Kuo, C. D. (2003). The Effect of Tai Chi Chuan on the Autonomic Nervous Modulation in Older Persons. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(12), 1972–1976. https://doi.org/10.1249/01.MSS.0000099242.10669.F7

Ross, A., & Thomas, S. (2010). The health benefits of yoga and exercise: A review of comparison studies. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 16(1), 3–12. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2009.0044

Wei, G. X., Li, Y. F., Yue, X. L., Ma, X., Chang, Y. K., Yi, L. Y., Li, J. C., & Zuo, X. N. (2016). Tai Chi Chuan modulates heart rate variability during abdominal breathing in elderly adults. PsyCh Journal, 5(1), 69–77. https://doi.org/10.1002/pchj.105

@ 6e0ea5d6:0327f353

At the banquet of consequences, there is only one worthy dish: pride, never regret. At that table, the main course will not be served with lukewarm excuses or poorly disguised remorse. Let it be pride—fiery, indomitable—that fills your mouth and satisfies your hunger for dignity. The man who surrenders to remorse is already dead before the grave. It is honor that should fill your stomach, not the bitter taste of shame.

When the battle weighs heavy, remember: you fight for those you love, for true love—the one that keeps us standing in the storm—is an anchor of iron. It is not the soft, sweet love of illusions but the steel that holds you to the ground when chaos tries to drag you away. Let hatred be the fuel of your victory, as long as you control it. If it serves you to win, so be it; but make it a weapon, not a chain. Defeat is not an option, and those who bow before it bear the mark of weakness forever.

Understand this: victory and defeat are fleeting; it is the battle itself that truly matters and defines who you are. Only a fool longs for the end. For the man who knows, rest comes only with the last breath. As long as there is life, there is struggle, and that is enough.

Reality is not for the weak. If you cannot bear the truth, seek comfort in ignorance. But a man, fully made, knows what it means to forge character through blood and silence. And finally, expect nothing from anyone. The one who enters battle relying on others’ help is already defeated. You were not born to be spared or carried. You were born to stand on your own strength and feast at the banquet of your victories.

Thank you for reading, my friend!

If this message has helped you in any way, consider leaving your “🥃” as a token of appreciation.

A toast to our family!

@ cc32882d:eca332e6

introductions

Hello World

New here as of today! I set myself up first on Yakihonne. (Just trying out clients so far) Glad to be here and look forward to learning and getting to know peeps. I have been poking around a bit and like what I see so far. Excited to play around some more with Nostr apps. Any suggestions is greatly appreciated.

Whats the good, the bad, and the ugly about Nostr in your opinion?

What is the size of nostr platform? How many users? Hows the community involvment? What is the age range? Any good places to look at this kind of data.

About:

Like to think deep about life and its vast array of questions and answers that are waiting to be discovered or rediscovered. Live with Nature, Dont fight what will be, Love

Dislike fake people. JUST BE REAL, Life is to short for anything else.

Drop me a response and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Look forward to hearing from some of you.

Thank You for Your Time and For Reading This

-ObsidianQuill

@ 266815e0:6cd408a5

noStrudel

Released another major version of noStrudel v0.42.0 Which included a few new features and a lot of cleanup

nostr:naddr1qvzqqqr4gupzqfngzhsvjggdlgeycm96x4emzjlwf8dyyzdfg4hefp89zpkdgz99qyghwumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytnhd9hx2tcpzfmhxue69uhkummnw3e82efwvdhk6tcqp3hx7um5wf6kgetv956ry6rmhwr

Blossom

On the blossom front there where a few more PRs - Expanded the documentation around CORS headers in BUD-01 thanks to nostr:npub1a6we08n7zsv2na689whc9hykpq4q6sj3kaauk9c2dm8vj0adlajq7w0tyc - Made auth optional on the /upload endpoint PR - Added a HEAD /media endpoint for BUD-05 PR - Added range request recommendations to BUD-01 PR

With blossom uploads starting to be supported in more nostr clients users where starting to ask where to find a list of blossom servers. so I created a simple nostr client that allows users to post servers and leave reviews blossomservers.com Its still very much a work in progress (needs login and server and review editing) The source is on github

I also started another project to create a simple account based paid blossom server blossom-account-server Unfortunately I got sidetracked and I didn't have the time to give it the attention it needs to get it over the finish line

Smaller projects

• cherry-tree A small app for uploading chunked blobs to blossom servers (with cashu payment support)
• vite-plugin-funding A vite plugin to collect and expose package "funding" to the app
• node-red-contrib-rx-nostr The start of a node-red package for rx-nostr. if your interested please help
• node-red-contrib-applesauce The start of a node-red package for applesauce. I probably wont finish it so any help it welcome

Plans for 2025

I have a few vague ideas of what I want to work on Q1 of 2025. but there are a few things i know for certain.

I'm going to keep refactoring noStrudel by moving core logic out into applesauce and making it more modular. This should make noStrudel more reliable and hopefully allow me to create and maintain more apps with less code

And I'm going to write tests. tests for everything. hopefully tests for all the libraries and apps I've created in 2024. A lot of the code I wrote in 2024 was hacky code to see if things could work. and while its been working pretty well I'm starting to forget the details of of the code I wrote so I cant be sure if it still works or how well it works.

So my solution is to write tests, lots of tests :)

@ 6ad3e2a3:c90b7740

I’m not doing any writing today. Taking the day, maybe the week, off. Just not in the mood.

This whole idea you’re supposed to write, get the thoughts out, the ideas moving is stupid. To what end? I’m done with evaluating myself for productivity, justifying myself to myself — or anyone else.

What I really need is to find some pleasant distractions. Something to fill my time, or as Elon Musk says of Twitter “to avoid regretted user seconds.” I’ve tried Twitter itself, of course, but Musk’s algorithm falls woefully short. After an hour of doom and dopamine scrolling, punctuated with the occasional shitpost, many seconds are regretted — roughly 3500 of them.

I could turn to alcohol or drugs, but too many side effects. Yes, you’re distracted, but what about after that? You’re always left worse off than where you started. Even alcoholics and drug addicts — the pros! — know it’s a dead end.

I don’t know, maybe spend more time with loved ones? You hear that a lot. “If I didn’t have to work so much, I’d spend more time with loved ones.” LOL. Like what, you’re going to hang around while your “loved ones” are doing things with their actual lives. Maybe I’ll take the bus to school with Sasha, hang out with her and her friends, see how that goes. Quality time!

Exercise. It’s the perfect solution, good for your health, you feel better, your mind is calm. Only problem is it’s fucking miserable. If your aim is to avoid sitting at a desk to write, forcing your carcass around a track is hardly an upgrade. It’s like quitting your middle management job to break rocks in a prison chain gang.

There must be something I can do. Eating sugary processed food is out of the question for the same reason alcohol and drugs are. Becoming obese and diabetic is no solution, as many of the pros (obese diabetics) would no doubt attest.

Meditation. That’s it! You sit on a cushion, count your breaths. Pretty soon you are calm. You can meditate for as long as you want! It’s perfect, and it’s easy. Well, it’s not that easy. You get distracted by your thoughts and you’re just sitting there thinking about the things for which you hope and dread in your life.

Of course, you notice that distraction and come back to the breath, but pretty soon you’re wandering again. And you come back again. But really you’re wondering how long you’ve been sitting, your feet are falling asleep, your back is tight and you don’t feel much different. You weren’t even properly distracted because instead of being distracted from your mind, you are being distracted by it. It’s a worst-case scenario of sorts — you neither get anything done, nor escape the endless self-evaluation and justification.

That just means you’re doing it wrong, though. You’re failing at it. If you did it right, it would be the perfect escape from yourself. But it’s not working, so you’re failing. Or maybe you succeeded a little bit. You’re not sure. You are still evaluating whether that was a good use of your time. The same evaluation process you use to decide whether you’ve done enough writing, the same tired bullshit from which you were trying to escape in the first place!

Let’s face it, you’re not just going to meditate your way out of the problem. If you could, you would have already, and so would everyone else. We would all be enlightened. Maybe you need to go to an ashram or something, find a guru on top of a mountain in the Himalayas. LOL, you’re not gonna do that! You are way too attached to your comforts and daily routines, no matter how dull and unsatisfying they ultimately are.

There’s nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, no one to see, nothing to do. You are out of options. There is only one thing in your absolute control, and it’s where you direct your attention. And you have decided that no matter how bleak and pointless the alternatives the one thing about which you are resolute is you are taking the day off from writing.

@ d23af4ac:7bf07adb

This is a test-note published directly from Obsidian

Heading 1

Some paragraph text [^2]

Heading 2

Second paragraph text. * List item 1 * List item 2

js console.log("Hello world!")

Json

json { name: "Alise", age: 45 }

[!SCRUNCHABLE NOTE]- This should be collapsed when the page first loads. This should be collapsed when the page first loads. This should be collapsed when the page first loads. This should be collapsed when the page first loads. This should be collapsed when the page first loads. This should be collapsed when the page first loads. This should be collapsed when the page first loads. This should be collapsed when the page first loads. This should be collapsed when the page first loads. This should be collapsed when the page first loads.

[!DANGER] This is a "danger" type message. Should be properly formateed. This is a "danger" type message. Should be properly formateed. This is a "danger" type message. Should be properly formateed. This is a "danger" type message. Should be properly formateed. This is a "danger" type message. Should be properly formateed.

--

Pasted image:

![[Pasted image 20250218120714.png]]

This is a blockquote. This is a blockquote. This is a blockquote. This is a blockquote. This is a blockquote. This is a blockquote. This is a blockquote. This is a blockquote[^1]. This is a blockquote. This is a blockquote. This is a blockquote. This is a blockquote. This is a blockquote. This is a blockquote. This is a blockquote. This is a blockquote.

• [x] This is a completed task
• [ ] This is an uncompleted task
• [ ] This is also an uncompleted task

[!QUESTION] Will this inline code format properly? console.log('Yo momma so fat she took a spoon to the Super Bown'); Idk...

[^1]: Footnotes also supported? Even inside blockquotes? [^2]: Footnote in regular paragraph

@ d360efec:14907b5f

ภาพรวม BTCUSDT (OKX):

Bitcoin (BTCUSDT) กำลังแสดงความผันผวนอย่างมาก โดยมีสัญญาณที่ขัดแย้งกันระหว่าง Timeframes ต่างๆ แนวโน้มระยะยาว (Day) ยังคงเป็นขาขึ้น แต่ระยะกลาง (4H) และระยะสั้น (15m) แสดงให้เห็นถึงแรงขายและการปรับฐานที่รุนแรง การวิเคราะห์นี้จะเน้นการระบุพื้นที่ที่ Smart Money อาจจะเข้าซื้อหรือขาย (Liquidity Pools) และประเมินความแข็งแกร่งของแนวโน้ม

วิเคราะห์ทีละ Timeframe:

(1) TF Day (รายวัน):

• แนวโน้ม: ขาขึ้น (Uptrend) แต่เริ่มอ่อนแรง
• SMC:
  • Higher Highs (HH) และ Higher Lows (HL) เริ่มไม่ชัดเจน
  • Break of Structure (BOS) ด้านบน แต่เริ่มมีการปรับฐาน
  • Liquidity:
    • มี Sellside Liquidity (SSL) อยู่ใต้ Lows ก่อนหน้า (บริเวณ 85,000 - 90,000)
    • มี Buyside Liquidity (BSL) อยู่เหนือ High เดิม (109,998.9)
• ICT:
  • ยังไม่เห็น Order Block หรือ FVG ที่ชัดเจนใน TF Day ณ ราคาปัจจุบัน
• EMA:
  • ราคา หลุด EMA 50 (สีเหลือง) ลงมาแล้ว
  • EMA 200 (สีขาว) เป็นแนวรับถัดไป
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • แท่งสีแดงยาว แสดงถึงแรงขายที่เข้ามา
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha): ไม่มีในภาพ
• Volume Profile: Volume ค่อนข้างเบาบาง
• แท่งเทียน: แท่งเทียนล่าสุดเป็นสีแดง แสดงถึงแรงขาย
• แนวรับ: EMA 200, บริเวณ 85,000 - 90,000 (SSL)
• แนวต้าน: EMA 50, High เดิม
• สรุป: แนวโน้มขาขึ้นเริ่มอ่อนแรง, ราคาหลุด EMA 50, Money Flow เป็นลบ, มี SSL ด้านล่าง

(2) TF4H (4 ชั่วโมง):

• แนวโน้ม: ขาลง (Downtrend) ระยะสั้น หลังจากราคาหลุด EMA 50
• SMC:
  • Lower Highs (LH) และ Lower Lows (LL)
  • Break of Structure (BOS) ด้านล่าง
  • Liquidity:
    • มี SSL อยู่ใต้ Lows ก่อนหน้า (บริเวณ 92,000)
    • มี BSL อยู่เหนือ Highs ก่อนหน้า (บริเวณ 104,000 - 108,000)
• ICT:
  • Order Block: ราคาลงมาใกล้ Order Block ขาขึ้น (บริเวณแท่งเทียนสีเขียวก่อนที่จะขึ้น)
• EMA:
  • ราคาอยู่ใต้ EMA 50 และ EMA 200
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • สีแดงเป็นส่วนใหญ่ แสดงถึงแรงขาย
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha): ไม่มีในภาพ
• Volume Profile Volume ค่อนข้างเบาบาง
• แนวรับ: Order Block, บริเวณ 92,000 (SSL)
• แนวต้าน: EMA 50, EMA 200, บริเวณ Highs ก่อนหน้า
• สรุป: แนวโน้มขาลงระยะสั้น, ราคาลงมาใกล้ Order Block, Money Flow เป็นลบ

(3) TF15 (15 นาที):

• แนวโน้ม: ขาลง (Downtrend)
• SMC:
  • Lower Highs (LH) และ Lower Lows (LL)
  • Break of Structure (BOS) ด้านล่าง
  • Liquidity:
    • มี SSL อยู่ใต้ Lows ล่าสุด
    • มี BSL อยู่เหนือ Highs ก่อนหน้า
• ICT:
  • Order Block: ราคาลงมาใกล้ Oder Block
• EMA:
  • EMA 50 และ EMA 200 เป็นแนวต้าน
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • สีแดงเป็นส่วนใหญ่ แสดงถึงแรงขาย
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • เป็นสีแดง แสดงถึงเเนวโน้มขาลง
• Volume Profile:
  • Volume ค่อนข้างเบาบาง
• แนวรับ: บริเวณ Low ล่าสุด
• แนวต้าน: EMA 50, EMA 200, บริเวณ Highs ก่อนหน้า
• สรุป: แนวโน้มขาลง, แรงขายมีอิทธิพล, ใกล้แนวรับ

สรุปภาพรวมและกลยุทธ์ (BTCUSDT):

• แนวโน้มหลัก (Day): ขาขึ้น (อ่อนแรง)
• แนวโน้มรอง (4H): ขาลง (ระยะสั้น)
• แนวโน้มระยะสั้น (15m): ขาลง
• Liquidity:
  • Day: SSL (85,000-90,000), BSL (เหนือ 109,998.9)
  • 4H: SSL (92,000), BSL (104,000-108,000)
  • 15m: SSL (ใต้ Lows), BSL (เหนือ Highs)
• Money Flow: Day เริ่มเป็นลบ, 4H เป็นลบ, 15m เป็นลบ
• Trend Strength 15 m : ขาลง
• กลยุทธ์:
  1. Wait & See (ดีที่สุด): รอความชัดเจน
  2. Short (เสี่ยง): ถ้าไม่สามารถ Breakout EMA/แนวต้านใน TF ใดๆ ได้
  3. ไม่แนะนำให้ Buy: จนกว่าจะมีสัญญาณกลับตัวที่ชัดเจน

คำแนะนำ:

• ความขัดแย้งของ Timeframes: ชัดเจน
• Money Flow: เป็นลบในทุก Timeframes
• ระวัง SSL: Smart Money อาจจะลากราคาลงไปกิน Stop Loss
• ถ้าไม่แน่ใจ อย่าเพิ่งเข้าเทรด

Disclaimer: การวิเคราะห์นี้เป็นเพียงความคิดเห็นส่วนตัว ไม่ถือเป็นคำแนะนำในการลงทุน ผู้ลงทุนควรศึกษาข้อมูลเพิ่มเติมและตัดสินใจด้วยความรอบคอบ