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@ 2b24a1fa:17750f64
2025-06-11 09:06:02„Die Technologie neigt dazu, alle Attribute des religiösen Denkens, der magischen und animistischen Vernunft und des künstlerischen Schaffens sich allein einzuverleiben. Es ist noch nicht lange her, als angenommen wurde, das künstliche Objekt entferne den Menschen von der Welt. Heute ist es keine Frage der Entfernung mehr, sondern die Frage einer möglichen Verschmelzung, da die Welt selbst dazu neigt, künstlich zu werden.“\ Das schreibt Achille Mbembe, Historiker und Politikwissenschaftler aus Kamerun, in seinem Buch „Die terrestrische Gemeinschaft. Technik, Animismus und die Erde als Utopie“.
https://soundcloud.com/radiomuenchen/die-terrestrische-gemeinschaft-ein-buch-von-achille-mbembe?
Inspiration und Hoffnung findet der Autor in Afrika. Jenem Kontinent, den unsere – je nach Blickwinkel westliche oder nördliche – Zivilisation gerne reduziert auf Schlagwörter wie Krieg, Hunger, Despotie, Überbevölkerung und Aberglaube. In den alten Stammeskulturen findet Mbembe eine ganz andere Haltung, ein ganz anderes Verständnis der Welt. Das könnte uns helfen, die Natur nicht als Feind zu betrachten, den es zu bezwingen gilt, sondern als Ort, an dem alles mit allem verbunden ist und niemand sich zum Herrscher aufschwingen kann, ohne den anderen und letztlich auch sich selbst zu schaden:\ „Dieser Gemeinschaft der Erde entspricht die grundlegende Universalität aller ihrer Bewohner. Weder die menschlichen Personen noch die anderen Wesen zusammengenommen sind die Eigentümer der Erde. Sie sind dort Erdenbürger, insofern sie alle in den Genuss eines unbestreitbaren Platzes auf ihr kommen.“\ Unser Autor Jonny Rieder hat Mbembes Buch gelesen und darüber nachgedacht.
Sprecher: Ulrich Allroggen
Bild: Verlag Matthes & Seitz Berlin / Dirk Lebahn
Radio München\ www.radiomuenchen.net/\ @radiomuenchen\ www.facebook.com/radiomuenchen\ www.instagram.com/radio_muenchen/\ twitter.com/RadioMuenchen\ odysee.com/@RadioMuenchen.net:9\ rumble.com/user/RadioMunchen
Radio München ist eine gemeinnützige Unternehmung.\ Wir freuen uns, wenn Sie unsere Arbeit unterstützen.
GLS-Bank\ IBAN: DE65 4306 0967 8217 9867 00\ BIC: GENODEM1GLS\ Bitcoin (BTC): bc1qqkrzed5vuvl82dggsyjgcjteylq5l58sz4s927\ Ethereum (ETH): 0xB9a49A0bda5FAc3F084D5257424E3e6fdD303482
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@ 2b24a1fa:17750f64
2025-06-11 09:02:07
Ein freier Mensch lässt sich schwer kapern. Ängste kennt er kaum, Katastrophen entlarvt er schnell, Horrorszenarien seziert er gründlich. Mit ihm lässt sich kein willkürlicher Staat machen … Und der gedemütigte, entrechtete und geschwächte Bürger will den nicht verteidigen.
https://soundcloud.com/radiomuenchen/geimpft-gef-gig-geopfert-die?
Der Jurist und Autor Milosz Matuschek weiß, dass es keinen Krieg ohne geistige Mobilmachung geben kann. Warum die ein Problem werden könnte, davon schreibt er im folgenden Text: „Geimpft, gefügig, geopfert – Die fehlende Front der Folgebereiten“, der auf seinem Substack „Freischwebende Intelligenz“ nachzulesen ist.
Sprecher: Ulrich Allroggen
https://www.freischwebende-intelligenz.org/p/geimpft-gefugig-geopfert-die-fehlende
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@ cae03c48:2a7d6671
2025-06-11 09:02:01
Bitcoin Magazine
BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust Shatters ETF Growth Record, Surpassing $70 Billion in Just 341 DaysBlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has officially made history. The Bitcoin ETF surged past $70 billion in assets under management (AUM), reaching the milestone in just 341 trading days. This achievement makes IBIT the fastest ETF to ever hit that threshold.
JUST IN: BlackRock's spot Bitcoin ETF becomes the fastest ETF in history to surpass $70 billion AUM
pic.twitter.com/kZkXhjEvq0— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) June 9, 2025
To put that into perspective, the previous record-holder—SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)—took 1,691 days to reach the same milestone. “5x faster than the old record held by GLD of 1,691 days,” Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas wrote in a post on X. Other ETFs like VOO (1,701 days), IEFA (1,773 days), and IEMG (2,063 days) also lag far behind IBIT’s rapid growth.
The explosive rise in IBIT’s AUM coincides with Bitcoin’s continued rally. At the time of reporting, Bitcoin (BTC) is trading above $108,000, up more than 2.06%, and sitting just under 4% below its all-time high of nearly $112,000 set last month.
BlackRock’s accumulation strategy has placed it at the forefront of institutional Bitcoin investment. According to blockchain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence, the firm now holds over 663,000 bitcoin—more than Michael Saylor’s MicroStrategy, which famously owns 582,000 BTC.
The price surge and ETF milestone reflect a broader institutional embrace of Bitcoin as a legitimate and increasingly preferred asset class. The record breaking pace of IBIT’s growth underscores the demand from investors looking for regulated exposure to Bitcoin through traditional financial products.
The chart clearly visualizes the disparity in ETF adoption timelines, with IBIT’s steep, vertical ascent dramatically outpacing its peers in the race to $70 billion. It’s a testament to the accelerating pace at which capital is flowing into Bitcoin markets.
As Bitcoin continues to hold just below its peak, and institutional products like IBIT grow at unprecedented speeds, all eyes are on what comes next—not just for Bitcoin, but for the legacy financial industry now being reshaped by it.
This post BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust Shatters ETF Growth Record, Surpassing $70 Billion in Just 341 Days first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Jenna Montgomery.
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@ d325f9e9:07ed2267
2025-06-11 08:50:04
Trying tags #Hello #this
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@ 2b24a1fa:17750f64
2025-06-11 08:45:07
https://soundcloud.com/radiomuenchen/eine-stunde-klassik-leopold-hennberger-prasentiert-die-gitarre
Eine Stunde Klassik! Der Münchner Pianist und "Musikdurchdringer" Jürgen Plich stellt jeden Dienstag um 20 Uhr große klassische Musik vor. Er teilt seine Hör- und Spielerfahrung und seine persönliche Sicht auf die Meisterwerke. Er spielt selbst besondere, unbekannte Aufnahmen, erklärt, warum die Musik so und nicht anders klingt und hat eine Menge aus dem Leben der Komponisten zu erzählen.
Sonntags um 10 Uhr in der Wiederholung.
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@ 2b24a1fa:17750f64
2025-06-11 08:42:48
Eine Kolumne von Michael Sailer, jeden ersten Freitag bei Radio München, nachzulesen auf sailersblog.de.
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@ 2b24a1fa:17750f64
2025-06-11 08:40:18
Sexualität ist die Urkraft des Lebens und der Vitalität. Und weil das so ist, rückt sie in den Fokus der Macht. Der Staat schlüpft unter die Bettdecke. Sexualität ist ein, wenn nicht gar der Machthebel schlechthin, mit dem Menschen manipulier- und kontrollierbar sind. Ob durch sexuelle Unterdrückung, Pervertierung, Verwirrung oder durch inflationäre Überreizung – die Bandbreite der Suggestion ist groß.
https://soundcloud.com/radiomuenchen/sex-ist-politisch-von-kerstin-chavent?
Diesem Schatten auf der schönsten … sagen wir: Hauptsache der Welt, hat sich unsere Autorin Kerstin Chavent angenommen. Hören Sie ihren Text „Sex ist politisch“. Nachzulesen bei Manova. www.manova.news/artikel/sex-ist-politisch
Sprecherin Sabrina Khalil
www.radiomuenchen.net/\ @radiomuenchen\ www.facebook.com/radiomuenchen\ www.instagram.com/radio_muenchen/\ twitter.com/RadioMuenchen
Radio München ist eine gemeinnützige Unternehmung.\ Wir freuen uns, wenn Sie unsere Arbeit unterstützen.
GLS-Bank\ IBAN: DE65 4306 0967 8217 9867 00\ BIC: GENODEM1GLS\ Bitcoin (BTC): bc1qqkrzed5vuvl82dggsyjgcjteylq5l58sz4s927\ Ethereum (ETH): 0xB9a49A0bda5FAc3F084D5257424E3e6fdD303482
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@ 6ad3e2a3:c90b7740
2025-06-11 08:29:54
Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.
Surely some revelation is at hand;
Surely the Second Coming is at hand.
The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out
When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi
Troubles my sight: somewhere in sands of the desert
A shape with lion body and the head of a man,
A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,
Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it
Reel shadows of the indignant desert birds.
The darkness drops again; but now I know
That twenty centuries of stony sleep
Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle,
And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?
The Second Coming — W.B. Yeats
I don’t know what I want to write about today. There are a lot of converging currents coursing through my reality right now. I feel we’re in an interregnum of sorts between what was and what’s to come. I guess you could simply describe that as the present, something that has ever been the case. But this moment feels more intense like something big is dying and something else, God knows what, is on its way “to be born".
I exchanged emails recently with an old friend, and he sent me a link to a David Foster Wallace commencement speech entitled “This Is Water.” In it Wallace tells a joke of an old fish seeing two younger fish swimming by and asks them “How’s the water?” Later on one of the younger ones asks the other, “What is water?”
Wallace hanged himself a few years after the speech. Apparently he was unable to maintain the perspective he laid out in it which was that we can choose our attitude toward what we experience in any moment, no matter how much aversion we habitually associate with it. That the act of choosing equanimity constitutes the freedom we seek. That this freedom to choose is ever present, in fact the ability to direct our attention and consciousness is itself the water. And yet out of habit we are often oblivious to this most fundamental reality.
My friend’s email was in response to my description of the dissolution I see right now. Everything seems fake. The news, the governments, the edicts of reputationally bankrupt institutions zombying along as though the last five years never happened, like the proverbial emperor still purporting to rule though everyone can now see his pale, unsightly posterior.
Yes, the coffee shops are still open, people still go on vacation with their families. Let’s go to Paris, Rome, the Greek Isles! Let’s pretend everything is as we had imagined in the before times when our goals and aspirations seemed real, when the glitchy pixels in the matrix hadn’t yet revealed themselves so glaringly.
Maybe this was always the case. All our games were always professional wrestling, a scripted charade for which we willingly suspended disbelief. But like the roadrunner in the cartoon, we have since become aware we have run out of road, four steps beyond the cliff edge.
. . .
Wallace in his speech described such indignities as being stuck in traffic after a long day of work, or in a long grocery checkout line. The mind’s usual programs run, cursing everyone and everything around us. Instead of contemplating the miracle of human existence we feel only disgust and impatience. We want to finish with the run, the work, the obligatory hour so we can move on to something presumably more pleasant.
I can handle such day to day discomforts, but the overwhelming sense of dissolution is undermining the aims to which I had once attached meaning. I set up my life for freedom and prosperity, and now, just as I have my ducks in a row, there’s an imminent magnetic pole shift or a financial and social collapse that threatens to counterfeit my efforts.
It’s easy to opt out when you’re losing, to decry the injustice, unfairness and pointlessness of the game when you weren’t getting much from it anyway. When you’ve got nothing, you’ve got nothing to lose, to paraphrase Bob Dylan. But as a late bloomer wanting to sample the wine of the Gods at long last, it’s dispiriting in a different way, like saving up for a new car and seeing it stolen before you had a chance to drive it.
That’s the shallow version, distress at discovering just before getting the things I had always wanted I was actually playing not just the wrong game, but a false one. That I’m upset I can’t gratify my ego in the way I had hoped, that I can’t get the pat on the back I had craved because the back-patters decided to tear up the playing field just as I finally became a contender.
The deeper version is you only get better at the game through your own efforts to discover what’s true, your own self-mastery and access to a measure of wisdom. This process transforms your life from a tedious and difficult slog to a state of ease and flow. You are more connected, more in touch with yourself and the forces within. You can handle aversion, in fact voluntarily invite it at times to hone your mind and access your resourcefulness. You love your life and connect to the people in it. You have great hope and aspirations for the future. You believe in God, or the Tao or whatever force animates all things, you can navigate the world’s imperfections and do not want it to fall into chaos and disorder.
The task of remembering this during the run, the traffic jam or the grocery store checkout line is not so difficult. But would it be the same during periods of violence and resource scarcity where literal survival is at stake, the rules of which are set by biology and physics rather than the incentives of human society?
Yes, I’d rather be eating dinner at home than sitting in traffic, but I can appreciate that I’m able to sit comfortably in my climate controlled pod, listening to music while traversing these distances rather than foraging for food in the harsh wild. Yes, this old Portuguese lady is taking an eternity to get the groceries into her pushcart, but I can imagine how it is to be old and slow and still have to shop and eat, and it’s trivial to cut her some slack.
I’m not claiming I always have this perspective, but I surely am able to channel equanimity during the ordinary aversion that arises in one’s day to day life. I do this while running on the track, the aches and pains, the discomfort, the wanting to get it over with is a battle I fight every week by my own choosing. But imagine if instead of running 10 minute miles I was forced to do them in six. It’s not so easy to keep a calm, conscious mind while gasping for breath.
The truth is these calamities I imagine are not yet real, the asteroid has not yet hit, the economy not yet collapsed. I have never experienced the kind of hardship I dread. I am ever in the grocery line, the 10-minute mile run, the traffic jam, never the concentration camp or Mad Max-style post-apocalypse. Why not just deal with that when the time comes, if it ever comes? Why die a thousand deaths like the proverbial coward rather than the one required of the brave man?
I suppose it comes down to wanting to be prepared. There’s nothing you can do if an asteroid destroys the entire earth, but if your national government devolves into tyranny, you could get out before it’s too late. There’s the adage one should only concern oneself about the things one can control, but the rub is in deciding what’s in your power and of what to let go. It’s an easy out, per the adage, to narrow your locus of control to doing your job and paying your bills. You can too easily forget that which job you have, where you live, what preparations to make are also matters in which you have a choice.
Even if you believe a magnetic pole shift could spill the earth’s oceans across continents within the next few decades — I find this plausible — you could move to the mountains to get ahead even of that. A fatalist, non-questioning attitude can be a psychological salve in times of upheaval, but “salve” and "“slave” are but a typo apart.
. . .
When I was six someone broke into my house. I was still awake, and while pretending to be asleep, I heard him rummaging through my belongings, stealing an old Fisher Price turntable and a black and white TV. My father died four years later, and at 10, I remember thinking as the oldest boy in the house, it was now my responsibility to defend my family if anything like that, or worse, happened again. Of course, I wasn’t really capable of doing this, and I knew it, but I would have to try, futile as it might be.
I imagine that psychology has stayed with me as an adult — it’s up to me to see around corners, assess the various threats to me and my family, even if some of them are too daunting for any one individual. I could let it go, I suppose, it would probably even be healthy to do so. But there is a part of me that wonders whether people like me, people who feel this irrational responsibility, are the those who survive cataclysms and shocks. I surely am not the only one who feels this way and quite likely would not be especially effective given I don’t have engineering, outdoorsman or serious combat skills. But that hyper-vigilance toward and preparation for worse-case scenarios is something someone has to do, someone who would likely be selected for the role by the particular accidents of his upbringing.
. . .
There is another way to look at this, of course. The notion one ought to step up in the face of adverse circumstances, even extreme ones, is valid. But perhaps the best way to prepare is not endlessly to assess potential threats like some black ops CIA outfit, but to have a calm and detached mind. Should the signs appear, a poised and observant person would take action insofar as he is able. That you, having trained your attention away from default habits of comfort-seeking and dread and toward conscious observation, will do what’s required if and when the time comes. That you can trust yourself, and by that I mean trust in God, so to speak, to guide your awareness and actions for the most effective and adaptive response.
The Fourth Turning might well be upon us, indeed “the centre [may not] hold.” There is no guarantee your response will ensure you or those you love survive. There has never been such a guarantee for anyone, only the freedom to direct your attention, to choose your state of mind, to the extent you are capable, in the conditions that arise. To respond to the older fish that the water is okay, it’s pretty nice actually.
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@ ea39b0da:29a1710d
2025-06-11 08:05:37
{"id":"note_1749629137436_gmf1g18lv","title":"Shopping list","content":"Here are the items that we need to purchase ","color":"#fff475","tags":[],"sharedWith":[],"updatedAt":1749629137436,"version":1,"versions":[]}
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@ 472f440f:5669301e
2025-06-11 04:37:33
Marty's Bent
Sup, freaks? Your Uncle Marty did a little vibe coding a couple months ago and that vibe coding project has turned into an actual product that is live in the Google Chrome web store and will soon to be live in the Firefox add-on store as well. It's called Opportunity Cost and it is an extension that enables you to price the internet in Bitcoin.
Opportunity Cost – See Prices in Bitcoin Instantly
Check it out!
This whole process has been extremely rewarding to me for many reasons. The first of which is that I've had many ideas in the past to launch a product focused on bitcoin education that simply never left my brain because I never felt comfortable paying a developer to go out and build a product that I wasn't sure would ultimately get product market fit.
Due to the advancements of AI, particularly ChatGPT and Replit, I was able to spend a few hours on a Saturday vibe coding a prototype for Opportunity Cost. It worked. I side loaded it into Chrome and Firefox, tested it out for a few days and decided, "Hey, I think this is something that's worthwhile and should be built."
Backtracking just a little bit, the initial idea for this app was to create an AR application that would enable you to take pictures of goods in the real world and have their prices automatically converted to bitcoin so that you could weigh the opportunity cost of whether or not you actually wanted to buy that good or decide to save in bitcoin instead. With the help of Justin Moon from the Human Rights Foundation and Anthony Ronning from OpenSecret and Maple AI, I was pointed in the right direction of vibe coding tools I could use to build a simple MVP. I took their advice, built the MVP, and demoed it at the Bitcoin Park Austin weekly AI meetup in mid-April.
The next week, I was talking with a friend, Luke Thomas, about the idea and during our conversation he made a simple quip, "You should make a Chrome extension. I really want a Chrome extension that does this." And that's what sent me down the vibe coding rabbit hole that Saturday which led to the prototype.
After I was comfortable with and confident in the prototype, I found a young hungry developer by the name of Moses on Nostr, I reached out to him, told him my idea, showed him the prototype and asked if he thought he could finish the application for me. He luckily agreed to do so and within a couple of weeks we had a fully functioning app that was officially launched today. We're about 12 hours into the launch and I must say that I'm pleasantly surprised with the reception from the broader Bitcoin community. It seems like something that people are happy exists and I feel extremely happy that people see some value in this particular application.
Now that you have the backstory, let's get into why I think something like Opportunity Cost should exist. As someone who's been writing a newsletter and producing podcasts about bitcoin for eight years in an attempt to educate individuals from around the world about what bitcoin is, why it's important, and how they can leverage it, I've become convinced that a lot of the work that needs to be done still exists at the top of the funnel. You can scream at people. You can grab them by the shoulders. You can shake them. You can remind them at Thanksgiving that if they had listened to your advice during any Thanksgiving in the previous years they would be better off financially. But at the end of the day most people don't listen. They need to see things. Seeing things for yourself is a much more effective teaching mechanism than be lectured to by someone else.
My hope with Opportunity Cost is that it catches the eye of some bitcoin skeptics or individuals who may be on the cusp of falling down the bitcoin rabbit hole and they see the extension as a way to dip their toes into bitcoin to get a better understanding of the world by pricing the goods and services they purchase on a day-to-day month-to-month and year-to-year basis in bitcoin without having to download a wallet or set up an exchange account. The tippy top of the bitcoin marketing funnel.
That is not all though. I think Opportunity Cost can serve individuals at both ends of the funnel. That's why it's pretty exciting to me. It's as valuable to the person who is bitcoin curious and looking to get a better understanding as it is to the hardcore bitcoiner living on a bitcoin standard who is trying to get access to better tools that enable him to get a better grasp of their spending in bitcoin terms.
Lastly, after playing around with it for a few days after I built the prototype, I realized that it has incredible memetic potential. Being able to take a screenshot of goods that people are buying on a day-to-day basis, pricing them in bitcoin and then sharing them on social media is very powerful. Everything from houses to junk items on Amazon to the salaries of pro athletes to your everyday necessities. Seeing the value of those things in bitcoin really makes you think.
One day while I was testing the app, I tried to see how quickly I could find goods on the internet that cumulatively eclipsed the 21 million supply cap limit of bitcoin. To my surprise, even though I've been in bitcoin for 12 years now, it did not take me that long. The opportunity cost of everything I buy on a day-to-day basis becomes very clear when using the extension. What's even clearer is the fact that Bitcoin is completely mispriced at current levels. There is so much winning ahead of us.
Also, it's probably important to note that the extension is open source. You can check out our GitHub page here. Submit pull requests. Suggest changes to the app.
We've also tried to make Opportunity Cost as privacy preserving as possible. Everything within the extension happens in your browser. The only external data that we're providing is the bitcoin to fiat price conversion at any given point in time. We're not data harvesting the web pages you're browsing or the items you're looking at. We're not collecting data and sending it to third party marketers. We want to align ourselves with the open and permissionless nature of bitcoin while also preserving our users' privacy. We're not trying to monetize this in that way. Though, I will say that I'm thinking of ways to monetize Opportunity Cost if it does gain significant traction, but I promise it will be in a way that respects your privacy and is as unobtrusive as possible. We'll see how it goes.
Thank you for coming to my TED talk. Please download and use the extension. Let us know what you think.
Headlines of the Day
Saylor Says Bitcoin Is Perfect Money to Jordan Peterson - via X
Trump Won't Sell Tesla Despite Musk-Bessent Heated Exchange - via X
Bitcoin Gains Traction in Kenya's Largest Slum Kibera - via X
Get our new STACK SATS hat - via tftcmerch.io
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Read the latest report from Unchained and TechDev, analyzing how global M2 liquidity and the copper/gold ratio—two historically reliable macro indicators—are aligning once again to signal that a new bitcoin bull market may soon begin.
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Final thought...
East Coast aesthetics over everything.
*Download our free browser extension, Opportunity Cost: *<<https://www.opportunitycost.app/>> start thinking in SATS today.
*Get this newsletter sent to your inbox daily: *https://www.tftc.io/bitcoin-brief/
Subscribe to our YouTube channels and follow us on Nostr and X:
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@ 8bad92c3:ca714aa5
2025-06-11 08:01:50
Key Takeaways
In this episode, Bram Kanstein delivers a powerful exploration of how studying money for thousands of hours led him to a single, life-changing conclusion: Bitcoin is the key to preserving value and reclaiming personal agency in an increasingly unstable world. Through the lens of a disillusioned millennial generation—raised with technological optimism but betrayed by economic reality—Bram exposes the fiat system as one built on illusion, debt, and diminishing returns. He explains how Bitcoin’s transparent, rule-based design offers a principled alternative, especially for those wired to question systems and seek truth. Describing the fiat economy as a “high-velocity trash system” that undermines innovation and long-term planning, he argues Bitcoin creates the time and space to think, build, and live freely. As AI reshapes the labor market, Bram sees Bitcoin as a vital foundation for individuals to adapt, maintain sovereignty, and thrive in a future defined by rapid technological disruption.
Best Quotes
“Anything that you would want to fix in the world is broken because the money is broken.”
“You’re stacking nothing. Literal paper.”
“You have to red pill before you orange pill.”
“The only thing you need to do is move to the other money that they cannot mess with.”
“One Bitcoin is one Bitcoin. That’s the whole point.”
“Millennials are primed to understand Bitcoin.”
“Bitcoin lets you get out of the rat race and start walking your own path.”
“The fiat mindset is a zero-sum game. In Bitcoin, value is created.”
“We should stop asking how to value Bitcoin—and start asking how to value everything else in Bitcoin.”
“Even with a master’s in economics, people still don’t understand what money is.”
Conclusion
This episode delivers a powerful call to rethink everything we assume about money, arguing that understanding Bitcoin is less about profit and more about reclaiming personal agency in a world defined by uncertainty. Bram Kanstein shows how asking fundamental questions—like “What is money?”—can lead to a deeper sense of purpose and autonomy. As AI and systemic instability accelerate, Bitcoin emerges not just as sound money, but as a life tool for intentional living, long-term thinking, and individual sovereignty.
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
0:36 - INTJ bitcoiners
4:58 - The millennial headspace is primed for bitcoin
7:25 - Bitcoin gives time and space to build
15:29 - Fold & Bitkey
17:05 - Seeing systemic problems
26:25 - Bitcoin’s positive feedback loop
33:55 - Recognize your agency
37:58 - Unchained
38:27 - Fiat money creates uncertainty
44:41 - What is money?
54:04 - Money and energy
1:03:43 - Bitcoin allows growth
1:09:02 - Bitcoin/AI
1:31:34 - Optimistic noteTranscript
(00:00) Let's say you're a millennial and mid-30s and you want to retire in 30 years. If you calculate the amount of dollar, pound the euro, yen units. You need way more units of that money than you think right now. They are funding pension funds, but the pension funds are using that money for the people that are actually retiring.
(00:17) No one knows about money. They don't know how debt works, how finance works. But that's kind of how it's designed, right? Like that's what eventually keeps the Ponzi alive. And I just started with the question, what do you think happens if you call the bank and say like, hey, can I get 100 or 200k in cash? Man, you got an editor like in house.
(00:39) That's That's pro. That's uh it's because this setup I'm so far away from the computer. I just need somebody to hit the button. Okay. Okay. the extent the extent of of Logan's job extends far beyond just hitting the button. But yeah, INTJ I think uh I think it was as we rear into what looks to be another bull market.
(01:05) I think getting back to first principles and discussing the challenges of studying and understanding Bitcoin, it's important to to highlight the archetype of individuals who have studied fallen down the rabbit hole and really dedicated their lives to Bitcoin. And this INTJ cohort that exists within Bitcoin seems pretty material apparently. Yeah.
(01:35) I mean, I have many moments where I just realize that I'm lucky that my brain is wired in a certain way, you know. I feel like crazy blessed that I figured out this Bitcoin thing, you know, and that when I ran into certain realizations along the way in my Bitcoin journey that I was like, hm, you know, how does this actually work? you know, do I actually understand the systems I'm participating in, the things that I believe, you know, the the the the people that I abstracted um or or outsourced certain responsibilities to to take care of, for example, my money
(02:10) in the bank. You know, I I think um being wired in a certain way definitely helps in grasping Bitcoin to a degree where you're like, okay, this is the only thing I need to pay attention to, you know, in my life. And yeah, we we jokingly started talking about this because I have the hat here, but there was this um I think it was like like a Twitter poll actually or someone shared it on Twitter and this is already like two or three years old where where someone investigated these MyersBriggs um personality types and I think there's
(02:42) only like 2% of people that have INTJ but like 20% of Bitcoiners have that personality type. So it um it apparently helps. So yeah, I just I just quickly Googled it actually. It says uh the INTJ is the architect. It's a personality type with the introverted intuitive thinking and judging traits. These thoughtful tacticians love perfecting the details of life, applying creativity and rationality to everything they do.
(03:09) I think the rationality part here is what um what uh I think helps you to to gro Bitcoin eventually. Yeah, it reminds me of I forget what the study was, but postco it was a similar distribution of just like 2% of people were highly skeptical of what was going on with the lockdowns and the attack on bodily autonomy.
(03:38) And there was a study that was done about I forget it was bees or some type of fly that they they have like the horde of um the horde of the particular fly I think it was bees has like 2% act as these sort of alarm bells that are on the outside the outskirts of the community and they'll start communicating like hey something's wrong here and people the other flies or bees will be skeptical at first but then eventually uh the alarm bells will be proven to be right that there was some sort of danger around the corner. That's fascinating.
(04:09) Yeah. Yeah, that's fascinating. I I think we're not that special eventually, you know, like we think we have all this autonomy, but but um yeah, we're we're just wired in a certain way. And I think I don't know where you want to take this conversation, but I think, you know, part of growing up and being an adult is figuring out, you know, how do I actually work and how do I work with how I work, you know? Yeah. No, it is.
(04:36) And as I get older, creep into my mid-30s, which is hard hard to come to grips with, it is uh really falling back on like, all right, I I feel like I have a good perspective on the world and my place in it, and how do I just optimize to make sure I'm aligning my my work and my career, I guess, if you call it that, with what I'm passionate about. Yeah.
(05:00) Well, I also think that is actually why our generation, you know, my my podcast is Bitcoin for millennials. I think uh the millennials are primed to understand Bitcoin. You know, we are in this life phase where big things happen, you know, starting a family or settling somewhere or or making big career moves or decide Yeah.
(05:25) like deciding what am I going to spend like the next 10 20 years on and uh I think it's an interesting phase actually I I don't know how that was for you but but for me like the the 30s were really where I dove more and more into Bitcoin like got got that stronger conviction and also yeah kind of was invited to go further down that that rabbit hole you know and like how I see it now is that that Bitcoin is really the foundation for the rest of my life, you know, like it it gives me time and space to look forward and enthusiasm, you know, like I sometimes lurk on the
(06:01) millennial subreddit, you know, or the finance sub subreddit. And many people in our generation are very nihilistic, you know, they're very unsure about the future. Like some people aren't even having kids because they think they cannot afford it, you know. And uh whenever I read that, I just think like, yeah, I I don't really have those things.
(06:22) But I know it's because of Bitcoin, you know. I I know that Bitcoin gives me, yeah, like I said, the time and space to figure out what's next, like what should I focus on? Like it gives time and space to to try out stuff, to build something, you know, to to to really attempt at at doing something. Where I see many people that don't see that, they are more in the consumer type, you know, like they they just spend the money that's worth the most today, you know, like that's what they're incentivized to do. Yeah.
(06:49) And is is that why you started Bitcoin for millennials is to number one put the put the message out there. Millennials come listen to this. One of you Yes. that is trying to educate you about this. But because this is something I think about a lot is somebody's like dead smack in the middle of the millennial generation and has observed many of the things you just described in my own life, my own network.
(07:13) And that's part of the reason why this podcast exists. And um what I'm trying to do at TFTC is just try to figure out a way to reach into the minds of millennials, hopefully c -
@ 9ca447d2:fbf5a36d
2025-06-11 07:01:20
Michael Saylor, executive chairman and co-founder of Strategy, wants to be on The Joe Rogan Experience to talk about Bitcoin. His recent post on X has the Bitcoin community and beyond stoked.
On May 31, Saylor replied to a Joe Rogan fan account that asked who they would like to see on the podcast. His response was simple but bold: “Hey @joerogan, let’s talk about Bitcoin.”
Saylor has been one of the most vocal Bitcoin supporters for a long time. He talks about bitcoin being a store of value and a hedge against inflation all the time.
Even when Bitcoin was a niche topic, Saylor was promoting it.
His company MicroStrategy (which was recently renamed to Strategy) has made headlines for investing billions in bitcoin. They currently hold around 580,250 BTC worth over $60 billion according to public trackers.
Saylor’s invitation to Joe Rogan was met with excitement from the Bitcoin community. Several well-known figures quickly chimed in.
Kook, a trader and analyst, said: “Saylor is going to Bitcoin pill Joe Rogan.”
Brandon MacDougal said he would watch The Joe Rogan Experience for the first time if Saylor was on the show, and The Bitcoin Therapist said the potential interview would “shatter the internet.”
It’s not just hardcore Bitcoiners who are excited. Many think the conversation could reach a much wider audience and push Bitcoin into the mainstream financial conversation.
Joe Rogan has one of the most popular podcasts in the world with millions of listeners. He’s discussed digital assets many times and has a special interest in Bitcoin.
In an October 2023 episode with OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Rogan said: “The real fascinating crypto is Bitcoin. That’s the one that I think has the most likely possibility of becoming a universal viable currency. It’s limited in the amount that it can be.”
Rogan previously had Bitcoin educator Andreas Antonopoulos on the show between 2014 and 2016 when bitcoin was under $1,000. Those early episodes introduced Bitcoin to many new listeners.
With Rogan’s history of being open to the topic and his massive audience, a new episode with Saylor could get a whole new group of people interested in Bitcoin.
The buzz around Saylor’s invite is a sign of a bigger trend — Bitcoin becoming a bigger part of the global conversation. Saylor has positioned himself as a thought leader in the space and often talks about how Bitcoin can change the way money and financial systems work.
He believes Bitcoin can create more transparent and efficient systems, reduce transaction costs and challenge traditional banking models. He also said we need smart regulation to protect consumers while encouraging innovation.
A conversation between Saylor and Rogan wouldn’t just be about Bitcoin’s price or investment strategies. It would likely go deeper into topics like inflation, digital privacy, government policy and the future of money.
So far Joe Rogan hasn’t publicly responded to Saylor’s invite, but fans are hoping he’ll say yes. Many think the timing is perfect. Bitcoin is hot again and more people than ever are trying to figure out what role it will play in the future of finance.
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@ 472f440f:5669301e
2025-06-11 04:35:21
Marty's Bent
Sup, freaks? Your Uncle Marty did a little vibe coding a couple months ago and that vibe coding project has turned into an actual product that is live in the Google Chrome web store and will soon to be live in the Firefox add-on store as well. It's called Opportunity Cost and it is an extension that enables you to price the internet in Bitcoin.
Opportunity Cost – See Prices in Bitcoin Instantly
Check it out!
This whole process has been extremely rewarding to me for many reasons. The first of which is that I've had many ideas in the past to launch a product focused on bitcoin education that simply never left my brain because I never felt comfortable paying a developer to go out and build a product that I wasn't sure would ultimately get product market fit.
Due to the advancements of AI, particularly ChatGPT and Replit, I was able to spend a few hours on a Saturday vibe coding a prototype for Opportunity Cost. It worked. I side loaded it into Chrome and Firefox, tested it out for a few days and decided, "Hey, I think this is something that's worthwhile and should be built."
Backtracking just a little bit, the initial idea for this app was to create an AR application that would enable you to take pictures of goods in the real world and have their prices automatically converted to bitcoin so that you could weigh the opportunity cost of whether or not you actually wanted to buy that good or decide to save in bitcoin instead. With the help of Justin Moon from the Human Rights Foundation and Anthony Ronning from OpenSecret and Maple AI, I was pointed in the right direction of vibe coding tools I could use to build a simple MVP. I took their advice, built the MVP, and demoed it at the Bitcoin Park Austin weekly AI meetup in mid-April.
The next week, I was talking with a friend, Luke Thomas, about the idea and during our conversation he made a simple quip, "You should make a Chrome extension. I really want a Chrome extension that does this." And that's what sent me down the vibe coding rabbit hole that Saturday which led to the prototype.
After I was comfortable with and confident in the prototype, I found a young hungry developer by the name of Moses on Nostr, I reached out to him, told him my idea, showed him the prototype and asked if he thought he could finish the application for me. He luckily agreed to do so and within a couple of weeks we had a fully functioning app that was officially launched today. We're about 12 hours into the launch and I must say that I'm pleasantly surprised with the reception from the broader Bitcoin community. It seems like something that people are happy exists and I feel extremely happy that people see some value in this particular application.
Now that you have the backstory, let's get into why I think something like Opportunity Cost should exist. As someone who's been writing a newsletter and producing podcasts about bitcoin for eight years in an attempt to educate individuals from around the world about what bitcoin is, why it's important, and how they can leverage it, I've become convinced that a lot of the work that needs to be done still exists at the top of the funnel. You can scream at people. You can grab them by the shoulders. You can shake them. You can remind them at Thanksgiving that if they had listened to your advice during any Thanksgiving in the previous years they would be better off financially. But at the end of the day most people don't listen. They need to see things. Seeing things for yourself is a much more effective teaching mechanism than be lectured to by someone else.
My hope with Opportunity Cost is that it catches the eye of some bitcoin skeptics or individuals who may be on the cusp of falling down the bitcoin rabbit hole and they see the extension as a way to dip their toes into bitcoin to get a better understanding of the world by pricing the goods and services they purchase on a day-to-day month-to-month and year-to-year basis in bitcoin without having to download a wallet or set up an exchange account. The tippy top of the bitcoin marketing funnel.
That is not all though. I think Opportunity Cost can serve individuals at both ends of the funnel. That's why it's pretty exciting to me. It's as valuable to the person who is bitcoin curious and looking to get a better understanding as it is to the hardcore bitcoiner living on a bitcoin standard who is trying to get access to better tools that enable him to get a better grasp of their spending in bitcoin terms.
Lastly, after playing around with it for a few days after I built the prototype, I realized that it has incredible memetic potential. Being able to take a screenshot of goods that people are buying on a day-to-day basis, pricing them in bitcoin and then sharing them on social media is very powerful. Everything from houses to junk items on Amazon to the salaries of pro athletes to your everyday necessities. Seeing the value of those things in bitcoin really makes you think.
One day while I was testing the app, I tried to see how quickly I could find goods on the internet that cumulatively eclipsed the 21 million supply cap limit of bitcoin. To my surprise, even though I've been in bitcoin for 12 years now, it did not take me that long. The opportunity cost of everything I buy on a day-to-day basis becomes very clear when using the extension. What's even clearer is the fact that Bitcoin is completely mispriced at current levels. There is so much winning ahead of us.
Also, it's probably important to note that the extension is completely open source with an MIT license. You can check out our GitHub page here. Submit pull requests. Suggest changes to the app.
We've also tried to make Opportunity Cost as privacy preserving as possible. Everything within the extension happens in your browser. The only external data that we're providing is the bitcoin to fiat price conversion at any given point in time. We're not data harvesting the web pages you're browsing or the items you're looking at. We're not collecting data and sending it to third party marketers. We want to align ourselves with the open and permissionless nature of bitcoin while also preserving our users' privacy. We're not trying to monetize this in that way. Though, I will say that I'm thinking of ways to monetize Opportunity Cost if it does gain significant traction, but I promise it will be in a way that respects your privacy and is as unobtrusive as possible. We'll see how it goes.
Thank you for coming to my TED talk. Please download and use the extension. Let us know what you think.
Headlines of the Day
Saylor Says Bitcoin Is Perfect Money to Jordan Peterson - via X
Trump Won't Sell Tesla Despite Musk-Bessent Heated Exchange - via X
Bitcoin Gains Traction in Kenya's Largest Slum Kibera - via X
Get our new STACK SATS hat - via tftcmerch.io
Bitcoin’s Next Parabolic Move: Could Liquidity Lead the Way?
Is bitcoin’s next parabolic move starting? Global liquidity and business cycle indicators suggest it may be.
Read the latest report from Unchained and TechDev, analyzing how global M2 liquidity and the copper/gold ratio—two historically reliable macro indicators—are aligning once again to signal that a new bitcoin bull market may soon begin.
Ten31, the largest bitcoin-focused investor, has deployed $150.00M across 30+ companies through three funds. I am a Managing Partner at Ten31 and am very proud of the work we are doing. Learn more at ten31.vc/invest.
Final thought...
East Coast aesthetics over everything.
*Download our free browser extension, Opportunity Cost: *<https://www.opportunitycost.app/> start thinking in SATS today.
*Get this newsletter sent to your inbox daily: *https://www.tftc.io/bitcoin-brief/
Subscribe to our YouTube channels and follow us on Nostr and X:
-
@ 472f440f:5669301e
2025-06-11 04:26:09
Marty's Bent
Sup, freaks? Your Uncle Marty did a little vibe coding a couple months ago and that vibe coding project has turned into an actual product that is live in the Google Chrome web store and will soon to be live in the Firefox add-on store as well. It's called Opportunity Cost and it is an extension that enables you to price the internet in Bitcoin.
Opportunity Cost – See Prices in Bitcoin Instantly
Check it out!
This whole process has been extremely rewarding to me for many reasons. The first of which is that I've had many ideas in the past to launch a product focused on bitcoin education that simply never left my brain because I never felt comfortable paying a developer to go out and build a product that I wasn't sure would ultimately get product market fit.
Due to the advancements of AI, particularly ChatGPT and Replit, I was able to spend a few hours on a Saturday vibe coding a prototype for Opportunity Cost. It worked. I side loaded it into Chrome and Firefox, tested it out for a few days and decided, "Hey, I think this is something that's worthwhile and should be built."
Backtracking just a little bit, the initial idea for this app was to create an AR application that would enable you to take pictures of goods in the real world and have their prices automatically converted to bitcoin so that you could weigh the opportunity cost of whether or not you actually wanted to buy that good or decide to save in bitcoin instead. With the help of Justin Moon from the Human Rights Foundation and Anthony Ronning from OpenSecret and Maple AI, I was pointed in the right direction of vibe coding tools I could use to build a simple MVP. I took their advice, built the MVP, and demoed it at the Bitcoin Park Austin weekly AI meetup in mid-April.
The next week, I was talking with a friend, Luke Thomas, about the idea and during our conversation he made a simple quip, "You should make a Chrome extension. I really want a Chrome extension that does this." And that's what sent me down the vibe coding rabbit hole that Saturday which led to the prototype.
After I was comfortable with and confident in the prototype, I found a young hungry developer by the name of Moses on Nostr, I reached out to him, told him my idea, showed him the prototype and asked if he thought he could finish the application for me. He luckily agreed to do so and within a couple of weeks we had a fully functioning app that was officially launched today. We're about 12 hours into the launch and I must say that I'm pleasantly surprised with the reception from the broader Bitcoin community. It seems like something that people are happy exists and I feel extremely happy that people see some value in this particular application.
Now that you have the backstory, let's get into why I think something like Opportunity Cost should exist. As someone who's been writing a newsletter and producing podcasts about bitcoin for eight years in an attempt to educate individuals from around the world about what bitcoin is, why it's important, and how they can leverage it, I've become convinced that a lot of the work that needs to be done still exists at the top of the funnel. You can scream at people. You can grab them by the shoulders. You can shake them. You can remind them at Thanksgiving that if they had listened to your advice during any Thanksgiving in the previous years they would be better off financially. But at the end of the day most people don't listen. They need to see things. Seeing things for yourself is a much more effective teaching mechanism than be lectured to by someone else.
My hope with Opportunity Cost is that it catches the eye of some bitcoin skeptics or individuals who may be on the cusp of falling down the bitcoin rabbit hole and they see the extension as a way to dip their toes into bitcoin to get a better understanding of the world by pricing the goods and services they purchase on a day-to-day month-to-month and year-to-year basis in bitcoin without having to download a wallet or set up an exchange account. The tippy top of the bitcoin marketing funnel.
That is not all though. I think Opportunity Cost can serve individuals at both ends of the funnel. That's why it's pretty exciting to me. It's as valuable to the person who is bitcoin curious and looking to get a better understanding as it is to the hardcore bitcoiner living on a bitcoin standard who is trying to get access to better tools that enable him to get a better grasp of their spending in bitcoin terms.
Lastly, after playing around with it for a few days after I built the prototype, I realized that it has incredible memetic potential. Being able to take a screenshot of goods that people are buying on a day-to-day basis, pricing them in bitcoin and then sharing them on social media is very powerful. Everything from houses to junk items on Amazon to the salaries of pro athletes to your everyday necessities. Seeing the value of those things in bitcoin really makes you think.
One day while I was testing the app, I tried to see how quickly I could find goods on the internet that cumulatively eclipsed the 21 million supply cap limit of bitcoin. To my surprise, even though I've been in bitcoin for 12 years now, it did not take me that long. The opportunity cost of everything I buy on a day-to-day basis becomes very clear when using the extension. What's even clearer is the fact that Bitcoin is completely mispriced at current levels. There is so much winning ahead of us.
Also, it's probably important to note that the extension is completely open source with an MIT license. You can check out our GitHub page here. Submit pull requests. Suggest changes to the app. Fork it. Use it yourself. Make your own changes.
We've also tried to make Opportunity Cost as privacy preserving as possible. Everything within the extension happens in your browser. The only external data that we're providing is the bitcoin to fiat price conversion at any given point in time. We're not data harvesting the web pages you're browsing or the items you're looking at. We're not collecting data and sending it to third party marketers. We want to align ourselves with the open and permissionless nature of bitcoin while also preserving our users' privacy. We're not trying to monetize this in that way. Though, I will say that I'm thinking of ways to monetize Opportunity Cost if it does gain significant traction, but I promise it will be in a way that respects your privacy and is as unobtrusive as possible. We'll see how it goes.
Thank you for coming to my TED talk. Please download and use the extension. Let us know what you think.
Headlines of the Day
Saylor Says Bitcoin Is Perfect Money to Jordan Peterson - via X
Trump Won't Sell Tesla Despite Musk-Bessent Heated Exchange - via X
Bitcoin Gains Traction in Kenya's Largest Slum Kibera - via X
Get our new STACK SATS hat - via tftcmerch.io
Bitcoin’s Next Parabolic Move: Could Liquidity Lead the Way?
Is bitcoin’s next parabolic move starting? Global liquidity and business cycle indicators suggest it may be.
Read the latest report from Unchained and TechDev, analyzing how global M2 liquidity and the copper/gold ratio—two historically reliable macro indicators—are aligning once again to signal that a new bitcoin bull market may soon begin.
Ten31, the largest bitcoin-focused investor, has deployed $150.00M across 30+ companies through three funds. I am a Managing Partner at Ten31 and am very proud of the work we are doing. Learn more at ten31.vc/invest.
Final thought...
East Coast aesthetics over everything.
Download our free browser extension, Opportunity Cost: https://www.opportunitycost.app/ start thinking in SATS today.
Get this newsletter sent to your inbox daily: https://www.tftc.io/bitcoin-brief/
Subscribe to our YouTube channels and follow us on Nostr and X:
-
@ 2b998b04:86727e47
2025-06-11 04:26:56
Introduction To First Principles
This introduction kicks off a 7-part series called First Principles exploring the deeper shifts behind decentralization, cost, freedom, and truth. I picked 7 days, one for each day of the week, aligned with a rhythm of work, rest, and return. Each part will explore a foundational truth behind the technologies and philosohies I’ve embraced — from decentralization and sovereignty to truth, time, and hope.
We often hear that technology drives costs toward zero.
That’s the thesis of The Price of Tomorrow — that as technology advances, it becomes deflationary by nature. Automation replaces labor. Software replaces infrastructure. AI replaces entire categories of decision-making. The marginal cost of production trends toward nothing.
But that’s not the whole story.
There’s a deeper layer — one that most technologists and economists miss. It’s not just the marginal cost of production that matters. It’s the control cost of centralization. And that’s where things get murky.
Because even when marginal costs fall, the hidden toll of centralization rises.
The Illusion of “Free”
Take GitHub.
On paper, it’s free. You can publish static websites, host code, automate workflows with Actions, and collaborate globally — all at no cost.
But GitHub is owned by Microsoft. You don’t control the servers. You don’t own the platform. You don’t hold the keys.
It’s a gift that can be revoked.
Same with Google Docs. Or YouTube. Or Substack. Or any cloud platform that says “start for free.”
These aren’t bad tools. Many are excellent.
But they’re not neutral.
The price you pay isn’t always in dollars. Sometimes it’s in:
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Data access restrictions
-
API limitations
-
Sudden pricing changes
-
Censorship or deplatforming
-
Migration costs if (or when) things go south
This is the hidden rent of centralized platforms. And it compounds over time.
Control Cost vs. Marginal Cost
If marginal cost is “how cheap is it to make this?” —\ Control cost is “how much freedom do I lose by using this?”
You can publish your ideas for free on Medium — but they own the SEO.\ You can host your business on Shopify — but they can cut you off.\ You can grow your audience on Instagram — but the algorithm owns the feed.
We’ve learned to celebrate deflation. But most of the tools we use are inflating the cost of control, even as they lower the cost of entry.
And this is where decentralization flips the script.
The Real Promise of Decentralization
True decentralization doesn’t just make things cheaper.\ It makes them sovereign.
It redistributes power, not just price.\ It removes toll booths, not just middlemen.
It says:
-
Own your keys
-
Own your content
-
Own your stack
-
Own your distribution
This is why Nostr matters.\ This is why Bitcoin matters.\ This is why self-hosting, permissionless protocols, and open-source tooling matter — even when they’re less polished or convenient than centralized platforms.
Because they don’t just save you money.\ They save your freedom.
A Working Example
When I started building my blog blog.stantonweb.com, didn’t choose the easiest route.
I combined:
-
Nostr for long-form publishing
-
A custom Python fetch script to pull and render posts
-
GitHub Actions for automation
-
Static HTML for presentation
-
Cloudflare + GitHub Pages for zero-cost hosting
No database. No CMS subscription. No paid theme.
The total marginal cost? $0.
But more importantly, the control cost is near zero too.\ No one can shut it down.\ No company can throttle my reach.\ No gatekeeper decides whether my words deserve to stay online.
Toward a New Definition of Cost
If you only optimize for price, you’ll be captured.
If you optimize for freedom, you’ll build margin over time — not just financial margin, but creative, moral, and operational margin too.
That’s what decentralization makes possible.\ Not just cheaper.\ Truer.
Footnote: Lessons from the Past
Remember Skype? It started as a peer-to-peer tool — truly decentralized at its core. But then it was acquired by Microsoft. Over time, its architecture was centralized and eventually dismantled.
Or Napster. It shook the music industry with peer-to-peer sharing. But it too was shut down and replaced by centralized alternatives.
BitTorrent survived — but only when it resisted the pressure to become just another platform.
The pattern is clear:
-
Centralization follows capital.
-
Censorship follows control.
-
But freedom follows decentralization.
And that’s the direction we must choose — again and again.
Co-written with ChatGPT (“Dr. C”), who helped distill and sharpen the core arguments.\ \ Stay tuned for Part 1 in the next few days.
—\ Published on blog.stantonweb.com & Nostr.\ Zap: <https://tinyurl.com/yuyu2b9t>
-
-
@ 472f440f:5669301e
2025-06-10 03:58:15
Marty's Bent
via me
"The man in the coma" has been a long-running archetype of a bitcoiner on TFTC and Rabbit Hole Recap. Over the years, we've referenced the man in the coma in regards to bitcoin being a backward compatible distributed network that would enable an individual, in the case of our example - a man who fell into a coma, to be able to wake up many years, even decades, after falling into a deep sleep, go back to his bitcoin node and be able to participate in the network and validate his own transactions as if the network was operating the same it was the day he slipped into a coma. As a distributed network, this is one of bitcoin's greatest value props; consistency for the individual running it, no matter the version.
Having spent 12 years engrossed in bitcoin, thinking about it every day, building a media company focused on educating people about the network and the monetary revolution it enables, why it's important and how they can use it. Becoming a managing partner at Ten31, which is dedicated to investing in companies building out infrastructure that makes bitcoin more accessible and easier to use; "the man in the coma" has become a more prominent archetype in my mind.
"The man in the coma" archetype can be described in other ways. For instance, there was an individual by the name of John Doe, who joined myself and Matt Odell on TFTC about seven years ago who went to jail for four years. He was distributing certain goods on the Silk Road for many years and got nabbed by the police while throwing a house party. Unfortunately for Mr. Doe, the goods he were selling via the Silk Road were in the house hosting the party that got busted. Fortunately for Mr. Doe, the police who nabbed him were not privy to the way in which he was marketing and selling the goods. He went to jail for four years, walked out at the end of his sentence, found his bitcoin wallets, recovered them and was more than pleasantly surprised at the magnitude of his wealth.
The forced hodl that was incited by the state throwing him in a cage wound up paying off after four years. Now, I can certainly admit that time is the most scarce asset in the world. Being put in a cage for four years or falling into a coma for a number of years is not ideal. However, there are lessons to be gleaned from the successes that have been realized by "the man in the coma" and the man who was forced to hodl by being thrown in a cage. Unable to access his bitcoin during that period of time to make less than wise decisions.
The main lesson to be gleaned is that doing nothing is oftentimes significantly more optimal than doing something. Too many bitcoiners decide to make rash decisions influenced by the day-to-day happenings on social media or some one-off comment from someone in their personal life that they respect. These comments can be about the long-term viability of bitcoin itself, some prognostications about where the price is going in a short-term to medium-term time frame or simply the social aspects of being associated with bitcoin. All of these factors play into influencing certain individuals deciding to sell their bitcoin in the hopes of buying it back lower, realizing something material in their day-to-day life or jumping off a ship that they've been convinced is about to sink.
In my mind, the only thing listed above that makes a bit of sense to me is realizing something material in your day-to-day life. Selling some bitcoin to purchase something that makes your life better like enabling you to support your family at a critical time and in a way that would not be possible unless you sold bitcoin. That makes sense to me. However, the other two are completely nonsensical. Bitcoin's success is binary. It either succeeds or it doesn't. And if you accept that this is true, success means slowly but surely becoming the global reserve currency and monetary network used by billions of humans on the planet or it goes to zero.
If the former materializes, that means that billions of people are going to be competing for 21 million Bitcoin. There are, by some estimates, $900 trillion worth of assets that are being used to store wealth over the short, medium, and long term. Bitcoin has the potential to subsume a material percentage of that $900 trillion. In my mind, if bitcoin is as good as I believe it is, it should take at least half of that market, if not 80 to 90%. This in and of itself is a gamble. No one can be certain that this will come true. And with that in mind you have to make a probabilistic bet by surveying the world and discerning what the likelihood of bitcoin's ultimate success is.
If you think governments, central banks, and large corporations are going to continue down the path of unfettered expansion of the monetary base, debt, and misallocation of capital, bitcoin, a peer-to-peer distributed cash system that cannot be controlled by any individual. corporation, country, or central bank makes a lot of sense. The debasement, the debt expansion, and the misallocation of capital are driven by fallible humans working in incentive structures that are vulnerable to the fallible nature of the humans working within them.
Human fallibility brings with it the ability to talk oneself out of a position that one knows makes sense and is logical. This is the disadvantage that those who are not "the man in the coma" or "the man in a cage" operate from. Being forced to hodl bitcoin is already and will increasingly be seen as a relative advantage. Many who are in bitcoin today, paying attention to every headline, every pull request and every doubt flung their way will likely get to 2030 and agree that they made worse decisions than the man who was thrown in a cage or who slipped into a coma.
Of course, this isn't a fair introspective conclusion. The man in the coma and the man who was forced to hodl because he was put in a jail cell did not have a decision at the end of the day. Both were forced to hodl due to external or internal forces that, all else being equal, they would prefer not have had to endure. However, the outcome of these two situations will likely be better than the outcome of "the man in the arena" who thinks that by making decisions on the go as a slew of information comes his way on a day-to-day basis will materialize in a larger stack of satoshis.
The reality of the situation is such that no one truly knows where bitcoin is going to go on a day-to-day, month-to-month, or year-to-year basis. Especially at this point with large institutions, nation-states, corporations, and individual states getting into the fray. The only tried-and-true strategy within bitcoin over the long term is to stay humble, stack sats, and hodl like you are "the man in the coma" or the man who was thrown in a cage.
Bitcoin's Volatility Won't End With Institutional Adoption
Leon Wankum challenged the popular "supercycle" narrative during our conversation, arguing that Bitcoin's volatility isn't going away despite massive institutional adoption. While acknowledging that MicroStrategy now holds over 2% of all Bitcoin and won't sell, Leon maintains that leverage will still need to be washed out. He expects another 60% drawdown at the end of this bull cycle, viewing this as a feature rather than a bug of Bitcoin's design.
"Bitcoin naturally washes out leverage, it builds resilience and we don't go through these crazy boom and bust cycles, we go through bull and bear markets and I think that's a net positive." - Leon Wankum
Leon sees Bitcoin's volatility as fundamentally different from fiat's destructive boom-bust cycles. Where traditional markets require central bank intervention to prop up failing systems, Bitcoin's regular corrections create genuine resilience. Bad actors will always enter during euphoric phases, and the subsequent washouts ensure only strong hands remain. This natural selection process, he argues, is beautiful - it's what makes Bitcoin antifragile.
Check out the full podcast here for more on real estate opportunity costs, Bitcoin bonds, and treasury company risks.
Headlines of the Day
Romania Adds Crypto Terminals to Post Offices - via X
Musk Claims Trump in Epstein Files - via X
Uber CEO Calls Bitcoin Proven Store of Value - via X
Get our new STACK SATS hat - via tftcmerch.io
Take the First Step Off the Exchange
Bitkey is an easy, secure way to move your Bitcoin into self-custody. With simple setup and built-in recovery, it’s the perfect starting point for getting your coins off centralized platforms and into cold storage—no complexity, no middlemen.
Take control. Start with Bitkey.
Use the promo code “TFTC20” during checkout for 20% off
Ten31, the largest bitcoin-focused investor, has deployed $150.00M across 30+ companies through three funds. I am a Managing Partner at Ten31 and am very proud of the work we are doing. Learn more at ten31.vc/invest.
Final thought...
The kids really do grow up faster than you expect.
Get this newsletter sent to your inbox daily: https://www.tftc.io/bitcoin-brief/
Subscribe to our YouTube channels and follow us on Nostr and X:
-
@ 2b998b04:86727e47
2025-06-11 04:12:39
Introduction: Why Money Matters to Faith
Most of us don’t think about money theologically. But Scripture speaks of it often — not just as a tool, but as a test.
Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). The love of money, not money itself, is called the root of all kinds of evil. And dishonest scales? “An abomination to the Lord” (Proverbs 11:1).
So what happens when the entire system of money becomes dishonest — when it’s based not on work or value, but manipulation and control?
That’s the world Bitcoin was born into. And it offers a radically different way — one that, surprisingly, echoes deep truths of the Christian faith — and especially what many call the Victorious Gospel: the belief that Christ’s redemption is not partial, but total. Not only personal, but cosmic.
1. What Is Bitcoin, and Why Was It Created?
Bitcoin is a new kind of money that isn't controlled by any government or company. You can send it anywhere in the world, and no one can block or censor your transaction. It’s digital, but unlike credit cards or PayPal, it’s not just “numbers in a bank.” It is scarce, secure, and independent.
The key idea is this: Bitcoin is money backed by work — not by trust in a government, but by real energy and effort.
Why is that important? Because the current system of money — what we call fiat — works very differently.
2. What Is Fiat, and Why Is It Broken?
“Fiat” simply means “by decree.” It’s the money we all use today — dollars, euros, yen — created by government decree. It used to be backed by gold. Not anymore.
Today, new fiat money is created whenever a central bank wants. It can be “printed” digitally without cost. This leads to inflation — meaning your savings buy less over time.
It’s like a form of slow theft. You worked hard for your dollars, but someone else can create more with a click. That’s not just bad economics — it violates biblical principles of fairness, honesty, and stewardship.
Bitcoin fixes this by making money that cannot be faked or inflated, because it’s based on Proof of Work — and is capped at a fixed amount.
3. What Is Proof of Work — and Why It Matters
Imagine you want to add a page to a history book — but to make it trustworthy, you must solve a complex puzzle that proves you did real work. Once solved, everyone else can see the solution and verify it was done properly.
That’s Proof of Work, the system Bitcoin uses to record transactions. Each time people send Bitcoin, that transaction gets added to a public ledger (called the blockchain). But it can only be added if someone does the work to secure it — using energy, effort, and computer power.
This work:
-
Costs something (just like real-world labor),
-
Prevents cheating (you can’t just rewrite history),
-
And rewards the worker with newly created Bitcoin.
This reward is important — because it’s how new Bitcoin enters circulation. But here’s the catch:\ 👉 There will only ever be 21 million Bitcoin.\ That number is fixed forever, written into Bitcoin’s code. No one — not a government, company, or individual — can create more.
Right now, not all of the 21 million Bitcoin have been released. The process of mining — doing the Proof of Work — slowly releases new Bitcoin over time as a reward. This happens in a predictable schedule and will continue until the very last Bitcoin is mined around the year 2140.
4. Why Bitcoin Is the Hardest Money Ever Created
In monetary terms, “hardness” refers to how difficult it is to increase the supply of money. The harder the money, the more resistant it is to inflation or dilution.
Let’s compare:
-
Gold is scarce — but not fixed. Miners extract more gold every year, adding about 1–2% to the total supply annually.
-
Fiat money (like the U.S. dollar) is the softest. It can be created at will, with no limit.
-
Bitcoin is the hardest money ever invented:
-
The total supply is forever capped at 21 million.
-
The rate of creation cuts in half every four years.
-
No one can change this schedule.
This makes Bitcoin the first truly scarce asset in human history — not just physically scarce like gold, but mathematically and absolutely scarce.
Why does this matter?
Because it changes the very nature of money. Instead of being something that loses value over time, Bitcoin becomes a form of property — a way to store your labor, your time, your effort — across generations.
-
It encourages saving, not spending out of fear of inflation.
-
It rewards patience and stewardship, not speculation and debt.
-
It teaches long-term thinking, a concept deeply woven into Scripture (Proverbs 13:22: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children”).
5. Why Does This Matter for Christianity?
Christianity affirms that creation is good, work is sacred, and truth matters.
In Genesis, God gave Adam a task — to work the garden. Work is not a curse. It’s part of what it means to bear God’s image.
Bitcoin’s Proof of Work aligns with this:
-
It says value comes from real effort, not manipulation.
-
It links truth to time — just as God’s Word unfolds through history.
-
It defends against corruption — just as the Kingdom of God resists the lies of Babylon.
-
It places a limit on excess — just as Sabbath and Jubilee rhythms place a brake on endless exploitation.
In contrast, fiat systems reward those closest to the money printers — often the rich or powerful — while devaluing the labor of ordinary people. That’s why Bitcoin has been called “money for the people” — because anyone, anywhere, can use it without asking permission.
6. The Victorious Gospel: A Bigger Redemption
The Victorious Gospel teaches that Jesus didn’t just save individual souls. He came to restore all things — including how we live, build, work, and relate to each other.
That means we care about justice, truth, dignity, and creation itself. And it means we seek tools that reflect those values.
Bitcoin isn’t the Gospel. But it rhymes with it:
-
It honors work, like God does.
-
It respects time, like Scripture does.
-
It tells the truth, like Jesus does.
-
It has limits, just as the Sabbath, Creation, and grace all have defined edges.
-
And it stores value — the value of human time and labor — like good soil stores seed.
7. But Isn’t Bitcoin Just for Rich Tech People?
Actually, the opposite is true.
Bitcoin doesn’t care who you are. It doesn’t ask for ID. It doesn’t need a bank. A farmer in El Salvador, a refugee in Ukraine, or a pastor in Nigeria can all use it the same as a Wall Street investor.
It’s global, permissionless, and radically equal — not because it’s utopian, but because it’s built on truth, not trust.
And that makes it a powerful tool for Christians who care about freedom, fairness, and flourishing.
8. Final Thoughts: Proof of Work and the Work of Christ
When Jesus died on the cross, He said: “It is finished.” That was not just poetry. It was proof — that the work was done. That redemption had been secured.
In a small way, Bitcoin reflects that kind of finality:
-
Once a block is written, it cannot be undone.
-
Once work is proven, it stands as a record.
-
Once grace is given, it cannot be revoked.
We don’t need to “stake” our claims based on how much power or status we hold (as in Proof of Stake). We rest in what has been proven.
That’s why many Christians — especially those who believe in a victorious, world-restoring Gospel — are finding in Bitcoin a tool that aligns with their deepest values.\ \ ✍️ Acknowledgment
This article was crafted with the assistance of Dr. C (ChatGPT) to help structure and clarify these ideas. But more than that, it was born of prayer, conviction, and the quiet guidance of the Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth (John 16:13) and brings to remembrance all that Christ has taught (John 14:26).\ Any clarity, wisdom, or insight found here belongs to Him. Any confusion or error is mine alone.
Summary
Bitcoin is not just “internet money.” It’s a response to a broken system.\ Proof of Work means truth is earned, not claimed.\ Fiat money is manipulable and inflationary; Bitcoin is fixed and fair.\ Bitcoin is the hardest money in history — with a supply cap of 21 million.\ It appreciates over time, acting as a new form of digital property.\ Christianity calls us to honest scales, faithful stewardship, and dignified work.\ And the Victorious Gospel declares that Jesus is restoring all things — including how we steward value, time, and trust.
Bitcoin may not be the final answer. But it’s a faithful step in the right direction.
-
-
@ eb0157af:77ab6c55
2025-06-11 04:02:38
The stance taken by 31 Bitcoin Core developers divides the community over non-monetary transactions and use cases.
The Bitcoin community finds itself at the center of a heated debate after 31 Bitcoin Core developers published a joint statement outlining a non-interventionist approach to network usage, amid ongoing controversy over non-financial use cases.
The document, published on June 6 on the Bitcoin Core website, has sparked mixed reactions among bitcoiners. The developers clarified their position:
“This is not endorsing or condoning non-financial data usage, but accepting that as a censorship-resistant system, Bitcoin can and will be used for use cases not everyone agrees on.”
The statement emphasizes that Bitcoin is a network “defined by its users” and that core contributors are “not in a position” to enforce mandates on what software or policies people should choose. “Being free to run any software is the network’s primary safeguard against coercion,” it reads.
Community reactions
Not everyone welcomed the developers’ statement. Samson Mow, CEO of JAN3, criticized the tone of the release:
Bitcoin Core devs have been changing the network gradually to enable spam and now seem focused on also removing barriers for spammers. It’s disingenuous to just say “it is what it is now, too bad.”
This statement itself is also inappropriate. Feels like an NYA from Core devs. https://t.co/ACIqyvK12f
— Samson Mow (@Excellion) June 7, 2025
On the other hand, Jameson Lopp, founder of Casa, defended the letter, explaining:
Ahuh, the same but fundamentally different.
NYA was a group saying we have 82% hashpower and will activate a hard fork with 80% signaling.
Core Devs are a group saying we can't force anyone to run code they don't like, here is our thinking on relay policy & network health.
— Jameson Lopp (@lopp) June 7, 2025
Bitcoin Core developer Luke Dashjr criticized the transaction relay policy goals outlined in the statement, stating:
NACK
The goals of transaction relay listed are basically all wrong. Predicting what will be mined is a centralizing goal. Expecting spam to be mined is defeatism. Helping spam propagate is harmful.
This OPED contradicts itself, presenting out of band relay as both negative and…
— Luke Dashjr (@LukeDashjr) June 7, 2025
According to the statement, the Core devs believe it is better for Bitcoin node software to “aim for a realistic sense of what will be included in the next block, rather than intervening between consenting transaction creators and miners to discourage activity that is largely technically harmless.”
The developers identified the main goals of transaction relay as predicting which Bitcoin transactions will be mined, speeding up block propagation, and helping miners identify transactions that pay fees.
The statement concludes:
“While we recognize that this view isn’t held universally by all users and developers, it is our sincere belief that it is in the best interest of Bitcoin and its users, and we hope our users agree.”
Meanwhile, the share of nodes running the implementation created by developer Luke Dashjr, Bitcoin Knots, has surpassed the 10% threshold, according to data from Clark Moody Bitcoin.
The post Bitcoin Core: joint statement sparks debate within the community appeared first on Atlas21.
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@ 472f440f:5669301e
2025-06-04 20:58:53
Marty's Bent
J.P. Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon has long been an outspoken skeptic and critic of bitcoin. He has called Bitcoin a speculative asset, a fraud, a pet rock, and has opined that it will inevitably blow up. A couple of years ago, he was on Capitol Hill saying that if he were the government, he would "close it down". Just within the last month, he was on Fox Business News talking with Maria Bartiromo, proclaiming that the U.S. should be stockpiling bullets and rare earth metals instead of bitcoin. It's pretty clear that Jamie Dimon, who is at the helm of the most powerful and largest bank in the world, does not like bitcoin one bit.
Evidence below:
via Bitcoin Magazine
via me
via CNBC
Despite Dimon's distinguished disdain for Bitcoin, J.P. Morgan cannot deny reality. The CEO of the largest bank in the world is certainly a powerful man, but no one individual, even in the position that Jamie Dimon is in, is more powerful than the market. And the market has spoken very clearly, it is demanding bitcoin. The Bitcoin ETFs have been the most successful ETFs in terms of pace of growth since their launch. They've accumulated tens of billions of dollars in AUM in a very short period of time. Outpacing the previous record set by the gold ETF, GLD.
Whether or not Jamie Dimon himself likes Bitcoin doesn't matter. J.P. Morgan, as the largest bank in the world and a publicly traded company, has a duty to shareholders. And that duty is to increase shareholder value by any ethical and legal means necessary. Earlier today, J.P. Morgan announced plans to offer clients financing against their Bitcoin ETFs, as well as some other benefits, including having their bitcoin holdings recognized in their overall net worth and liquid assets, similar to stocks, cars, and art, which will be massive for bitcoiners looking to get mortgages and other types of loans.
via Bloomberg
I've talked about this recently, but trying to buy a house when most of your liquid net worth is held in bitcoin is a massive pain in the ass. Up until this point, if you wanted to have your bitcoin recognized as part of your net worth and count towards your overall credit profile, you would need to sell some bitcoin, move it to a bank account, and have it sit there for a certain period of time before it was recognized toward your net worth. This is not ideal for bitcoiners who have sufficient cash flows and don't want to sell their bitcoin, pay the capital gains tax, and risk not being able to buy back the amount of sats they were forced to sell just to get a mortgage.
It's not yet clear to me whether or not J.P. Morgan will recognize bitcoin in cold storage toward their clients' net worth and credit profile, or if this is simply for bitcoin ETFs only. However, regardless, this is a step in the right direction and a validation of something that many bitcoiners have been saying for years. Inevitably, everyone will have to bend the knee to bitcoin. Today, it just happened to be the largest bank in the world. I expect more of this to come in the coming months, years, and decades.
Lyn Alden likes to say it in the context of the U.S. national debt and the fiscal crisis, but it also applies to bitcoin adoption and the need for incumbents to orient themselves around the demands of individual bitcoiners; nothing stops this train.
Corporate Bitcoin Treasuries are Changing Market Dynamics
Leon Wankum revealed how corporate Bitcoin treasuries are fundamentally reshaping business dynamics. Companies can now issue equity to fund operations while preserving their Bitcoin holdings, creating a revolutionary capital structure. Leon highlighted MicroStrategy's position, noting they hold enough Bitcoin to cover dividend payments for over 200 years. This model enables companies to reduce founder dilution since they don't need repeated funding rounds when their treasury appreciates.
"Some companies' Bitcoin treasuries are now worth more than all money they've ever raised." - Leon Wankum
Leon shared examples from his own portfolio companies where this strategy has proven transformative. Public companies have discovered an entirely new business model through strategic dilution that actually increases BTC per share. As Leon explained, this approach allows firms to leverage equity markets for operational funding while their Bitcoin treasury compounds in value, creating a positive feedback loop that benefits both shareholders and the company's long-term sustainability.
Check out the full podcast here for more on real estate price cycles, Bitcoin lending products, and the transition to a Bitcoin standard.
Headlines of the Day
California May Seize Idle Bitcoin After 3 Years - via X
Semler Scientific Buys $20M More Bitcoin, Holds $467M - via X
US Home Sellers Surge as Buyers Hit 4-Year Low - via X
Get our new STACK SATS hat - via tftcmerch.io
Take the First Step Off the Exchange
Bitkey is an easy, secure way to move your Bitcoin into self-custody. With simple setup and built-in recovery, it’s the perfect starting point for getting your coins off centralized platforms and into cold storage—no complexity, no middlemen.
Take control. Start with Bitkey.
Use the promo code “TFTC20” during checkout for 20% off
Ten31, the largest bitcoin-focused investor, has deployed $150.00M across 30+ companies through three funds. I am a Managing Partner at Ten31 and am very proud of the work we are doing. Learn more at ten31.vc/invest.
Final thought...
I feel old.
Get this newsletter sent to your inbox daily: https://www.tftc.io/bitcoin-brief/
Subscribe to our YouTube channels and follow us on Nostr and X:
-
@ 8d34bd24:414be32b
2025-06-11 03:46:43
So often Christians focus on God’s love and ignore His judgment. They tell people they need to be saved, but leave out from what they need to be saved. Fifty or a hundred years ago, almost every American knew the basics of the Bible, what sin is, what the judgment of Hell is, and that the God of the Bible is our Creator. Today, most people in America and the world know very little of that. Phrases like, “Trust Jesus and be saved,” mean very little. The person you are talking to may be silently thinking, “Who is Jesus? Why should I trust Him? What do I need to be saved from?”
Most Christians, especially from Evangelical circles, have been steeped in the phrase “Be saved,” but how many have thought carefully about from what they are being saved? If we have trouble answering, “from what?”, how can we explain it to those who don’t know Jesus?
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. (Romans 5:8-11) {emphasis mine}
Primarily we are saved “from the wrath of God.” We are also reconciled which saves us from separation from God.
We are also told that we are rescued [saved] “from the wrath to come.”
And to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come. (1 Thessalonians 1:10) {emphasis mine}
Then one might ask, “What right does God have to tell me what to do and to get mad at me?”
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. (John 1:1-5) {emphasis mine}
Why does God get to set the rules? Because He made all things. The Creator gets to set the rules for His creation. It isn’t just ‘might makes right,’ but the one who spoke everything into being gets to set the rules for His creatures just like He set the rules for how everything in the universe works.
Many might claim, “but surely God can’t expect us to be perfect? Nobody is perfect.”
For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16) {emphasis mine}
Jesus doesn’t expect more than He has given. He went through every temptation we have experienced, including trials and hardships we can’t imagine, and yet was without even one sin. He is the perfect example of what we should be. Even more amazingly, he understands that we are unable to live up to His standard, so He came to earth, suffered, died, and rose again, so we could be reconciled to Him. All we have to do is repent of our sins, trust Him, and submit to Him. How can we not put our faith in Him after all He did for us?
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Jesus paid the penalty. He took our sins, so we can receive His righteousness. This is a trade everyone should be willing to make, but sadly most refuse — some willfully, but some because they haven’t heard the good news. Hopefully all Christians will faithfully share the gospel with those around them.
May the perfect Savior guide us in His perfect will and help us to rightfully share the gospel with all those around us.
Trust Jesus
-
@ eb0157af:77ab6c55
2025-06-11 03:01:19
The German bank is considering launching a stablecoin as the European banking sector gradually opens up to digital assets.
According to a report by Bloomberg, Deutsche Bank is stepping up its involvement in the digital asset space by exploring stablecoin issuance and tokenized deposit solutions.
Sabih Behzad, Deutsche Bank’s Head of Digital Assets and Currencies Transformation, stated that the institution is currently evaluating two strategic options. The first involves developing its own proprietary stablecoin, while the second considers joining a broader consortium initiative within the banking industry.
At the same time, the bank is examining the potential of tokenized deposits — blockchain-based financial instruments that Deutsche Bank believes could enhance the efficiency of transaction settlements. These would represent digital versions of traditional bank deposits.
Deutsche Bank isn’t alone in pursuing this strategy. Banco Santander recently began preliminary work on its own stablecoin and is planning to offer crypto services through its digital banking division. Additionally, Deutsche Bank’s asset management arm, DWS Group, has launched a joint venture with Flow Traders and Galaxy Digital to issue a euro-denominated token.
According to Citigroup projections, the market capitalization of stablecoins is expected to grow significantly, from nearly $240 billion today to over $2 trillion by 2030.
The bank’s participation in Project Agorá — an initiative led by the Bank for International Settlements — further highlights its interest in exploring the role of tokenization in wholesale cross-border payments.
The post Deutsche Bank explores the issuance of a stablecoin appeared first on Atlas21.
-
@ 472f440f:5669301e
2025-06-04 01:37:37
Marty's Bent
via nostr:nprofile1qyxhwumn8ghj7mn0wvhxcmmvqy0hwumn8ghj7mn0wd68yttjv4kxz7fwvf5hgcm0d9hzumnfde4xzqpq85h9z5yxn8uc7retm0n6gkm88358lejzparxms5kmy9epr236k2qtyz2zr
A lot of the focus over the last couple of months has been on the emergence of Strategy competitors in public markets looking to build sizable bitcoin treasuries and attract investors of all shapes and sizes to drive shareholder value. The other big topic in the bitcoin development world has been around OP_RETURN and the debate over whether or not the amount of data that can be shoved into a bitcoin transaction should be decided by the dominant implementation.
A topic that is just as, if not more, important that is not getting enough appreciation is the discussion around open source bitcoin developers and the lingering effects of the Biden administration's attack on Samourai Wallet and Tornado Cash. If you read our friend Matt Corallo's tweet above, you'll notice that the lingering effects are such that even though the Trump administration has made concerted efforts to reverse the effects of Operation Chokepoint 2.0 that were levied by the Biden administration, Elizabeth Warren, and her friends at the Treasury and SEC - it is imperative that we enshrine into law the rights of open source developers to build products and services that enable individuals to self-custody bitcoin and use it in a peer-to-peer fashion without the threat of getting thrown in jail cell.
As it stands today, the only assurances that we have are from an administration that is overtly in favor of the proliferation of bitcoin in the United States. There is nothing in place to stop the next administration or another down the line from reverting to Biden-era lawfare that puts thousands of bitcoin developers around the world at risk of being sent into a cage because the government doesn't like how some users leverage the code they write. To make sure that this isn't a problem down the line it is imperative that we pass the Blockchain Regulatory Clarity Act, which would not hold bitcoin developers liable for the ways in which end users leverage their tools.
Not only is this an act that would protect developers from pernicious government officials targeting them when end users use their technology in a way that doesn't make the government happy, it will also protect YOU, the end user, looking to transact in a peer-to-peer fashion and leverage all of the incredible properties of bitcoin the way they were meant to be. If the developers are not protected, they will not be able to build the technology that enables you to leverage bitcoin.
So do your part and go to saveourwallets.org. Reach out to your local representatives in Congress and Senators and make some noise. Let them know that this is something that you care deeply about and that they should not only pay attention to this bill but push it forward and enshrine it into law as quickly as possible.
There are currently many developers either behind bars or under house arrest for developing software that gives you the ability to use Bitcoin in a self-sovereign fashion and use it in a privacy-preserving way. Financial privacy isn't a crime. It is an inalienable human right that should be protected at all cost. The enshrinement of this inalienable right into law is way past due.
#FreeSamourai #FreeRoman
Headlines of the Day
MicroStrategy Copycats See Speculative Premiums Fade - via X
Square Tests Bitcoin Payments, Lightning Yields Beat DeFi - via X
Get our new STACK SATS hat - via tftcmerch.io
Bitfinex Moves $731M Bitcoin to Jack Mallers' Fund - via X
Take the First Step Off the Exchange
Bitkey is an easy, secure way to move your Bitcoin into self-custody. With simple setup and built-in recovery, it’s the perfect starting point for getting your coins off centralized platforms and into cold storage—no complexity, no middlemen.
Take control. Start with Bitkey.
Use the promo code “TFTC20” during checkout for 20% off
Ten31, the largest bitcoin-focused investor, has deployed $150.00M across 30+ companies through three funds. I am a Managing Partner at Ten31 and am very proud of the work we are doing. Learn more at ten31.vc/invest.
Final thought...
Should I join a country club?
Get this newsletter sent to your inbox daily: https://www.tftc.io/bitcoin-brief/
Subscribe to our YouTube channels and follow us on Nostr and X:
-
@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3
2025-06-11 01:56:20
Let's hear those ~HealthAndFitness triumphs and challenges
My triumphs - OMAD - Cold shower
My challenges - need to be more active and get outside more
200 sats to post!!! Eat more key lime pie @realBitcoinDog
https://stacker.news/items/1003145
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@ 502ab02a:a2860397
2025-06-11 01:05:23
วันนี้เราคุยเรื่อง ราคะในชามซีเรียล เมื่ออาหารเช้ากลายเป็นเครื่องมือควบคุมจิตวิญญาณ กันครับ
ย้อนกลับไปในปี 1863 ที่เมืองเล็กๆ แห่งหนึ่งในรัฐมิชิแกน สหรัฐอเมริกา มีโรงพยาบาลหนึ่งชื่อว่า Battle Creek Sanitarium ที่ไม่เหมือนโรงพยาบาลทั่วไป เพราะมันไม่ใช่แค่ที่รักษาโรคทางกาย แต่เป็นสถาบันที่พยายามเยียวยาวิญญาณมนุษย์ด้วยอาหารและการใช้ชีวิตแบบละวางกิเลส ผู้ที่ดูแลที่นี่คือชายคนหนึ่งชื่อ John Harvey Kellogg หมอผู้เป็นสาวกเคร่งครัดของกลุ่ม Seventh-day Adventist ซึ่งเป็นกลุ่มคริสเตียนที่เชื่อว่าร่างกายคือพระวิหารของพระเจ้า และทุกอย่างที่เรากินเข้าไปต้องสะอาดบริสุทธิ์ทั้งกายและใจ โดยเฉพาะเรื่อง “ราคะ” ที่เขาเห็นว่าเป็นบ่อเกิดแห่งบาป และเชื่อว่าอาหารที่เรากินส่งผลต่อแรงขับในตัวมนุษย์ บางแหล่งข้อมูลเล่าว่า Dr. Kellogg ถึงขั้นสนับสนุน “การตอนตัวเอง” เพื่อควบคุมกิเลส (ซึ่งเขาไม่ทำเอง แต่สนับสนุนให้บางคนทำ)
หมอเคลล็อกจึงไม่เพียงแต่รณรงค์ให้เลิกกินเนื้อสัตว์ แต่ยังมองว่าการควบคุมพฤติกรรมของมนุษย์ ต้องเริ่มจาก “อาหารเช้า” เพราะมันคือมื้อแรกของวัน มื้อที่จะกำหนดทิศทางร่างกายและจิตใจทั้งวัน และนั่นคือจุดเริ่มต้นของสิ่งที่เรียกว่า “ซีเรียล” ที่เราเห็นทุกเช้าวันนี้ แต่ในยุคแรก มันไม่ได้หวานเลยด้วยซ้ำ มันคือเมล็ดข้าวโพดบด ต้ม แล้วอบแห้งให้กรอบ กินแล้วฝืดคอพอสมควร จุดประสงค์หลักไม่ใช่ให้ฟิน แต่ให้ “สงบ” …สงบทั้งลำไส้และจิตใจ
แต่พอซีเรียลสูตรนี้เริ่มแพร่หลาย มันกลับไปไม่รอดในตลาดคนธรรมดา เพราะมันไม่อร่อย! คนทั่วไปในยุคนั้นยังคุ้นเคยกับอาหารเช้าแบบจัดหนัก ไม่ว่าจะเป็นไข่ เบคอน เนื้อเค็ม แพนเค้ก หรือแม้กระทั่งสตูว์ร้อนๆ ซึ่งล้วนเป็นอาหารจริงจังเต็มพลังงาน เพราะคนยังทำงานใช้แรงทั้งวัน ซีเรียลที่ไม่มีรสชาติและกินแล้วไม่อยู่ท้องจึงขายไม่ออก จนกระทั่ง “น้องชาย” ของหมอเคลล็อกเข้ามาเปลี่ยนเกม
Will Keith Kellogg น้องชายของหมอเคลล็อก เป็นนักการตลาดที่ฉลาดและมองเห็นว่า ถ้าอยากให้คนกินซีเรียลจริงๆ ต้อง “ปรุงรสชาติ” ให้ถูกปากคน ไม่ใช่แค่ถูกหลักศีลธรรม เขาจึงเริ่มเติม “น้ำตาล” ลงไปในซีเรียล เพิ่มความกรุบกรอบ และจัดแพคเกจใหม่ให้ดูน่ากิน พร้อมยิงโฆษณาใส่ผู้บริโภคด้วยวาทกรรมใหม่ที่ว่า “อาหารเช้าคือมื้อที่สำคัญที่สุดของวัน” และถ้าคุณอยากดูแลลูกให้แข็งแรง ก็ต้องเริ่มด้วยการให้เขากินซีเรียลกับนมทุกเช้า... ประโยคนี้คุ้นไหม? ใช่เลย มันคือจุดเริ่มต้นของหนึ่งในความเชื่อฝังหัวที่ยังคงอยู่จนถึงทุกวันนี้ วลี "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day" เป็นสโลแกนที่ Kellogg's และ Grape‑Nuts จาก General Foods ต่างใช้ในแคมเปญโฆษณาหลังยุค 1940s โดยอ้างอิงงานวิจัยที่บริษัทเองสนับสนุน เป็นจุดที่น่าสนใจว่า "หลักฐาน" ทางวิทยาศาสตร์บางทีก็ผลิตขึ้นมาเพื่อรองรับสินค้า
ในความเป็นจริง การกินอาหารเช้าแบบหนักท้อง อย่างไข่ดาว เบคอน หรือแม้แต่ข้าวกับแกงสมัยก่อนน่ะ เป็นเรื่องปกติของคนทุกชนชั้น เพราะมันช่วยให้อิ่มนานและให้พลังงานต่อเนื่อง แต่เมื่อคำว่า “สุขภาพดี” ถูกนำมาเชื่อมโยงกับความบางเบา ความเร็ว และความสะดวกจากกล่องซีเรียล มันก็เหมือนมีเวทมนตร์บางอย่างที่เปลี่ยนพฤติกรรมผู้คนไปโดยไม่รู้ตัว
ที่สำคัญ สูตรสำเร็จของเคลล็อกคือ “ทำให้อาหารเช้ากลายเป็นปัญหา” และนำเสนอซีเรียลเป็นทางออก แล้วบีบให้พ่อแม่ยุคใหม่เชื่อว่า ถ้าไม่ซื้อซีเรียลให้ลูกกิน ลูกจะขาดสารอาหารและเริ่มต้นวันได้ไม่ดีพอ ทั้งที่ความจริง ซีเรียลก็คือน้ำตาลอัดเม็ด ดีๆ นี่เอง แม้ไม่มีหลักฐานว่าเป็นความตั้งใจแต่ต้น แต่มันกลายเป็นผลลัพธ์ทางการตลาดที่ทรงพลัง
และแน่นอนว่ามันไม่หยุดแค่ซีเรียล เพราะเมื่อนมกลายเป็นของที่ต้องกินคู่กัน ความต้องการนมก็พุ่งขึ้นจนต้องขยายฟาร์มโคนมครั้งใหญ่ในประวัติศาสตร์ (อันนี้จะขยายต่อใน ep อื่นนะครับ) เรียกได้ว่าซีเรียลกลายเป็นหมากตัวสำคัญของอุตสาหกรรมอาหาร ที่เริ่มจากความตั้งใจจะ “ลดราคะ” แต่จบลงด้วยการ “เพิ่มยอดขาย” ของบริษัทยักษ์ใหญ่ที่ครองชั้นวางซูเปอร์มาร์เก็ตทั่วโลก และครอบงำอาหารเช้าของโลกนี้ไปมากกว่าครึ่ง
เมื่อมองย้อนไป เฮียว่ามันน่าทึ่งนะ ว่าสิ่งที่เริ่มต้นจากศรัทธาในการควบคุมจิตใจมนุษย์ กลับกลายมาเป็นกลยุทธ์ตลาดระดับโลกได้ และน่าเศร้าในเวลาเดียวกัน เพราะมันทำให้เราหลงลืมว่า แท้จริงแล้วอาหารเช้าคืออะไรกันแน่ มันควรเป็นมื้อที่เชื่อมเราเข้ากับธรรมชาติ หรือเป็นแค่สิ่งที่เราเทใส่ชามเพราะโฆษณาบอกให้ทำ? แถมต้องซื้อจากบริษัทที่ผลิตเท่านั้น
และนั่นแหละเฮียถึงอยากเล่าตอนนี้ เพราะบางครั้งการตั้งคำถามกับอาหารในจาน ก็คือการตั้งคำถามกับระบบที่เราถูกทำให้เชื่อว่า “ดีที่สุด” โดยไม่รู้ตัว...
#โต้งเอง #กูต้องรู้มั๊ย #ม้วนหางสิลูก #siamstr
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@ eb0157af:77ab6c55
2025-06-11 01:02:48
Uber’s CEO has revealed the company’s interest in stablecoins as a solution to reduce the costs of cross-border payments.
The multinational transport giant is currently in an exploratory phase regarding the integration of stablecoins into its global payment systems. The disclosure came during a speech by CEO Dara Khosrowshahi at the Bloomberg Tech conference in San Francisco.
“We’re still in the study phase, I’d say, but stablecoin is one of the, for me, more interesting instantiations of crypto that has a practical benefit other than crypto as a store of value.” Khosrowshahi stated.
The Uber CEO explained how stablecoins could represent a cost-effective alternative to traditional payment systems for international transactions. According to Khosrowshahi, these digital currencies could significantly reduce the company’s operational expenses by eliminating high fees and delays typically associated with conventional bank transfers.
Implementing stablecoins could streamline Uber’s global payment operations, with particularly significant benefits in markets burdened by high remittance costs or unstable local currencies — enabling faster and more reliable payments to the company’s business partners. However, Uber has yet to specify which stablecoins or blockchain networks it might adopt, nor has it provided a precise timeline for implementation.
Uber’s interest in stablecoins comes as the legislative landscape continues to evolve. The U.S. Congress is currently reviewing two major legislative proposals: the GENIUS Act and the STABLE Act, both aimed at establishing a clear regulatory framework for dollar-pegged digital currencies. These bills focus on reserve standards and anti-money laundering requirements but have yet to be finalized.
The post Uber eyes stablecoins to optimize international payments appeared first on Atlas21.
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@ eb0157af:77ab6c55
2025-06-11 00:02:34
Romania’s national postal service embraces digital assets by installing the first Bitcoin ATM at its Tulcea branch.
Romania has witnessed the inauguration of the first Bitcoin ATM within the offices of Poșta Română, the country’s national postal service.
The installation took place at the Tulcea branch, the result of a strategic collaboration between Poșta Română and Bitcoin Romania (BTR), one of the country’s leading exchanges. According to the official announcement from the postal service, this marks only the first step in a broader project.
Source: Poșta Română
The next locations set to host these ATMs will be Alexandria, Piatra Neamț, Botoșani, and Nădlac, confirming the postal service’s commitment to widespread distribution of these devices.
The integration of Bitcoin ATMs in post offices is part of a wider strategy to modernize the existing infrastructure through cutting-edge digital technologies. The initiative also aims to expand the range of services available in areas of the country traditionally underserved.
Global adoption
In recent months, global Bitcoin adoption has continued to grow through various channels: individual investors, companies accepting BTC as a payment method, corporations and institutions accumulating Bitcoin as a treasury asset, and nation-states acquiring BTC for strategic reserves.
According to Binance data from January, the number of Bitcoin wallets holding more than $100 in value reached nearly 30 million, marking a 25% year-on-year increase.
Despite this growth, overall Bitcoin adoption remains limited worldwide, even in countries with the highest adoption rates. A Q1 2025 report by River, a Bitcoin financial services company, found that only 4% of the global population owns Bitcoin.
The United States retains the highest concentration of Bitcoin holders, with around 14% of individuals holding BTC in 2025. The total addressable Bitcoin market remains below 1%, due to low retail adoption and under-allocation from institutions, the U.S.-based company noted.
According to River, Bitcoin could absorb 50% of the store-of-value market, equivalent to roughly $225 trillion in value. These asset classes include cash, stocks, real estate, precious metals, and art held for price appreciation or savings. With a current market capitalization slightly above $2 trillion, Bitcoin still has significant room for growth, River suggests.
The post Poșta Română launches the first Bitcoin ATM in post offices appeared first on Atlas21.
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@ 472f440f:5669301e
2025-06-02 21:12:29
Marty's Bent
via me
I think we'll look back at last weekend as one of the most pivotal points in human history. Ukraine's Operation Spider Web is one of the more shocking things I've seen in terms of military operations in my life. It validates something that many bitcoiners, many cypherpunks, and many prescient individuals have been talking about for decades now at this point, which is asymmetric drone warfare.
The Sovereign Individual is a book that many bitcoiners have talked about throughout the years due to how prescient it was in terms of the inevitable emergence of a digital currency outside the control of central banks and governments. The book was written in the mid-90s, so the fact that the two authors were able to predict that something like bitcoin would emerge less than 20 years after writing the book is pretty incredible. However, digital currencies leveraging cryptography were not the sole focus of the book. Another portion of the book was dedicated to the idea of asymmetric drone warfare and its effects on society overall.
It seems pretty clear today that this is another call from The Sovereign Individual that is coming true. Obviously, unless you've been living under a rock, you've noticed that Ukraine has been using drones in the battlefield to target strategic Russian assets and individual soldiers over the last year. The amount of battlefield videos I've seen of Russian soldiers running from autonomous drones that are hunting them down has been increasing significantly over the last six months. The footage is truly harrowing. It is a death that I wouldn't wish on anybody. With Operation Spider Web Ukraine has increased the stakes of this type of drone warfare by going deep into Russian territory and targeting strategic long-range bombers, some of which had the ability to deploy nuclear warheads. This is sure to incite a reaction from Russia. No one will be surprised if, by the end of the week, Russia has started a shock and awe campaign that goes deep into Ukrainian territory in retaliation for the kamikaze drone strikes on their long-range aircraft. I pray for peace and a quick resolution to this war, and every other war for that matter.
I didn't come here to pontificate and give my thoughts on this particular war, but I would like to focus on this new tactic of war and what it means for military budgets moving forward. The Sovereign Individual laid it out clearly when they wrote in the 1990s that at some point in the future autonomous drones would be leveraged in the battlefield and prove to be asymmetric because of the fact that they are extremely cheap to produce. When you compare the price it cost to produce one of these drones to the price of the equipment they are destroying, things get pretty crazy. With tens of thousands of dollars of drone equipment the Ukrainian army destroyed tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars worth of long-range missile aircraft. And it did so without putting any Ukrainian military personnel in harm's way. Directly, at least.
When you consider the return on investment of deploying these drones compared to sending in soldiers, tanks, and your own aircraft, it becomes pretty obvious that this is going to quickly become the most logical way to fight a war moving forward. The question that remains is how quickly do other governments recognize this and implement it into their own defense strategies? As an American looking at our military budget, which is quickly approaching $1 trillion in annual spend, I'm forced to question whether or not most of that money is simply being wasted, considering the fact that we live in a time where these asymmetric battlefield strategies now exist. Why build new fighter jets when a Somali pirate, or nefarious individual for that matter, could use a $200 drone to destroy it in a matter of seconds with no threat of direct physical harm?
I'm no military expert, but if I were at the helm of the Defense Department, I would seriously be forcing those below me to focus a ton of effort on this problem and create plans to make sure that we are sufficiently protected from these risks. The only way to protect from these risks is to build the capabilities yourself. When it comes to the risk reward from a defense tech investment perspective I think a majority of the effort should be focused on defensive drone technologies and capabilities.
With that being said, it does seem like the US military is privy to this asymmetric reality that we currently live in. Defense contracts with Andruil make this pretty clear. Andruil is certainly ahead of the curve when it comes to autonomous drone warfare and defense against it. As an American, even though I don't like war, or the military industrial complex, knowing that the military is working with companies like Andruil does give me some comfort. However, the other side of that coin is that it is very unnerving when you consider that the government creating these public-private partnerships could lead to some Orwellian outcomes here at home. It may make some of you feel uncomfortable, but I believe the ideal scenario is that any individual has access to these types of defensive drone technologies in the future. The end goal being to create a nuclear game theoretical outcome where violence is reduced because one always has to assume that anyone they intend to attack has access to sufficient and formidable defensive technologies.
It's truly scary times we're living in as we transition further into the Digital Age. Part of the reason that I've dedicated my whole life to bitcoin is because I truly do believe that if you fix the money, you can fix the world. That is not to say that kinetic wars or physical violence will not exist in the future. It certainly will. But I believe sound money and open access to these systems and tools creates conditions which are much more suitable for cooperation and less so for conflict.
Multi-Signature Bitcoin Custody Is Replacing Single-Point Solutions
Jesse Gilger made a compelling case for why multi-signature Bitcoin custody represents the future of secure storage. He explained how Gannett Trust's approach ensures "not all of the keys are going to be at any one entity," fundamentally reducing the honeypot risk that plagues centralized custodians. This distributed model means no single point of failure can compromise your Bitcoin, whether through hacking, internal fraud, or regulatory seizure.
"I was on the list. I got the email. 'You were affected.'" - Jesse Gilger
Jesse's firsthand experience with the Coinbase data breach drives home why centralized custody is fundamentally flawed. While Coinbase holds keys for 10 of 12 Bitcoin ETFs, smart money is moving toward multi-institutional setups where Gannett holds a key, Unchained holds a key, and a third party holds a key. This alignment with Bitcoin's decentralized ethos isn't just philosophically pure—it's pragmatically superior for protecting generational wealth.
Check out the full podcast here for more on MSTY risks, Bitcoin retirement strategies and nation-state adoption dynamics.
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Final thought...
Trying to imagine the future my children are going to live in gets harder by the day.
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@ cae03c48:2a7d6671
2025-06-11 00:01:29
Bitcoin Magazine
Quantum BioPharma Boosts Digital Asset Holdings to $5 Million with New Bitcoin PurchaseIn an expansion of its digital asset portfolio, Quantum BioPharma Ltd. has announced the purchase of an additional $500,000 in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, bringing its total holdings to USD $5,000,000. The Canadian biopharmaceutical company made the move after securing approval from its Board of Directors.
JUST IN:
Quantum BioPharma Ltd purchased an additional $500k worth of BTC/crypto and now holds $5 million in BTC/crypto. Not sure how much actual #bitcoin pic.twitter.com/OqomNZ250x— NLNico (@btcNLNico) June 10, 2025
“Quantum BioPharma Ltd. is pleased to announce that after receiving approval from the Board of Directors, the Company has purchased additional Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as part of its strategic efforts. This brings the total amount of BTC and other cryptocurrencies purchased to USD $5,000,000. As previously announced the company will continue to allow for future financing and other transactions to be carried out in cryptocurrency.”
The investment marks another step in the company’s growth, reinforcing its broader strategy to include Bitcoin into its long-term financial planning and operations.
“This move reflects the company’s belief in the potential of Bitcoin and other currencies to provide a return on investment for shareholders and to provide some hedge against the dollar. The company is now set up to receive financing in cryptocurrencies as well as executing other types of transactions in cryptocurrencies.”
Quantum BioPharma has taken the steps to ensure that its holdings are managed securely and in compliance with legal and financial regulations, working with a custodian to uphold transparency, and investor trust.
“The company is holding all its cryptocurrency with a fully compliant custodian. The company emphasizes that all transactions are and will be fully compliant with all relevant financial and audit regulations, ensuring a secure and legal process.”
Quantum BioPharma is known for its work in the biotech space, particularly through its subsidiary Lucid Psycheceuticals Inc., which focuses on neurological treatments like Lucid-MS. With this latest Bitcoin investment, the company joins a growing list of firms hedging traditional finance strategies with BTC.
While it remains unclear how much of the $5 million is allocated specifically to Bitcoin, the firm’s latest move signals increasing institutional interest in Bitcoin as a long term, viable asset.
This post Quantum BioPharma Boosts Digital Asset Holdings to $5 Million with New Bitcoin Purchase first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Jenna Montgomery.
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@ 861eb596:51fe0a4d
2025-06-10 23:09:52
Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System
Neumann
This book is about the movement of the human body. And the preface states that this is typically studied for the purpose of sport, art, or medicine. And while the book has a focus on the medical application, my interest is the sport application. Specifically the application of kinesiology to weight training.
The book is about seven hundred pages and is divided into four sections of roughly equal proportion. The first section is introductory and covers kinesiology basics. The the remaining three sections correspond to the three major regions of the body: the upper extremity, the axial skeleton, and the lower extremity.
Of note is the importance of illustrations in this work. It is clear that much effort was given toward their refinement. They are relied upon for the explanation of many concepts.
The chapters within the "body region" sections cover, in order, bones, joints, nerves, and muscles for each body part. It seems fairly clear that these are the four substantial elements of any given movement system of the body.
I will also take this opportunity to reference a diagram I saw on wikipedia that always makes me chuckle a little. It's sort of the minimum viable body plan of almost all animals. I'm curious if the categories of circular and longitudinal muscles make sense for understanding the human body.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/02/Bilaterian_body_plan.svg/2560px-Bilaterian_body_plan.svg.png
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@ 8bad92c3:ca714aa5
2025-06-10 22:02:46
Key Takeaways
In this episode of TFTC, energy economist Anas Alhajji outlines a profound shift in U.S. foreign policy under Trump—away from military intervention and toward transactional diplomacy focused on trade, reconstruction, and curbing Chinese and Russian influence in the Middle East. He highlights Trump’s quiet outreach to Syria as emblematic of the U.S.'s strategic flexibility in legitimizing former adversaries when economically beneficial. Alhajji dismisses BRICS as a fractured bloc incapable of rivaling the U.S.-led order and insists the dollar and petrodollar remain dominant. On energy, he warns that despite favorable fundamentals, prices are suppressed by political confusion, underinvestment, and an aging power grid ill-prepared for the AI and urbanization boom. He also contends that Iran is stalling negotiations to buy time for nuclear advancement and that any deal will be superficial. Finally, Alhajji debunks the myth of Trump being pro-oil, noting his long-standing hostility toward the industry and explaining why a repeat of his past energy boom is implausible given today’s financial and structural constraints.
Best Quotes
- “BRICS is a paper tiger. Everything about BRICS is what China does—and that’s it.”
- “The dollar is here to stay. The petrodollar is here to stay. End of story.”
- “Trump hates the oil industry. He always classified it as an enemy.”
- “Energy projects are 30- to 40-year investments, but politicians think in 4-year cycles. That’s where the disconnect lies.”
- “People think shale will boom again. It won’t. The model changed from ‘drill baby drill’ to ‘control baby control.’”
- “The real story of Trump’s trip wasn’t about politics—it was investment, investment, investment.”
- “Without massive investment in the grid and gas turbines, blackouts will become the norm—even in rich countries like Kuwait.”
- “Iran and China have perfected the game of oil exports. Sanctions are just theater at this point.”
Conclusion
Anas Alhajji’s conclusion challenges conventional narratives, arguing that global power is shifting from military dominance to economic leverage, infrastructure investment, and energy control. He presents a nuanced view of U.S. foreign policy under Trump, emphasizing the strategic importance of trade and reconstruction over regime change. As energy demand soars and geopolitical risks mount, Alhajji warns that the real dangers lie not in foreign adversaries, but in policy confusion, infrastructural lag, and complacency—making this episode a crucial listen for anyone seeking to understand the high-stakes intersection of energy, economics, and diplomacy.
Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
0:48 - Syria and US diplomacy in Middle East
12:50 - Trump in the Middle East
18:12 - Fold & Bitkey
19:48 - Iran - Nuclear program and PR
33:53 - Unchained
34:22 - Crude markets, trade war and US debt
54:28 - Trump's energy stance
1:05:46 - Energy sector challanges
1:14:44 - Policy recommendations
1:21:18 - AI and bitcoinTranscript
(00:00) oil prices market fundamentals support higher price than where we are today. But because of this confusion, everyone is scared of low economic growth and that is a serious problem. The US media ignored part of Trump's speech when he said we are not about nation building and they refer to Afghanistan and Iraq.
(00:15) Look at them. This is a criticism of George W. Bush. We have groups that are talking about the demise of the dollar, the rise of bricks. Bricks is a paper tiger. Everything about bricks is what China does and that's it. The dollar is here to stay and the petro dollar is here to stay.
(00:31) The perception is that the Trump administration is cold but the reality Trump hates the oil [Music] indust. How are you? Very good. Very good. Thank you. As you were telling me, you've been a bit sleepd deprived this week trying to keep up with what's going on. Oh, absolutely. I mean, Trump keeps us on our toes uh all the time.
(01:06) In fact, I plan certain things for the weekend and Trump will say something or he will do something and all of a sudden we get busy again. Uh so clients are not going to wait for you until you finish your work. Basically, they want to know what's going on. So what is going on? What what how profound were the events in the Middle East? These are very uh very profound changes basically because it is very clear that if you look at the last 15 years uh and you look at the growth uh in the Middle East, you look at the growth of Saudi Arabia and uh the
(01:41) role of Turkey for example in the region uh it just just amazing be beyond any uh any thoughts. Uh in fact both of them Turkey and Saudi Arabia are part of the G20. Uh so they have economic influence and they have political influence. And of course the icing on the cake for those who are familiar with the region is to recognize the Syrian government and meet with the Syrian uh president.
(02:11) Uh this is a major a major change in economics and politics uh of the Middle East. Let's touch on that Syria uh topic for a while because I think a lot of people here in the United States were a bit shocked at how sort of welcoming President Trump was towards the new Syrian president considering the fact that uh he was considered an enemy not too long ago here in the United States.
(02:42) What first of all it's a fact of life for those who would like to check the history of politics. There were many people around the world who were classified or they were on the terrorism list and then they became friends of the United States or they were became heroes. I mean Nelson Mandela is one of them. You look at Latin America, there are presidents in Latin America who were uh the enemy of the United States and then they became uh uh cooperative with the United States and the United States recognized their governments and the result of their uh elections. Uh so
(03:15) we've seen this historically uh several uh several times around the world and as they say freedom fighters for some basically are the enemies and the terrorists for for others etc. So uh what we've seen that's why the the visit is very important that the recognition of this government is very important. uh the fact on the ground that uh the president of Syria had the power on the ground uh he had the the the people on the ground and he had the control on the ground and whatever he's been he's been doing since he came into power until now
(03:52) he done all the right steps u and people loved him I mean everyone who went to Syria whether the Syrians who left Syria 40 years ago or uh the visitors who are coming to Syria, they will tell you, "We have never seen the Syrian people as happy as we've seen them today, despite the fact that they they live in misery.
(04:17) They don't have um 8 million people without housing. Uh there is barely any electricity in most of the country. There is no internet. There is barely any food. The uh inflation is rampant, etc. But people are happy because they lived in fear for a very long time. And uh the steps they have taken. For example, the uh ministers in the previous government uh are still there and they are still in the housing of the government.
(04:49) They still have the drivers. They still have the cars from the previous government. They still have it until today. So uh they they were classified as enemies before. But all of a sudden now you have a new government that is uh accepting them. Uh so we we see some changes on the ground that are positive and we'll see how these things will go given that the area around them basically has been unstable for a very long time.
(05:17) how because I don't the the news when I was actually it was surreal for me because my first trip to the Middle East was last December when it was literally f flying over Syria to Abu Dhabi when uh um Assad was getting thrown out and it was pretty surreal to be in that region of the world.
(05:43) How as it pertains to like religious minorities within Syria moving forward is there protractions protections there? Um well let me just uh I want to emphasize one point that is very important. What did the interest of Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the United States in Syria if remember Syria was controlled by Iran and was controlled by the Russians.
(06:09) So in a sense it becomes uh kind of an imperative that taking it away from Iran and Russia and not bringing Iran or Russia back is extremely important. Now the Russians are still there and they have their own base but at least they are not bombing the Syrians and not killing them anymore. But the idea here is taking Syria out of Iran and Russia and probably later on if they kick the Russians out, Russians will not have access to the Mediterranean.
(06:37) Uh so there is an interest uh of all parties basically to take Russia out of Iran and um out of uh Syria regardless the country is uh devastated and it creates massive opportunities for US companies on all levels and uh we've seen a contract uh done recently with you mentioned Abu Dhabi uh uh a contract uh uh with the UA a basically to revamp all the Syrian ports and work on the Syrian ports.
(07:13) Uh so such contracts basically uh when you have a country that has nothing and it's completely devastated the whole infrastructure is devastated. Who is going to build it? If the uh what the Chinese, the Russians, so who who are going to build it? So, uh I think there is a a big room for US companies and others basically to come in and uh literally help on one side and make money on the other.
(07:38) Yeah, I think that that's what I'm trying to discern. What was this convoy from the United States to the Middle East this week signali -
@ f85b9c2c:d190bcff
2025-06-10 21:36:59
Having the know-how when diving into a new interest can greatly increase your understanding of a topic. In the crypto space there is a series of words, phrases, abbreviations that some people may find confusing when they first jump into the world of NFTs and crypto. But even with a basic understanding of just a few key words and phrases you can easily begin to navigate the crypto and NFT space.
Blockchain
A blockchain is a shared ledger that facilitates the process of recording transactions and tracking assets in a business network. An asset can be tangible (a house, car, cash, land) or intangible (property, patents, copyrights, branding). The goal of blockchain technology is to allow digital information to be recorded and distributed but not edited. In this way a blockchain is the records of transactions that cannot be altered, deleted, or destroyed. Virtually anything of value can be tracked and traded on a blockchain network which can reduce risk and cut costs for all involved. Blockchain technology was first outlined In 1991 by Stuart Haber and W. Scott Stornetta two mathematicians who wanted to implement a more secure online system where document could not be tampered with.
NFT (Non-Fingable Token)
NFT means non-fungible tokens (NFTs) which are generally created using the same type of programming used for cryptocurrencies. An NFT can be a digital asset that represents real-world objects like art, music, in-game items and videos. “Tokenizing” these real-world tangible assets makes buying, selling, and trading them more efficient while reducing the probability of fraud. They are typically bought and sold online frequently with a form of cryptocurrency or crypto token, and they are generally encoded with the same software as many cryptos. In simple terms these cryptographic assets are based on blockchain technology. Physical currency and cryptocurrency are fungible, which means that they can be traded or exchanged for one another. The term NFT means that it can neither be replaced nor interchanged because it has unique properties.
GameFi
GameFi — involves blockchain games that offer economic incentives to play them, otherwise known as play-to-earn games. Typically players can earn in-game rewards by completing tasks, battling other players or progressing through various game levels. For those unfamiliar with gaming let us put it this way: GameFi is to the gaming industry. Essentially, GameFi aims to revolutionize the traditional gaming infrastructure by combining and integrating blockchain technology and decentralized finance.
Mining vs. minting
Mining is the process of recording and verifying transactions on a public digital record of transactions known as a blockchain under a proof-of-work protocol. In order to do that miners solve complex mathematical problems and in return there is the possibility they will be rewarded with a certain amount of cryptocurrency for their efforts.
Minting is the process of validating information, creating a new block, and recording that information into the blockchain through a proof-of-stake protocol. Under the Proof-of-Stake mechanism coins are not minted through mining but rather through staking. Proof-of-Stake does not have miners it has validators and it does not let people mine new blocks but instead lets people mint or create new blocks.
DeFi (Decentralized Finance)
DeFi — short for decentralized finance — is a new vision of banking and financial services that is based on peer-to-peer payments through blockchain technology.With blockchain technology, DeFi allows “trust-less” banking, sidestepping traditional financial middlemen such as banks or brokers. DeFi is based on secure distributed ledgers similar to those used by cryptocurrencies. The system removes the control banks and institutions have on money, financial products, and financial services. With DeFi fees that banks and other financial companies charge for using their services are eliminated and you have control over your money by holding it in a secure digital wallet instead of keeping it in a bank. Anyone with an internet connection can use DeFi without needing approval from a financial institution.
DApps (Decentralized Applications)
Decentralized applications or dApps, often built on the Ethereum platform, are similar to traditional software programs, but instead of running on a typical software server they run on blockchain networks. Because dApps are decentralized they are free from the control and interference of a single authority. Benefits of dApps include the safeguarding of user privacy, the lack of censorship and the flexibility and freedom of development.
Bull market The term “bull market” is most often used to refer to the stock market but can be applied to anything that is traded such as bonds, real estate, currencies, and commodities. Because prices of securities rise and fall essentially continuously during trading the term “bull market” is typically reserved for extended periods in which a large portion of security prices are rising. Bull markets tend to last for months or even years.
Bear market A bear market occurs when a market experiences prolonged price declines. Factors such as a weak or slowing economy or shocks like pandemics or war can all contribute to a bear market.
FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)
FOMO is the acronym for “Fear Of Missing Out.” In the context of financial markets and trading FOMO refers to the fear that a trader, holder, or investor feels when they think that they may be missing out on a potentially investment or trading opportunity when the price of a token increases. The FOMO feeling is particularly high when the price of a token rises in value significantly over a relatively short time.The crypto and NFT space is a vast online world that can seem confusing and at times a difficult place to compass for most. With all of the acronyms.crypto slang and words there is to learn in crypto there is always some new phrase or word to learn, and by no means is this all but it can definitely be a start for those who are looking to get started in the crypto space and might need a cheat code.
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@ eb0157af:77ab6c55
2025-06-10 21:03:14
A new step for the American bank in the digital asset space: Bitcoin ETFs cleared for use as collateral for financing.
JPMorgan Chase will allow clients to use spot Bitcoin ETFs as collateral to obtain loans. According to sources close to the project, cited by Bloomberg, the initiative will launch in the coming weeks and will involve trading and wealth management clients on a global scale.
The bank has decided to begin this new phase starting with crypto ETFs, beginning with the BlackRock iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which has already surpassed $70 billion in assets under management (AUM). The decision is part of a broader strategy aimed at enabling selected clients to access financing by using cryptocurrency-related assets as collateral. Before this change, JPMorgan only accepted crypto ETFs as loan collateral under specific conditions.
The American bank’s new approach will see Bitcoin ETFs treated like other traditional assets when calculating a client’s borrowing capacity. Just as is currently the case with stocks, cars, or works of art, crypto ETFs will become an integral part of standard wealth evaluations.
Although CEO Jamie Dimon has historically been known for his skeptical stance on Bitcoin, the bank announced last month that it would soon allow clients to purchase spot ETFs on the leading cryptocurrency — although without offering custody services.
The new rules will apply to all of JPMorgan’s wealth management clients worldwide, from retail customers to high-net-worth individuals. The bank will also integrate crypto holdings into the net worth assessments of clients managed by its wealth management division.
The post JPMorgan Chase: Bitcoin ETFs accepted as loan collateral appeared first on Atlas21.
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@ cae03c48:2a7d6671
2025-06-10 21:02:26
Bitcoin Magazine
New York City Won’t Be Issuing BitBonds Anytime SoonSince 2021, Mayor Eric Adams has been talking about how he’s going to make New York City the center of the crypto industry, though this hasn’t materialized. (Some Bitcoin and crypto companies are based here, but this has little to do with Adams’ efforts — or lack thereof.)
So, when I heard the mayor propose issuing BitBonds in New York City at Bitcoin 2025, I was far from convinced that this would actually happen.
And then when I read a statement from NYC Comptroller Brad Lander on the topic, it became even more clear to me that Adams was merely posturing when it came to BitBonds.
“New York City will not be issuing any bitcoin-backed bonds on my watch,” said Lander in the statement.
“Mayor Eric Adams may be willing to bet our future on crypto in exchange for a trip to Vegas, but my job is to ensure our City’s financial stability. Cryptocurrencies are not sufficiently stable to finance our City’s infrastructure, affordable housing, or schools,” he added.
“Proposing that New York City should open its capital planning to crypto could expose our City to new risks and erode bond buyers’ trust in our City.”
In the statement, Lander went on to discuss how BitBonds would work at the federal level (90% of the funds go to government expenditures, while 10% goes to buying bitcoin for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve), before noting a key difference between federal bonds and the bonds that New York City issues.
“While the federal government issues bonds to fund traditional expenditures, New York City primarily issues bonds to fund capital assets and in only very narrow circumstances can the City finance other purposes,” wrote Lander.
Lander then went on to lay out a number of other reasons why New York City will not be issuing BitBonds anytime soon, including that ”New York City would have to be able to take transactions in Bitcoin in order to issue bonds backed by Bitcoin” because “New York City has neither any mechanism to pay for its Capital Assets in any other currency besides the US Dollar nor any means to convert Bitcoin to US Dollars.”
(If I read that correctly, Lander says that New York City doesn’t know how to set up a Bitcoin wallet or trade bitcoin for U.S. dollars. Just about on par for an elected official in New York.)
Now, pardon my cynicism here, but I’m a New Yorker — a resident of one of the most restrictive jurisdictions in the world when it comes to Bitcoin and crypto, thanks to the BitLicense — and there are two things you can bet on at this point in time in New York.
- Mayor Eric Adams will talk a good game about Bitcoin and crypto while not taking any action behind the scenes.
- Bureaucrats and elected officials alike in New York will continue to throw cold water on anything that challenges Wall Street’s power, while still claiming that New York is the “financial capital of the world.” (Laughable.)
So, Mayor Adams can make all the proposals he wants from stages in Las Vegas to NYC-sponsored crypto summits, but until I see his administration actually do something substantial for New York City residents as it pertains to Bitcoin and crypto, I’ll just assume that New York will continue to stagnate financially.
This article is a Take. Opinions expressed are entirely the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.
This post New York City Won’t Be Issuing BitBonds Anytime Soon first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Frank Corva.
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@ c9badfea:610f861a
2025-06-11 00:02:03
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@ 472f440f:5669301e
2025-06-01 13:48:34
Marty's Bent
Sorry for the lack of writing over the last week. As many of you may already know, I was in Las Vegas, Nevada for the Bitcoin 2025 conference. It was my first time in Las Vegas. I had successfully avoided Sin City for the first 34 years of my life. But when duty calls, you have to make some personal concessions.
Despite what many say about this particular conference and the spectacle that it has become, I will say that having attended every single one of Bitcoin Magazine's conferences since 2019, I thoroughly enjoy these events, even if I don't agree with all the content. Being able to congregate with others in the industry who have been working extremely hard to push Bitcoin forward, all of whom I view as kindred spirits who have also dedicated their lives to making the world a better place. There's nothing better than getting together, seeing each other in person, shaking hands, giving hugs, catching up and reflecting on how much things have changed over the years while also focusing on the opportunities that lie ahead.
I think out of all the Bitcoin magazine conferences I've been to, this was certainly my favorite. If only because it has become abundantly clear that Bitcoin is here to stay. Many powerful, influential, and competent people have identified Bitcoin as an asset and monetary network that will play a large part in human society moving forward. And more importantly, Bitcoin is proving to work far better than anybody not paying attention expected. While at the same time, the fiat system is in woeful disrepair at the same time.
As a matter of reflection and surfacing signal for you freaks, here are the presentations and things that happened that I think were the most impactful.
Miles Suter's Block Presentation
This presentation was awesome for many reasons, one of which being that we often forget just how dedicated Block, as an organization with many companies - including Cash App, Square, the open source organization known as Spiral and more recently, BitKey and Proto - has been to bitcoin over the last eight years. They've worked methodically to make Bitcoin a first-class citizen in their business operations and slowly but surely have built an incredibly integrated experience across their brands. The two big announcements from Block during the conference were the enablement of Bitcoin payments in Square point-of-sale systems and the amount of revenue they're making on their Lightning node, c=, from routing payments.
Right now, the Bitcoin payments and point of sale systems is in beta with many merchants testing it out for the next six months, but it will be available for all 4 million square merchants in 2026. This is something that many bitcoiners have been waiting for for many years now, and it is incredible to see that they finally brought it across the line. Merchants will have the ability to accept bitcoin payments and either convert every payment into fiat automatically, convert a portion of the bitcoin payment into fiat to keep the rest in sats, or simply keep all of the bitcoin they receive via payments in sats. This is an incredible addition to what Square has already built, which is the ability of their merchants to sweep a portion of their revenues into bitcoin if they desire. Square is focused on building a vertically integrated suite of bitcoin products for merchants that includes the ability to buy bitcoin, receive bitcoin, and eventually leverage financial services using bitcoin as collateral so that they can reinvest in and expand their businesses.
via Ryan Gentry
What went a bit underappreciated in the crowd was the routing node revenue that c= is producing, \~9.7% annualized. This is a massive validation of something that many bitcoiners have been talking about for quite some time, which is the ability to produce "yield" on bitcoin in a way that reduces risk significantly. Locking up bitcoin in a 2-of-2 multisig within Lightning channels and operating a Lightning routing node has been long talked about as one of the ways to produce more bitcoin with your bitcoin in a way that minimizes the threat of loss.
It seems that c= has found a way to do this at scale and is doing it successfully. 10% yield on bitcoin locked in Lightning channels is nothing to joke about. And as you can see from the chart above in the grainy picture taken by Ryan Gentry of Lightning Labs, this routing node "yield" is producing more return on capital than many of the most popular staking and DeFi protocols.
This is a strong signal to the rest of the market that this can be done. It may take economies of scale and a high degree of technical competency today. But this is incredibly promising for the future of earning bitcoin by providing valuable goods and services to the market of Bitcoiners. In this case, facilitating relatively cheap and instantly settled payments over the Lightning Network.
Saifedean Ammous' Bitcoin and Tether Presentation
This was one of the best presentations at the conference. Saifedean Ammous is a friend, he has been an incredible influence on my personal bitcoin journey, and I feel comfortable in saying he's been a strong influence on the journey of hundreds of thousands, at least, if not millions of people as they've attempted to understand bitcoin.
This presentation is a bit spicy because it puts a pin in the balloon of hopium that stablecoins like Tether are mechanisms that could bail out the market for US Treasuries in the medium to long-term if they take enough market share. As one always should do, Saif ran the numbers and clearly illustrates that even in the most optimistic case, Tether's impact on the market for treasuries, their interest rates, and curbing the growth of the debt held by the US federal government will be minimal at best.
One of the most interesting things that Saif points out that I'm a bit embarrassed I didn't recognize before is that much of the demand for Tether that we're seeing these days is replacement demand for treasuries. Meaning that many people who are turning to Tether, particularly in countries that have experienced hyperinflationary events, are using Tether as a substitute for their currencies, which are operated by central banks likely buying U.S. treasuries to support their monetary systems. The net effect of Tether buying those treasuries is zero for this particular user archetype.
Saif goes on to explain that if anything, Tether is a weapon against the US Treasury system when you consider that they're storing a large portion of the stablecoin backing in Treasuries and then using the yields produced by those Treasuries to buy bitcoin. Slowly but surely over time bitcoin as a percentage of their overall backing of Tether has grown quite significantly starting at 0% and approaching 10% today. It isn't hard to imagine that at some point within the next decade, Bitcoin could be the dominant reserve asset backing tethers and, as a result, Tether could be pegged to bitcoin eventually.
It's a fascinating take on Tether that I've never heard before.
Nothing Stops this Train from Lyn Alden
Lyn's been saying it loudly for quite some time now; "Nothing stops this train." She's even been on our podcast to explain why she believes this many times over the last five years. However, I don't think there is one piece of content out there that consolidates her thesis of why nothing stops the train of fiscal irresponsibility and unfettered debt expansion and why that's good for bitcoin than the presentation she gave at the conference. Definitely give this one a watch when you get a chance if you haven't already.
Overall, it was a great week in Vegas and I think it's safe to say that bitcoin has gone mainstream. Whether or not people who have been in the bitcoin industry and community for a while are okay with does not really matter. It's happening and all we can do is ride the wave as more and more people come to recognize the value prop of bitcoin and the social clout they can gain from supporting it. Our job here at TFTC is to help you discern the signal from the noise, continue to champion the self-sovereign usage of bitcoin and keep you abreast of developments in the space as they manifest.
Buckle up. Things are only going to get weirder from here on out.
Bitcoin's Mathematical Destiny
Sean Bill and Adam Back make a compelling case for Bitcoin's inevitable march toward $1 million. Sean points out that Bitcoin represents just a tiny fraction—2 trillion out of 900 trillion—of total financial assets, calling it a "tiny orange dot" on their presentation to Texas pensions. He emphasizes that reaching parity with gold alone would deliver a 10x return from current levels. Adam highlights the mathematical impossibility of current prices, noting that ETF buyers are absorbing 500,000 BTC annually while only 165,000 new coins are mined.
"Who's selling at these prices? It doesn't quite add up to me." - Adam Back
The institutional wave is just beginning. Sean revealed that while 50% of hedge fund managers personally own Bitcoin, only 3% have allocated institutional funds. Combined with emerging demand from nation states and corporate treasuries meeting Bitcoin's fixed supply, the price trajectory seems clear. Both guests stressed the importance of staying invested—missing just the 12 best performing days each year would turn Bitcoin into a losing investment.
Check out the full podcast here for more on pensions allocating to Bitcoin, cypherpunk banking, and commodity trading insights.
Headlines of the Day
Panama Canal Eyes Bitcoin for Payment Option - via X
U.S. Warns of Imminent Chinese Threat to Taiwan - via X
Get our new STACK SATS hat - via tftcmerch.io
Saylor's Bitcoin Strategy Explodes Globally Amid Doubt - via CNBC
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@ cae03c48:2a7d6671
2025-06-10 21:01:55
Bitcoin Magazine
Robert Mitchnick Discusses BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF IBIT Success On BloombergToday, the Head of Digital Assets of BlackRock Robert Mitchnick, at the Bloomberg ETF IQ, talked about what’s really driving the surge in Bitcoin ETFs.
“It’s a lot of things coming together. Out of the gate was retail and investor demand…” said Mitchnick. “Now, more recently, we’ve seen just steady progress of more wealth advisor adoption, more institutional adoption. It’s been a mix of people who it’s the first time that they’ve invested in anything in the crypto space. And then on the other hand, you have lots of people who’ve been invested in Bitcoin for a long time and they’re taking advantage of the ETP wrapper.”
JUST IN: $11.5 trillion BlackRock's Robert Mitchnick said wealth advisor adoption of Bitcoin is "very early"
pic.twitter.com/UqiarMWEvV— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) June 9, 2025
When it comes to institutional adoption, Mitchnick says we’re still early. ETF approvals usually take years, but some firms are fast-tracking the process.
“We’ve seen that fast tracked by a number of firms, and we talk about fast tracking,” stated Mitchnick. “We’re talking about, you know, quarters, not months. And slowly but surely, you’ve seen, I think, an acceleration, particularly in the last couple of months of more notable firms lowering barriers, granting approvals to their advisors to use these.”
Bitcoin’s volatility has declined recently, making it more appealing for institutions seeking diversification. However, it remains volatile, but its risk and return profile differs from traditional assets.
“There’s no question it’s relatively novel technology,” Mitchnick commented. “Even though the volatility has come down, it’s still volatile, but at the same time its risk and return drivers are markedly different from most of the rest of the assets in a traditional portfolio, and that’s important. And so when institutions are looking at this, they’re heavily focused on that correlation and whether it’s zero or even in some periods negative, because then the portfolio construction case is very compelling to them.”
About a dozen Bitcoin ETFs currently compete in the market, and demand remains strong.
“Well, a lot of them have been, you know, very successful, too,” stated Mitchnick. “Obviously, it has been the leader in the category by a fair margin. But there’s been such demand that, you know, it’s been exciting and there’s lots of products in the space and that’s a good thing.”
This post Robert Mitchnick Discusses BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF IBIT Success On Bloomberg first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Oscar Zarraga Perez.
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@ b99efe77:f3de3616
2025-06-10 20:36:40
Traffic Light Control System 10/06
This Petri net represents a traffic control protocol ensuring that two traffic lights alternate safely and are never both green at the same time.
petrinet ;start () -> greenLight1 redLight2 ;toRed1 greenLight1 -> queue redLight1 ;toGreen2 redLight2 queue -> greenLight2 ;toGreen1 queue redLight1 -> greenLight1 ;toRed2 greenLight2 -> redLight2 queue ;stop redLight1 queue redLight2 -> () -
@ 04c915da:3dfbecc9
2025-05-20 15:47:16
Here’s a revised timeline of macro-level events from The Mandibles: A Family, 2029–2047 by Lionel Shriver, reimagined in a world where Bitcoin is adopted as a widely accepted form of money, altering the original narrative’s assumptions about currency collapse and economic control. In Shriver’s original story, the failure of Bitcoin is assumed amid the dominance of the bancor and the dollar’s collapse. Here, Bitcoin’s success reshapes the economic and societal trajectory, decentralizing power and challenging state-driven outcomes.
Part One: 2029–2032
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2029 (Early Year)\ The United States faces economic strain as the dollar weakens against global shifts. However, Bitcoin, having gained traction emerges as a viable alternative. Unlike the original timeline, the bancor—a supranational currency backed by a coalition of nations—struggles to gain footing as Bitcoin’s decentralized adoption grows among individuals and businesses worldwide, undermining both the dollar and the bancor.
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2029 (Mid-Year: The Great Renunciation)\ Treasury bonds lose value, and the government bans Bitcoin, labeling it a threat to sovereignty (mirroring the original bancor ban). However, a Bitcoin ban proves unenforceable—its decentralized nature thwarts confiscation efforts, unlike gold in the original story. Hyperinflation hits the dollar as the U.S. prints money, but Bitcoin’s fixed supply shields adopters from currency devaluation, creating a dual-economy split: dollar users suffer, while Bitcoin users thrive.
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2029 (Late Year)\ Dollar-based inflation soars, emptying stores of goods priced in fiat currency. Meanwhile, Bitcoin transactions flourish in underground and online markets, stabilizing trade for those plugged into the bitcoin ecosystem. Traditional supply chains falter, but peer-to-peer Bitcoin networks enable local and international exchange, reducing scarcity for early adopters. The government’s gold confiscation fails to bolster the dollar, as Bitcoin’s rise renders gold less relevant.
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2030–2031\ Crime spikes in dollar-dependent urban areas, but Bitcoin-friendly regions see less chaos, as digital wallets and smart contracts facilitate secure trade. The U.S. government doubles down on surveillance to crack down on bitcoin use. A cultural divide deepens: centralized authority weakens in Bitcoin-adopting communities, while dollar zones descend into lawlessness.
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2032\ By this point, Bitcoin is de facto legal tender in parts of the U.S. and globally, especially in tech-savvy or libertarian-leaning regions. The federal government’s grip slips as tax collection in dollars plummets—Bitcoin’s traceability is low, and citizens evade fiat-based levies. Rural and urban Bitcoin hubs emerge, while the dollar economy remains fractured.
Time Jump: 2032–2047
- Over 15 years, Bitcoin solidifies as a global reserve currency, eroding centralized control. The U.S. government adapts, grudgingly integrating bitcoin into policy, though regional autonomy grows as Bitcoin empowers local economies.
Part Two: 2047
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2047 (Early Year)\ The U.S. is a hybrid state: Bitcoin is legal tender alongside a diminished dollar. Taxes are lower, collected in BTC, reducing federal overreach. Bitcoin’s adoption has decentralized power nationwide. The bancor has faded, unable to compete with Bitcoin’s grassroots momentum.
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2047 (Mid-Year)\ Travel and trade flow freely in Bitcoin zones, with no restrictive checkpoints. The dollar economy lingers in poorer areas, marked by decay, but Bitcoin’s dominance lifts overall prosperity, as its deflationary nature incentivizes saving and investment over consumption. Global supply chains rebound, powered by bitcoin enabled efficiency.
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2047 (Late Year)\ The U.S. is a patchwork of semi-autonomous zones, united by Bitcoin’s universal acceptance rather than federal control. Resource scarcity persists due to past disruptions, but economic stability is higher than in Shriver’s original dystopia—Bitcoin’s success prevents the authoritarian slide, fostering a freer, if imperfect, society.
Key Differences
- Currency Dynamics: Bitcoin’s triumph prevents the bancor’s dominance and mitigates hyperinflation’s worst effects, offering a lifeline outside state control.
- Government Power: Centralized authority weakens as Bitcoin evades bans and taxation, shifting power to individuals and communities.
- Societal Outcome: Instead of a surveillance state, 2047 sees a decentralized, bitcoin driven world—less oppressive, though still stratified between Bitcoin haves and have-nots.
This reimagining assumes Bitcoin overcomes Shriver’s implied skepticism to become a robust, adopted currency by 2029, fundamentally altering the novel’s bleak trajectory.
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@ cae03c48:2a7d6671
2025-06-10 20:02:21
Bitcoin Magazine
Japan’s ANAP Holdings Launches Full Bitcoin Business Strategy with Goal of Over 1,000 BTC by August 2025ANAP Holdings, Inc. (3189: Tokyo Standard Market) has officially announced the launch of its “Bitcoin Business” in a formal corporate filing, detailing an entry into Bitcoin focused operations across treasury, finance, fashion, and mining.
JUST IN: fashion brand 
ANAP, previously purchased 102.9 BTC, goes into FULL #bitcoin Treasury Strategy mode and aims for 1,000+ BTC by August 2025. They have raised capital to increase their treasury, including an in-kind investment of 584.9135 BTC, which would bring their… pic.twitter.com/k6L8snzmtY
— NLNico (@btcNLNico) June 9, 2025
In a statement signed by President and CEO Yuta Sawaki, the company confirmed that its consolidated subsidiary ANAP Lightning Channel will lead the initiative, with plans to hold more than 1,000 BTC by August 2025. “We aim to strengthen our balance sheet by acquiring Bitcoin in stages as a strategic reserve asset,” the company said.
The company’s pivot toward Bitcoin is rooted in a belief that the asset, like gold, represents a global store of value amid rising inflation and macroeconomic instability. “Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency… called ‘digital gold’ for its scarcity and durability, and is gaining attention as a store of value,” the document states.
A significant portion of the strategy includes a planned in-kind capital contribution of 584.9135 BTC from Capital T Coin Co., Ltd., scheduled for July 2025. This builds on ANAP’s prior acquisition of 102.9 BTC, bringing its total to 687.8136 BTC, pending shareholder approval on July 18. The group aims to reach 1,000 BTC through further purchases.
Beyond treasury accumulation, the group’s Bitcoin Business will also encompass:
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A Bitcoin trading desk targeting both institutional and retail participants.
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A Bitcoin x Fashion/Lifestyle division, which will develop Bitcoin-themed apparel and premium consumer goods.
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A Bitcoin mining-related business offering software, consulting, and operational support.
As part of its capital strategy, ANAP is executing a ¥7.625 billion Debt-to-Equity Swap (DES) in July 2025, with contributions from stakeholders including Net Prize GK, Q.L.Land, and Tiger Japan Investment.
“Through the in-kind contribution from Capital T Coin, we will strategically hold Bitcoin within the group,” the company wrote. “We aim to maintain a low-cost position with an average acquisition fee of approximately 0.3% including market and spread costs.”
With global institutional interest rising, ANAP’s pivot may position it as a pioneer among Asian consumer brands adopting Bitcoin as a reserve asset and innovation platform.
This post Japan’s ANAP Holdings Launches Full Bitcoin Business Strategy with Goal of Over 1,000 BTC by August 2025 first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Jenna Montgomery.
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@ 472f440f:5669301e
2025-05-20 13:01:09
Marty's Bent
via me
Don't sleep on what's happening in Japan right now. We've been covering the country and the fact that they've lost control of their yield curve since late last year. After many years of making it a top priority from a monetary policy perspective, last year the Bank of Japan decided to give up on yield curve control in an attempt to reel inflation. This has sent yields for the 30-year and 40-year Japanese government bonds to levels not seen since the early 2000s in the case of the 30-year and levels never before seen for the 40-year, which was launched in 2007. With a debt to GDP ratio that has surpassed 250% and a population that is aging out with an insufficient amount of births to replace the aging workforce, it's hard to see how Japan can get out of this conundrum without some sort of economic collapse.
This puts the United States in a tough position considering the fact that Japan is one of the largest holders of U.S. Treasury bonds with more than 1,135 sats | $1.20 trillion in exposure. If things get too out of control in Japan and the yield curve continues to drift higher and inflation continues to creep higher Japan can find itself in a situation where it's a forced seller of US Treasuries as they attempt to strengthen the yen. Another aspect to consider is the fact that investors may see the higher yields on Japanese government bonds and decide to purchase them instead of US Treasuries. This is something to keep an eye on in the weeks to come. Particularly if higher rates drive a higher cost of capital, which leads to even more inflation. As producers are forced to increase their prices to ensure that they can manage their debt repayments.
It's never a good sign when the Japanese Prime Minister is coming out to proclaim that his country's financial situation is worse than Greece's, which has been a laughing stock of Europe for the better part of three decades. Japan is a very proud nation, and the fact that its Prime Minister made a statement like this should not be underappreciated.
As we noted last week, the 10-year and 30-year U.S. Treasury bonds are drifting higher as well. Earlier today, the 30-year bond yield surpassed 5%, which has been a psychological level that many have been pointed to as a critical tipping point. When you take a step back and look around the world it seems pretty clear that bond markets are sending a very strong signal. And that signal is that something is not well in the back end of the financial system.
This is even made clear when you look at the private sector, particularly at consumer debt. In late March, we warned of the growing trend of buy now, pay later schemes drifting down market as major credit card companies released charge-off data which showed charge-off rates reaching levels not seen since the 2008 great financial crisis. At the time, we could only surmise that Klarna was experiencing similar charge-off rates on the bigger-ticket items they financed and started doing deals with companies like DoorDash to finance burrito deliveries in an attempt to move down market to finance smaller ticket items with a higher potential of getting paid back. It seems like that inclination was correct as Klarna released data earlier today showing more losses on their book as consumers find it extremely hard to pay back their debts.
via NewsWire
This news hit the markets on the same day as the average rate of the 30-year mortgage in the United States rose to 7.04%. I'm not sure if you've checked lately, but real estate prices are still relatively elevated outside of a few big cities who expanded supply significantly during the COVID era as people flooded out of blue states towards red states. It's hard to imagine that many people can afford a house based off of sticker price alone, but with a 7% 30-year mortgage rate it's becoming clear that the ability of the Common Man to buy a house is simply becoming impossible.
via Lance Lambert
The mortgage rate data is not the only thing you need to look at to understand that it's becoming impossible for the Common Man of working age to buy a house. New data has recently been released that highlights That the median home buyer in 2007 was born in 1968, and the median home buyer in 2024 was born in 1968. Truly wild when you think of it. As our friend Darth Powell cheekily highlights below, we find ourselves in a situation where boomers are simply trading houses and the younger generations are becoming indentured slaves. Forever destined to rent because of the complete inability to afford to buy a house.
via Darth Powell
via Yahoo Finance
Meanwhile, Bitcoin re-approached all-time highs late this evening and looks primed for another breakout to the upside. This makes sense if you're paying attention. The high-velocity trash economy running on an obscene amount of debt in both the public and private sectors seems to be breaking at the seams. All the alarm bells are signaling that another big print is coming. And if you hope to preserve your purchasing power or, ideally, increase it as the big print approaches, the only thing that makes sense is to funnel your money into the hardest asset in the world, which is Bitcoin.
via Bitbo
Buckle up, freaks. It's gonna be a bumpy ride. Stay humble, Stack Sats.
Trump's Middle East Peace Strategy: Redefining U.S. Foreign Policy
In his recent Middle East tour, President Trump signaled what our guest Dr. Anas Alhajji calls "a major change in US policy." Trump explicitly rejected the nation-building strategies of his predecessors, contrasting the devastation in Afghanistan and Iraq with the prosperity of countries like Saudi Arabia and UAE. This marks a profound shift from both Republican and Democratic foreign policy orthodoxy. As Alhajji noted, Trump's willingness to meet with Syrian President Assad follows a historical pattern where former adversaries eventually become diplomatic partners.
"This is really one of the most important shifts in US foreign policy to say, look, sorry, we destroyed those countries because we tried to rebuild them and it was a big mistake." - Dr. Anas Alhajji
The administration's new approach emphasizes negotiation over intervention. Rather than military solutions, Trump is engaging with groups previously considered off-limits, including the Houthis, Hamas, and Iran. This pragmatic stance prioritizes economic cooperation and regional stability over ideological confrontation. The focus on trade deals and investment rather than regime change represents a fundamental reimagining of America's role in the Middle East.
Check out the full podcast here for more on the Iran nuclear situation, energy market predictions, and why AI development could create power grid challenges. Only on TFTC Studio.
Headlines of the Day
Bitcoin Soars to 100,217 sats | $106.00K While Bonds Lose 40% Since 2020 - via X
US Senate Advances Stablecoin Bill As America Embraces Bitcoin - via X
Get our new STACK SATS hat - via tftcmerch.io
Texas House Debates Bill For State-Run Bitcoin Reserve - via X
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Final thought...
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@ 58537364:705b4b85
2025-06-10 19:36:53
เกี่ยวกับเรื่อง “เวลา”
พระอรหันต์ บุคคลผู้หลุดพ้นแล้ว เห็นอย่างถูกต้อง จึงไม่ยึดถือ อดีต กับ อนาคต แม้กระทั่งปัจจุบัน
ตัวอย่างง่ายๆ ที่จะต้องสังเกตดูให้ดีว่า โดยที่แท้นั้นเราไม่สามารถรู้จักอดีต ปัจจุบัน หรืออนาคต ได้เลย เราไม่อาจรู้จักสิ่งที่เป็นปัจจุบันได้ ถ้าสิ่งนั้นไม่กลายเป็นอดีตไปเสียก่อน เหมือนอย่างว่า..เมื่อตาเห็นรูป เช่น เห็นดอกไม้ดอกหนึ่ง จิตใจต้องรับอารมณ์(รูป,สี)เสร็จแล้ว ภาพที่เห็นนั้นเป็นอดีตไปแล้ว เราจึงจะรู้ว่าเป็นดอกไม้ดอกหนึ่ง เช่น ดอกกุหลาบดอกหนึ่ง เป็นต้น
ถ้าไม่เป็นอดีตไปเสียก่อน จิตใจก็ไม่มีทางจะรู้ว่ามันเป็นอะไร เพราะเหตุฉะนั้น ปัจจุบันเป็นสิ่งที่เรารู้ไม่ได้ รู้สึกไม่ได้ สัมผัสไม่ได้ เพราะว่าเราไม่อาจจะรู้จักสิ่งใดได้ โดยที่สิ่งนั้นไม่เปลี่ยนเป็นอดีตไปเสียก่อนนั่นเอง ต้องเป็น "ขณะจิต" ในอดีตเสียก่อน จึงจะรู้ว่าสิ่งนั้นเป็นอะไร เราจึงไม่อาจจะสัมผัสปัจจุบันได้
ส่วนเวลาที่เรียกว่า "อนาคต" ก็ยังไม่มา ส่วนอดีตก็ล่วงลับไปแล้ว เราก็ไม่ได้รับอะไรเลย แม้แต่ที่เป็น"ปัจจุบัน" #ถ้าใครมองเห็นอย่างนี้ก็เรียกว่ารู้จักเวลาอย่างถูกต้อง คือเวลาในภาษาธรรมะ ซึ่งไม่อาจจะแบ่งเป็นวินาที นาที เดือน ปีอะไรได้เลย มันเป็นกระแสอันหนึ่งซึ่งคงที่ จนกล่าวได้ว่า ไม่มีเบื้องต้น ไม่มีเบื้องปลาย ไม่มีท่ามกลาง
สิ่งที่เรียกว่า "เวลา" นั้น ไม่มีใครรู้ได้ว่าตั้งต้นเมื่อไหร่ มากี่กัปกี่กัลป์แล้ว จะไปสิ้นสุดเมื่อไหร่ อีกกี่กัปกี่กัลป์ แล้วในขณะปัจจุบันของมัน เราก็แตะต้องมันไม่ได้ เพราะต้องเป็นอดีตไปเสียก่อนทุกที จึงจะรู้สึกขึ้นในใจได้ว่าอะไรเป็นอะไร
เมื่อตาเห็นรูปก็ดี เมื่อหูฟังเสียงก็ดี เมื่อจมูกได้กลิ่นก็ดี ลิ้นได้รสก็ดี กายได้สัมผัสทางผิวหนังก็ดี หรือใจคิดนึกอะไรก็ดี "ขณะจิต"แห่งอดีตเท่านั้น ที่จะบอกได้ว่าอะไรเป็นอะไร ขณะเป็นปัจจุบันนั้นบอกให้ไม่ได้เพราะเร็วเกินไป เพียงขณะจิตเดียวก็เป็นอดีตเสียแล้ว ขณะจิตที่กระทบอารมณ์นั้นบอกอะไรไม่ได้ จนกว่าเป็นขณะจิตที่เสวยอารมณ์เสร็จแล้ว เพราะฉะนั้น สิ่งนั้นก็เป็นอดีตไปแล้ว ดังนี้ เป็นต้น
ท่านลองเปรียบเทียบดูว่า คนไหนโง่หรือคนไหนฉลาดกว่ากัน
คนที่เห็นเวลาเป็นอย่างนี้อย่างนั้น เป็นอดีต เป็นอนาคต เป็นปัจจุบัน จนปัญหาเกิดขึ้นนั้น ก็ต้องมีความทุกข์เป็นธรรมดา ส่วนพระอรหันต์นั้น ฉลาดจนไม่มีอดีต อนาคต ปัจจุบัน อย่างที่พระพุทธเจ้าตรัสว่า “ไม่ถือเอาไว้ที่ส่วนสุดทั้งสอง และทั้งไม่ถือเอาไว้ที่ตรงกลาง” นั่นคือ “ความไม่ยึดถือ” เป็นบุคคลผู้หลุดพ้นแล้ว ไม่ยึดถือส่วนทั้งสอง คืออดีตกับอนาคต ส่วนข้างต้นเรียกว่า"อดีต" ส่วนข้างปลายเรียกว่า"อนาคต" นี้ก็ไม่ยึดถือ แล้วก็ไม่ยึดถือแม้กระทั่งส่วนตรงกลาง คือ "ปัจจุบัน" อย่างนี้เรียกว่า "ไม่มีการยึดถืออะไร" และเป็นพระอรหันต์เพราะรู้จักเวลาอย่างถูกต้องเช่นนี้
แต่คนธรรมดาสามัญทำอย่างนี้ไม่ได้ ทำไม่เป็น ดังนั้น จึงต้องสอนกันอีกอย่างหนึ่ง อีกแนวหนึ่ง คือ ให้รู้จักจัดการเกี่ยวกับเวลา ว่า..อย่างไรเป็นอดีต อย่างไรเป็นอนาคต อย่างไรเป็นปัจจุบัน แล้วก็ให้จัดการกับปัจจุบันให้ถูกต้อง อย่าไปมัวห่วงเรื่องอดีต อนาคต ให้ฟุ้งซ่าน แต่ให้สนใจกับปัจจุบัน คือสิ่งที่จะต้องทำเฉพาะหน้า ที่นี่ เดี๋ยวนี้ ในวันนี้ ให้ถูกต้อง อย่างนี้คนธรรมดาก็บรรเทาความทุกข์ไปได้มาก
แต่ถ้าคนธรรมดาสามัญนั้น มองเห็นปัจจุบันที่ลึก(ซึ้ง)ขึ้นไปอีก จนกระทั่ง(ปัจจุบัน)ไม่มีแล้ว #คนธรรมดาสามัญนั้นก็กลายเป็นพระอริยเจ้าไปด้วยเหตุนี้.
พุทธทาสภิกขุ ๑ มกราคม ๒๕๑๐ ธรรมบรรยายเรื่อง “เรามากินเวลากันเถิด” จากหนังสือ “ภาษาคน-ภาษาธรรม”
“กาโล ฆสติ ภูตานิ สพฺพาเนว สหตฺตนา โย กาลฆโส ภูโต ส ภูตปจนึ ปจิ
กาลเวลา ย่อมกลืนกินสรรพสัตว์ พร้อมทั้งตัวของมันเอง ผู้ใดกินกาล ผู้นั้นชื่อว่าเผาสิ่งที่เผาสัตว์ กาลเวลาทำให้อายุ ผิวพรรณ ของสัตว์ทั้งหลายสิ้นไปเสื่อมไป ตัวมันเองก็ล่วงไปด้วย พระอรหันต์ ชื่อว่า ผู้กินกาล เพราะไม่มีปฏิสนธิกาลในอนาคต เป็นผู้ทำลาย หรือคายโอกาสในการเกิดใหม่ สิ่งที่เผาสัตว์ คือกิเลส มีราคะ เป็นต้น อันพระขีณาสพเผาเสียแล้ว”
ปปัญจสูทนี อรรถกถา มัชฌิมนิกาย มูลปริยายสูตร
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@ efc2b6e5:99c53c19
2025-06-10 09:12:13
AI companies massively influence society by projecting their values on ML models, whether we want it or not. It'd be great if at least some people in the companies knew how exactly they influence society, could make certain predictions, or even make ML models themselves predict users' worldviews and some of their behavior.
Some might argue that AI systems already do something like that. I believe they could do it much better: chatbots could be more balanced in terms of security (they are definitely overcensored) and recommender systems, for instance, could contribute to healthy personal and collective transformations (rather than just competing in ability to steal users' attention and trap it in the echo chambers).
Reductionism is an obstacle in AI development
Even most reliable knowledge doesn't solve some of the problems that are already in demand. Even least reliable knowledge still may contain something useful for our problems. While we lack reliable and noncontradictory knowledge, we can still benefit from certain synthesis of working ideas. There's approach that makes it possible to look at the knowledge from a very broad perspective, do such synthesis, and benefit from emergent properties of the synthesis.
Integral (Meta-)Theory created by Ken Wilber is probably the best known attempt to enable the possibility to form and navigate the big picture understanding in a hope to address issues of the epoch we've recently entered.
IMO it has certain challenges that make it repellent to IT:
- Fundamental psychological theories on which the Integral Theory is based are still pretty fragile; they need time to become mature enough and recognized (while it doesn't look like we have that time). There are endless edit wars on Wikipedia, which makes me feel depressing about possibilities to even introduce Spiral Dynamics and Multiple Intelligences to IT people.
- Emphasis on controversial interpretations of certain arational states of consciousness.
It's hard to address the first challenge; however, I recently discovered a new “secularized” Non-Reductionist Philosophy launched by David Long, which, among other things, uses wisdom from Integral Theory and attempts to address the second challenge. I'm glad that there are people who don't just criticize the Integral Theory, its community and Wilber's positions but are also developing the new meta-theories.
NR can also be a good way to get familiar with other meta-theories, so one could choose whatever works the best for their problems. For instance, if you're working on something as exotic as some competitor to EEG-powered meditation device, perhaps you will find Integral Theory relevant to study as well, since it's more focused on the states.
I'd like to point out a couple of moments I noticed in the video "Why Non-Reductionism Is A Better Meta-Theory" that caught my attention, as well as in some other older videos. There's not much to comment on the content itself rather than on the form of the content. This feedback might be used for improvements/elaborations in the next videos and just for everyone curious about the new meta-theory. But first
Why do I post here?
Specifically for the deep topics that relate to the current epoch, I no longer find engaging in the YouTube/FB/Reddit/Diqus/Giscus/etc. discussions useful anymore, at least due to broken and almost omnipresent AI-based censorship, that keeps “improving” at randomly shadow-banning people. How many deep and valuable opinions we no longer see?
BTW, it's possible to create Reddit-like communities here at Nostr as well, using Satellite client for example. I believe it's a better place for NR, Rebel Wisdom and many others.
References to full materials used for criticism
There are curious clips with Wilber in the video. It'd be great to have links in the description (or at least titles of the full videos if it's copyrighted material) so viewers could easier form their own independent opinions. I find it important during the age of information overload and narrative warfare. This will also improve SEO.
Emergentism FAQ
There's a strong position on emergence of consciousness; it seems it's not even a hypothesis in NR and I guess that makes some people so reactive.
I think it would be great to have an FAQ page to possibly make future debates more ecological and fruitful. Some of the things that could be elaborated in the FAQ:
- importance of distinction between philosophical theory (inductive reasoning? or actually deductive reasoning? I'm confused here) and scientific theory (deductive reasoning)
- the fact that for now counterarguments usually fall into the categories of “ignorance fallacy”, “false equivalency fallacy” and “God of the gaps” which aren't something sufficient; the whole point of challenge was to find at least a logically valid counterposition (ideally a counterposition that is sound with currently available scientific facts), not the nitpicking attacks
- what kind of emergence is meant, is it important here at all and why.
Debates moderation
Probably most of the debates converge to consensus, which are fruitful anyway. There are a few interesting conflicting debates as well. However, I found this specific conflicting debate with Matt Segall quite exceptional.
Matt's position was not understood. He was more interested in a dialogue rather than debates and I think it would be more productive. However, in this specific case, my guess is it would literally take hours to just figure out the common language on a certain concept he mentions.
My humble guess is that a combination of negotiator and moderator with a strong perceiving personality type (if typologies work at all) could be a step to more meaningful and ecological dialogues in the future. But such negotiator/moderator should also be skilled enough to reflect most challenging parts using more “rational language” as best as possible. These people are rare. Basically I mean the style of dialogues that happened between theoretical physicist David Bohm and Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti: IMO these were the talks where both sides at some point were barely transcending limitations of their languages and focusing more on intuition in order to understand each other. Much fuzzier and spontaneous dialogues, which aren't prematurely limited by too harsh rationality. Similar thing (with shorter periods of negotiation) could be combined with debating as well.
I hope NR community will be open to understanding more perspectives and won't end up turning into something like a cold and scary crystallization of rational arrogance; that would be damaging and quite opposite to the healthy intentions of the whole project.
Final thoughts
I like the clarity and density of the presented ideas in the video, the choice of lines of development in the map and the alternative to the Integral Methodological Pluralism. I like the mentioned interpretation of “free” will, very much resonates with how I personally interpret it. Tritone-ish devilish sounds in the cons sections is a nice aesthetic choice as well.
I guess there's a lot to learn from NR, no matter what positions we hold on the “rational spirituality” and that sort of stuff. Just to avoid projections and misunderstandings: I'm at a neutral position to all of the NR, Integral and Metamodernism; what any of these philosophies claim to be somehow naive and unhealthy doesn't necessarily match my own positions.
Thank you David Long for launching this philosophy and the movement; I'm looking forward to the next videos!
I'd appreciate reposts and all this as well, thanks!
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@ 8668cb57:42a19859
2025-06-10 17:38:45
Are Islands Choosing for Wealth Or Poverty in the 21st Century?
You have 57 official islands according to the United Nations. But there are thousands of islands in the world. What does Bitcoin and Lighting mean for them? Can it help them escape poverty and become wealthy?
Wealth
First of all: Wealth: what does it mean to be wealthy as an island? It is not only about the number of fiat currency you have in your pockets. Not about the digits you have on your bank account. And not only about the number of sats or Bitcoins you have in your self custodian wallet.\ Wealth means:
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You are healthy
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Your mind is free
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Your body is in shape
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Your relationships are bringing you join
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You are using your talents and your gifts to the max
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And you have options, you can do what you want with your time.
Healthy Islands
So for an island, let's take Curacao as an example, of 160.000 people, it means that there is a potential for everybody to reach that status, that next level in their lives called #wealth.
That is the "dream" goal I'm chasing with my Island Wealth show. Away from poverty. Into more possibilities. Using your skills in this dynamic world.\ \ Current state of Island Wealth
If we take the Caribbean as an example, here you see the official list of islands in the Caribbean: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Caribbean_islands>
There are some indicators to check how wealthy - in terms of income - these Caribbean islands are.\ \ GDP per Capita: this is the total income of the island per year divided by the population. You will get an average that you can compare with your own country. If you take this globally, Luxembourg is the wealthiest country in the world.\ \ Gini Coefficient: this gives you a curve and a value that shows you how the distribution of wealth is on an island.
Net worth: If you go on an individual level, a family level, a business level you can take the assets minus the liabilities and calculate the difference as Net worth. You can also take this figure and compare it to the net worth of individuals in the world.
Bitcoin
Now lets introduce Bitcoin for these islands. How can #Bitcoin help these islands become wealthier?\ \ Problems of Islands
One of the most important problems the islands have is that they are very dependent on #tourism. Yes, I have been studying the economies of islands for a long time. I've been advising small island's governments in the Caribbean, private investors, high earning professionals on how they can build their wealth. And I always hear: we need to diversify more. What does that mean?\ \ All their sales and revenues are coming from one single sector: tourism. And they don't like that. Imagine an island: 500.000 tourists per year coming from USA and Canada. And every day cruise ships at their mega cruise piers with a total of 1 million cruise tourists per year. The tourists stay for 7 days and the cruise tourists stay for 1 day.\ \ That is the typical Caribbean island at its peak. If anything happens to that flow of cruise and stayover tourists ->Poverty. If there is a hurricane ->Poverty. If there are no flights -> Poverty. If there is political unrest and the tourists cannot come ->Poverty. So wealth is very concentrated when you are living on an island.\ \ Bitcoin and Lightning
While most Island's policy makers, citizens, even sometimes high paid individuals do not see Bitcoin, I see a 2 trillion decentralized global economy. If you are fully dependent on tourism, and you want to diversify away from tourism, lets consider Bitcoin and Lightning.\ \ Small businesses
Lets imagine your small businesses that operate online, like a consultant, online trainer/coach, or anybody selling snacks. Now working in the informal sector and not paying any taxes to your small island's government. They all can instantly:
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Download a #Blink or #Aqua wallet and start receiving #SATS
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Get a Wordpress or Shopify website, and start receiving SATS from all over the world, instantly.
Think about that for a moment and let it sink in. A two trillion USD economy globally. 21 million Bitcoins max ever. And everybody can participate right now. Without having to install servers, host software. I would seriously consider this new decentralize payment and savings technology.
How can you diversify away from tourism with Bitcoin and Lighting?
Any business can accept Bitcoin. Imagine you do not have a bank account and you are working in the informal sector. As a gardener, as a technician, electrician. A pool boy, a musician. You now have a wallet to accept hard money instantly.\ \ Agriculture
You could be paying for seeds to plan. With your lightning wallet online.\ \ Retail
You could be accepting Lighting payments if you are a store that sells glasses, food, snacks, clothing, hand crafted products, paintings.
Construction
You could be importing material from the #BRICS+ nations, China as first one, Brazil (close to the Caribbean) and paying with lightning.\ \ Financial Services (local and international)
You could be helping foreign and local other businesses with their online books, they annual reports, their administration, helping them relocate to the Caribbean, and receiving payments with Lighting.\ \ I can go on and on\ \ Decentralized Peer to Peer software development\ I have written about this on previous posts. You could be building peer to peer software based on new software stacks like pear runtime, holepunch technology, nostr. So if you are a local software developer and you know javascript, html and css you now can be paid with Lighting and deliver your knowledge and services to the world. I'm also exploring this myself.\ \ AI and Data Science\ If you are a Data Scientist and you know how to automate stuff with #Python, you know how to use #AI, like me, you could be creating online software and experiences to create Digital Assets that work 24*7*365 days: https://bit.ly/python-ai-automation.
There are endless possibilities to tap into this global decentralized economy
And guess what: we are so early. There is less than 1% of the people of the world who has used Bitcoin and Lighting.\ \ Let's go islands\ So lets do it. Lets go islands. You see that diamond above? It just to start your imagination. You see that man with the open mouth above?That is just to show you how amazed and surprised I'm with the potential of decentralization, self custody and the potential to be self sovereign.\ \ Let me know your thoughts\ This article is only on Nostr and Keet and decentralized platform. I'm moving my attention more and more to decentralization. So I want to hear your thoughts. Let me know if you have any comments, questions or ideas how to create more wealth.\ \ And stay tuned to my episodes where I will host the Island Wealth Show #IslandWealth.\ \ Runy\ Host Island Wealth
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@ 472f440f:5669301e
2025-05-20 02:00:54
Marty's Bent
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0Sj1sG05VQ
Here's a great presentation from our good friend nostr:nprofile1qyx8wumn8ghj7cnjvghxjmcpp4mhxue69uhkummn9ekx7mqqyz2hj3zg2g3pqwxuhg69zgjhke4pcmjmmdpnndnefqndgqjt8exwj6ee8v7 , President of The Nakamoto Institute titled Hodl for Good. He gave it earlier this year at the BitBlockBoom Conference, and I think it's something everyone reading this should take 25 minutes to watch. Especially if you find yourself wondering whether or not it's a good idea to spend bitcoin at any given point in time. Michael gives an incredible Austrian Economics 101 lesson on the importance of lowering one's time preference and fully understanding the importance of hodling bitcoin. For the uninitiated, it may seem that the hodl meme is nothing more than a call to hoard bitcoins in hopes of getting rich eventually. However, as Michael points out, there's layers to the hodl meme and the good that hodling can bring individuals and the economy overall.
The first thing one needs to do to better understand the hodl meme is to completely flip the framing that is typically thrust on bitcoiners who encourage others to hodl. Instead of ceding that hodling is a greedy or selfish action, remind people that hodling, or better known as saving, is the foundation of capital formation, from which all productive and efficient economic activity stems. Number go up technology is great and it really matters. It matters because it enables anybody leveraging that technology to accumulate capital that can then be allocated toward productive endeavors that bring value to the individual who creates them and the individual who buys them.
When one internalizes this, it enables them to turn to personal praxis and focus on minimizing present consumption while thinking of ways to maximize long-term value creation. Live below your means, stack sats, and use the time that you're buying to think about things that you want in the future. By lowering your time preference and saving in a harder money you will have the luxury of demanding higher quality goods in the future. Another way of saying this is that you will be able to reshape production by voting with your sats. Initially when you hold them off the market by saving them - signaling that the market doesn't have goods worthy of your sats - and ultimately by redeploying them into the market when you find higher quality goods that meet the standards desire.
The first part of this equation is extremely important because it sends a signal to producers that they need to increase the quality of their work. As more and more individuals decide to use bitcoin as their savings technology, the signal gets stronger. And over many cycles we should begin to see low quality cheap goods exit the market in favor of higher quality goods that provide more value and lasts longer and, therefore, make it easier for an individual to depart with their hard-earned and hard-saved sats. This is only but one aspect that Michael tries to imbue throughout his presentation.
The other is the ability to buy yourself leisure time when you lower your time preference and save more than you spend. When your savings hit a critical tipping point that gives you the luxury to sit back and experience true leisure, which Michael explains is not idleness, but the contemplative space to study, create art, refine taste, and to find what "better goods" actually are. Those who can experience true leisure while reaping the benefits of saving in a hard asset that is increasing in purchasing power significantly over the long term are those who build truly great things. Things that outlast those who build them. Great art, great monuments, great institutions were all built by men who were afforded the time to experience leisure. Partly because they were leveraging hard money as their savings and the place they stored the profits reaped from their entrepreneurial endeavors.
If you squint and look into the future a couple of decades, it isn't hard to see a reality like this manifesting. As more people begin to save in Bitcoin, the forces of supply and demand will continue to come into play. There will only ever be 21 million bitcoin, there are around 8 billion people on this planet, and as more of those 8 billion individuals decide that bitcoin is the best savings vehicle, the price of bitcoin will rise.
When the price of bitcoin rises, it makes all other goods cheaper in bitcoin terms and, again, expands the entrepreneurial opportunity. The best part about this feedback loop is that even non-holders of bitcoin benefit through higher real wages and faster tech diffusion. The individuals and business owners who decide to hodl bitcoin will bring these benefits to the world whether you decide to use bitcoin or not.
This is why it is virtuous to hodl bitcoin. The potential for good things to manifest throughout the world increase when more individuals decide to hodl bitcoin. And as Michael very eloquently points out, this does not mean that people will not spend their bitcoin. It simply means that they have standards for the things that they will spend their bitcoin on. And those standards are higher than most who are fully engrossed in the high velocity trash economy have today.
In my opinion, one of those higher causes worthy of a sats donation is nostr:nprofile1qyfhwumn8ghj7enjv4jhyetvv9uju7re0gq3uamnwvaz7tmfdemxjmrvv9nk2tt0w468v6tvd3skwefwvdhk6qpqwzc9lz2f40azl98shkjewx3pywg5e5alwqxg09ew2mdyeey0c2rqcfecft . Consider donating so they can preserve and disseminate vital information about bitcoin and its foundations.
The Shell Game: How Health Narratives May Distract from Vaccine Risks
In our recent podcast, Dr. Jack Kruse presented a concerning theory about public health messaging. He argues that figures like Casey and Callie Means are promoting food and exercise narratives as a deliberate distraction from urgent vaccine issues. While no one disputes healthy eating matters, Dr. Kruse insists that focusing on "Froot Loops and Red Dye" diverts attention from what he sees as immediate dangers of mRNA vaccines, particularly for children.
"It's gonna take you 50 years to die from processed food. But the messenger jab can drop you like Damar Hamlin." - Dr Jack Kruse
Dr. Kruse emphasized that approximately 25,000 children per month are still receiving COVID vaccines despite concerns, with 3 million doses administered since Trump's election. This "shell game," as he describes it, allows vaccines to remain on childhood schedules while public attention fixates on less immediate health threats. As host, I believe this pattern deserves our heightened scrutiny given the potential stakes for our children's wellbeing.
Check out the full podcast here for more on Big Pharma's alleged bioweapons program, the "Time Bank Account" concept, and how Bitcoin principles apply to health sovereignty.
Headlines of the Day
Aussie Judge: Bitcoin is Money, Possibly CGT-Exempt - via X
JPMorgan to Let Clients Buy Bitcoin Without Direct Custody - via X
Get our new STACK SATS hat - via tftcmerch.io
Mubadala Acquires 384,239 sats | $408.50M Stake in BlackRock Bitcoin ETF - via X
Take the First Step Off the Exchange
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Use the promo code “TFTC20” during checkout for 20% off
Ten31, the largest bitcoin-focused investor, has deployed 158,469 sats | $150.00M across 30+ companies through three funds. I am a Managing Partner at Ten31 and am very proud of the work we are doing. Learn more at ten31.vc/invest.
Final thought...
I've been walking from my house around Town Lake in Austin in the mornings and taking calls on the walk. Big fan of a walking call.
Get this newsletter sent to your inbox daily: https://www.tftc.io/bitcoin-brief/
Subscribe to our YouTube channels and follow us on Nostr and X:
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@ b1ddb4d7:471244e7
2025-06-09 17:02:03
Jason Lowery’s thesis, Softwar: A Novel Theory on Power Projection and the National Strategic Significance of Bitcoin, reframes bitcoin not merely as digital cash but as a transformative security technology with profound implications for investors and nation-states alike.
For centuries, craft brewers understood that true innovation balanced tradition with experimentation—a delicate dance between established techniques and bold new flavors.
Much like the craft beer revolution reshaped a global industry, bitcoin represents a fundamental recalibration of how humans organize value and project power in the digital age.
The Antler in the Digital Forest: Power Projection
Lowery, a U.S. Space Force officer and MIT scholar, anchors his Softwar theory in a biological metaphor: Bitcoin as humanity’s “digital antler.” In nature, antlers allow animals like deer to compete for resources through non-lethal contests—sparring matches where power is demonstrated without fatal consequences. This contrasts sharply with wolves, who must resort to violent, potentially deadly fights to establish hierarchy.
The Human Power Dilemma: Historically, humans projected power and settled resource disputes through physical force—wars, seizures, or coercive control of assets. Even modern financial systems rely on abstract power structures: court orders, bank freezes, or government sanctions enforced by legal threat rather than immediate physical reality.
Lowery argues this creates inherent fragility: abstract systems can collapse when met with superior physical force (e.g., invasions, revolutions). Nature only respects physical power.
Bitcoin’s Physical Power Engine: Bitcoin introduces a novel solution through its proof-of-work consensus mechanism. Miners compete to solve computationally intense cryptographic puzzles, expending real-world energy (megawatts) to validate transactions and secure the network.
This process converts electricity—a tangible, physical resource—into digital security and immutable property rights. Winning a “block” is like winning a sparring match: it consumes significant resources (energy/cost) but is non-destructive.
The miner gains the right to write the next page of the ledger and collect rewards, but no participant is physically harmed, and no external infrastructure is destroyed.
Table: Traditional vs. Bitcoin-Based Power Systems
Power System
Mechanism
Key Vulnerability
Resource Cost
Traditional (Fiat/Banking)
Legal abstraction, threat of state force
Centralized points of failure, corruption, political change
Low immediate cost, high systemic risk
Military/Economic Coercion
Physical force, sanctions
Escalation, collateral damage, moral hazard
Very high (lives, capital, instability)
Bitcoin (Proof-of-Work)
Competition via energy expenditure
High energy cost, concentration risk (mining)
High energy cost, low systemic risk
Softwar Theory National Strategic Imperative: Governments Are Taking Notice
Lowery’s Softwar Theory has moved beyond academia into the corridors of power, shaping U.S. national strategy:
- The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve: Vice President JD Vance recently framed bitcoin as an instrument projecting American values—”innovation, entrepreneurship, freedom, and lack of censorship”. State legislation is now underway to implement this reserve, preventing easy reversal by future administrations.
- Regulatory Transformation: The SEC is shifting from an “enforcement-first” stance under previous leadership. New initiatives include:
- Repealing Staff Accounting Bulletin 121 (SAB 121), which discouraged banks from custodying digital currency by forcing unfavorable balance sheet treatment.
- Creating the Cyber and Emerging Technologies Unit (CETU) to develop clearer crypto registration/disclosure rules.
The Investor’s Lens: Scarcity, Security, and Asymmetric Opportunity
For investors, understanding “Softwar” validates bitcoin’s unique value proposition beyond price speculation:
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Digital Scarcity as Strategic Depth: Bitcoin’s fixed supply of 21 million makes it the only digital asset with truly inelastic supply, a programmed scarcity immune to political whims or central bank printing.
This “scarcity imperative” acts as a natural antidote to global fiat debasement. As central banks expanded money supplies aggressively (Global M2), bitcoin’s price has shown strong correlation, acting as a pressure valve for inflation concerns. The quadrennial “halving” (latest: April 2024) mechanically reduces new supply, creating built-in supply shocks as adoption grows. * The Antifragile Security Feedback Loop: Bitcoin’s security isn’t static; it’s antifragile. The network strengthens through demand: * More users → More transactions → Higher fees → More miner revenue → More hashpower (computational security) → Greater network resilience → More user confidence.
This self-reinforcing cycle contrasts sharply with traditional systems, where security is a cost center (e.g., bank security budgets, military spending). Bitcoin turns security into a profitable, market-driven activity. * Institutionalization Without Centralization: While institutional ownership via ETFs (like BlackRock’s IBIT) and corporate treasuries (MicroStrategy, Metaplanet) has surged, supply remains highly decentralized.Individuals still hold the largest share of bitcoin, preventing a dangerous concentration of control. Spot Bitcoin ETFs alone are projected to see over $20 billion in net inflows in 2025, demonstrating robust institutional capital allocation.
The Bitcoin Community: Building the Digital Antler’s Resilience
Lowery’s “Softwar” theory underscores why bitcoin’s decentralized architecture is non-negotiable. Its strength lies in the alignment of incentives across three participant groups:
- Miners: Provide computational power (hashrate), validating transactions and securing the network. Incentivized by block rewards (newly minted BTC) and transaction fees. Their physical energy expenditure is the “muscle” behind the digital antler.
- Nodes: Independently verify and enforce the protocol rules, maintaining the blockchain’s integrity. Run by users, businesses, and enthusiasts globally. They ensure decentralized consensus, preventing unilateral protocol changes.
- Users: Individuals, institutions, and corporations holding, transacting, or building on bitcoin. Their demand drives transaction fees and fuels the security feedback loop.
This structure creates “Mutually Assured Preservation”. Attacking bitcoin requires overwhelming its global, distributed physical infrastructure (miners/nodes), a feat far more complex and costly than seizing a central bank’s gold vault or freezing a bank’s assets. It transforms financial security from a centralized liability into a decentralized, physically-grounded asset.
Risks & Responsibilities
Investors and policymakers must acknowledge persistent challenges:
- Volatility: Bitcoin remains volatile, though this has decreased as markets mature. Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) is widely recommended to mitigate timing risk.
- Regulatory Uncertainty: While U.S. policy is increasingly favorable, global coordination is lacking. The EU’s MiCAR regulation exemplifies divergent approaches.
- Security & Custody: While Bitcoin’s protocol is robust, user errors (lost keys) or exchange hacks remain risks.
- Environmental Debate: Proof-of-Work energy use is scrutinized, though mining increasingly uses stranded energy/renewables. Innovations continue.
Jason Lowery’s “Softwar” theory elevates bitcoin from a financial instrument to a socio-technological innovation on par with the invention of the corporation, the rule of law, or even the antler in evolutionary biology. It provides a coherent framework for understanding why:
- Nations like the U.S. are looking to establish bitcoin reserves and embracing stablecoins—they recognize bitcoin’s role in projecting economic power non-violently in the digital age.
- Institutional Investors are allocating billions via ETFs—they see a scarce, secure, uncorrelated asset with antifragile properties.
- Individuals in hyperinflationary economies or under authoritarian regimes use bitcoin—it offers self-sovereign wealth storage immune to seizure or debasement.
For the investor, bitcoin represents more than potential price appreciation. It offers exposure to a fundamental reorganization of how power and value are secured and exchanged globally, grounded not in abstract promises, but in the unyielding laws of physics and mathematics.
Like the brewers who balanced tradition with innovation to create something enduring and valuable, bitcoin pioneers are building the infrastructure for a more resilient digital future—one computationally secured block at a time. The “Softwar” is here, and it is reshaping the landscape of p
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@ 3a851978:ff85e003
2025-06-10 17:17:40
This document is designed to test Markdown rendering with LaTeX math support. Below you'll find examples of Markdown formatting combined with inline and block mathematical notation.
1. Inline Math
Here is an inline formula using single dollar signs:
- Euler's identity: $e^{i\pi} + 1 = 0$
- Quadratic formula: $x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}$
- Pythagoras theorem: $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$
2. Block Math
Now let's test block-level LaTeX using double dollar signs:
$$ \int_{-\infty}^{\infty} e^{-x^2} \, dx = \sqrt{\pi} $$
Another block formula:
$$ f(x) = \sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{f^{(n)}(0)}{n!}x^n $$
3. Lists and Math
- Integral: $\int_0^1 x^2 , dx = \frac{1}{3}$
- Derivative: $\frac{d}{dx} \sin(x) = \cos(x)$
- Matrix:
$$ \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 2 \ 3 & 4 \end{pmatrix} $$
With inline math in code:
$E = mc^2$(should not render as math here).5. Tables
| Formula Name | Expression | | ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ | | Euler's Identity | $e^{i\pi} + 1 = 0$ | | Taylor Series | $\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{x^n}{n!}$ | | Binomial Theorem | $(a + b)^n = \sum_{k=0}^n \binom{n}{k} a^{n-k} b^k$ |
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@ 6a6be47b:3e74e3e1
2025-06-10 17:10:58
Hi frens! 🎧
🎶 I just can’t stop listening to the new Deafheaven album, Lonely People with Power. I’ve been hesitant to write about it because I’m no music expert—I’m just a fan, and my appreciation is mostly pure excitement and awe.
So, honestly, my opinion is very biased because I love this band so much. Their newest album has completely taken over my playlists since its release. I’m hooked.
Their last album was a dreamy blend of shoegaze and black metal with those signature “goblin core” screams (forgive my genre-mixing, I just go with what I feel!), and I loved it. Songs like “Neptune Raining Diamonds” flowing into “Lament for Wasps” felt like being transported to another dimension—chef’s kiss.
👀If you know Deafheaven, maybe you first heard them through their cult classic Sunbather, or maybe New Bermuda, or something else entirely.
🧛♂️ If you’re used to their darker sound, maybe the last album wasn’t your thing. But this one—oh wow. From the instrumental opening track, I was in for a ride. The music is a mix of pain, loneliness, despair, and sadness, all wrapped in ethereal sounds and bursts of fury.
It’s hard to describe, but the lyrics—while dark—feel universal. There’s a sense of being observed, feeling helpless, but also a glimmer of hope, a sense that something new might begin. That’s exactly how this album left me feeling.
🎵 If you haven’t given this album a chance yet, I really hope you do! And if you have, what was your favorite part? For me, it’s those smooth transitions between songs—going from “Incidental II” to “Revelator,” and then topping it off with “Body Behaviour.” Mind blown.
Well, those are my two sats! Enjoy your week and take care, frens.
Godspeed! 🚀
https://stacker.news/items/1002715
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@ eb0157af:77ab6c55
2025-06-10 17:02:27
Circle’s IPO triggers a Tether value estimate, which would bring the co-founder’s wealth to approximately $242 billion.
The listing of Circle on the NYSE represented for the first time a public valuation metric for the entire dollar-pegged stablecoin sector. Applying the financial multiples that emerged from Circle’s IPO to Tether’s balance sheets, one can hypothesize a potential valuation of $515 billion for the USDT issuing company. A figure that, if confirmed by a future listing or acquisition, would transform Giancarlo Devasini, co-founder and Chairman of Tether with 47% of the shares according to Forbes, into one of the richest men on the planet.
The numbers
Circle completed its NYSE listing on June 5 through a SPAC, with a valuation of approximately $8 billion. With declared net profits of approximately $250 million in 2023, the price-earnings (P/E) ratio stands at around 36.
Tether recorded estimated profits of $12 billion in 2024. Applying the same multiple as Circle, the theoretical valuation reaches $480 billion. To this base figure, some analysts have observed the absence of assets held by Tether: $120 billion in US Treasuries, over $10 billion in bitcoin, physical gold reserves and stakes in private technology companies.
Analyst Jon Ma, CEO of Artemis, calculated a comprehensive valuation of $515 billion. Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, commented on the estimate on X calling it “a beautiful number” and “maybe a bit bearish considering our current (and increasing) Bitcoin + Gold treasury”.
A $242 billion fortune
With 47% of Tether Holdings Ltd. shares, Devasini would see his theoretical net worth reach $242.05 billion. A figure that would place him in second place in the Forbes ranking of world billionaires, surpassing Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos ($215 billion), Larry Ellison ($192 billion) and Bernard Arnault ($178 billion).
Only Elon Musk, with $342 billion, would maintain first position. However, the $515 billion valuation for Tether remains theoretical and depends on a future listing or acquisition.
The post Theoretical $515 billion valuation for Tether: Chairman Devasini second richest man in the world? appeared first on Atlas21.
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@ a296b972:e5a7a2e8
2025-06-07 16:39:43
Nur für‘s Protokoll. Hiermit erkläre ich, Georg Ohrweh, im tatsächlich vorhandenen vollen Besitz meiner geistigen Kräfte, dass Herr Lauterbach, gleich welche Position er in Zukunft noch bekleiden sollte, für mich nicht zuständig ist. Basta.
Ein Erguss dieses verhaltensoriginellen Über-alles-Bescheidwissers:
„Wir kommen jetzt in eine Phase hinein, wo der Ausnahmezustand die Normalität sein wird. Wir werden ab jetzt immer im Ausnahmezustand sein. Der Klimawandel wird zwangsläufig mehr Pandemien bringen.“
Wie kann es sein, dass solch eine Ausnahme-Gestalt, die schon rein äußerlich die Phantasie zu Vergleichen anregt, sich leider auch genauso verhält, wie die Gestalten, die in diesen Phantasien vorkommen, ungebremst auf der Panik-Klaviatur kakophonische Klänge erzeugen darf? Obwohl ein wenig Wahrheit ist auch enthalten: Wir sind tatsächlich immer im Ausnahmezustand, im Ausnahmezustand des fortgeschrittenen Wahnsinns.
Wie kann es sein, dass dieser Haaaarvardist seinen persönlich empfundenen Ausnahmezustand zum Allgemeingut erklären kann? Welche Verknüpfungs-Phantasien hat er sonst noch studiert? Er ist ja auch noch Vorsitzender im Raumfahrtausschuss. Was kommt als Nächstes? Eine Klima-Pandemie, verursacht durch außerirdische Viren, die die Temperaturen beeinflussen können? Im aktuellen Zeitgeist gibt es nichts, was nicht gedacht wird. Wem die besseren Absurditäten einfallen, der gewinnt. Man muss sich schon den gegebenen Denkstrukturen etwas anpassen, aber sich auch ein wenig Mühe geben.
Nach dem Wechsel der ehemaligen Außen-Dings zur UN (mit dem Ziel, aus den Vereinten Nationen die Feministischen Nationen zu gestalten) und des ehemaligen Wirtschafts-Dings in den Außenausschuss und als Gastdozent in Kalifornien (Thema: Wirtschaftsvernichtung unter Einbeziehung des gespannten Verhältnisses unter Geschwistern aufgrund ärmlicher Verhältnisse, am Beispiel des Märchens von Hänsel und Gretel) , jetzt auch noch der ehemalige Chef-Panikmacher zur WHO.
…und der Wahnsinn wurde hinausgetragen in die Welt, und es wurde dunkel, und es ward Nacht, und es wurde helle, und es ward Tag, der Wind blies oder auch nicht (was macht der Wind eigentlich, wenn er nicht weht?), und es ward Winter, und es wurde kälter, und es wurde wärmer, und es ward Sommer. Es regnete nicht mehr, die Wolken schwitzten. Und Putin verhinderte (wer auch sonst), dass das Eis in der Antarktis abnahm.
Wiederholte Bodentemperaturen in der Toskana von 50 Grad Celsius. Zu erwartende Wassertemperaturen während Ferragosto an der italienischen Adria von durchschnittlich 100 Grad Celsius. An Stellen mit wenig Strömung stiegen schon die ersten Kochblasen auf. Doch dann kam der durch Lachs gestählte, salzlose Super-Karl und rettete mit einem durch die WHO diktierten Klima-Logdown die gesamte Menschheit. Wer besser, als er konnte wissen, dass ein Klima-Logdown weitgehend nebenwirkungsfrei ist.
Was für ein Segen, dass Karl der Große, der uns so siegreich durch die Corona-Schlacht geführt hat, jetzt auch gegen das Klima in den Krieg zieht.
Wer kennt das nicht, Tage der Qual, in denen man zugeben muss: Ich hab‘ heute so schlimm Klima.
Viele Klimaexperten, die weltweit in der Qualitätspropaganda zitiert werden, zeichnen sich besonders dadurch aus, dass sie mit einer maximalen Abweichung von einem Grad Celsius ein Thermometer fehlerfrei ablesen können. Diese Ungenauigkeit wird der Erdverkochungsexperte sicher als erstes beheben.
In einer aufopfernden Studie während eines Urlaubs in 2023, in der um die damalige Zeit erstmals eisfreien Toskana, hat er den von ihm ausgetüftelten Klimaschutzplan ins Rheinische übersetzt. Titel: „Schützen Sie sisch, und, äh, andere!“ Weiter konnte er erforschen, dass die Bodentemperatur nicht immer mit der Temperatur des Erdkerns übereinstimmen muss.
Durch seine unermüdlichen Studien, können Hitzetote in Zukunft besser zugeordnet werden. Man weiß dann, ob jemand an hohen oder mit hohen Temperaturen gestorben ist. Der asymptomatische Klimawandel kann so in Zukunft viel besser bewertet werden. Man hat aus geringfügigen Fehlern gelernt und die Methoden erheblich verbessert.
Eine präzise Vorhersage der Jahreszeiten, vor allem die des Sommers, wird bald ebenfalls möglich sein. Es kann jetzt vor jahreszeitbedingten, teilweise sogar täglich schwankenden Temperaturveränderungen rechtzeitig gewarnt werden. Im Herbst können Heizempfehlungen für die ahnungslose Bevölkerung herausgegeben werden. Frieren war gestern, wissen wann es kalt wird, ist heute. Es wird an Farben geforscht, die noch roter sein sollen, als die, die jetzt in den Wetterkarten bei 21 Grad bereits verwendet werden.
Eine allgemeine Heizpflicht soll es europaweit zunächst nicht geben.
Weiter soll die Lichteinstrahlung der Sonne noch präziser bestimmt werden, damit den Europäern, in Ergänzung zur mitteleuropäischen Sommerzeit, jetzt auch noch genau mitgeteilt werden kann, wann es Tag und wann es Nacht ist.
Das Hinausschauen aus dem Fenster, zum Beispiel, ob es schon dunkel draußen ist, erübrigt sich. Die Tageszeit, in Ergänzung zur herkömmlichen Uhrzeit, wird demnächst automatisch mit dem Klima-Pass übermittelt werden. Zu Anfang natürlich erst einmal freiwillig.
Durch die persönliche ID können dann auch schnell und unkompliziert Sonderprämien überwiesen werden, sofern man sich klimakonform verhalten hat, damit man sich rechtzeitig vor Winterbeginn eine warme Jacke oder einen Mantel kaufen kann. Das Sparen von Bargeld auf eine bevorstehende größere Anschaffung von Winterkleidung wird somit überflüssig.
Ob es am Ende nun um Hitze oder Kälte geht, spielt eigentlich gar keine Rolle, denn wie wussten schon die Ahnen zu berichten: Was gut für die Kälte ist, ist auch gut für die Wärme.
Westliche Mächte unternehmen immer wieder Versuche, eskalierend auf den Ukraine-Konflikt einzuwirken, damit man atombetriebene Heizpilze aufstellen kann, an denen sich die Europäer im Winter auch im Freien wärmen können.
Wie praktisch, dass man nicht nur Gesundheit und Klima, sondern auch Klima und Krieg miteinander verbinden kann. Alles so, oder so ähnlich möglicherweise nachzulesen im genialen Hitzeschutzplan á la Lauterbach.
Besonders Deutschland braucht nicht nur lauterbachsche Hitzeschutzräume, nein es braucht atomsichere Hitzeschutzbunker, so schlägt man gleich zwei Fliegen mit einer Klappe.
Für die, die es sich leisten können, hier ein Vorschlag. Der K2000:
Für die weniger gut Betuchten reicht auch ein kühles Kellerloch, das man idealerweise im Februar beziehen und nicht vor November wieder verlassen sollte, so die Empfehlung auch von führenden Klima-Forschern, die es ja wissen müssen. Von Dezember bis Januar empfiehlt sich ein Besuch auf den Bahamas, besonders dann, wenn man eine leichte Erkältung verspürt.
Nur Verschwörungstheoretiker behaupten, dass die eigenartigen Anschlussverwendungen der Extrem-Kapazitäten, zu denen Lauterbach ohne Zweifel dazugehört, wie dicke rote Pfeile wirken, die auf Institutionen und Organisationen zeigen, um die man unter allen Umständen einen großen Bogen machen sollte, weil sie möglicherweise nichts Gutes im Schilde führen. Minimal sollen sie angeblich Unsinn verbreiten, maximal sollen sie gehörigen Schaden anrichten.
Man muss sich nur ein paar Gedanken machen, schon kann man feststellen, wie alles mit allem zusammenhängt.
“Dieser Beitrag wurde mit dem Pareto-Client geschrieben.”
* *
(Bild von pixabay)
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@ 91bea5cd:1df4451c
2025-06-10 14:52:18
Para um brasileiro, pode ser difícil entender como as estações do ano são capazes de influenciar o imaginário e a própria organização da sociedade.
Mas em países de clima temperado ou frio, onde primavera, verão, outono e inverno são mais demarcados, é contagiante a alegria com que o verão é celebrado, depois de meses de dias curtos, temperaturas frequentemente negativas e poucas possibilidades de interação social.
É por isso que desde os tempos mais antigos, as primeiras civilizações europeias já tinham festas específicas para celebrar tanto a chegada da primavera — a volta da vida desabrochando — quanto o solstício de verão — o ápice do sol, o dia mais longo do ano.
E, segundo pesquisadores, são esses dois tipos de celebração, depois abraçados pelo catolicismo, que explicam a origem das festas juninas, que no Brasil acabariam sendo reinventadas com um sotaque próprio.
"As origens são mesmo as antigas festas pagãs das antigas civilizações, ligadas aos ciclos da natureza, às estações do ano. Sociedades antigas realizavam grandes festividades, com durações longas, até de um mês, sobretudo nos períodos de plantio e de colheita", contextualiza o pesquisador de culturas populares Alberto Tsuyoshi Ikeda, professor da Universidade de São Paulo e consultor da cátedra Kaapora: da Diversidade Cultural e Étnica na Sociedade Brasileira, da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (#Unifesp).
"A primavera era bastante comemorada, como o reingresso da vida mais dinâmica, o rebrotar da natureza e das atividades depois do período do inverno, sempre de muita dificuldade, luta pela sobrevivência e recolhimento", comenta ele.
Se nessa época do ano o que se via era a explosão da natureza, a vida social espelhava isso. "Os grupos humanos realizavam grandes festividades dedicadas à própria natureza, muitas vezes rendendo homenagens aos antigos deuses relacionados à natureza, à vida animal, à vida vegetal de um modo geral. Eram festas comunitárias com muita alegria, muita alimentação e reunião de pessoas em grande número: foi o que deu origem às festas juninas que a gente conhece no Brasil e em outras partes do mundo."
Autora do livro Festas Juninas: Origens, Tradições e História, a socióloga Lucia Helena Vitalli Rangel, professora na Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUC-SP), explica que a origem das festas juninas está nos "rituais de fertilidade agrícola" de diversos povos — da Europa, do Oriente Médio e do norte da África.
Os [mitológicos] casais #férteis #Afrodite e Adonis, Tamuz e Izta, Isis e #Osíris eram homenageados nesses #rituais, pois representavam a reprodução humana, numa época de evocação da colheita", afirma.
"Eram rituais para que a colheita fosse farta e para abençoar o próximo período #agrícola. Era período de congraçamento, de partilha e estabelecimento de alianças entre as comunidades. Eram rituais de fartura e abundância em todos os sentidos, no âmbito alimentar e na relação entre as famílias: casamentos, batizados e compadrio."
"No hemisfério norte o solstício de verão era o auge do período ritual e do trabalho agrícola coroado pela colheita", acrescenta a socióloga.
Vale ressaltar o óbvio, para que não fique um certo estranhamento ao leitor menos atento: no hemisfério norte, origem de tais celebrações, as estações do ano são invertidas em relação ao hemisfério sul, onde está o Brasil.
Apropriação católica
Mas onde então entram os santos nessa história? Na festa junina contemporânea, estão presentes algumas das figuras mais populares do catolicismo — e isso acabou impregnado de tal forma na celebração que a religiosidade se misturou ao folclore e às tradições populares, transcendendo os ritos normatizados pela Igreja Católica.
O primeiro dos santos juninos é Antônio (? - 1231), frade franciscano de origem portuguesa que ficou conhecido pelo que fez na Itália no início do século 13. Com fama de milagreiro, foi canonizado pela Igreja onze meses depois de sua morte — trata-se de um recorde até hoje não superado na história do catolicismo.
No imaginário popular, Antônio se tornou o #bonachão santo das coisas perdidas, sobretudo nos países europeus, e o casamenteiro, principalmente em Portugal e no Brasil. #Simpatias, #promessas e orações específicas marcam a devoção a ele. E sua presença nos festejos juninos geralmente está ligada a essas tradições — a Igreja fixou o 13 de junho, data da morte dele, como dia consagrado ao santo.
Em 24 de junho, o catolicismo celebra o nascimento de João Batista (2 a.C - 28 d.C.). É o santo máximo das comemorações juninas — há versões que apontam que originalmente eram "festas joaninas" e não festas juninas; e, sobretudo no nordeste brasileiro, a Festa de São João é um evento de dimensões impressionantes.
Personagem de historicidade controversa, João Batista é apontado como primo de Jesus Cristo e aquele que o batizou.
Em seu livro O Ramo de Ouro, o antropólogo escocês James Frazer (1854-1941) diz que ocorreu um processo histórico "de acomodação", deslocando para a figura de São João Batista a comemoração do solstício de verão.
Por fim, o mês de junho ainda tem a data do martírio de São Pedro (? - 67 d.C) e São Paulo (5 d.C. - 67 d.C.), dois dos pioneiros do cristianismo. Pedro foi um dos 12 apóstolos de Jesus e acabou depois considerado o primeiro papa do catolicismo.
Paulo de Tarso, por sua vez, é reputado como um dos mais influentes teólogos da história. Parte significativa dos textos que compõem o Novo Testamento da Bíblia é atribuída à sua pena. É dele, portanto, a autoria de parcela considerável da ressignificação de Jesus Cristo após sua morte na cruz — em outras palavras, é possível dizer que Paulo é responsável pela transformação de Jesus em um mito.
Uma observação necessária: apesar de a Igreja celebrar em conjunto a memória do martírio de Pedro e de Paulo, por tradição este último nem sempre é associado aos festejos juninos.
À medida que o catolicismo foi se transformando em religião do status quo, sobretudo a partir da cristianização do Império Romano, no ano de 380 d.C., diversos rituais tratados como pagãos acabaram sendo abraçados e apropriados pela Igreja. "A Igreja Católica não pôde desmanchar essas práticas", reconhece Rangel.
Com os rituais de primavera e verão, não foi diferente. "Várias dessas festividades foram adaptadas", conclui Alberto Ikeda, da USP. "Aos poucos passaram a ser tratadas como festas em honra aos santos juninos."
"Mas é importante notar que mesmo dentro do ciclo cristão, esses santos estão ligados tematicamente com aquelas mesmas ideias, os mesmos princípios das festividades [dessa época do ano] das antigas civilizações", pontua o pesquisador.
Santo Antônio, por exemplo, é o casamenteiro — em uma leitura lato sensu, poderia ser encarado como o santo da família, da unidade familiar, da reprodução humana. "São João também está ligado, sobretudo nos interiores do Brasil, a essa questão dos relacionamentos afetivos. Tradicionalmente, faz-se muito casamento no Dia de São João", diz Ikeda.
"Ele também traz a característica da fartura [que remete aos períodos de plantio e de colheita, em oposição aos rigorosos invernos], dos alimentos, das bebidas, aquilo que chamamos na antropologia de repasto ritual ou repasto cerimonial", afirma o pesquisador.
De modo geral, na leitura proposta por ele, todos os santos juninos estão ligados aos ciclos da natureza — fogo, água, fertilidade, abundância. Está aí São Pedro e a ideia de que ele é quem controla o tempo. "Vejo uma relação entre eles e os antigos rituais, uma relação ainda presente.
Embora a gente não perceba mais, eles têm essa ligação com os elementos fundamentais da existência humana", comenta.
Nas festas populares essas forças da natureza se fazem representadas, muito além da mesa farta.
Os mastros juninos que são erguidos representam a potência dos troncos, das árvores que resistem ao inverno. A fogueira é a luz: ilumina, aquece, afugenta animais ferozes, assa os alimentos.
Na releitura contemporânea, portanto, as festas juninas "guardam as reminiscências das ancestrais aglomerações festivas", conforme frisa Ikeda.
Tradição brasileira
Paçoca, pamonha, pipoca, bolo de fubá, canjica, curau, pé de moleque, maçã do amor. Vinho quente e quentão. Brincadeiras de pular fogueira e dançar a quadrilha. Chapéu de palha, camisa xadrez, calça com remendos. Bombinhas e rojões, fogos de artifício. Bandeirinhas coloridas penduradas em varais de barbante.
No Brasil, as festas juninas foram reinventadas e se tornaram uma exaltação das raízes caipiras. E muito além da religiosidade, tornou-se tradição, folclore. Como se o ciclo se fechasse: o que nasceu como ritual gregário, de celebração social, e depois foi apropriado por uma religião dominante, acabou na cultura popular sendo devolvido ao sentido original — ou seja, a festa pela alegria de festejar.
Não à toa, a folclorista Laura Della Mônica registrou em seu livro Os Três Santos do Mês de Junho que "respeitar as festas e orações dedicadas a cada um dos três santos do mês de junho, segundo a tradição, é obrigação e dever de todos nós, pelo menos culturalmente". O "todos nós" é o brasileiro. Porque mesmo nascida no Velho Mundo, as festas juninas assumiram uma identidade própria em território nacional.
"A colonização da América colocou novamente a questão [da apropriação cultural] para os jesuítas e todos os religiosos que se instalaram no continente sul-americano", pontua a socióloga Rangel.
"No caso do Brasil, houve uma coincidência do calendário. No inverno seco, o solstício de inverno marca o período dos trabalhos agrícolas mais importantes. Do mesmo modo que, para os povos do hemisfério norte é o período de rituais de fertilidade, [a festa por aqui também vem] com as mesmas características, congrega as famílias na evocação da abundância."
As tradições regionais guardam suas especificidades, como era de se esperar em um país de dimensões continentais. "Sempre foram festas e rituais populares", salienta Rangel.
"No Brasil temos expressões regionais muito fortes: o São João nordestino, o Boi Bumbá da região norte, o Boi de Mamão no sul, Cavalhadas no centro-oeste e as festas do Divino Espírito Santo e muitas regiões, particularmente no estado de São Paulo."
A pesquisadora comenta que "conforme os padres vão chegando nas paróquias, começam a interferir nas comemorações". É quando vem o sincretismo: a festa popular também é festa católica, a quermesse organizada pela igreja também tem os rituais populares.
"Até hoje as paróquias, as igrejas, realizam festas juninas. Mesmo que as maiores festas estejam predominantemente tendo somente o caráter festivo, mais comercial, de exploração pelo ganho financeiro, as igrejas continuam fazendo comemorações aos santos juninos", pontua Ikeda.
"Embora muitas pessoas não católicas também participem das festas, embora predomine uma visão genérica que as festas juninas não guardam mais relação com a religiosidade, há ainda um relacionamento das igrejas com esses santos juninos."
Para ele, a evolução da festividade consiste no fato de que "toda aglomeração possibilita o incentivo ao comércio". "E a alimentação está neste centro, na busca mesmo do repasto cerimonial e festividades, danças e músicas que sempre estiveram ligados aos antigos rituais." Ikeda lembra que a as festas populares têm uma importância antropológica por serem "práticas gregárias que ciclicamente comemoram a própria constituição, a própria existência das comunidades enquanto coletividade, a reunião de grupos humanos que preservam uma história comum".
"No caso da feste junina, esse vestir-se de caipira, simbolicamente, é um instrumento de importância até emocional e psicológico para as pessoas se sentirem com a identidade ligada ao passado, aos pais e avós que praticavam aquilo, comemorando de forma parecida", analisa o pesquisador.
"Assim, a prática possibilita a guarda de uma continuidade ao longo do tempo."
Suspensão sanitária
Nunca é demais enfatizar: com a pandemia de covid-19 ainda fora de controle, seria uma péssima ideia realizar qualquer tipo de festa neste período — se quer comemorar, faça em casa somente com seu núcleo familiar. Então, 2021 será o segundo ano consecutivo em que o Brasil não terá, ao menos de modo ostensivo, a tradição das festividades com bandeirinhas coloridas. Doutora em História das Ciências da Saúde e autora do livro A Gripe Espanhola na Bahia, a historiadora Christiane Maria Cruz de Souza afirma que esse cancelamento não ocorreu nem na epidemia de 100 anos atrás.
Isto porque a gripe chegou ao Brasil bem depois dos festejos de 1918. E, no ano seguinte, a epidemia estava controlada. "A gripe espanhola não teve nenhuma interferência no São João. Os primeiros registros da doença apareceram em setembro de 1918 e a doença foi se extinguindo aos poucos. Em Salvador, ele não avançou para o ano de 1919. Houve alguns surtos, em lugares mais remotos, até 1920, mas sem caráter epidêmico."
É de se supor, inclusive, que as festividades de 1919 tenham sido ainda mais animadas. "Passada a epidemia de gripe espanhola, tudo o que as pessoas queriam eram esquecê-la", afirma Souza.
Em 20 de junho de 1919, entretanto, surgiram os primeiros registros indicando uma epidemia de varíola na capital da Bahia. "Começaram a aparecer um caso aqui, outro ali, mas ainda sem a força suficiente para poucos dias depois interditar os festejos de São João", nota a pesquisadora.
"As autoridades sanitárias demoraram muito para reconhecer que ocorria uma epidemia terrível de varíola. Autoridades públicas só costumam reconhecer a existência de uma epidemia quando se torna inevitável devido ao acúmulo de adoecimentos e mortes, quando o número de doentes e mortos ultrapassa a normalidade esperada para os casos da doença. Isso demora um tempo."
Rangel ressalta, inclusive, que até a primeira metade do século 20, as festas juninas eram muito menores, restritas a familiares e pequenos grupos comunitários. Muito menos do que os eventos de hoje em dia. "Eram festas de arraial, de quintais, de quermesses", diz. "Elas só se transformaram em grandes espetáculos na segunda metade do século 20, na esteira da espetacularização do carnaval."
Fonte: BBC News 18 Junho 2021
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@ 472f440f:5669301e
2025-05-16 00:18:45
Marty's Bent
It's been a pretty historic week for the United States as it pertains to geopolitical relations in the Middle East. President Trump and many members of his administration, including AI and Crypto Czar David Sacks and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, traveled across the Middle East making deals with countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Syria, and others. Many are speculating that Iran may be included in some behind the scenes deal as well. This trip to the Middle East makes sense considering the fact that China is also vying for favorable relationships with those countries. The Middle East is a power player in the world, and it seems pretty clear that Donald Trump is dead set on ensuring that they choose the United States over China as the world moves towards a more multi-polar reality.
Many are calling the events of this week the Riyadh Accords. There were many deals that were struck in relation to artificial intelligence, defense, energy and direct investments in the United States. A truly prolific power play and demonstration of deal-making ability of Donald Trump, if you ask me. Though I will admit some of the numbers that were thrown out by some of the countries were a bit egregious. We shall see how everything plays out in the coming years. It will be interesting to see how China reacts to this power move by the United States.
While all this was going on, there was something happening back in the United States that many people outside of fringe corners of FinTwit are not talking about, which is the fact that the 10-year and 30-year U.S. Treasury bond yields are back on the rise. Yesterday, they surpassed the levels of mid-April that caused a market panic and are hovering back around levels that have not been seen since right before Donald Trump's inauguration.
I imagine that there isn't as much of an uproar right now because I'm pretty confident the media freakouts we were experiencing in mid-April were driven by the fact that many large hedge funds found themselves off sides of large levered basis trades. I wouldn't be surprised if those funds have decreased their leverage in those trades and bond yields being back to mid-April levels is not affecting those funds as much as they were last month. But the point stands, the 10-year and 30-year yields are significantly elevated with the 30-year approaching 5%. Regardless of the deals that are currently being made in the Middle East, the Treasury has a big problem on its hands. It still has to roll over many trillions worth of debt over over the next few years and doing so at these rates is going to be massively detrimental to fiscal deficits over the next decade. The interest expense on the debt is set to explode in the coming years.
On that note, data from the first quarter of 2025 has been released by the government and despite all the posturing by the Trump administration around DOGE and how tariffs are going to be beneficial for the U.S. economy, deficits are continuing to explode while the interest expense on the debt has definitively surpassed our annual defense budget.
via Charlie Bilello
via Mohamed Al-Erian
To make matters worse, as things are deteriorating on the fiscal side of things, the U.S. consumer is getting crushed by credit. The 90-plus day delinquency rates for credit card and auto loans are screaming higher right now.
via TXMC
One has to wonder how long all this can continue without some sort of liquidity crunch. Even though equities markets have recovered from their post-Liberation Day month long bear market, I would not be surprised if what we're witnessing is a dead cat bounce that can only be continued if the money printers are turned back on. Something's got to give, both on the fiscal side and in the private markets where the Common Man is getting crushed because he's been forced to take on insane amounts of debt to stay afloat after years of elevated levels of inflation. Add on the fact that AI has reached a state of maturity that will enable companies to replace their current meat suit workers with an army of cheap, efficient and fast digital workers and it isn't hard to see that some sort of employment crisis could be on the horizon as well.
Now is not the time to get complacent. While I do believe that the deals that are currently being made in the Middle East are probably in the best interest of the United States as the world, again, moves toward a more multi-polar reality, we are facing problems that one cannot simply wish away. They will need to be confronted. And as we've seen throughout the 21st century, the problems are usually met head-on with a money printer.
I take no pleasure in saying this because it is a bit uncouth to be gleeful to benefit from the strife of others, but it is pretty clear to me that all signs are pointing to bitcoin benefiting massively from everything that is going on. The shift towards a more multi-polar world, the runaway debt situation here in the United States, the increasing deficits, the AI job replacements and the consumer credit crisis that is currently unfolding, All will need to be "solved" by turning on the money printers to levels they've never been pushed to before.
Weird times we're living in.
China's Manufacturing Dominance: Why It Matters for the U.S.
In my recent conversation with Lyn Alden, she highlighted how China has rapidly ascended the manufacturing value chain. As Lyn pointed out, China transformed from making "sneakers and plastic trinkets" to becoming the world's largest auto exporter in just four years. This dramatic shift represents more than economic success—it's a strategic power play. China now dominates solar panel production with greater market control than OPEC has over oil and maintains near-monopoly control of rare earth elements crucial for modern technology.
"China makes like 10 times more steel than the United States does... which is relevant in ship making. It's relevant in all sorts of stuff." - Lyn Alden
Perhaps most concerning, as Lyn emphasized, is China's financial leverage. They hold substantial U.S. assets that could be strategically sold to disrupt U.S. treasury market functioning. This combination of manufacturing dominance, resource control, and financial leverage gives China significant negotiating power in any trade disputes, making our attempts to reshoring manufacturing all the more challenging.
Check out the full podcast here for more on Triffin's dilemma, Bitcoin's role in monetary transition, and the energy requirements for rebuilding America's industrial base.
Headlines of the Day
Financial Times Under Fire Over MicroStrategy Bitcoin Coverage - via X
Trump in Qatar: Historic Boeing Deal Signed - via X
Get our new STACK SATS hat - via tftcmerch.io
Johnson Backs Stock Trading Ban; Passage Chances Slim - via X
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Ten31, the largest bitcoin-focused investor, has deployed 158,469 sats | $150.00M across 30+ companies through three funds. I am a Managing Partner at Ten31 and am very proud of the work we are doing. Learn more at ten31.vc/invest.
Final thought...
Building things of value is satisfying.
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@ 472f440f:5669301e
2025-05-14 13:17:04
Marty's Bent
via me
It seems like every other day there's another company announced that is going public with the intent of competing with Strategy by leveraging capital markets to create financial instruments to acquire Bitcoin in a way that is accretive for shareholders. This is certainly a very interesting trend, very bullish for bitcoin in the short-term, and undoubtedly making it so bitcoin is top of mind in the mainstream. I won't pretend to know whether or not these strategies will ultimately be successful or fail in the short, medium or long term. However, one thing I do know is that the themes that interest me, both here at TFTC and in my role as Managing Partner at Ten31, are companies that are building good businesses that are efficient, have product-market-fit, generate revenues and profits and roll those profits into bitcoin.
While it seems pretty clear that Strategy has tapped into an arbitrage that exists in capital markets, it's not really that exciting. From a business perspective, it's actually pretty straightforward and simple; find where potential arbitrage opportunities exists between pools of capital looking for exposure to spot bitcoin or bitcoin's volatility but can't buy the actual asset, and provide them with products that give them access to exposure while simultaneously creating a cult-like retail following. Rinse and repeat. To the extent that this strategy is repeatable is yet to be seen. I imagine it can expand pretty rapidly. Particularly if we have a speculative fervor around companies that do this. But in the long run, I think the signal is falling back to first principles, looking for businesses that are actually providing goods and services to the broader economy - not focused on the hyper-financialized part of the economy - to provide value and create efficiencies that enable higher margins and profitability.
With this in mind, I think it's important to highlight the combined leverage that entrepreneurs have by utilizing bitcoin treasuries and AI tools that are emerging and becoming more advanced by the week. As I said in the tweet above, there's never been a better time to start a business that finds product-market fit and cash flows quickly with a team of two to three people. If you've been reading this rag over the last few weeks, you know that I've been experimenting with these AI tools and using them to make our business processes more efficient here at TFTC. I've also been using them at Ten31 to do deep research and analysis.
It has become abundantly clear to me that any founder or entrepreneur that is not utilizing the AI tools that are emerging is going to get left behind. As it stands today, all anyone has to do to get an idea from a thought in your head to the prototype stage to a minimum viable product is to hop into something like Claude or ChatGPT, have a brief conversation with an AI model that can do deep research about a particular niche that you want to provide a good service to and begin building.
Later this week, I will launch an app called Opportunity Cost in the Chrome and Firefox stores. It took me a few hours of work over the span of a week to ideate and iterate on the concept to the point where I had a working prototype that I handed off to a developer who is solving the last mile problem I have as an "idea guy" of getting the product to market. Only six months ago, accomplishing something like this would have been impossible for me. I've never written a line of code that's actually worked outside of the modded MySpace page I made back in middle school. I've always had a lot of ideas but have never been able to effectively communicate them to developers who can actually build them. With a combination of ChatGPT-03 and Replit, I was able to build an actual product that works. I'm using it in my browser today. It's pretty insane.
There are thousands of people coming to the same realization at the same time right now and going out there and building niche products very cheaply, with small teams, they are getting to market very quickly, and are amassing five figures, six figures, sometimes seven figures of MRR with extremely high profit margins. What most of these entrepreneurs have not really caught on to yet is that they should be cycling a portion - in my opinion, a large portion - of those profits into bitcoin. The combination of building a company utilizing these AI tools, getting it to market, getting revenue and profits, and turning those profits into bitcoin cannot be understated. You're going to begin seeing teams of one to ten people building businesses worth billions of dollars and they're going to need to store the value they create, any money that cannot be debased.
nostr:nprofile1qyx8wumn8ghj7cnjvghxjmcpz4mhxue69uhk2er9dchxummnw3ezumrpdejqqgy8fkmd9kmm8yp4lea2cx0g8fyz27g4ud7572j4edx2v6lz6aa23qmp5dth , one of the co-founders of Ten31, wrote about this in early 2024, bitcoin being the fourth lever of equity value growth for companies.
Bitcoin Treasury - The Fourth Lever to Equity Value Growth
We already see this theme playing out at Ten31 with some of our portfolio companies, most notably nostr:nprofile1qy2hwumn8ghj7etyv4hzumn0wd68ytnvv9hxgqgdwaehxw309ahx7uewd3hkcqpqex7mdykw786qxvmtuls208uyxmn0hse95rfwsarvfde5yg6wy7jqjrm2qp , which recently released some of their financials, highlighting the fact that they're extremely profitable with high margins and a relatively small team (\~75). This is extremely impressive, especially when you consider the fact that they're a global company competing with the likes of Coinbase and Block, which have each thousands of employees.
Even those who are paying attention to the developments in the AI space and how the tools can enable entrepreneurs to build faster aren't really grasping the gravity of what's at play here. Many are simply thinking of consumer apps that can be built and distributed quickly to market, but the ways in which AI can be implemented extend far beyond the digital world. Here's a great example of a company a fellow freak is building with the mindset of keeping the team small, utilizing AI tools to automate processes and quickly push profits into bitcoin.
via Cormac
Again, this is where the exciting things are happening in my mind. People leveraging new tools to solve real problems to drive real value that ultimately produce profits for entrepreneurs. The entrepreneurs who decide to save those profits in bitcoin will find that the equity value growth of their companies accelerates exponentially as they provide more value, gain more traction, and increase their profits while also riding the bitcoin as it continues on its monetization phase. The compounded leverage of building a company that leverages AI tools and sweeps profits into bitcoin is going to be one of the biggest asymmetric plays of the next decade. Personally, I also see it as something that's much more fulfilling than the pure play bitcoin treasury companies that are coming to market because consumers and entrepreneurs are able to recive and provide a ton of value in the real economy.
If you're looking to stay on top of the developments in the AI space and how you can apply the tools to help build your business or create a new business, I highly recommend you follow somebody like Greg Isenberg, whose Startup Ideas Podcast has been incredibly valuable for me as I attempt to get a lay of the land of how to implement AI into my businesses.
America's Two Economies
In my recent podcast with Lyn Alden, she outlined how our trade deficits create a cycle that's reshaping America's economic geography. As Alden explained, US trade deficits pump dollars into international markets, but these dollars don't disappear - they return as investments in US financial assets. This cycle gradually depletes industrial heartlands while enriching financial centers on the coasts, creating what amounts to two separate American economies.
"We're basically constantly taking economic vibrancy out of Michigan and Ohio and rural Pennsylvania where the steel mills were... and stuffing it back into financial assets in New York and Silicon Valley." - nostr:nprofile1qy2hwumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytndv9kxjm3wdahxcqg5waehxw309ahx7um5wfekzarkvyhxuet5qqsw4v882mfjhq9u63j08kzyhqzqxqc8tgf740p4nxnk9jdv02u37ncdhu7e3
This pattern has persisted for over four decades, accelerating significantly since the early 1980s. Alden emphasized that while economists may argue there's still room before reaching a crisis point, the political consequences are already here. The growing divide between these two Americas has fueled populist sentiment as voters who feel left behind seek economic rebalancing, even if they can't articulate the exact mechanisms causing their hardship.
Check out the full podcast here for more on China's manufacturing dominance, Trump's tariff strategy, and the future of Bitcoin as a global reserve asset. All discussed in under 60 minutes.
Headlines of the Day
Trump's Saudi Summit: Peace and Economic Ties - via X
MSTR Edges Closer To S\&P 500 With Just 89 Trading Days Left - via X
Get our new STACK SATS hat - via tftcmerch.io
Individuals Shed 247K Bitcoin As Businesses Gain 157K - via X
Looking for the perfect video to push the smartest person you know from zero to one on bitcoin? Bitcoin, Not Crypto is a three-part master class from Parker Lewis and Dhruv Bansal that cuts through the noise—covering why 21 million was the key technical simplification that made bitcoin possible, why blockchains don’t create decentralization, and why everything else will be built on bitcoin.
Ten31, the largest bitcoin-focused investor, has deployed 144,229 sats | $150.00M across 30+ companies through three funds. I am a Managing Partner at Ten31 and am very proud of the work we are doing. Learn more at ten31.vc/invest.
Final thought...
My boys have started a game in the car where we count how many Waymos we see on the road while driving around town. Pretty crazy how innately stoked they are about that particular car.
Get this newsletter sent to your inbox daily: https://www.tftc.io/bitcoin-brief/
Subscribe to our YouTube channels and follow us on Nostr and X:
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@ dfa02707:41ca50e3
2025-06-09 03:01:55
Contribute to keep No Bullshit Bitcoin news going.
This update brings key enhancements for clarity and usability:
- Recent Blocks View: Added to the Send tab and inspired by Mempool's visualization, it displays the last 2 blocks and the estimated next block to help choose fee rates.
- Camera System Overhaul: Features a new library for higher resolution detection and mouse-scroll zoom support when available.
- Vector-Based Images: All app images are now vectorized and theme-aware, enhancing contrast, especially in dark mode.
- Tor & P2A Updates: Upgraded internal Tor and improved support for pay-to-anchor (P2A) outputs.
- Linux Package Rename: For Linux users, Sparrow has been renamed to sparrowwallet (or sparrowserver); in some cases, the original sparrow package may need manual removal.
- Additional updates include showing total payments in multi-payment transaction diagrams, better handling of long labels, and other UI enhancements.
- Sparrow v2.2.1 is a bug fix release that addresses missing UUID issue when starting Tor on recent macOS versions, icons for external sources in Settings and Recent Blocks view, repackaged
.debinstalls to use older gzip instead of zstd compression, and removed display of median fee rate where fee rates source is set to Server.
Learn how to get started with Sparrow wallet:
Release notes (v2.2.0)
- Added Recent Blocks view to Send tab.
- Converted all bitmapped images to theme aware SVG format for all wallet models and dialogs.
- Support send and display of pay to anchor (P2A) outputs.
- Renamed
sparrowpackage tosparrowwalletandsparrowserveron Linux. - Switched camera library to openpnp-capture.
- Support FHD (1920 x 1080) and UHD4k (3840 x 2160) capture resolutions.
- Support camera zoom with mouse scroll where possible.
- In the Download Verifier, prefer verifying the dropped file over the default file where the file is not in the manifest.
- Show a warning (with an option to disable the check) when importing a wallet with a derivation path matching another script type.
- In Cormorant, avoid calling the
listwalletdirRPC on initialization due to a potentially slow response on Windows. - Avoid server address resolution for public servers.
- Assume server address is non local for resolution failures where a proxy is configured.
- Added a tooltip to indicate truncated labels in table cells.
- Dynamically truncate input and output labels in the tree on a transaction tab, and add tooltips if necessary.
- Improved tooltips for wallet tabs and transaction diagrams with long labels.
- Show the address where available on input and output tooltips in transaction tab tree.
- Show the total amount sent in payments in the transaction diagram when constructing multiple payment transactions.
- Reset preferred table column widths on adjustment to improve handling after window resizing.
- Added accessible text to improve screen reader navigation on seed entry.
- Made Wallet Summary table grow horizontally with dialog sizing.
- Reduced tooltip show delay to 200ms.
- Show transaction diagram fee percentage as less than 0.01% rather than 0.00%.
- Optimized and reduced Electrum server RPC calls.
- Upgraded Bouncy Castle, PGPainless and Logback libraries.
- Upgraded internal Tor to v0.4.8.16.
- Bug fix: Fixed issue with random ordering of keystore origins on labels import.
- Bug fix: Fixed non-zero account script type detection when signing a message on Trezor devices.
- Bug fix: Fixed issue parsing remote Coldcard xpub encoded on a different network.
- Bug fix: Fixed inclusion of fees on wallet label exports.
- Bug fix: Increase Trezor device libusb timeout.
Linux users: Note that the
sparrowpackage has been renamed tosparrowwalletorsparrowserver, and in some cases you may need to manually uninstall the originalsparrowpackage. Look in the/optfolder to ensure you have the new name, and the original is removed.What's new in v2.2.1
- Updated Tor library to fix missing UUID issue when starting Tor on recent macOS versions.
- Repackaged
.debinstalls to use older gzip instead of zstd compression. - Removed display of median fee rate where fee rates source is set to Server.
- Added icons for external sources in Settings and Recent Blocks view
- Bug fix: Fixed issue in Recent Blocks view when switching fee rates source
- Bug fix: Fixed NPE on null fee returned from server
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@ cae03c48:2a7d6671
2025-06-10 17:01:47
Bitcoin Magazine
KULR Technology Joins Bitcoin for Corporations, Increases Holdings to 920 BTCKULR Technology Group, Inc. (NYSE American: KULR), a Bitcoin First Company and global leader in sustainable energy management, announced that it has joined the Bitcoin for Corporations (BFC) initiative, an institutional platform by Strategy and Bitcoin Magazine to promote corporate Bitcoin adoption.
$KULR is proud to join the "@BitcoinforCorporations” initiative by @Strategy and @BitcoinMagazine, strengthening its Bitcoin First approach.
The company now holds 920 BTC, worth $91M, as part of its growing Bitcoin treasury strategy.https://t.co/TZ7tyw1Dsw pic.twitter.com/gK9vDlpkcQ— KULR Technology (@KULRTech) June 9, 2025
The initiative is made to support publicly traded companies in integrating Bitcoin into their corporate treasury strategies and balance sheets. Participating organizations gain access to institutional-grade tools, frameworks, and peer networks that support the responsible management and expansion of Bitcoin holdings. KULR’s role as an Executive Member of BFC aligns with its strategy to position Bitcoin as a long-term reserve asset.
“Our commitment to Bitcoin for Corporations reflects a strong conviction in Bitcoin’s long-term value as a monetary asset,” CEO of KULR Michael Mo, commented. “As KULR continues to scale its Bitcoin treasury, we welcome the chance to align with other institutions pioneering this shift in corporate treasury management.”
KULR also has increased its Bitcoin treasury by $13 million, bringing total holdings to 920 BTC, at an average acquisition price of $98,760 per bitcoin. The company’s total Bitcoin investment now stands at $91 million. The latest purchase was made at an average price of $107,861 per bitcoin. Year to date, KULR has delivered a 260% return on its Bitcoin holdings. They use a strategic mix of cash reserves and its At-The-Market (ATM) equity program to fund their acquisitions.
JUST IN:
Publicly traded KULR buys an additional 118.6 #Bitcoin for $13 million. pic.twitter.com/PJ29hsOk22— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) June 9, 2025
On July 25, 2024, at the 2024 Bitcoin Conference, Strategy and Bitcoin Magazine announced the launch of Bitcoin for Corporations, a new initiative designed to help companies integrate Bitcoin into their treasury strategies. The program provides corporate leaders with educational resources, practical tools, and access to a network of peers and experts. It includes a co-branded web platform offering specialized content, newsletters, and success stories, as well as VIP access to events.
“The ‘Bitcoin for Corporations’ initiative is a significant step towards accelerating corporate Bitcoin adoption,” added Co-founder and former CEO of Strategy Michael Saylor. “By combining our expertise, resources and reach, along with Bitcoin Magazine we aim to create a robust platform that educates and supports corporations in implementing Bitcoin strategies.”
This post KULR Technology Joins Bitcoin for Corporations, Increases Holdings to 920 BTC first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Oscar Zarraga Perez.
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@ 472f440f:5669301e
2025-05-14 01:15:12
Marty's Bent
via Kevin McKernan
There's been a lot of discussion this week about Casey Means being nominated for Surgeon General of the United States and a broader overarching conversation about the effectiveness of MAHA since the inauguration and how effective it may or may not be moving forward. Many would say that President Trump won re-election due to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Nicole Shanahan deciding to reach across the aisle and join the Trump ticket, bringing with them the MAHA Moms, who are very focused on reorienting the healthcare system in the United States with a strong focus on the childhood vaccine schedule.
I'm not going to lie, this is something I'm passionate about as well, particularly after having many conversations over the years with doctors like Kevin McKernan, Dr. Jack Kruse, Dr. Mary Talley Bowden, Dr. Brooke Miller, Dr. Peter McCullough and others about the dangers of the COVID mRNA vaccines. As it stands today, I think this is the biggest elephant in the room in the world of healthcare. If you look at the data, particularly disability claims, life insurance claims, life expectancy, miscarriage rates, fertility issues and rates of turbo cancer around the world since the COVID vaccine was introduced in 2021, it seems pretty clear that there is harm being done to many of the people who have taken them.
The risk-reward ratio of the vaccines seems to be incredibly skewed towards risk over reward and children - who have proven to be least susceptible to COVID - are expected to get three COVID shots in the first year of their life if their parents follow the vaccine schedule. For some reason or another it seems that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has shied away from this topic after becoming the head of Health and Human Services within the Trump administration. This is after a multi-year campaign during which getting the vaccines removed from the market war a core part of his platform messaging.
I'm still holding out hope that sanity will prevail. The COVID mRNA vaccines will be taken off the market in a serious conversation about the crimes against humanity that unfolded during the COVID years will take place. However, we cannot depend on that outcome. We must build with the assumption in mind that that outcome may never materialize. This leads to identifying where the incentives within the system are misconstrued. One area where I think it's pretty safe to say that the incentives are misaligned is the fact that 95% of doctors work for and answer to a corporation driven by their bottom line. Instead of listening to their patients and truly caring about the outcome of each individual, doctors forced to think about the monetary outcome of the corporation they work for first.
The most pernicious way in which these misaligned incentives emerge is the way in which the hospital systems and physicians are monetarily incentivized by big pharma companies to push the COVID vaccine and other vaccines on their patients. It is important to acknowledge that we cannot be dependent on a system designed in this way to change from within. Instead, we must build a new incentive system and market structure. And obviously, if you're reading this newsletter, you know that I believe that bitcoin will play a pivotal role in realigning incentives across every industry. Healthcare just being one of them.
Bitcoiners who have identified the need to become sovereign in our monetary matters, it probably makes sense to become sovereign when it comes to our healthcare as well. This means finding doctors who operate outside the corporate controlled system and are able to offer services that align incentives with the end patient. My family utilizes a combination of CrowdHealth and a private care physician to align incentives. We've even utilized a private care physician who allowed us to pay in Bitcoin for her services for a number of years. I think this is the model. Doctors accepting hard censorship resistant money for the healthcare and advice they provide. Instead of working for a corporation looking to push pharmaceutical products on their patients so they can bolster their bottom line, work directly with patients who will pay in bitcoin, which will appreciate in value over time.
I had a lengthy discussion with Dr. Jack Kruse on the podcast earlier today discussing these topic and more. It will be released on Thursday and I highly recommend you freaks check it out once it is published. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss it.
How the "Exorbitant Privilege" of the Dollar is Undermining Our Manufacturing Base
In my conversation with Lyn Alden, we explored America's fundamental economic contradiction. As Lyn expertly explained, maintaining the dollar's reserve currency status while attempting to reshore manufacturing presents a near-impossible challenge - what economists call Triffin's Dilemma. The world's appetite for dollars gives Americans tremendous purchasing power but simultaneously hollows out our industrial base. The overvalued dollar makes our exports less competitive, especially for lower-margin manufacturing, while our imports remain artificially strong.
"Having the reserve currency does come with a bunch of benefits, historically called an exorbitant privilege, but then it has certain costs to maintain it." - Lyn Alden
This dilemma forces America to run persistent trade deficits, as this is how dollars flow to the world. For over four decades, these deficits have accumulated, creating massive economic imbalances that can't be quickly reversed. The Trump administration's attempts to address this through tariffs showcase how difficult rebalancing has become. As Lyn warned, even if we successfully pivot toward reshoring manufacturing, we'll face difficult trade-offs: potentially giving up some reserve currency benefits to rebuild our industrial foundation. This isn't just economic theory - it's the restructuring challenge that will define America's economic future.
Check out the full podcast here for more on China's manufacturing dominance, the role of Bitcoin in monetary transitions, and energy production as the foundation for future industrial power.
Headlines of the Day
Coinbase to replace Discover in S\&P 500 on May 19 - via X
Mallers promises no rehypothecation in Strike Bitcoin loans - via X
Get our new STACK SATS hat - via tftcmerch.io
Missouri passes HB 594, eliminates Bitcoin capital gains tax - via X
The 2025 Bitcoin Policy Summit is set for June 25th—and it couldn’t come at a more important time. The Bitcoin industry is at a pivotal moment in Washington, with initiatives like the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve gaining rapid traction. Whether you’re a builder, advocate, academic, or policymaker—we want you at the table. Join us in DC to help define the future of freedom, money & innovation in the 21st century.
Ten31, the largest bitcoin-focused investor, has deployed 144,264 sats | $150.00M across 30+ companies through three funds. I am a Managing Partner at Ten31 and am very proud of the work we are doing. Learn more at ten31.vc/invest.
Final thought...
The 100+ degree days have returned to Austin, TX. Not mad about it... yet.
Get this newsletter sent to your inbox daily: https://www.tftc.io/bitcoin-brief/
Subscribe to our YouTube channels and follow us on Nostr and X:
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@ 472f440f:5669301e
2025-05-12 23:29:50
Marty's Bent
Last week we covered the bombshell developments in the Samourai Wallet case. For those who didn't read that, last Monday the world was made aware of the fact that the SDNY was explicitly told by FinCEN that the federal regulator did not believe that Samourai Wallet was a money services business six months before arresting the co-founders of Samourai Wallet for conspiracy to launder money and illegally operating a money services business. This was an obvious overstep by the SDNY that many believed would be quickly alleviated, especially considering the fact that the Trump administration via the Department of Justice has made it clear that they do not intend to rule via prosecution.
It seems that this is not the case as the SDNY responded to a letter sent from the defense to dismiss the case by stating that they fully plan to move forward. Stating that they only sought the recommendations of FinCEN employees and did not believe that those employees' comments were indicative of FinCEN's overall views on this particular case. It's a pretty egregious abuse of power by the SDNY. I'm not sure if the particular lawyers and judges within the Southern District of New York are very passionate about preventing the use of self-custody bitcoin and products that enable bitcoiners to transact privately, or if they're simply participating in a broader meta war with the Trump administration - who has made it clear to federal judges across the country that last Fall's election will have consequences, mainly that the Executive Branch will try to effectuate the policies that President Trump campaigned on by any legal means necessary - and Samouari Wallet is simply in the middle of that meta war.
However, one thing is pretty clear to me, this is an egregious overstep of power. The interpretation of that law, as has been laid out and confirmed by FinCEN over the last decade, is pretty clear; you cannot be a money services business if you do not control the funds that people are sending to each other, which is definitely the case with Samourai Wallet. People downloaded Samourai Wallet, spun up their own private-public key pairs and initiated transactions themselves. Samourai never custodied funds or initiated transactions on behalf of their users. This is very cut and dry. Straight to the point. It should be something that anyone with more than two brain cells is able to discern pretty quickly.
It is imperative that anybody in the industry who cares about being able to hold bitcoin in self-custody, to mine bitcoin, and to send bitcoin in a peer-to-peer fashion makes some noise around this case. None of the current administration's attempts to foster innovation around bitcoin in the United States will matter if the wrong precedent is set in this case. If the SDNY is successful in prosecuting Samourai Wallet, it will mean that anybody holding Bitcoin in self-custody, running a bitcoin fold node or mining bitcoin will have to KYC all of their users and counterparts lest they be labeled a money services business that is breaking laws stemming from the Bank Secrecy Act. This will effectively make building a self-custody bitcoin wallet, running a node, or mining bitcoin in tillegal in the United States. The ability to comply with the rules that would be unleashed if this Samourai case goes the wrong way, are such that it will effectively destroy the industry overnight.
It is yet to be seen whether or not the Department of Justice will step in to publicly flog the SDNY and force them to stop pursuing this case. This is the only likely way that the case will go away at this point, so it is very important that bitcoiners who care about being able to self-custody bitcoin, mine bitcoin, or send bitcoin in a peer-to-peer fashion in the United States make it clear to the current administration and any local politicians that this is an issue that you care deeply about. If we are too complacent, there is a chance that the SDNY could completely annihilate the bitcoin industry in America despite of all of the positive momentum we're seeing from all angles at the moment.
Make some noise!
Bitcoin Adoption by Power Companies: The Next Frontier
In my recent conversation with Andrew Myers from Satoshi Energy, he shared their ambitious mission to "enable every electric power company to use bitcoin by block 1,050,000" – roughly three years from now. This strategic imperative isn't just about creating new Bitcoin users; it's about sovereignty. Andrew emphasized that getting Bitcoin into the hands of energy companies who value self-sovereignty creates a more balanced future economic landscape. The excitement was palpable as he described how several energy companies are already moving beyond simply selling power to Bitcoin miners and are beginning to invest in mining operations themselves.
"You have global commodity companies being like, 'Oh, this is another commodity – we want to invest in this, we want to own this,'" - Andrew Myers
Perhaps most fascinating was Andrew's revelation about major energy companies in Texas developing Bitcoin collateral products for power contracts – a practical application that could revolutionize how energy transactions are settled. As energy companies continue embracing Bitcoin for both operations and collateral, we're witnessing the early stages of a profound shift in how critical infrastructure interfaces with sound money. The implications for both sectors could be transformative.
Check out the full podcast here for more on remote viewing, Nikola Tesla's predictions, and the convergence of Bitcoin and AI technology. We cover everything from humanoid robots to the energy demands of next-generation computing.
Headlines of the Day
Steak n Shake to Accept Bitcoin at All Locations May 16 - via X
Facebook Plans Crypto Wallets for 3B Users, Bitcoin Impact Looms - via X
Trump Urges Americans to Buy Stocks for Economic Boom - via X
UK Drops Tariffs, U.S. Farmers Set to Reap Major Benefits - via X
Looking for the perfect video to push the smartest person you know from zero to one on bitcoin? Bitcoin, Not Crypto is a three-part master class from Parker Lewis and Dhruv Bansal that cuts through the noise—covering why 21 million was the key technical simplification that made bitcoin possible, why blockchains don’t create decentralization, and why everything else will be built on bitcoin.
Ten31, the largest bitcoin-focused investor, has deployed 145,630 sats | $150.00M across 30+ companies through three funds. I am a Managing Partner at Ten31 and am very proud of the work we are doing. Learn more at ten31.vc/invest.
Final thought...
Happy belated Mother's Day to all the moms out there.
Get this newsletter sent to your inbox daily: https://www.tftc.io/bitcoin-brief/
Subscribe to our YouTube channels and follow us on Nostr and X:
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@ dfa02707:41ca50e3
2025-06-08 16:02:23
Contribute to keep No Bullshit Bitcoin news going.
- RoboSats v0.7.7-alpha is now available!
NOTE: "This version of clients is not compatible with older versions of coordinators. Coordinators must upgrade first, make sure you don't upgrade your client while this is marked as pre-release."
- This version brings a new and improved coordinators view with reviews signed both by the robot and the coordinator, adds market price sources in coordinator profiles, shows a correct warning for canceling non-taken orders after a payment attempt, adds Uzbek sum currency, and includes package library updates for coordinators.
Source: RoboSats.
- siggy47 is writing daily RoboSats activity reviews on stacker.news. Check them out here.
- Stay up-to-date with RoboSats on Nostr.
What's new
- New coordinators view (see the picture above).
- Available coordinator reviews signed by both the robot and the coordinator.
- Coordinators now display market price sources in their profiles.
Source: RoboSats.
- Fix for wrong message on cancel button when taking an order. Users are now warned if they try to cancel a non taken order after a payment attempt.
- Uzbek sum currency now available.
- For coordinators: library updates.
- Add docker frontend (#1861).
- Add order review token (#1869).
- Add UZS migration (#1875).
- Fixed tests review (#1878).
- Nostr pubkey for Robot (#1887).
New contributors
Full Changelog: v0.7.6-alpha...v0.7.7-alpha
-
@ d57360cb:4fe7d935
2025-06-10 16:15:54
When I see a beginner in jiu jitsu start their journey they have a natural tendency to want to learn the ‘secret’. That one trick, the one technique, the one move that will make them completely unstoppable. This way of thinking is fools gold and it’s so easy to fall for.
In any pursuit there is no ‘secret’. There are fundamentals. Fundamentals are the deep understandings of the mechanics of things. The reason any techniques exist, is because the fundamentals. In a way the techniques being taught are summaries of a collection of fundamental mechanics. To fall in love with the summary misses the deep reservoir of knowledge hiding under the iceberg.
In order for art, mastery and craftsmanship to appear you must dive deep into the source from which the techniques came.
Techniques are not truth, they summarize truth.
-
@ 472f440f:5669301e
2025-05-12 23:29:25
Marty's Bent
Last week we covered the bombshell developments in the Samourai Wallet case. For those who didn't read that, last Monday the world was made aware of the fact that the SDNY was explicitly told by FinCEN that the federal regulator did not believe that Samourai Wallet was a money services business six months before arresting the co-founders of Samourai Wallet for conspiracy to launder money and illegally operating a money services business. This was an obvious overstep by the SDNY that many believed would be quickly alleviated, especially considering the fact that the Trump administration via the Department of Justice has made it clear that they do not intend to rule via prosecution.
It seems that this is not the case as the SDNY responded to a letter sent from the defense to dismiss the case by stating that they fully plan to move forward. Stating that they only sought the recommendations of FinCEN employees and did not believe that those employees' comments were indicative of FinCEN's overall views on this particular case. It's a pretty egregious abuse of power by the SDNY. I'm not sure if the particular lawyers and judges within the Southern District of New York are very passionate about preventing the use of self-custody bitcoin and products that enable bitcoiners to transact privately, or if they're simply participating in a broader meta war with the Trump administration - who has made it clear to federal judges across the country that last Fall's election will have consequences, mainly that the Executive Branch will try to effectuate the policies that President Trump campaigned on by any legal means necessary - and Samouari Wallet is simply in the middle of that meta war.
However, one thing is pretty clear to me, this is an egregious overstep of power. The interpretation of that law, as has been laid out and confirmed by FinCEN over the last decade, is pretty clear; you cannot be a money services business if you do not control the funds that people are sending to each other, which is definitely the case with Samourai Wallet. People downloaded Samourai Wallet, spun up their own private-public key pairs and initiated transactions themselves. Samourai never custodied funds or initiated transactions on behalf of their users. This is very cut and dry. Straight to the point. It should be something that anyone with more than two brain cells is able to discern pretty quickly.
It is imperative that anybody in the industry who cares about being able to hold bitcoin in self-custody, to mine bitcoin, and to send bitcoin in a peer-to-peer fashion makes some noise around this case. None of the current administration's attempts to foster innovation around bitcoin in the United States will matter if the wrong precedent is set in this case. If the SDNY is successful in prosecuting Samourai Wallet, it will mean that anybody holding Bitcoin in self-custody, running a bitcoin fold node or mining bitcoin will have to KYC all of their users and counterparts lest they be labeled a money services business that is breaking laws stemming from the Bank Secrecy Act. This will effectively make building a self-custody bitcoin wallet, running a node, or mining bitcoin in tillegal in the United States. The ability to comply with the rules that would be unleashed if this Samourai case goes the wrong way, are such that it will effectively destroy the industry overnight.
It is yet to be seen whether or not the Department of Justice will step in to publicly flog the SDNY and force them to stop pursuing this case. This is the only likely way that the case will go away at this point, so it is very important that bitcoiners who care about being able to self-custody bitcoin, mine bitcoin, or send bitcoin in a peer-to-peer fashion in the United States make it clear to the current administration and any local politicians that this is an issue that you care deeply about. If we are too complacent, there is a chance that the SDNY could completely annihilate the bitcoin industry in America despite of all of the positive momentum we're seeing from all angles at the moment.
Make some noise!
Bitcoin Adoption by Power Companies: The Next Frontier
In my recent conversation with Andrew Myers from Satoshi Energy, he shared their ambitious mission to "enable every electric power company to use bitcoin by block 1,050,000" – roughly three years from now. This strategic imperative isn't just about creating new Bitcoin users; it's about sovereignty. Andrew emphasized that getting Bitcoin into the hands of energy companies who value self-sovereignty creates a more balanced future economic landscape. The excitement was palpable as he described how several energy companies are already moving beyond simply selling power to Bitcoin miners and are beginning to invest in mining operations themselves.
"You have global commodity companies being like, 'Oh, this is another commodity – we want to invest in this, we want to own this,'" - Andrew Myers
Perhaps most fascinating was Andrew's revelation about major energy companies in Texas developing Bitcoin collateral products for power contracts – a practical application that could revolutionize how energy transactions are settled. As energy companies continue embracing Bitcoin for both operations and collateral, we're witnessing the early stages of a profound shift in how critical infrastructure interfaces with sound money. The implications for both sectors could be transformative.
Check out the full podcast here for more on remote viewing, Nikola Tesla's predictions, and the convergence of Bitcoin and AI technology. We cover everything from humanoid robots to the energy demands of next-generation computing.
Headlines of the Day
Steak n Shake to Accept Bitcoin at All Locations May 16 - via X
Facebook Plans Crypto Wallets for 3B Users, Bitcoin Impact Looms - via X
Trump Urges Americans to Buy Stocks for Economic Boom - via X
UK Drops Tariffs, U.S. Farmers Set to Reap Major Benefits - via X
Looking for the perfect video to push the smartest person you know from zero to one on bitcoin? Bitcoin, Not Crypto is a three-part master class from Parker Lewis and Dhruv Bansal that cuts through the noise—covering why 21 million was the key technical simplification that made bitcoin possible, why blockchains don’t create decentralization, and why everything else will be built on bitcoin.
Ten31, the largest bitcoin-focused investor, has deployed 145,630 sats | $150.00M across 30+ companies through three funds. I am a Managing Partner at Ten31 and am very proud of the work we are doing. Learn more at ten31.vc/invest.
Final thought...
Happy belated Mother's Day to all the moms out there.
Get this newsletter sent to your inbox daily: https://www.tftc.io/bitcoin-brief/
Subscribe to our YouTube channels and follow us on Nostr and X:
-
@ a296b972:e5a7a2e8
2025-06-07 16:39:47
Nur für‘s Protokoll. Hiermit erkläre ich, Georg Ohrweh, im tatsächlich vorhandenen vollen Besitz meiner geistigen Kräfte, dass Herr Lauterbach, gleich welche Position er in Zukunft noch bekleiden sollte, für mich nicht zuständig ist. Basta.
Ein Erguss dieses verhaltensoriginellen Über-alles-Bescheidwissers:
„Wir kommen jetzt in eine Phase hinein, wo der Ausnahmezustand die Normalität sein wird. Wir werden ab jetzt immer im Ausnahmezustand sein. Der Klimawandel wird zwangsläufig mehr Pandemien bringen.“
Wie kann es sein, dass solch eine Ausnahme-Gestalt, die schon rein äußerlich die Phantasie zu Vergleichen anregt, sich leider auch genauso verhält, wie die Gestalten, die in diesen Phantasien vorkommen, ungebremst auf der Panik-Klaviatur kakophonische Klänge erzeugen darf? Obwohl ein wenig Wahrheit ist auch enthalten: Wir sind tatsächlich immer im Ausnahmezustand, im Ausnahmezustand des fortgeschrittenen Wahnsinns.
Wie kann es sein, dass dieser Haaaarvardist seinen persönlich empfundenen Ausnahmezustand zum Allgemeingut erklären kann? Welche Verknüpfungs-Phantasien hat er sonst noch studiert? Er ist ja auch noch Vorsitzender im Raumfahrtausschuss. Was kommt als Nächstes? Eine Klima-Pandemie, verursacht durch außerirdische Viren, die die Temperaturen beeinflussen können? Im aktuellen Zeitgeist gibt es nichts, was nicht gedacht wird. Wem die besseren Absurditäten einfallen, der gewinnt. Man muss sich schon den gegebenen Denkstrukturen etwas anpassen, aber sich auch ein wenig Mühe geben.
Nach dem Wechsel der ehemaligen Außen-Dings zur UN (mit dem Ziel, aus den Vereinten Nationen die Feministischen Nationen zu gestalten) und des ehemaligen Wirtschafts-Dings in den Außenausschuss und als Gastdozent in Kalifornien (Thema: Wirtschaftsvernichtung unter Einbeziehung des gespannten Verhältnisses unter Geschwistern aufgrund ärmlicher Verhältnisse, am Beispiel des Märchens von Hänsel und Gretel) , jetzt auch noch der ehemalige Chef-Panikmacher zur WHO.
…und der Wahnsinn wurde hinausgetragen in die Welt, und es wurde dunkel, und es ward Nacht, und es wurde helle, und es ward Tag, der Wind blies oder auch nicht (was macht der Wind eigentlich, wenn er nicht weht?), und es ward Winter, und es wurde kälter, und es wurde wärmer, und es ward Sommer. Es regnete nicht mehr, die Wolken schwitzten. Und Putin verhinderte (wer auch sonst), dass das Eis in der Antarktis abnahm.
Wiederholte Bodentemperaturen in der Toskana von 50 Grad Celsius. Zu erwartende Wassertemperaturen während Ferragosto an der italienischen Adria von durchschnittlich 100 Grad Celsius. An Stellen mit wenig Strömung stiegen schon die ersten Kochblasen auf. Doch dann kam der durch Lachs gestählte, salzlose Super-Karl und rettete mit einem durch die WHO diktierten Klima-Logdown die gesamte Menschheit. Wer besser, als er konnte wissen, dass ein Klima-Logdown weitgehend nebenwirkungsfrei ist.
Was für ein Segen, dass Karl der Große, der uns so siegreich durch die Corona-Schlacht geführt hat, jetzt auch gegen das Klima in den Krieg zieht.
Wer kennt das nicht, Tage der Qual, in denen man zugeben muss: Ich hab‘ heute so schlimm Klima.
Viele Klimaexperten, die weltweit in der Qualitätspropaganda zitiert werden, zeichnen sich besonders dadurch aus, dass sie mit einer maximalen Abweichung von einem Grad Celsius ein Thermometer fehlerfrei ablesen können. Diese Ungenauigkeit wird der Erdverkochungsexperte sicher als erstes beheben.
In einer aufopfernden Studie während eines Urlaubs in 2023, in der um die damalige Zeit erstmals eisfreien Toskana, hat er den von ihm ausgetüftelten Klimaschutzplan ins Rheinische übersetzt. Titel: „Schützen Sie sisch, und, äh, andere!“ Weiter konnte er erforschen, dass die Bodentemperatur nicht immer mit der Temperatur des Erdkerns übereinstimmen muss.
Durch seine unermüdlichen Studien, können Hitzetote in Zukunft besser zugeordnet werden. Man weiß dann, ob jemand an hohen oder mit hohen Temperaturen gestorben ist. Der asymptomatische Klimawandel kann so in Zukunft viel besser bewertet werden. Man hat aus geringfügigen Fehlern gelernt und die Methoden erheblich verbessert.
Eine präzise Vorhersage der Jahreszeiten, vor allem die des Sommers, wird bald ebenfalls möglich sein. Es kann jetzt vor jahreszeitbedingten, teilweise sogar täglich schwankenden Temperaturveränderungen rechtzeitig gewarnt werden. Im Herbst können Heizempfehlungen für die ahnungslose Bevölkerung herausgegeben werden. Frieren war gestern, wissen wann es kalt wird, ist heute. Es wird an Farben geforscht, die noch roter sein sollen, als die, die jetzt in den Wetterkarten bei 21 Grad bereits verwendet werden.
Eine allgemeine Heizpflicht soll es europaweit zunächst nicht geben.
Weiter soll die Lichteinstrahlung der Sonne noch präziser bestimmt werden, damit den Europäern, in Ergänzung zur mitteleuropäischen Sommerzeit, jetzt auch noch genau mitgeteilt werden kann, wann es Tag und wann es Nacht ist.
Das Hinausschauen aus dem Fenster, zum Beispiel, ob es schon dunkel draußen ist, erübrigt sich. Die Tageszeit, in Ergänzung zur herkömmlichen Uhrzeit, wird demnächst automatisch mit dem Klima-Pass übermittelt werden. Zu Anfang natürlich erst einmal freiwillig.
Durch die persönliche ID können dann auch schnell und unkompliziert Sonderprämien überwiesen werden, sofern man sich klimakonform verhalten hat, damit man sich rechtzeitig vor Winterbeginn eine warme Jacke oder einen Mantel kaufen kann. Das Sparen von Bargeld auf eine bevorstehende größere Anschaffung von Winterkleidung wird somit überflüssig.
Ob es am Ende nun um Hitze oder Kälte geht, spielt eigentlich gar keine Rolle, denn wie wussten schon die Ahnen zu berichten: Was gut für die Kälte ist, ist auch gut für die Wärme.
Westliche Mächte unternehmen immer wieder Versuche, eskalierend auf den Ukraine-Konflikt einzuwirken, damit man atombetriebene Heizpilze aufstellen kann, an denen sich die Europäer im Winter auch im Freien wärmen können.
Wie praktisch, dass man nicht nur Gesundheit und Klima, sondern auch Klima und Krieg miteinander verbinden kann. Alles so, oder so ähnlich möglicherweise nachzulesen im genialen Hitzeschutzplan á la Lauterbach.
Besonders Deutschland braucht nicht nur lauterbachsche Hitzeschutzräume, nein es braucht atomsichere Hitzeschutzbunker, so schlägt man gleich zwei Fliegen mit einer Klappe.
Für die, die es sich leisten können, hier ein Vorschlag. Der K2000:
Für die weniger gut Betuchten reicht auch ein kühles Kellerloch, das man idealerweise im Februar beziehen und nicht vor November wieder verlassen sollte, so die Empfehlung auch von führenden Klima-Forschern, die es ja wissen müssen. Von Dezember bis Januar empfiehlt sich ein Besuch auf den Bahamas, besonders dann, wenn man eine leichte Erkältung verspürt.
Nur Verschwörungstheoretiker behaupten, dass die eigenartigen Anschlussverwendungen der Extrem-Kapazitäten, zu denen Lauterbach ohne Zweifel dazugehört, wie dicke rote Pfeile wirken, die auf Institutionen und Organisationen zeigen, um die man unter allen Umständen einen großen Bogen machen sollte, weil sie möglicherweise nichts Gutes im Schilde führen. Minimal sollen sie angeblich Unsinn verbreiten, maximal sollen sie gehörigen Schaden anrichten.
Man muss sich nur ein paar Gedanken machen, schon kann man feststellen, wie alles mit allem zusammenhängt.
“Dieser Beitrag wurde mit dem Pareto-Client geschrieben.”
* *
(Bild von pixabay)
-
@ 472f440f:5669301e
2025-05-12 23:29:19
Marty's Bent
Last week we covered the bombshell developments in the Samourai Wallet case. For those who didn't read that, last Monday the world was made aware of the fact that the SDNY was explicitly told by FinCEN that the federal regulator did not believe that Samourai Wallet was a money services business six months before arresting the co-founders of Samourai Wallet for conspiracy to launder money and illegally operating a money services business. This was an obvious overstep by the SDNY that many believed would be quickly alleviated, especially considering the fact that the Trump administration via the Department of Justice has made it clear that they do not intend to rule via prosecution.
It seems that this is not the case as the SDNY responded to a letter sent from the defense to dismiss the case by stating that they fully plan to move forward. Stating that they only sought the recommendations of FinCEN employees and did not believe that those employees' comments were indicative of FinCEN's overall views on this particular case. It's a pretty egregious abuse of power by the SDNY. I'm not sure if the particular lawyers and judges within the Southern District of New York are very passionate about preventing the use of self-custody bitcoin and products that enable bitcoiners to transact privately, or if they're simply participating in a broader meta war with the Trump administration - who has made it clear to federal judges across the country that last Fall's election will have consequences, mainly that the Executive Branch will try to effectuate the policies that President Trump campaigned on by any legal means necessary - and Samouari Wallet is simply in the middle of that meta war.
However, one thing is pretty clear to me, this is an egregious overstep of power. The interpretation of that law, as has been laid out and confirmed by FinCEN over the last decade, is pretty clear; you cannot be a money services business if you do not control the funds that people are sending to each other, which is definitely the case with Samourai Wallet. People downloaded Samourai Wallet, spun up their own private-public key pairs and initiated transactions themselves. Samourai never custodied funds or initiated transactions on behalf of their users. This is very cut and dry. Straight to the point. It should be something that anyone with more than two brain cells is able to discern pretty quickly.
It is imperative that anybody in the industry who cares about being able to hold bitcoin in self-custody, to mine bitcoin, and to send bitcoin in a peer-to-peer fashion makes some noise around this case. None of the current administration's attempts to foster innovation around bitcoin in the United States will matter if the wrong precedent is set in this case. If the SDNY is successful in prosecuting Samourai Wallet, it will mean that anybody holding Bitcoin in self-custody, running a bitcoin fold node or mining bitcoin will have to KYC all of their users and counterparts lest they be labeled a money services business that is breaking laws stemming from the Bank Secrecy Act. This will effectively make building a self-custody bitcoin wallet, running a node, or mining bitcoin in tillegal in the United States. The ability to comply with the rules that would be unleashed if this Samourai case goes the wrong way, are such that it will effectively destroy the industry overnight.
It is yet to be seen whether or not the Department of Justice will step in to publicly flog the SDNY and force them to stop pursuing this case. This is the only likely way that the case will go away at this point, so it is very important that bitcoiners who care about being able to self-custody bitcoin, mine bitcoin, or send bitcoin in a peer-to-peer fashion in the United States make it clear to the current administration and any local politicians that this is an issue that you care deeply about. If we are too complacent, there is a chance that the SDNY could completely annihilate the bitcoin industry in America despite of all of the positive momentum we're seeing from all angles at the moment.
Make some noise!
Bitcoin Adoption by Power Companies: The Next Frontier
In my recent conversation with Andrew Myers from Satoshi Energy, he shared their ambitious mission to "enable every electric power company to use bitcoin by block 1,050,000" – roughly three years from now. This strategic imperative isn't just about creating new Bitcoin users; it's about sovereignty. Andrew emphasized that getting Bitcoin into the hands of energy companies who value self-sovereignty creates a more balanced future economic landscape. The excitement was palpable as he described how several energy companies are already moving beyond simply selling power to Bitcoin miners and are beginning to invest in mining operations themselves.
"You have global commodity companies being like, 'Oh, this is another commodity – we want to invest in this, we want to own this,'" - Andrew Myers
Perhaps most fascinating was Andrew's revelation about major energy companies in Texas developing Bitcoin collateral products for power contracts – a practical application that could revolutionize how energy transactions are settled. As energy companies continue embracing Bitcoin for both operations and collateral, we're witnessing the early stages of a profound shift in how critical infrastructure interfaces with sound money. The implications for both sectors could be transformative.
Check out the full podcast here for more on remote viewing, Nikola Tesla's predictions, and the convergence of Bitcoin and AI technology. We cover everything from humanoid robots to the energy demands of next-generation computing.
Headlines of the Day
Steak n Shake to Accept Bitcoin at All Locations May 16 - via X
Facebook Plans Crypto Wallets for 3B Users, Bitcoin Impact Looms - via X
Trump Urges Americans to Buy Stocks for Economic Boom - via X
UK Drops Tariffs, U.S. Farmers Set to Reap Major Benefits - via X
Looking for the perfect video to push the smartest person you know from zero to one on bitcoin? Bitcoin, Not Crypto is a three-part master class from Parker Lewis and Dhruv Bansal that cuts through the noise—covering why 21 million was the key technical simplification that made bitcoin possible, why blockchains don’t create decentralization, and why everything else will be built on bitcoin.
Ten31, the largest bitcoin-focused investor, has deployed 145,630 sats | $150.00M across 30+ companies through three funds. I am a Managing Partner at Ten31 and am very proud of the work we are doing. Learn more at ten31.vc/invest.
Final thought...
Happy belated Mother's Day to all the moms out there.
Get this newsletter sent to your inbox daily: https://www.tftc.io/bitcoin-brief/
Subscribe to our YouTube channels and follow us on Nostr and X:
-
@ b17fccdf:b7211155
2025-06-09 19:17:52
Check out the MiniBolt guide -> HERE <-
- Core guides
- System
- Bitcoin
- Bitcoin client (Bitcoin Core)
- Electrum server (Fulcrum)
- Blockchain explorer (BTC RPC Explorer)
- Desktop signing app (Sparrow Wallet)
- Lightning
- Lightning client (LND)
- Channel backup
- Web app (ThunderHub)
- Mobile app (Zeus)
- Bonus guides
- System bonus guide
- Dashboard & Appearance
- System Administration
- Install / Update / Uninstall common languages
- Databases
- Hardware
- Bitcoin bonus guides
- Electrum servers
- Signing apps
- Desktop
- Electrum Wallet Desktop
- Decentralized exchange
- Resilience
- Fun
- Payment processors
- Testnet
- Nostr bonus guides
- Relays
- Nostr relay in Rust
- Security bonus guides
- Authentication and Access Control
- SSH Keys
- Networking bonus guides
- VPN & Tunneling
- Resilience
🏗️ Roadmap | 🌐 Dynamic Network map | 🔧 Issues | 📥 Pull requests | 🗣️ Discussions
By ⚡2FakTor⚡
Last updated: 09/06/2025
-
@ b1ddb4d7:471244e7
2025-06-07 13:01:07
When Sergei talks about bitcoin, he doesn’t sound like someone chasing profits or followers. He sounds like someone about to build a monastery in the ruins.
While the mainstream world chases headlines and hype, Sergei shows up in local meetups from Sacramento to Cleveland, mentors curious minds, and shares what he knows is true – hoping that, with the right spark, someone will light their own way forward.
We interviewed Sergei to trace his steps: where he started, what keeps him going, and why teaching bitcoin is far more than explaining how to set up a node – it’s about reaching the right minds before the noise consumes them. So we began where most journeys start: at the beginning.
First Steps
- So, where did it all begin for you and what made you stay curious?
I first heard about bitcoin from a friend’s book recommendation, American Kingpin, the book about Silk Road (online drug marketplace). He is still not a true bitcoiner, although I helped him secure private keys with some bitcoin.
I was really busy at the time – focused on my school curriculum, running a 7-bedroom Airbnb, and working for a standardized test prep company. Bitcoin seemed too technical for me to explore, and the pace of my work left no time for it.
After graduating, while pursuing more training, I started playing around with stocks and maximizing my savings. Passive income seemed like the path to early retirement, as per the promise of the FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early). I mostly followed the mainstream news and my mentor’s advice – he liked preferred stocks at the time.
I had some Coinbase IOUs and remember sending bitcoin within the Coinbase ledger to a couple friends. I also recall the 2018 crash; I actually saw the legendary price spike live but couldn’t benefit because my funds were stuck amidst the frenzy. I withdrew from that investment completely for some time. Thankfully, my mentor advised to keep en eye on bitcoin.
Around late 2019, I started DCA-ing cautiously. Additionally, my friend and I were discussing famous billionaires, and how there was no curriculum for becoming a billionaire. So, I typed “billionaires” into my podcast app, and landed on We Study Billionaires podcast.
That’s where I kept hearing Preston Pysh mention bitcoin, before splitting into his own podcast series, Bitcoin Fundamentals. I didn’t understand most of the terminology of stocks, bonds, etc, yet I kept listening and trying to absorb it thru repetition. Today, I realize all that financial talk was mostly noise.
When people ask me for a technical explanation of fiat, I say: it’s all made up, just like the fiat price of bitcoin! Starting in 2020, during the so-called pandemic, I dove deeper. I religiously read Bitcoin Magazine, scrolled thru Bitcoin Twitter, and joined Simply Bitcoin Telegram group back when DarthCoin was an admin.
DarthCoin was my favorite bitcoiner – experienced, knowledgeable, and unapologetic. Watching him shift from rage to kindness, from passion to despair, gave me a glimpse at what a true educator’s journey would look like.
The struggle isn’t about adoption at scale anymore. It’s about reaching the few who are willing to study, take risks, and stay out of fiat traps. The vast majority won’t follow that example – not yet at least… if I start telling others the requirements for true freedom and prosperity, they would certainly say “Hell no!”
- At what point did you start teaching others, and why?
After college, I helped teach at a standardized test preparation company, and mentored some students one-on-one. I even tried working at a kindergarten briefly, but left quickly; Babysitting is not teaching.
What I discovered is that those who will succeed don’t really need my help – they would succeed with or without me, because they already have the inner drive.
Once you realize your people are perishing for lack of knowledge, the only rational thing to do is help raise their level of knowledge and understanding. That’s the Great Work.
I sometimes imagine myself as a political prisoner. If that were to happen, I’d probably start teaching fellow prisoners, doctors, janitors, even guards. In a way we already live in an open-air prison, So what else is there to do but teach, organize, and conspire to dismantle the Matrix?
Building on Bitcoin
- You hosted some in-person meetups in Sacramento. What did you learn from those?
My first presentation was on MultiSig storage with SeedSigner, and submarine swaps through Boltz.exchange.
I realized quickly that I had overestimated the group’s technical background. Even the meetup organizer, a financial advisor, asked, “How is anyone supposed to follow these steps?” I responded that reading was required… He decided that Unchained is an easier way.
At a crypto meetup, I gave a much simpler talk, outlining how bitcoin will save the world, based on a DarthCoin’s guide. Only one person stuck around to ask questions – a man who seemed a little out there, and did not really seem to get the message beyond the strength of cryptographic security of bitcoin.
Again, I overestimated the audience’s readiness. That forced me to rethink my strategy. People are extremely early and reluctant to study.
- Now in Ohio, you hold sessions via the Orange Pill App. What’s changed?
My new motto is: educate the educators. The corollary is: don’t orange-pill stupid normies (as DarthCoin puts it).
I’ve shifted to small, technical sessions in order to raise a few solid guardians of this esoteric knowledge who really get it and can carry it forward.
The youngest attendee at one of my sessions is a newborn baby – he mostly sleeps, but maybe he still absorbs some of the educational vibes.
- How do local groups like Sactown and Cleveland Bitcoiners influence your work?
Every meetup reflects its local culture. Sacramento and Bay Area Bitcoiners, for example, do camping trips – once we camped through a desert storm, shielding our burgers from sand while others went to shoot guns.
Cleveland Bitcoiners are different. They amass large gatherings. They recently threw a 100k party. They do a bit more community outreach. Some are curious about the esoteric topics such as jurisdiction, spirituality, and healthful living.
I have no permanent allegiance to any state, race, or group. I go where I can teach and learn. I anticipate that in my next phase, I’ll meet Bitcoiners so advanced that I’ll have to give up my fiat job and focus full-time on serious projects where real health and wealth are on the line.
Hopefully, I’ll be ready. I believe the universe always challenges you exactly to your limit – no less, no more.
- What do people struggle with the most when it comes to technical education?
The biggest struggle isn’t technical – it’s a lack of deep curiosity. People ask “how” and “what” – how do I set up a node, what should one do with the lightning channels? But very few ask “why?”
Why does on-chain bitcoin not contribute to the circular economy? Why is it essential to run Lightning? Why did humanity fall into mental enslavement in the first place?
I’d rather teach two-year-olds who constantly ask “why” than adults who ask how to flip a profit. What worries me most is that most two-year-olds will grow up asking state-funded AI bots for answers and live according to its recommendations.
- One Cleveland Bitcoiner shows up at gold bug meetups. How valuable is face-to-face education?
I don’t think the older generation is going to reverse the current human condition. Most of them have been under mind control for too long, and they just don’t have the attention span to study and change their ways.
They’re better off stacking gold and helping fund their grandkids’ education. If I were to focus on a demographic, I’d go for teenagers – high school age – because by college, the indoctrination is usually too strong, and they’re chasing fiat mastery.
As for the gold bug meetup? Perhaps one day I will show up with a ukulele to sing some bitcoin-themed songs. Seniors love such entertainment.
- How do you choose what to focus on in your sessions, especially for different types of learners?
I don’t come in with a rigid agenda. I’ve collected a massive library of resources over the years and never stopped reading. My browser tab and folder count are exploding.
At the meetup, people share questions or topics they’re curious about, then I take that home, do my homework, and bring back a session based on those themes. I give them the key takeaways, plus where to dive deeper.
Most people won’t – or can’t – study the way I do, and I expect attendees to put in the work. I suspect that it’s more important to reach those who want to learn but don’t know how, the so-called nescient (not knowing), rather than the ignorant.
There are way too many ignorant bitcoiners, so my mission is to find those who are curious what’s beyond the facade of fake reality and superficial promises.
That naturally means that fewer people show up, and that’s fine. I’m not here for the crowds; I’m here to educate the educators. One bitcoiner who came decided to branch off into self-custody sessions and that’s awesome. Personally, I’m much more focused on Lightning.
I want to see broader adoption of tools like auth, sign-message, NWC, and LSPs. Next month, I’m going deep into eCash solutions, because let’s face it – most newcomers won’t be able to afford their own UTXO or open a lightning channel; additionally, it has to be fun and easy for them to transact sats, otherwise they won’t do it. Additionally, they’ll need to rely on
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@ 04c915da:3dfbecc9
2025-03-13 19:39:28
In much of the world, it is incredibly difficult to access U.S. dollars. Local currencies are often poorly managed and riddled with corruption. Billions of people demand a more reliable alternative. While the dollar has its own issues of corruption and mismanagement, it is widely regarded as superior to the fiat currencies it competes with globally. As a result, Tether has found massive success providing low cost, low friction access to dollars. Tether claims 400 million total users, is on track to add 200 million more this year, processes 8.1 million transactions daily, and facilitates $29 billion in daily transfers. Furthermore, their estimates suggest nearly 40% of users rely on it as a savings tool rather than just a transactional currency.
Tether’s rise has made the company a financial juggernaut. Last year alone, Tether raked in over $13 billion in profit, with a lean team of less than 100 employees. Their business model is elegantly simple: hold U.S. Treasuries and collect the interest. With over $113 billion in Treasuries, Tether has turned a straightforward concept into a profit machine.
Tether’s success has resulted in many competitors eager to claim a piece of the pie. This has triggered a massive venture capital grift cycle in USD tokens, with countless projects vying to dethrone Tether. Due to Tether’s entrenched network effect, these challengers face an uphill battle with little realistic chance of success. Most educated participants in the space likely recognize this reality but seem content to perpetuate the grift, hoping to cash out by dumping their equity positions on unsuspecting buyers before they realize the reality of the situation.
Historically, Tether’s greatest vulnerability has been U.S. government intervention. For over a decade, the company operated offshore with few allies in the U.S. establishment, making it a major target for regulatory action. That dynamic has shifted recently and Tether has seized the opportunity. By actively courting U.S. government support, Tether has fortified their position. This strategic move will likely cement their status as the dominant USD token for years to come.
While undeniably a great tool for the millions of users that rely on it, Tether is not without flaws. As a centralized, trusted third party, it holds the power to freeze or seize funds at its discretion. Corporate mismanagement or deliberate malpractice could also lead to massive losses at scale. In their goal of mitigating regulatory risk, Tether has deepened ties with law enforcement, mirroring some of the concerns of potential central bank digital currencies. In practice, Tether operates as a corporate CBDC alternative, collaborating with authorities to surveil and seize funds. The company proudly touts partnerships with leading surveillance firms and its own data reveals cooperation in over 1,000 law enforcement cases, with more than $2.5 billion in funds frozen.
The global demand for Tether is undeniable and the company’s profitability reflects its unrivaled success. Tether is owned and operated by bitcoiners and will likely continue to push forward strategic goals that help the movement as a whole. Recent efforts to mitigate the threat of U.S. government enforcement will likely solidify their network effect and stifle meaningful adoption of rival USD tokens or CBDCs. Yet, for all their achievements, Tether is simply a worse form of money than bitcoin. Tether requires trust in a centralized entity, while bitcoin can be saved or spent without permission. Furthermore, Tether is tied to the value of the US Dollar which is designed to lose purchasing power over time, while bitcoin, as a truly scarce asset, is designed to increase in purchasing power with adoption. As people awaken to the risks of Tether’s control, and the benefits bitcoin provides, bitcoin adoption will likely surpass it.
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@ cae03c48:2a7d6671
2025-06-10 16:02:24
Bitcoin Magazine
Strategy Buys $110 Million Worth of BitcoinStrategy has acquired an additional 1,045 Bitcoin for approximately $110.2 million, further cementing its position as the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin as institutional adoption continues to accelerate in 2025.
According to an SEC filing on June 9, the company purchased the Bitcoin at an average price of $105,426 per coin last week, bringing its total holdings to 582,000 BTC. The acquisition was funded through Strategy’s at-the-market (ATM) sales of STRK and STRF preferred stocks.
BREAKING:
STRATEGY BUYS ANOTHER 1045 #BITCOIN FOR $110 MILLION pic.twitter.com/PUjgvEUg4B— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) June 9, 2025
With this latest purchase, Strategy’s average acquisition price across all its Bitcoin holdings has risen to $70,086 per coin. At current market prices of approximately $107,700, the company’s total Bitcoin holdings are valued at $62.8 billion.
The purchase follows recent significant acquisitions by other major corporations, including GameStop’s $513 million purchase of 4,710 BTC and The Blockchain Group’s €60.2 million acquisition of 624 BTC.
The pace of corporate Bitcoin adoption has reached an unprecedented level, with over 100 public companies now holding Bitcoin worth more than $90 billion collectively.
Strategy’s continued accumulation has helped establish a model for corporate treasury diversification that’s being rapidly adopted across industries.
Strategy’s reported BTC Yield, a key performance indicator measuring the year-to-date percentage change in Bitcoin holdings relative to diluted shares outstanding, now stands at 17.1% for 2025.
At press time, Bitcoin trades at $107,700, up 1.78% over the past 24 hours, as the market continues to process this latest institutional development and its implications for broader corporate adoption of Bitcoin as a treasury asset.
This post Strategy Buys $110 Million Worth of Bitcoin first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Vivek Sen.
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@ 9ca447d2:fbf5a36d
2025-06-07 16:01:19
Wall Street is warming up to Bitcoin and getting closer and closer to it.
Cantor Fitzgerald, one of the oldest and most respected investment banks on Wall Street, has launched a $2 billion bitcoin-backed lending program.
They’ve reportedly already done their first deals, lending to two big digital asset companies: FalconX and Maple Finance.
This is a big step in connecting traditional finance to the fast-moving world of Bitcoin.
Cantor’s new service allows big investors, hedge funds and asset managers, to borrow money using bitcoin as collateral.
This is a game changer for institutions that hold bitcoin, as they can now access liquidity without having to sell their assets.
“Institutions holding bitcoin are looking to broaden their access to diverse funding sources,” said Christian Wall, co-CEO and global head of fixed income at Cantor Fitzgerald.
“And we are excited to support their liquidity needs to help them drive long term growth and success.”
The loans are not speculative or unsecured.
They are structured like traditional finance deals, backed by the borrower’s bitcoin. This reduces the risk for Cantor while giving bitcoin-holding companies new ways to grow and operate.
The first recipients of Cantor’s lending program are FalconX, a digital asset brokerage, and Maple Finance, a blockchain-based lending platform.
FalconX confirmed they secured a credit facility of over $100 million. Maple Finance also received the first tranche of their loan from Cantor.
This comes at a time when the bitcoin lending space is recovering after a tough period. Several big firms went under in 2022 and investor confidence was shaken.
Now with traditional finance on board, bitcoin-backed lending has returned. According to Galaxy Research the total size of the digital asset lending market grew to $36.5 billion in Q4 2024.
Cantor’s move into bitcoin-backed lending isn’t new. They announced their plans in July 2024 and have been building their presence in the Bitcoin space since then.
Earlier this year, they partnered with Tether, SoftBank and Bitfinex to launch Twenty One Capital, a $3.6 billion fund to buy over 42,000 bitcoin.
In May 2025 Cantor Equity Partners merged with Twenty One Capital and bought nearly $459 million worth of bitcoin.
They also own around $1.9 billion in shares of Strategy, a company that holds a lot of bitcoin. Clearly Cantor believes in bitcoin as a long-term asset.
Cantor is also a big player in the stablecoin space.
They manage U.S. Treasury reserves for Tether, the company behind the $142 billion USDT stablecoin. This adds another layer of trust and credibility to Cantor’s digital asset involvement.
To secure the bitcoin used as collateral, Cantor has partnered with digital asset custodians Anchorage Digital and Copper.co.
These companies are known for their robust security and institutional-grade infrastructure. Cantor hasn’t disclosed loan terms or interest rates but confirmed the lending will follow current regulations.
This also shows how traditional financial players are embracing DeFi.
Maple Finance for example allows undercollateralized lending using blockchain. By backing companies like Maple, Cantor is innovating while still having control and compliance.
For years, bitcoin-backed loans were only available through digital-asset-native companies like Genesis, BlockFi, and Ledn.
These loans were mostly for smaller clients and retail investors. But with Cantor’s entry, the scale and professionalism of bitcoin lending are expanding.
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@ 04c915da:3dfbecc9
2025-02-25 03:55:08
Here’s a revised timeline of macro-level events from The Mandibles: A Family, 2029–2047 by Lionel Shriver, reimagined in a world where Bitcoin is adopted as a widely accepted form of money, altering the original narrative’s assumptions about currency collapse and economic control. In Shriver’s original story, the failure of Bitcoin is assumed amid the dominance of the bancor and the dollar’s collapse. Here, Bitcoin’s success reshapes the economic and societal trajectory, decentralizing power and challenging state-driven outcomes.
Part One: 2029–2032
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2029 (Early Year)\ The United States faces economic strain as the dollar weakens against global shifts. However, Bitcoin, having gained traction emerges as a viable alternative. Unlike the original timeline, the bancor—a supranational currency backed by a coalition of nations—struggles to gain footing as Bitcoin’s decentralized adoption grows among individuals and businesses worldwide, undermining both the dollar and the bancor.
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2029 (Mid-Year: The Great Renunciation)\ Treasury bonds lose value, and the government bans Bitcoin, labeling it a threat to sovereignty (mirroring the original bancor ban). However, a Bitcoin ban proves unenforceable—its decentralized nature thwarts confiscation efforts, unlike gold in the original story. Hyperinflation hits the dollar as the U.S. prints money, but Bitcoin’s fixed supply shields adopters from currency devaluation, creating a dual-economy split: dollar users suffer, while Bitcoin users thrive.
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2029 (Late Year)\ Dollar-based inflation soars, emptying stores of goods priced in fiat currency. Meanwhile, Bitcoin transactions flourish in underground and online markets, stabilizing trade for those plugged into the bitcoin ecosystem. Traditional supply chains falter, but peer-to-peer Bitcoin networks enable local and international exchange, reducing scarcity for early adopters. The government’s gold confiscation fails to bolster the dollar, as Bitcoin’s rise renders gold less relevant.
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2030–2031\ Crime spikes in dollar-dependent urban areas, but Bitcoin-friendly regions see less chaos, as digital wallets and smart contracts facilitate secure trade. The U.S. government doubles down on surveillance to crack down on bitcoin use. A cultural divide deepens: centralized authority weakens in Bitcoin-adopting communities, while dollar zones descend into lawlessness.
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2032\ By this point, Bitcoin is de facto legal tender in parts of the U.S. and globally, especially in tech-savvy or libertarian-leaning regions. The federal government’s grip slips as tax collection in dollars plummets—Bitcoin’s traceability is low, and citizens evade fiat-based levies. Rural and urban Bitcoin hubs emerge, while the dollar economy remains fractured.
Time Jump: 2032–2047
- Over 15 years, Bitcoin solidifies as a global reserve currency, eroding centralized control. The U.S. government adapts, grudgingly integrating bitcoin into policy, though regional autonomy grows as Bitcoin empowers local economies.
Part Two: 2047
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2047 (Early Year)\ The U.S. is a hybrid state: Bitcoin is legal tender alongside a diminished dollar. Taxes are lower, collected in BTC, reducing federal overreach. Bitcoin’s adoption has decentralized power nationwide. The bancor has faded, unable to compete with Bitcoin’s grassroots momentum.
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2047 (Mid-Year)\ Travel and trade flow freely in Bitcoin zones, with no restrictive checkpoints. The dollar economy lingers in poorer areas, marked by decay, but Bitcoin’s dominance lifts overall prosperity, as its deflationary nature incentivizes saving and investment over consumption. Global supply chains rebound, powered by bitcoin enabled efficiency.
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2047 (Late Year)\ The U.S. is a patchwork of semi-autonomous zones, united by Bitcoin’s universal acceptance rather than federal control. Resource scarcity persists due to past disruptions, but economic stability is higher than in Shriver’s original dystopia—Bitcoin’s success prevents the authoritarian slide, fostering a freer, if imperfect, society.
Key Differences
- Currency Dynamics: Bitcoin’s triumph prevents the bancor’s dominance and mitigates hyperinflation’s worst effects, offering a lifeline outside state control.
- Government Power: Centralized authority weakens as Bitcoin evades bans and taxation, shifting power to individuals and communities.
- Societal Outcome: Instead of a surveillance state, 2047 sees a decentralized, bitcoin driven world—less oppressive, though still stratified between Bitcoin haves and have-nots.
This reimagining assumes Bitcoin overcomes Shriver’s implied skepticism to become a robust, adopted currency by 2029, fundamentally altering the novel’s bleak trajectory.
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@ cae03c48:2a7d6671
2025-06-10 16:02:03
Bitcoin Magazine
BitMine Immersion Technologies Buys 100 Bitcoin in First Treasury AcquisitionBitMine Immersion Technologies, Inc., a Bitcoin focused technology company, has taken its first step into treasury accumulation with the open market purchase of 100 Bitcoin. The acquisition marks the launch of BitMine’s formal Bitcoin Treasury business.
JUST IN:
Publicly traded BitMine Immersion Technologies bought 100 #Bitcoin for the first time. pic.twitter.com/4PPaFQGMbr— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) June 9, 2025
The 100 BTC were purchased using funds raised through BitMine’s recent public stock offering, which closed on June 6, 2025. The offering raised $18 million through the sale of 2,250,000 shares at $8.00 per share.
“We are excited to make our first open market purchase of Bitcoin, and expect to make more Bitcoin purchases moving forward,” said Jonathan Bates, Chairman and CEO of BitMine.
BitMine’s Treasury strategy reflects a growing trend among public companies to diversify their balance sheets with Bitcoin as a store of value. The company joins a cohort of firms leveraging proceeds from capital markets to accumulate BTC as a long term asset, echoing broader institutional adoption.
Based in regions with low-cost energy—including Pecos and Silverton, Texas, and Trinidad—BitMine’s operations span traditional Bitcoin mining, synthetic Bitcoin mining through hashrate financial products, and advisory services for companies seeking Bitcoin-denominated revenues.
The company’s focus is not only on direct mining but also on offering consulting and infrastructure solutions to other public firms entering the Bitcoin space. Its strategic pivot toward treasury holdings represents a natural extension of its belief in Bitcoin as a core financial asset.
BitMine emphasized in its announcement that the move is just the beginning. The company “expects to make more Bitcoin purchases moving forward,” pointing to a sustained long-term accumulation plan.
With this initial acquisition, BitMine has placed itself among a growing group of companies actively converting capital into Bitcoin—showcasing not only conviction in the asset but a business model structured around it.
This post BitMine Immersion Technologies Buys 100 Bitcoin in First Treasury Acquisition first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Jenna Montgomery.
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@ b1ddb4d7:471244e7
2025-06-07 10:01:31
Hosted at the iconic Palace of Culture and Science—a prominent symbol of the communist era—the Bitcoin FilmFest offers a vibrant celebration of film through the lens of bitcoin. The venue itself provides a striking contrast to the festival’s focus, highlighting bitcoin’s core identity as a currency embodying independence from traditional financial and political systems.
𝐅𝐢𝐱𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐯𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐬.
Warsaw, Day Zero at #BFF25 (European Bitcoin Pizza Day) with @roger__9000, MadMunky and the @2140_wtf squad
pic.twitter.com/9ogVvWRReA— Bitcoin FilmFest
(@bitcoinfilmfest) May 28, 2025This venue represents an era when the state tightly controlled the economy and financial systems. The juxtaposition of this historical site with an event dedicated to bitcoin is striking and thought-provoking.
The event features a diverse array of activities, including engaging panel discussions, screenings of both feature-length and short films, workshops and lively parties. Each component designed to explore the multifaceted world of bitcoin and its implications for society, offering attendees a blend of entertainment and education.
The films showcase innovative narratives and insights into bitcoin’s landscape, while the panels facilitate thought-provoking discussions among industry experts and filmmakers.
Networking is a significant aspect of the festival, with an exceptionally open and friendly atmosphere that foster connections among participants. Participants from all over Europe gather to engage with like-minded individuals who share a passion for BTC and its implications for the future.
The open exchanges of ideas foster a sense of community, allowing attendees to forge new connections, collaborate on projects, and discuss the potential of blockchain technology implemented in bitcoin.
The organization of the festival is extraordinary, ensuring a smooth flow of information and an expertly structured schedule filled from morning until evening. Attendees appreciate the meticulous planning that allowed them to maximize their experience. Additionally, thoughtful touches such as gifts from sponsors and well-chosen locations for various events contribute to the overall positive atmosphere of the festival.
Overall, the Bitcoin FilmFest not only highlights the artistic expression surrounding bitcoin but also serves as a vital platform for dialogue—about financial freedom, the future of money, and individual sovereignty in a shifting world.
The event successfully bridges the gap between a historical symbol of control and a movement that celebrates freedom, innovation, and collaboration in the digital age, highlighting the importance of independence in financial systems while fostering a collaborative environment for innovation and growth.
Next year’s event is slated for June 5-7 2026. For further updates check: https://bitcoinfilmfest.com/
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@ cae03c48:2a7d6671
2025-06-07 10:01:23
Bitcoin Magazine
Bitcoin Life Insurer, Meanwhile, Becomes First Company to Publish Audited Financials Denominated in BitcoinMeanwhile Insurance Bitcoin (Bermuda) Limited (“Meanwhile”) announced it has become the first company in the world to release externally audited financial statements denominated entirely in Bitcoin. According to the announcement, the company reported 220.4 BTC in assets and 25.29 BTC in net income for 2024, a 300% year over year increase.
Today marks a global first & historic event for us, along with the public release of our 2024 audited financial statements, covering our 1st year of sales.
As the 1st company in the world to have Bitcoin-denominated financial statements externally audited, we are excited to…
— meanwhile | Bitcoin Life Insurance (@meanwhilelife) June 5, 2025
“We’ve just made history as the first company in the world to have Bitcoin-denominated financial statements externally audited,” said Zac Townsend, CEO of Meanwhile. “This is an important, foundational step in reimagining the financial system based on a single, global, decentralized standard outside the control of any one government.”
The financial statements were audited by Harris & Trotter LLP and its digital asset division ht.digital. Meanwhile’s financials also comply with Bermuda’s Insurance Act 1978, noting that their BTC denominated financials were approved and comply with official guidelines. The firm, fully licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA), operates entirely in BTC and is prohibited from liquidating Bitcoin assets except through policyholder claims, positioning it as a long term holder.
“As the first regulated Bitcoin life insurance company, we view the BTC held by Meanwhile as inherently long-term in nature—primarily held to support the Company’s insurance liabilities over decades,” Townsend added. “This makes it significantly ‘stickier’ and resistant to market pressures compared to the BTC held by other companies as part of their treasury management strategies.”
Meanwhile’s 2024 financials also revealed 23.02 BTC in net premiums and 4.35 BTC in investment income, showing that its model not only preserves Bitcoin, but earns it. The company’s reserves (also held in BTC) were reviewed and approved by Willis Towers Watson (WTW).
Meanwhile also offers a Bitcoin Whole Life insurance product that allows policyholders to save, borrow, and build legacy wealth—entirely in BTC, and has plans to expand globally in 2025.
“We are incredibly proud of today’s news as it underscores how Meanwhile is at the forefront of the next phase of the convergence between Bitcoin and institutional financial markets,” said Tia Beckmann, CFO of Meanwhile. “Now having generated net income in BTC, we have demonstrated that we are earning it through a sustainable insurance business model designed for the long term.”
This post Bitcoin Life Insurer, Meanwhile, Becomes First Company to Publish Audited Financials Denominated in Bitcoin first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Jenna Montgomery.
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@ a29cfc65:484fac9c
2025-06-10 15:57:13
Über die Freilerner-Familie von Katharina und Johannes mit ihren Kindern Aurelius, Benjamin und Friedrich haben wir in unserem Beitrag vom 28. Mai 2025 berichtet. Hier wollen wir eines ihrer Projekte vorstellen. Es zeigt deutlich den pädagogischen Ansatz von Jahrgangs- und Fächer-übergreifender zielorientierter Arbeit der Freilerner.
Die drei Jungs haben im Ringelnatz-Verein Wurzen zusammen mit anderen Kindern am Vorhaben „Vom Drehbuch zum fertigen Film“ mitgewirkt. Das Projekt wurde von dem Lyriker und Schriftsteller Carl-Christian Elze geleitet und unterstützt von der Künstlerin Constanze Kehrt, dem Theater- und Filmregisseur Philipp J. Neumann sowie dem Cutter und Animation Artist**** Sascha Werner, alle aus Leipzig. Constanze Kehrt unterstützte die Kinder beim Erlernen der Grundlagen für das Schreiben von Drehbüchern. Daneben gab es erste Übungen zur Körperwahrnehmung, Stimm- und Sprachübungen sowie Improvisations- und Schauspielübungen. Nach einer Einführung durch Philipp J. Neumann in die Filmkunst mit ihren unterschiedlichen Bereichen wie Schauspiel, Regie, Kamera, Ton, Produktion, Szenenbild, Kostüm, Musik, Schnitt, Sounddesign wurden die Kinder und Jugendlichen auf den eigentlichen Filmdreh vorbereitet. Dazu gehörten Übungen im Storyboarding, Szenenproben und schließlich das Location-Scouting und Festlegen der Drehorte in unmittelbarer Nähe zum Ringelnatz-Geburtshaus. An zwei Drehtagen wurden schließlich zwei Kurzfilme gedreht, darunter „Die Flosse“, an dem Aurelius, Benjamin und Friedrich sowie andere Kinder mitwirkten. Die Kinder übernahmen nicht nur die Rollen, sondern auch die Kamera, die Tonabnahme und zum Teil die Regie. Eine Einführung in die Kunst des Film- und Tonschnitts bekamen die Kinder und Jugendlichen schließlich von Sascha Werner. Danach wurde das gedrehte Material gemeinsam gesichtet und der Schnitt vorgenommen. Dabei konnten die Kinder und Jugendlichen die Erfahrung machen, dass es tatsächlich maßgeblich der Schnitt ist, der einem Film seinen besonderen Charakter, eine bestimmte Atmosphäre gibt.
In dem Film „Die Flosse“ schleichen sich drei Kinder abends von zu Hause weg, weil sie in der Schule gehört haben, dass in der Mulde eine große Flosse gesichtet wurde. Als sie an das Mulde-Wehr kommen, sehen sie keine Flosse, aber hören seltsame Geräusche. Plötzlich ruft eine Mädchenstimme um Hilfe. Philip ist bereit zu helfen, Emma und Benjamin bleiben lieber im Versteck. Im Wasser liegend und von Ästen eingeklemmt findet Philip eine Sirene. Sie bittet ihn, ihr zu helfen und lockt ihn ins Wasser, was Philip zum Verhängnis wird.
Der Film zeigt die kreativen und ausdrucksstarken Fähigkeiten der Kinder, die sie im Zusammenwirken mit ihren Lernbegleitern vom Drehbuch bis zum fertigen Kurzfilm umgesetzt haben. Der Film handelt von Hilfsbereitschaft und dem Mut, anderen in bedrohlicher Lage zu helfen. Aber auch das Zögern bei einigen zur Hilfe wird deutlich. Das Ende läßt viele Interpretationsmöglichkeiten zu.
Quelle: https://ringelnatz-verein.de/projekte/anna-hood/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC6YEa63Dp8
Foto von Aleksandra B. auf Unsplash
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@ dfa02707:41ca50e3
2025-06-07 14:01:22
Contribute to keep No Bullshit Bitcoin news going.
- The latest firmware updates for COLDCARD devices introduce two major features: COLDCARD Co-sign (CCC) and Key Teleport between two COLDCARD Q devices using QR codes and/or NFC with a website.
What's new
- COLDCARD Co-Sign: When CCC is enabled, a second seed called the Spending Policy Key (Key C) is added to the device. This seed works with the device's Main Seed and one or more additional XPUBs (Backup Keys) to form 2-of-N multisig wallets.
- The spending policy functions like a hardware security module (HSM), enforcing rules such as magnitude and velocity limits, address whitelisting, and 2FA authentication to protect funds while maintaining flexibility and control, and is enforced each time the Spending Policy Key is used for signing.
- When spending conditions are met, the COLDCARD signs the partially signed bitcoin transaction (PSBT) with the Main Seed and Spending Policy Key for fund access. Once configured, the Spending Policy Key is required to view or change the policy, and violations are denied without explanation.
"You can override the spending policy at any time by signing with either a Backup Key and the Main Seed or two Backup Keys, depending on the number of keys (N) in the multisig."
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A step-by-step guide for setting up CCC is available here.
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Key Teleport for Q devices allows users to securely transfer sensitive data such as seed phrases (words, xprv), secure notes and passwords, and PSBTs for multisig. It uses QR codes or NFC, along with a helper website, to ensure reliable transmission, keeping your sensitive data protected throughout the process.
- For more technical details, see the protocol spec.
"After you sign a multisig PSBT, you have option to “Key Teleport” the PSBT file to any one of the other signers in the wallet. We already have a shared pubkey with them, so the process is simple and does not require any action on their part in advance. Plus, starting in this firmware release, COLDCARD can finalize multisig transactions, so the last signer can publish the signed transaction via PushTX (NFC tap) to get it on the blockchain directly."
- Multisig transactions are finalized when sufficiently signed. It streamlines the use of PushTX with multisig wallets.
- Signing artifacts re-export to various media. Users are now provided with the capability to export signing products, like transactions or PSBTs, to alternative media rather than the original source. For example, if a PSBT is received through a QR code, it can be signed and saved onto an SD card if needed.
- Multisig export files are signed now. Public keys are encoded as P2PKH address for all multisg signature exports. Learn more about it here.
- NFC export usability upgrade: NFC keeps exporting until CANCEL/X is pressed.
- Added Bitcoin Safe option to Export Wallet.
- 10% performance improvement in USB upload speed for large files.
- Q: Always choose the biggest possible display size for QR.
Fixes
- Do not allow change Main PIN to same value already used as Trick PIN, even if Trick PIN is hidden.
- Fix stuck progress bar under
Receiving...after a USB communications failure. - Showing derivation path in Address Explorer for root key (m) showed double slash (//).
- Can restore developer backup with custom password other than 12 words format.
- Virtual Disk auto mode ignores already signed PSBTs (with “-signed” in file name).
- Virtual Disk auto mode stuck on “Reading…” screen sometimes.
- Finalization of foreign inputs from partial signatures. Thanks Christian Uebber!
- Temporary seed from COLDCARD backup failed to load stored multisig wallets.
Destroy Seedalso removes all Trick PINs from SE2.Lock Down Seedrequires pressing confirm key (4) to execute.- Q only: Only BBQr is allowed to export Coldcard, Core, and pretty descriptor.
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@ cae03c48:2a7d6671
2025-06-10 16:01:53
Bitcoin Magazine
Investment Holding Company Belgravia Hartford Capital Makes First Bitcoin Purchase as Part of Treasury StrategyBelgravia Hartford Capital Inc. (CSE:BLGV) announced that it has made its first Bitcoin acquisition as part of the company’s Bitcoin treasury strategy as well as other corporate developments.
JUST IN: Publicly traded investment holding company Belgravia Hartford announces its first Bitcoin purchase for its reserves
pic.twitter.com/TUfPCvGuBk— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) June 9, 2025
The company confirmed the purchase of 4.86 BTC for USD $500,000 at an average price of $102,848 per BTC. The move follows a previously announced $5 million credit facility with Round13 Digital Asset Fund L.P., from which Belgravia has drawn its first full tranche.
“We are very pleased to have entered the market at this time,” stated CEO of Belgravia Mehdi Azodi. “Belgravia and Round 13 DAF will continue to monitor the Facility and our holdings of BTC as we move into the anticipated active Summer for Belgravia, cryptocurrencies and BTC in particular.”
Belgravia also reported a CAD $44.1 million non-capital tax loss after filing its 2023 return. This loss can be carried forward for up to 20 years. The company is now working with advisors to explore ways to monetize the tax asset to support its Bitcoin treasury strategy and overall balance sheet.
“Belgravia’s accounting, legal and business advisors are exploring a number of options and opportunities in order to monetize this CAD $44 million Non-Capital Loss for the benefit of shareholders and further strengthen our balance sheet to match our stated BTC treasury strategy,” Azodi stated.
The adoption of Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset has dramatically increased over the course of the last year, expanding globally. To date, there are 226 companies and other entities with Bitcoin in their balance sheets.
Last week, Know Labs, Inc. (NYSE American: KNW) also announced the adoption of a Bitcoin treasury strategy, starting with 1,000 Bitcoin as part of a deal with Goldeneye 1995 LLC and Ripple Chief Risk Officer Greg Kidd, who is the CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Know Labs. The Bitcoin will represent about 82% of Know Labs’ $128 million market cap at a BTC price of $105,000.
“I’m thrilled to deploy a Bitcoin treasury strategy with the support of a forward-looking organization like Know Labs at a time when market and regulatory conditions are particularly favorable,” said Mr. Kidd. “We believe this approach will generate sustainable growth and long-term shareholder value.”
JUST IN: Know Labs, Inc. announces its adopting a Bitcoin Treasury Strategy and holds 1,000 Bitcoin
pic.twitter.com/NSn2xFZYx0— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) June 6, 2025
This post Investment Holding Company Belgravia Hartford Capital Makes First Bitcoin Purchase as Part of Treasury Strategy first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Oscar Zarraga Perez.
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@ 472f440f:5669301e
2024-12-31 04:42:00
I'm sure some of you are already tired of the discussion around the H-1B visa program that was started on Christmas Eve by Vivek Ramaswamy and escalated by Elon Musk and others as the "Silicon Valley MAGA" coalition began putting forth legal immigration policy proposals for the incoming Trump administration. Core to their policy is the expansion of the H-1B visa program so that America can "recruit the best talent in the world" to come build the American economy.
Unfortunately, as it stands today - according to the Silicon Valley cognescenti, Americans are either a.) not smart enough to fulfill the roles necessary to enable the United States to maintain its lead as economic super power of the world or b.) expect too much in compensation for the available roles. At least this is my reading from the commentary I've seen over the last week.
What seems abundantly clear to me is that the framing put forth by "Silicon Valley MAGA" crew is disingenuous and self-serving. It has been clear for awhile now that the H-1B visa program is being systematically abused to bring in cheap labor from other countries to help drive down labor costs for companies across the spectrum. Not just Silicon Valley tech companies. The system has a loophole in it and it is being exploited. Bring people to the US via H-1B visas to complete work for you at lower costs and your company's financials are likely to be better off (assuming the work being done is productive and a value add to the company). Now, this isn't to say that everyone who is in the US via an H-1B visa is here because these companies want to exploit the loophole that gives them the ability to spend less on head count. However, based off the data from the database of the H-1B visa program it is abundantly clear that the system is being taken advantage of. Egregiously and at the expense of American workers, who are most certainly not (all) "subtarded".
Herein lies the crux of the problem; companies are abusing this program to get away from the problem of Americans demanding higher wages to maintain lives of dignity in a country run by a government that is chronically addicted to debt backed by a central bank that will print money ex-nihilo and at will to monetize that debt. Americans are then being scapegoated as either "lazy", "stupid" or "delusional about their worth in the work force". A classic straw man argument that avoids the root issue at hand; the money is broken and the broken money has created perverse incentives throughout the economy while also stripping Americans of the ability to properly save the value of their labor.
We live in a high velocity trash economy that rewards grift and waste while disincentivizing hard work that is meaningful to the quality of life of the Common Man. Everything has been hyper-financialized to the point that one of the only ways to make it ahead is to speculate on the flow of capital into certain asset classes, which is often determined by the whims of central planners. Another is to build or speculate on tech "innovations" that typically materialize in the form of attention zapping apps and widgets that help people temporarily forget they live in a high-velocity trash economy.
The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation and it is because they don't see a way out of the nihilistic rat race created (unknowingly to most) by the money printer.
The ability to print money out of nothing and throw it at everything creates misaligned incentives that result in the inability for the market to properly determine what is genuinely needed by the people instead of those who have learned how to game the broken system and its broken incentives.
One last point, I would be remiss not to acknowledge that many individuals in America aren't intellectually equipped to do some of the cutting edge work that may be necessary to produce the technologies and companies that will push the country forward. The high-velocity trash economy run on money printed out of nothing has completely corrupted the education system. People in the United States are literally dumber than they were five decades ago. That is a fact. But it is not only the fault of the American people themselves, but the corrupt system they have been born into that destroyed the education system with perverse incentives. And the overwhelming majority of the blame is on the system, not the people.
Even with that being said, the idea that we need to adopt a Tiger Mom mentality in the US - a culture of unrelenting devotion to studying STEM to the point that weekend sleepovers for kids are discouraged - is absolutely laughable and objectively un-American. There are plenty of incredibly intelligent, creative and driven young Americans who have contributed and will continue to contribute significantly to the American economy and they didn't need to shackle themselves to their desks to get that way. America isn't a country that was built by automatons. It's a country built by people who said, "Fuck you. Don't tell me what I can and cannot do. Watch this."
Despite the fact that a system has been erected that actively works against the average American system the American spirit lives on in the souls of many across the country. Miraculously. The American spirit is something that cannot simply be imported. It is ingrained in our culture. It is certainly beginning to dwindle as hope for a better future becomes more and more dim for the masses as the system works against them despite all their best efforts to succeed. It is imperative that we stoke the coals of the American spirit while it is still alive in those who are too stubborn to give up.
People need the ability to save their hard work in a money that cannot be debased. Opportunity cost needs to be reintroduced into the market so that things that actually add value and increase the quality of life for the Common Man are where hard money is allocated. And people need to start talking about the root of the problem more seriously instead of striking at branches with disingenuous straw man arguments.
Final thought... Ready to go surfing.
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@ dfa02707:41ca50e3
2025-06-07 14:01:19
Contribute to keep No Bullshit Bitcoin news going.
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Version 1.3 of Bitcoin Safe introduces a redesigned interactive chart, quick receive feature, updated icons, a mempool preview window, support for Child Pays For Parent (CPFP) and testnet4, preconfigured testnet demo wallets, as well as various bug fixes and improvements.
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Upcoming updates for Bitcoin Safe include Compact Block Filters.
"Compact Block Filters increase the network privacy dramatically, since you're not asking an electrum server to give you your transactions. They are a little slower than electrum servers. For a savings wallet like Bitcoin Safe this should be OK," writes the project's developer Andreas Griffin.
- Learn more about the current and upcoming features of Bitcoin Safe wallet here.
What's new in v1.3
- Redesign of Chart, Quick Receive, Icons, and Mempool Preview (by @design-rrr).
- Interactive chart. Clicking on it now jumps to transaction, and selected transactions are now highlighted.
- Speed up transactions with Child Pays For Parent (CPFP).
- BDK 1.2 (upgraded from 0.32).
- Testnet4 support.
- Preconfigured Testnet demo wallets.
- Cluster unconfirmed transactions so that parents/children are next to each other.
- Customizable columns for all tables (optional view: Txid, Address index, and more)
- Bug fixes and other improvements.
Announcement / Archive
Blog Post / Archive
GitHub Repo
Website -
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@ cae03c48:2a7d6671
2025-06-07 10:01:07
Bitcoin Magazine
Mapping Bitcoin’s Bull Cycle PotentialBitcoin’s Market Value to Realized Value, or MVRV ratio, remains one of the most reliable on-chain indicators for identifying local and macro tops and bottoms across every BTC cycle. By isolating data across different investor cohorts and adapting historical benchmarks to modern market conditions, we can generate more accurate insights into where Bitcoin may be headed next.
The Bitcoin MVRV Ratio
The MVRV Ratio compares Bitcoin’s market price to its realized price, essentially the average cost basis for all coins in the network. As of writing, BTC trades around $105,000 while the realized price floats near $47,000, putting the raw MVRV at 2.26. The Z-Score version of MVRV standardizes this ratio based on historical volatility, enabling clearer comparisons across different market cycles.
Figure 1: Historically, the MVRV Ratio and the MVRV Z-Score have accurately identified cycle peaks and bottoms. View Live Chart
Short-Term Holders
Short-term holders, defined as those holding Bitcoin for 155 days or less, currently have a realized price near $97,000. This metric often acts as dynamic support in bull markets and resistance in bear markets. Notably, when the Short Term Holder MVRV hits 1.33, local tops have historically occurred, as seen several times in both the 2017 and 2021 cycles. So far in the current cycle, this threshold has already been touched four times, each followed by modest retracements.
Figure 2: Short Term Holder MVRV reaching 1.33 in more recent cycles has aligned with local tops. View Live Chart
Long-Term Holders
Long-term holders, who’ve held BTC for more than 155 days, currently have an average cost basis of just $33,500, putting their MVRV at 3.11. Historically, Long Term Holder MVRV values have reached as high as 12 during major peaks. That said, we’re observing a trend of diminishing multiples each cycle.
Figure 3: Achieving a Long Term Holder MVRV value of 8 could extrapolate to a BTC price in excess of $300,000. View Live Chart
A key resistance band now sits between 7.5 and 8.5, a zone that has defined bull tops and pre-bear retracements in every cycle since 2011. If the current growth of the realized price ($40/day) continues for another 140–150 days, matching previous cycle lengths, we could see it reach somewhere in the region of $40,000. A peak MVRV of 8 would imply a price near $320,000.
A Smarter Market Compass
Unlike static all-time metrics, the 2-Year Rolling MVRV Z-Score adapts to evolving market dynamics. By recalculating average extremes over a rolling window, it smooths out Bitcoin’s natural volatility decay as it matures. Historically, this version has signaled overbought conditions when reaching levels above 3, and prime accumulation zones when dipping below -1. Currently sitting under 1, this metric suggests that substantial upside remains.
Figure 4: The current 2-Year Rolling MVRV Z-Score suggests more positive price action ahead. View Live Chart
Timing & Targets
A view of the BTC Growth Since Cycle Lows chart illustrates that BTC is now approximately 925 days removed from its last major cycle low. Historical comparisons to previous bull markets suggest we may be around 140 to 150 days away from a potential top, with both the 2017 and 2021 peaks occurring around 1,060 to 1,070 days after their respective lows. While not deterministic, this alignment reinforces the broader picture of where we are in the cycle. If realized price trends and MVRV thresholds continue on current trajectories, late Q3 to early Q4 2025 may bring final euphoric moves.
Figure 5: Will the current cycle continue to exhibit growth patterns similar to those of the previous two cycles? View Live Chart
Conclusion
The MVRV ratio and its derivatives remain essential tools for analyzing Bitcoin market behavior, providing clear markers for both accumulation and distribution. Whether observing short-term holders hovering near local top thresholds, long-term holders nearing historically significant resistance zones, or adaptive metrics like the 2-Year Rolling MVRV Z-Score signaling plenty of runway left, these data points should be used in confluence.
No single metric should be relied upon to predict tops or bottoms in isolation, but taken together, they offer a powerful lens through which to interpret the macro trend. As the market matures and volatility declines, adaptive metrics will become even more crucial in staying ahead of the curve.
For more deep-dive research, technical indicators, real-time market alerts, and access to a growing community of analysts, visit BitcoinMagazinePro.com.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always do your own research before making any investment decisions.
This post Mapping Bitcoin’s Bull Cycle Potential first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Matt Crosby.
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@ 93bfc86d:fc8e91f5
2025-06-10 15:27:43
질서자유주의가 자유주의 세상을 만드는 방법
안캡의 전략에는 크게 두 가지, 호페의 질서자유주의와 새뮤얼 콘킨 3세의 아고리즘이 있다.
로스바드-호페 라인의 질서자유주의는 논리를 기반으로 자연권을 정당화하고, 이를 통해 국가의 부당함을 설파한다. 미제스의 "인간은 행동한다."라는 제1공리부터 시작해서, 행동의 제1수단인 신체가 그 자신에게 소유되어야 한다는 자기 소유를 증명하고 자연권을 철저하게 연역적으로 정당화해간다. 안캡의 세상을 만들려는 이들의 방법론도 논리적이다.
예를 들어 호페의 『자유주의자는 무엇을 해야 하는가』 책에서는 위로부터의 전환이 불가능함에 따라 아래로부터의 전환을 해야 한다는 주장이 나온다. 과거에는 이런 자유로운 세상이 도래하기 위해서는 왕 한 명이 "앞으로 자기가 원하는 대로 보안 기업을 자유롭게 선택하고, 더 이상의 강제는 없다!"라고 선언만 하면 됐다. 따라서 왕 한 명만 어떻게 설득을 하거나, 압박을 하든 주리를 틀든 일단 왕이 이렇게 선언하게 하기만 하면 됐다. '마그나 카르타'도 결국 귀족 연합이 왕 한 명을 압박해 왕이 서명했던 것 아닌가?
반면에 현대 민주주의 사회를 보자. 대한민국에서 대통령 한 명이 최저임금을 폐지할 수 있는가? 최저임금은 헌법에 보장되는데(헌법 32조) 따라서 이를 폐지하는 것은 거의 개헌만큼이나 어렵다. 대통령이나 국회의원 과반이 발의를 해야 하고, 국회에서 재적 3분의 2 이상이 찬성해야 겨우 통과되며, 이렇게 통과해도 국민투표에서 과반수가 동의해야 겨우 없어지는 것이다. 즉, 거의 불가능에 가깝다.
따라서 호페는 위로부터의 전환이 불가능함에 따라 전국적인 중앙 정부의 투표를 거부할 것을 제안한다. 대통령 선거나 국회의원 선거 등 말이다. 여기서 중앙 정부 단위의 투표를 거부하는 이유는 중앙 정부의 부당성도 있지만, 이 투표를 통해 세상을 바꾸는 게 현실성이 없어서 그렇다.
같은 맥락에서 지역 선거의 투표는 항상 거부하는 건 아닌데, 자유주의자들이 한 국가 전체에서 과반을 얻는 것은 불가능하지만, 한 지역에 점점 몰리는 경우에는 적어도 그 지역에서는 과반이 될 수도 있기 때문이다. 따라서 아주 작은 지역에서 자유주의자들이 다수결이 된다면 적어도 그 지역에 한해서는 위로부터의 전환이 가능해진다. 그러면 투표를 거부하다가 지역구에서 본격적으로 투표를 하기 전에 선행되어야 할 일은 자유주의가 많이 퍼지고, 자유주의를 지지하는 사람들이 특정 지역에 몰리기 시작해야 하는 것일 것이다. 비트코이너들이 특정 지역에 몰려 시타델을 건설하는 상황을 생각하면 될 것 같다.
그 이후에는? 지역구의 대표로 선출된 인물이 해당 지역구의 투표권을 재산 소유자에게 재산 크기(지분)대로 다시 분배해야 한다. 즉, 재산이 없는 사람은 투표권이 없다. 모든 공공 인프라(도로, 수도, 전기, 교육, 치안, 사법 등등)는 전부 주식으로 판매되어 민영화된다(지방 정부는 이를 통해 재원을 마련한다). 이에 따라 공공 인프라는 완전히 사적 소유로 전환된다. 치안, 사법, 교육 모두 민간 영역으로 전환된다.
현재 세계에서 자유주의자들이 이런 관점을 취한다면 무엇을 해야 할까? 일단 자유주의를 더 많은 사람에게 퍼뜨려야 한다. 또한, 자유주의자들이 모일 지역을 물색해야 할 것이다. 그리고 중앙 정부 단위의 투표를 거부해야 할 것이다.
그림 1. 질서 자유주의의 상징인 아나코 캐피탈리즘 깃발
현대 민주주의 투표의 부당함
아고리즘의 전략을 이야기하기 전에 먼저 현대 민주주의 투표의 부당함에 대해 살펴보고 가자. 개인적인 생각도 들어가 있다.
투표 행위 자체는 유권자의 권리 행사로 전혀 나쁠 것이 없다. 다수결의 원칙도 당연히 마찬가지다. 투표 당사자들이 다수결의 원칙에 동의하기 때문에 참여하는 것이기 때문이다. 그래서 민주주의는 선거에서 져도 그 결과에 승복하는 것이 그 시스템의 규칙이다. 예를 들어 주주총회에서 주주들이 지분대로 의결권을 행사하거나 행사하지 않아서 생기는 결과는 그 행위 자체로는 전혀 문제가 없다.
투표의 정당성은 투표라는 행위 자체로부터 판단되는 것이 아니라 그 투표가 어떤 시스템 아래서 이뤄지는 투표인지로부터 판단해야 한다. 나는 두 가지 관점에서 살펴볼 것이다.
현대 민주주의의 투표는 유권자가 자신의 권리를 당선자에게 위임하는 행위다. 한 후보가 당선되면 다수결의 원칙에 따라서 그 후보는 그 후보를 찍지 않은 유권자들의 권리까지 모두 가져간다. 여기까지는 문제가 없다. 투표 행위 참여자들이 다수결의 원칙이라는 그 시스템에 동의하기 때문에 투표하기 때문이다.
그런데 현대 민주주의는 당선된 후보가 그 후보에게 투표했든, 투표하지 않았든, 기권을 했든 간에 다른 사람의 소유권을 마음껏 유린할 수 있는 권한도 가져간다. 이건 아주 큰 문제다. 국회의원이 세금을 늘리는 입법 권한을 행사하거나, 대통령이나 국회에서 예산을 편성해 정부 지출을 늘리고, 돈을 찍어내서 사람들의 소유권을 유린하는 행위가 용인된다.
어떤 사람도 다른 사람의 소유권을 침해할 수는 없다. 소유권은 단순히 희소한 재화의 분배 문제를 해결하는 실용적 대안이라서 중요한 것이 아니다. 인간 행동이라는 공리로부터 자기 소유 원칙을 이끌어내고, 그가 소유한 신체와 삶을 써서 획득한 재화(원초적 점유)에 대한 소유권을 보장하는 것이며, 그리고 이미 소유권이 있는 재화를 교환의 양 당사자가 자유롭게 교환하는 행위를 보장하는 것이다.
따라서 소유권은 인간에게 이성이 있다는 존엄성의 표현이자 인간 시간(삶)의 희소성과 귀중함을 인정하는 것이다. 어느 누구도 이를 모독할 권리는 없다. 이를 침해하는 것은 보편 원리에 따라 그 자신의 소유권도 포기한다는 뜻과 같으며, 이는 결국 자기 신체의 자기 소유도 부정하는 셈이 된다.
현대 민주주의에서 투표하는 것은 다른 누군가의 소유권을 유린할 사람을 뽑는 것과 같다. 애초에 이런 권한은 누구에게도 주어지지 않았으며 당연히 누구에게도 없으니 넘겨줄 수도 없는 권한이다.
현대 민주주의의 삼권분립 체제는 당선자에게 이러한 강탈의 권한이 보장된다. 설령 후보자가 이런 권한을 행사하지 않는다고 하더라도 이 시스템이 그러한 권한을 발동할 수 있다는 것을 언제든지 보장한다면 이러한 시스템은 폐기되어야 한다.
따라서 현대 민주주의에서 투표하는 행위는 누군가가 이러한 권한을 행사하는 것에 대한 동의로 간주될 수 있다. 어떤 후보가 이런 행위를 다른 후보보다 '덜' 한다고 해서 그 후보에 투표하는 것에 대한 정당성은 당연히 확보될 수 없다. 더하는지 덜하는지에 따라 이 약탈이 정당화될 수는 없기 때문이다.
심지어 어떤 후보가 이런 약탈 행위를 절대 안 할 것이라고 공언한다고 해도, 시스템에 이러한 권한이 보장되어 있는 이상 투표하는 행위는 이 시스템에 동의하는 행위이다. 그 후보가 당선된 이후 갑자기 돌변해 세금을 걷거나 국채를 팔아 예산을 확보하고 돈을 찍어내는 것이 시스템 상에서는 문제가 없기 때문이다. 이것은 간접 민주주의의 단점이라기 보다는, 애초에 이런 다른 사람에 대한 약탈 권한을 행사할 수 있는 시스템 자체가 잘못된 것이다.
현대 민주주의가 부당한 두 번째 이유는 이 시스템에 동의하지 않는 사람들조차 이 시스템의 피해자가 된다는 점이다.
도박에 참여하고 있는 사람들을 생각해보자. 승리자가 나머지 베팅한 모든 사람들의 베팅 금액을 약탈하는 것은 전혀 문제가 되지 않는다. 왜냐하면 도박 참여자들은 패배 시 자신이 베팅한 재산이 승자에게 몰수될 수도 있다는 것에 동의하고 도박에 참여하기 때문이다(따라서 이는 약탈이 아니다). 이에 동의하지 않는다면 도박을 그만하면 된다. 도박사는 언제든지 도박을 그만둘 자유가 있다.
그러나 현대 민주주의는 이 시스템에 동의하지 않더라도 그 나라에서 태어났다는 이유만으로 이러한 약탈에 강제 당할 수밖에 없다. '분배'하기 위해 투표를 할 거면 그 시스템에 동의하는 사람들끼리 서로의 재산을 놓고 분배하면 될 일이다. 그러나 이 시스템은 모든 사람들에게 이 시스템에 참여하는 것이 강제된다.
즉, 이 시스템은 애초에 잘못된 시스템인데 이 안에서 좌니 우니, 대통령제니 내각제니 사람들이 서로 경쟁하게 한다. 시스템 자체에 대한 의문을 품기는 매우 어려운 구조다.
이 시스템이 마음에 안 들면 이민을 가면 된다고 하는 주장은 전혀 설득력이 없다. 이민에 비용이 들고 다양한 현실적인 제약이 있다는 것은 차치하고서 이야기해보자. 만약 이러한 분배(?) 혹은 세금의 권한 행사자가 해당 지역 토지의 소유자고, 그 토지의 사용자가 소유자가 정한 분배 규칙에 동의하는 조건으로 토지를 사용한다면 이러한 세금과 같은 분배는 약탈은 아니다. 사용자가 그 규칙에 자발적으로 동의했으므로 정당화될 수 있는 것이다.
만약 국토의 모든 땅이 사실상 소유자가 있는 게 아니라, 사실상 국가의 소유이며 국가가 국민들에게 사용권을 나눠주는 것이라는 미친 주장을 해도(참고로 이건 토지의 사적 소유권을 부정하는 공산주의다!) 여전히 이 주장은 정당하지 않다.
토지의 소유권을 획득하는 방법은 두 가지가 있는데 첫째, 소유권이 없는 땅을 점유함으로써 소유권을 주장할 수 있게 되는 것, 둘째, 이미 소유권이 있는 토지를 자발적인 교환이나 기부를 통해 획득하는 것이다. 소유권이 있는 생산 수단을 통해 생산된 생산물도 소유권이 인정되는데, 토지는 생산이 불가능하니(우주정거장 같이 새로운 공간을 건설하는 게 아니라면...) 토지를 획득하는 방법은 언급한 두 가지 뿐이다.
그런데 현대 국가가 토지를 소유한 것의 기원을 살펴보자. 식민지화를 통해 강제로 점유하는 것은 대한민국은 해당이 없는 것 같다. 그러면 이미 소유자가 있는 사유지를 각종 규제와 사용 제한을 통해 사실상의 지배권을 확보하거나, 세금으로 축적한 재정으로 구입한 것이다. 그 기원이 모두 약탈에 있다는 점에서 국가의 토지 소유는 정당하지 않다.
따라서 규칙이 싫으면 이민을 가면 된다는 주장은 도둑이 도둑질을 하는데, 도둑질을 당하기 싫으면 멀리 도망가라는 식의 궤변과 같다.
그러나 국가의 계약은 완전히 비자발적이다. 단지 그 신체가 어디서 탄생했다는 이유만으로 그 시스템에 동의한 것이 될 수는 없다. 갓 태어난 아기는 다른 사람의 보호가 있어야만 생존할 수 있다는 점에서 완전히 비자발적인데, 이에 따라 당연히 탄생의 위치도 완전히 비자발적인 것이었기 때문이다.
또한 국가는 국토의 소유자가 아니다. 그보다는 국토의 소유권을 보장'해야' 하는 존재일 뿐이다. 누군가가 규칙을 정하고 싶다면 그 규칙의 영향권은 자신의 사유지 내에서만 영향력이 있으며, 당연히 그 규칙에 자발적으로 동의하는 사람들만 그 사유지를 이용하는 조건으로 계약할 수 있다.
정리해보자. 지금까지 현대 민주주의의 투표의 부당함에 대해 두 가지 관점에서 살펴봤다. 첫째는 투표가 약탈이 가능한 이 시스템에 동의한다는 행위라서 부당하다는 것이고, 둘째는 이 시스템에 동의하지 않는 사람들까지 약탈의 대상이 되는 이 시스템에 동의한다는 행위이므로 부당하다는 것이었다.
투표하지 않는 행위가 혹시 반대 세력이 활개치게 두게 되는 것은 아닐까? 그렇지 않다. 투표하지 않는 행위는 이 시스템의 정당성을 약화시킨다. 현대 민주주의의 큰 속임수가 있다. 민주주의에서 비롯된 통치 행위는 51%를 넘은 사람들이 그 통치 행위에 동의했기 때문에 자행되어도 된다는 매우 비논리적인 주장에 입각하고 있다. 이는 당연히 정당성이 없다. 그런데 진짜 큰 속임수는 그 통치 행위에 동의한 사람이 심지어 과반도 아니라는 것이다.
만약 어떤 후보가 생산에 적대적인 수준의 세금 부과와 보편 복지, 최저임금 인상 등의 모두가 고통받는 정책을 공약으로 내세워 당선이 되었다고 해보자. 해당 후보의 득표율이 51%라고 한다면 이는 전국의 51% 국민이 해당 후보를 지지하는 것과 같은 착각을 일으킨다. 그렇지 않다. 만약 투표율이 75%라면, 해당 후보에 동의한 사람은 0.75 x 0.51 = 38%가 된다. 즉, 38%의 동의로 인해 모든 사람이 함께 고통 받게 되는 것이다.
그래서 민주주의는 이러한 사실을 감추면서 사람들에게 투표를 독려할 수밖에 없다. 투표율이 조금만 낮아져도 이에 대한 정당성이 심각하게 낮아지기 때문이다. 투표율이 50%인 상황에서 어떤 후보가 51%의 표를 얻어 당선된다면 전 국민의 25%의 지지로 당선된 것과 같은데 이는 통치 행위에 대한 정당성을 매우 약화시킨다.
소비자 주권 행사
그러면 투표라는 행위가 없다면 일반 시민들은 어떻게 주권을 행사할 수 있을까? 사실 우리는 매일매일 자발적으로 투표를 하고 있다. 바로 미제스가 말한 '소비자 주권' 행사다.
우리는 기업들이 우리에게 어떤 효용을 주는지에 따라 계속 투표한다. 어떤 기업을 살리고, 어떤 기업을 죽일지, 어떤 기업을 거지 기업에서 부자 기업으로 만들지, 또는 어떤 기업을 부자 기업에서 거지 기업으로 만들지 투표한다. 바로 '소비'를 통해서 말이다.
이러한 소비라는 투표 방식은 완전히 자발적이라는 점에서 소유권을 제대로 보장한다. 약탈과는 완전히 동떨어진 행위다.
또한, 이러한 투표 방식은 각자가 원하는 대로 효용을 누릴 수 있다. 사법과 치안도 시장의 영역으로 들어오면 우리는 어떤 규칙 아래서 살아갈지 자유롭게 선택할 수 있다. 즉, 내가 선택한 규칙이 다른 사람에게도 강제되지 않고, 다른 사람이 선택한 규칙이 나에게 강제되지도 않는다. 서로 다른 규칙이 충돌하면 그 규칙들의 간극을 중재하는 기업이 나타난다. 자연적으로 질서가 꽃 피는 것이다.
생산 권한은 기업에게 달려있지만 심판은 소비자가 한다. 생산자가 소비자의 의지에 반하는 생산을 하면 바로 시장에서 퇴출되기 때문이다. 기업은 소비자에게 어떤 도덕적 의무를 강요할 수도 없다. 기업은 소비자가 원하는 것이 있다면 생산할 뿐이다. 소비자는 기업에게 자신들이 원하는 것을 최대한 효율적으로 자원을 분배하여 생산할 것을 명령하고 생산 권한을 위임하는 셈이다. 그 기업이 소비자가 원하는 것을 생산하지 않으면 어차피 다른 어떤 기업이 생산하여 거기서 챙길 수 있는 소비자의 표, 즉 이익을 가져갈 것이다.
만약 '소비'라는 투표 행위 자체에 반대한다면 오지에 있는 땅을 사서 문명을 떠나 자급자족하며 사는 것도 가능하다. 각자가 자신만의 방식으로 삶을 선택할 수 있는 것이다.
이 투표 시스템에서 표는 돈이다. 돈으로 투표를 한다는 것이 비인간적으로 느껴질지도 모르겠다. 그러나 돈으로 투표하는 것은 지극히 인간적인데, 그 투표권을 얻기 위해서는 먼저 다른 사람들이 원하는 것을 해줘서 그 표를 얻어야 하기 때문이다. 소비하려면 먼저 생산해야 한다. 이건 완전히 약탈 없는 시스템이고, 모든 인간 시간에 대한 존중이다.
이러한 이유들로 나는 이제 현대 민주주의에 대한 투표를 거부하지만, 동시에 매일 소비를 통해 투표하고 있다.
아고리즘이 자유주의 세상을 만드는 방법
이제 아고리즘의 전략을 살펴보자. 로스바드-호페의 질서 자유주의를 살펴본 뒤, 현대 민주주의의 투표에 대한 부당함을 살펴본 것이 뜬금 없는 이야기는 아니었는데, 아고리즘은 이러한 이유로 어떠한 투표도 거부하기 때문이다. 아고리즘의 창시자인 새뮤얼 콘킨 3세가 로스바드와 갈라선 것도 로스바드가 정치와 연대하는 전략적 행보를 보이면서부터였다.
아고리즘은 자유로운 세상을 만들기 위해 자유 시장인 아고라를 적극 활용할 것을 주장한다. 이들은 정부가 추적할 수 없는 자유로운 암시장을 확대해서 정부의 힘을 약화시키는 방법을 써야 한다고 주장한다. 이 암시장은 당연히 무기, 마약, 성매매 등을 포함한 시장을 말한다.
그래서 자유지상주의를 도래시키기 위한 이들의 전략은 정부가 추적할 수 없는 시장을 만들고, 하나의 병렬 경제(대항 경제)를 만들어 정부의 힘을 지속적으로 약화시키는 것이다. 이들은 납세 거부 운동, 투표 거부 운동을 장려하며 암시장과 암호 기술을 적극 활용한다. 참고로 사이퍼펑크 같은 기술 자유주의는 분류하자면 질서자유주의보다 아고리즘 쪽에 더 가깝다(로스 울브리히트의 실크로드를 생각해보자...!)
로스바드-호페의 질서자유주의와 콘킨의 아고리즘은 둘 다 자유지상주의의 실현을 목표로 하지만, 질서자유주의는 논리적으로 윤리적 정당성을 확보하고, 그러한 정당성을 바탕으로 자유지상주의를 실현시키기 위해 현실 세계에 이미 존재하는 제도들도 전략적으로 이용한다. 반면 콘킨의 아고리즘은 자유지상주의의 윤리적 정당성보다는 그걸 도래시키기 위한 전략들에 치중하며, 정치와 절대 타협하지 않고, 전략적으로 이용하려고도 하지 않는다. 목표는 같지만 서로 다른 방법을 취하는 것이다.
1980년 공개된 콘킨의 「신 자유주의자 선언」은 미제스와 로스바드, 르페브르에 대한 감사로 시작하지만, 1장에서 다음과 같은 문구도 나온다. (이것도 언제 다 번역해봐야겠다!)
"처음 나타난 반격은 ... 개혁주의—국가주의를—'개선'하겠다는 명분으로 국가의 직책을 받아들이는 것까지 포함한다!—이 모든 반反 원칙들에 대해서... 그중 가장 끔찍한 것은 '정당주의'인데, 이는 자유지상주의적 목적을 국가주의적 수단, 특히 정당을 통해 달성하려는 반反 개념이다. '자유지상주의' 정당은 국가가 이제 막 출현한 자유지상주의자들에게 퍼부은 두 번째 반격이었다. 처음에는 터무니 없는 모순으로, 그 다음에는 침략군으로 등장했다."
로스바드가 1992년 공화당 경선 후보였던 팻 뷰캐넌을 공개적으로 지지했을 때(이때 공화당 경선에서 뷰캐넌은 아버지 부시한테 졌고, 대선은 민주당 빌 클린턴 승리), 콘킨이 어떤 반응을 보였을지 상상해보자. 저런 선언문을 썼는데 말이다. 콘킨은 로스바드가 자유지상주의 원칙을 저버렸다면서 자신이 편집하는 잡지 『신 자유지상주의자』에서 로스바드의 행위를 "자유의 원칙을 포기한 행위"라고 비난했다.
반면 로스바드는 소수의 자유지상주의 지식인들만으로는 자유지상주의 사회를 건설할 수 없으므로 대중과 연합해야 한다고 주장했다. 팻 뷰캐넌 같은 인물을 통해 중산층이나 노동계층의 지지를 얻을 수 있고, 자유지상주의 목표를 달성할 수 있다고 했다. 이때 나온 전략이 자유주의적 경제 질서와 보수적 문화 질서를 결합한 '팔레오 자유지상주의'다. 로스바드는 아고리즘 세력에게 순수성만을 강조하며 현실 세계와 단절된 사람들은 무기력한 이상주의자들이라고 반박하며, 자신은 국가주의를 지지하는 게 아니라 그 세력 안에 있는 반국가적 잠재력을 이끌어내는 것이라고 했다.
그림 2. 아고리즘의 깃발
질서자유주의와 아고리즘의 공동체적 배제에 관한 입장 차이
콘킨의 아고리즘과 로스바드-호페 라인의 질서자유주의의 차이는 정치 같은 기존 제도들을 전략적으로 이용할 수 있는지뿐만 아니라 공동체적 배제에 관한 입장에서도 약간 갈라진다.
자유주의에서는 자유로운 수용과 자유로운 '배제'도 보장되어야 한다. 즉, 예를 들어 어떤 사람이 장사를 하는데 동성애자나 흑인이나 채식주의자를 직원이나 손님으로 받지 않는 것도 장사하는 사람의 자유로운 배제 권리라는 것이다. 자신의 사유지에 어떤 사람을 들일지, 들이지 않을지는 전적으로 소유자의 몫이다. 그리고 여기서 배제는 당연히 폭력으로 이어지지 않는 선에서의 자유로운 배제다.
이러한 배제가 한 공동체 전체로 퍼졌다고 해보자. 지금은 동성애자에 대한 예시만 들겠다(필자는 동성애에 대해 부정적 감정이 전혀 없으니 동성애자 분들은 오해 마시길). 만약 한 지역 소유자 공동체 전체가 동성애자에 대한 배제를 주장한다면 당연히 동성애자는 그 공동체에 들어갈 수가 없다.
여기서 이를 다루는 뉘앙스가 약간 다른데, 호페는 이를 자유로운 계약에 의한 공동체적 질서의 탄생이라 보며 긍정적으로 본다. 물론 절대로 이러한 배제가 폭력으로 이어져서는 안 된다. 폭력으로 이어지면 비침해성 공리 위반이므로 정당성이 없다.
아고리즘은 개인들의 자발적인 배제는 자유지만, 이것이 공동체적 배제로 발전하고 구조적 차별이나 집단적 억압으로 발전하는 건 국가의 또 다른 형태일 뿐이라 생각하여 이를 경계한다. 그래서 개인 차원의 자율적 배제는 정당하지만, 공동체 차원의 배제는 경계한다. 그렇다고 이걸 없애야 한다 이런 건 아니다(개인들의 자유로운 배제가 공동체 배제로도 이어질 수 있는 것이므로). 콘킨은 공동체적 배제가 탄생할 수 있지만 그것이 비합리적인 배제라면 대안 시장이 탄생할 것으로 본다. 동성애자들을 위한 시장과 마을이 생길 것이고, 비합리적인 배제는 이러한 고객들을 놓친 것에 대한 손실로 이어질 것이라고 본다. 즉, 모든 개인이 자유 시장 아고라에서 자발적으로 교환할 권리를 가져야 하며, 차별적인 배제들은 시장 안에서 경쟁할 수 있을 거라 본다. 만약 대안 시장이 없는 상황에서 모두가 배제한다면 이는 실질적 강제처럼 작동할 수 있기 때문이다.
자유지상주의 안에서 콘킨의 아고리즘은 차별이나 수용을 대하는 태도에서 좀 더 좌파적인 것처럼 보인다. 실제로 콘킨의 「신 자유주의자 선언」에 등장하는 용어들도 약간 그러한 뉘앙스가 있다. 콘킨은 전통적인 좌파 단어들을 전략적으로 차용했다. 예를 들면 혁명, 착취, 해방운동, 불복종, 저항, 암시장, 아나키즘 등의 단어다. 당연히 전통적인 좌파 단어의 뜻과는 완전히 다르다. 혁명은 아고라를 통한 "비정치적" 자유주의 혁명을 의미하며, 착취는 마르크스의 자본가가 노동자를 착취한다고 했던 그 착취가 아니라, 국가주의와 결탁한 크로니 자본주의자들의 제도적 진입장벽을 만들고, 캉티용 효과의 수혜를 누리는 그러한 오염된 자본주의자들이 하는 것을 착취라고 했다(아고리즘은 국가에 의존하지 않는 기업가와 국가로부터 특혜를 받는 착취적 기업가를 구분한다. 선언문 참고).
정리하자! 로스바드-호페의 질서 자유주의와 콘킨의 아고리즘의 차이점은 다음과 같다.
로스바드-호페의 질서 자유주의는 정치 등을 전략적으로 이용하는 것을 허용한다. 로스바드는 공화당 경선 후보를 공개적으로 지지하여 우파 사람들로부터 자유지상주의에 대한 관심을 끌려고 했고, 호페는 전국단위의 투표나 정당 활동은 거부해도 지역 단위의 투표는 승리 가능성에 따라 조건부로 허용한다. 반면 아고리즘은 어떠한 정치 활동도 거부하며 오직 국가의 통제로부터 동떨어진 자유로운 시장에 의한 혁명을 추구한다.
얼마 전에 있었던 비트코이너들이 보수 우파 스페이스에 들어가서 비트코인에 대해 전파하는 걸 상상해보면 쉽다. 우파 국가주의자들은 국가 시스템에 의한 문제 해결을 강력한 지도자가 등장해 모든 것을 해결해줘야 한다는 잘못된 방법론에 빠져있는 경우가 많은데(문제를 더 큰 문제로 해결하려는 셈...), 누군가는 이걸 보고 저런 사람들과 협력하면 안 된다고 할 것이고, 누군가는 비트코인과 자유주의를 전파하기 위해 그래도 가능성이 높은 이들 사회에 섞여들어가 이야기도 하고, 전파도 하려고 할 것이기 때문이다.
또한 한 가지 차이점은 질서 자유주의와 아고리즘 모두 공동체적 배제는 인정하나, 질서 자유주의는 이를 자유로운 계약에 의해 등장한 공동체적 질서로 보고, 아고리즘은 공동체적 배제가 집단적 억압으로 발전할 것을 경계한다. 아고리즘에서는 비합리적 차별에 의한 배제는 대안 시장이 생겨 극복될 수 있다고 본다.
자유주의 세상을 만들기 위해서는 어떻게 해야 하는가
이제 무엇이 옳은지 스스로 판단해보자. 지금부터는 개인적인 생각이 매우 많이 들어가있으므로 주의하라.
콘킨의 아고리즘은 암시장의 확대를 노려 정부 권한을 약화시키려 하지만 이는 대중의 지지를 얻기 어렵다. 또한, 이러한 병렬 경제는 한 곳에 집중되기 어렵고 넓고 약하게 퍼져있을 수밖에 없다.
로스바드-호페의 질서자유주의는 현실에 이미 존재하는 제도들을 전략적으로 활용한다. 현실적으로 대중의 지지를 얻을 가능성이 있고, 한 지역에 자유주의자들이 집중되면 적어도 그 지역에서는 지역 투표를 통해 위로부터의 전환이 가능하다. 하나의 자유지상주의적인 지역이 좋은 모범이 되면 다른 지역도 채택할 가능성이 커진다.
어떤 전략을 택해야 하는가? 나는 자유지상주의가 도래하게 하기 위해서는 두 전략 다 써야 한다고 생각한다. 질서자유주의자들의 주장대로 대중의 지지 없이는 자유지상주의가 도래하게 할 수 없다. 대한민국에 있는 "진짜" 비트코이너+자유지상주의자들이 대략 몇 명쯤 될까? 높게 잡아 1,000명 정도 된다고 해보자. 이들 전부가 특정 지역에 모인다고 해도 자유지상주의 질서를 건립할 수는 없다. 찾아보니 대한민국에서 인구가 가장 적은 시가 충남 계룡시라고 한다. 여기 인구는 약 4만3천 명인데, 여기에 51% 공격을 가하려고 해도 적어도 4만 명이 필요하다는 뜻이다. 따라서 아고리스트들처럼 대중의 지지를 얻기 위한 전략을 완고하게 거부하다간 어떠한 힘도 얻지 못하고 선민 의식에만 갇힐 수 있다.
반면 아고리스트들의 주장대로 병렬 경제도 필요하다. 잘 세뇌된 대중은 폭력 집단의 강탈이 있어야만 사회가 유지될 수 있다는 환상에 사로잡혀있다. 병렬 경제는 이러한 환상을 깨뜨릴 좋은 수단이다. 정부 추적이나 제3자 없이 부의 보존이 가능하고, 당사자끼리의 직접 결제가 가능하다는 것을 사람들이 경험하면 생각이 크게 바뀔 것이다. 비트코인으로 결제를 해본 사람과 한 번도 해본 적 없는 사람은 이런 자유지상주의 세상에 대한 이해의 폭이 다를 수밖에 없다. 또한, 비트코인은 개인들에게 큰 힘이 되는데 국가 시스템의 폭력으로부터 개인들이 생산 가치를 지킬 수 있는 강력한 방패이자 동시에 무기가 되기 때문이다.
그러나 아고리즘의 주장인 병렬 경제 중 특히 암시장 전략—국가의 통제가 미치지 않는 무기, 마약, 성매매 등을 확장하는 것—에는 동의하지 않는다. 당연히 자유지상주의자인 나는 총기나 마약, 성매매 등도 자발적인 계약에 의해 시장에서 더 건전하게 다뤄질 수 있다고 생각한다. 지금처럼 불법화되어있는 사회와 다르게 자유시장에서는 마약의 순도나 안정성에 대해 인증해주는 기관, 의사들도 등장할 것이고, 성매매도 비슷한 방식으로 질서화될 수 있다고 생각한다. 혹은 이러한 시장은 시간 선호를 지나치게 높이고 전통적인 가족 질서를 해칠 수 있으므로 공동체적 배제가 일어날 수도 있다. 무기, 마약, 성매매는 일반 대중들이 생각하는 '질서'와는 거리가 있다. 우리는 더 많은 사람들을 끌어들여야 하는데 이는 처음에 일단 거부감을 일으킬 수 있다.
따라서 자극적인 암시장보다는 사람들의 반감이 없는 상품들을 먼저 비트코인으로 거래하고, 국가가 추적하지 못하게 함으로써 납세 거부의 물결이 퍼지게 해야 한다. 동시에 더 많은 사람들에게 자유주의를 전파해야 한다. 더 많은 개인과 비트코인을 통한 병렬 경제라는 두 가지 무기가 함께 생겨야 지역 단위에서의 자유주의 세상을 만들 수 있을 것이다. 먼저 자유주의를 많은 사람들에게 전파해야 한다. 이 과정에서 좌파, 맑시즘, 케인지언들보다는 상대적으로 자유에 대한 이해가 좀 더 있는 집단인 우파 국가주의자들이나 기독교적 종교관을 가진 사람들 속에 섞여 들어가 거기서 전파를 할 수도 있다. 이러한 과정을 통해 자유주의자들이 많아지고, 한 지역에 모여야 한다. 비트코인이라는 무기를 가진 개인들이 한 지역에 모여 자유로운 시장을 형성하면, 호페가 말했던 것처럼 그 지역에서의 투표를 통해 작은 자유지상주의 세상을 만들 수 있다.
그림 3. 자유주의 세상을 만들기 위해서는 두 전략을 적절히 함께 써야 한다.
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@ cae03c48:2a7d6671
2025-06-08 00:01:17
Bitcoin Magazine
Bitcoin Life Insurer, Meanwhile, Becomes First Company to Publish Audited Financials Denominated in BitcoinMeanwhile Insurance Bitcoin (Bermuda) Limited (“Meanwhile”) announced it has become the first company in the world to release externally audited financial statements denominated entirely in Bitcoin. According to the announcement, the company reported 220.4 BTC in assets and 25.29 BTC in net income for 2024, a 300% year over year increase.
Today marks a global first & historic event for us, along with the public release of our 2024 audited financial statements, covering our 1st year of sales.
As the 1st company in the world to have Bitcoin-denominated financial statements externally audited, we are excited to…
— meanwhile | Bitcoin Life Insurance (@meanwhilelife) June 5, 2025
“We’ve just made history as the first company in the world to have Bitcoin-denominated financial statements externally audited,” said Zac Townsend, CEO of Meanwhile. “This is an important, foundational step in reimagining the financial system based on a single, global, decentralized standard outside the control of any one government.”
The financial statements were audited by Harris & Trotter LLP and its digital asset division ht.digital. Meanwhile’s financials also comply with Bermuda’s Insurance Act 1978, noting that their BTC denominated financials were approved and comply with official guidelines. The firm, fully licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA), operates entirely in BTC and is prohibited from liquidating Bitcoin assets except through policyholder claims, positioning it as a long term holder.
“As the first regulated Bitcoin life insurance company, we view the BTC held by Meanwhile as inherently long-term in nature—primarily held to support the Company’s insurance liabilities over decades,” Townsend added. “This makes it significantly ‘stickier’ and resistant to market pressures compared to the BTC held by other companies as part of their treasury management strategies.”
Meanwhile’s 2024 financials also revealed 23.02 BTC in net premiums and 4.35 BTC in investment income, showing that its model not only preserves Bitcoin, but earns it. The company’s reserves (also held in BTC) were reviewed and approved by Willis Towers Watson (WTW).
Meanwhile also offers a Bitcoin Whole Life insurance product that allows policyholders to save, borrow, and build legacy wealth—entirely in BTC, and has plans to expand globally in 2025.
“We are incredibly proud of today’s news as it underscores how Meanwhile is at the forefront of the next phase of the convergence between Bitcoin and institutional financial markets,” said Tia Beckmann, CFO of Meanwhile. “Now having generated net income in BTC, we have demonstrated that we are earning it through a sustainable insurance business model designed for the long term.”
This post Bitcoin Life Insurer, Meanwhile, Becomes First Company to Publish Audited Financials Denominated in Bitcoin first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Jenna Montgomery.
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@ e968e50b:db2a803a
2025-06-10 14:59:23
Traveling with a miner...
I recently traveled over 13,000 kilometers to see a bitcoin circular economy of which I had developed some friendships and decided to bring a small miner to donate to one of the organizations spurring on this community. But every moment that thing was unplugged was a missed hash! So........
Let's first discuss, is mining in the terminal, using the airport's energy ethical?
I would say that the answer is unequivocally yes. They provide the outlets there so that you can charge your devices. I feel like if I want to use that to verify the transactions of freedom fighters fleeing Myanmar and preserve the savings of merchants in Zimbabwe instead of playing Candy Crush or doomscrolling Facebook, that's my prerogative. Am I wrong?
Is it allowed?
Well...I guess this post may bring that to light...
But is is possible?
Short answer, yes, but I couldn't quite figure it out in time with the miner I was using. The hard problem is the way you sign in to Wifi at the airport. There's no password and instead you normally open up a browser and agree to the terms there. I couldn't figure out in time (across multiple airports) how to circumvent this, but I think I would have been able to do it with a different device.
How about at a bnb?
Easy-peasy! Oddly enough, I was a little more torn on the ethics here. It was in fact pretty cold, and this thing was functioning as a space heater while I was at that desk. Also, you can't see it, but that cord on the right was for a blow dryer that consumes almost ten times the energy of my miner. Alas, you don't use a blow dryer continuously throughout the night and I really didn't want to risk offending the owner. She had actually only charged me 26,000 sats for the night, and even though she was a bitcoiner, I didn't want to risk any chance that she might feel I was taking advantage of her business. I ran it for a little bit to warm my hands while I wrote and then unplugged it until it was time to present the gift.
Have you ever mined like this?
I kept reminding myself that I wasn't using someone else's electricity, but in fact, using electricity that I already paid for. Nevertheless, it's an odd feeling. Am I wrong? I definitely think bitcoiners that run rental spots should be heating them with miners. If nothing else, what a cool education opportunity for the renters. Anyone ever mine anywhere weirder than this? It seems that as solo miners become more prevalent, there will be more instances of people travel mining, mining at work, or mining using power that they don't necessarily "own" or have full control over.
https://stacker.news/items/1002559
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@ 472f440f:5669301e
2024-12-21 00:45:10
There was a bit of a rally in stock markets today, but this was a relief rally after taking a beating throughout the week. All eyes were on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell as he took the stage on Wednesday to announce the decisions made at the most recent FOMC meeting.
The market reacted negatively to another 0.25% cut from the Federal Reserve that many considered a "hawkish cut" due to the fact that Chairman Powell articulated that it is likely that there will be less rate cuts in 2025 than were previously expected. This is likely driven by the fact that inflation, as reported by the terribly inaccurate CPI, has been coming in higher than expectations. Signaling that the Fed does not, in fact, have inflation under control. Who could have seen that coming?
Here's how the US 10Y Treasury yield reacted to the announcement:
"Not great Bob!" The US 10Y Treasury yield is something that everyone should be paying attention to over the course of the next year. Since the Fed started cutting rates in September of this year, the 10Y yield has been acting anomalously compared to how it has acted historically after Fed interest rate decisions. Since September, the market has been calling the Fed's bluff on inflation and rates have been moving in the opposite direction compared to what would be expected if the Fed had things under control. The "hawkish cut" made on Wednesday is not a great sign. The Fed is being forced to recognize that it cut "too much too fast" before actually getting inflation under control.
One has to wonder why they made such aggressive moves in September. Why the need for a much more dovish stance as quickly as they moved? Do they see something behind the scenes of the banking system that makes them believe that another liquidity crisis was on the horizon and they needed to act to prevent yet another banking crisis? Now that it is clear that inflation isn't under control and if there really was a liquidity crisis on the horizon, what are the first two quarters of 2025 going to look like? Could we find ourselves in a situation where inflation is beginning to accelerate again, there is a liquidity crisis, and the Fed is forced to rush back ZIRP and QE only to further exacerbate inflation? Couple this potential scenario with the proposed economic policy from the incoming Trump administration and it isn't hard to see that we could be in for a period of economic pain.
One can only hope that the Fed and the incoming administration have the intestinal fortitude to let the market correct appropriately, reprice, clear out the bad assets and credit that exists in the system and let the cleanse happen relatively unperturbed. That has what has been desperately needed since 2008, arguably longer.
On that note, bitcoin is going through a bull market correction this week as well. Likely incited and/or exacerbated by the turmoil in traditional markets.
Many are proclaiming that the end of this bull market is here. Don't listen to those who have been hate tweeting bitcoin all the way up this year. They've been looking for a correction to bask in schadenfreude and confirm their biases. These types of corrections are to be expected when bitcoin runs by checks notes 100% over the course of less than three months. We're approaching the end of the year, which means that people are selling to prepare for taxes (which may be happening in the stock market as well). Add to this fact that long-term holders of bitcoin have taken the most profit they have since 2018 and it probably explains the recent pull back. Can't blame the long-term holders for seeing six-figure bitcoin and deciding to bolster their cash balances.
I couldn't be more bullish on bitcoin than I am right now. The fundamentals surrounding the market couldn't be more perfect. Despite what the Trump administration may have in store for us in terms of economic policy (I agree with most of the policies he has presented), I find it hard to believe that even he and the talented team of people he has surrounded himself with can overcome the momentum of the problems that have been building up in the system for the last 16-years.
The "find safety in sats" trade is going mainstream as the market becomes more familiar with bitcoin, its properties, and the fact that it is very unlikely that it is going to die. The fervor around bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset for nation states is only picking up. And if it catches on, we will enter territory for bitcoin that was considered utterly insane only a year ago.
On that note, Nic Carter made some buzz today with a piece he wrote for Bitcoin Magazine explaining why he believes a strategic bitcoin reserve is a bad idea for the US government.
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/politics/i-dont-support-a-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-and-neither-should-you
While I agree that the signal the US government could send by acquiring a bitcoin strategic reserve could be bad for the US treasuries market, I think it comes down to strategy. The Trump administration will have to think strategically about how they acquire their Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. If they ape in, it could send the wrong message and cause everyone to dump their treasuries, which are the most popular form of collateral in the global financial system. However, there are ways to acquire bitcoin slowly but surely from here into the future that ensure that the United States gets proper exposure to the asset to protect itself from the out-of-control debt problem while also providing itself with a way out of the problem. Many of these potential strategies were discussed in two recent episodes I recorded. One with Matthew Pines from the Bitcoin Policy Institute and another with Matthew Mežinskis from Porkopolis Economics. I highly recommend you all check those out (linked below).
https://youtu.be/xyyeEqFVjBY
https://youtu.be/6vgesP9LIXk
.---
Final thought...
I am the most locked in from a focus perspective while on flights. Even with two kids under 5. Merry Christmas, Freaks!
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@ 9ca447d2:fbf5a36d
2025-06-07 06:01:53
Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), the company behind Truth Social and other Trump-branded digital platforms, is planning to raise $2.5 billion to build one of the largest bitcoin treasuries among public companies.
The deal involves the sale of approximately $1.5 billion in common stock and $1.0 billion in convertible senior secured notes.
According to the company, the offering is expected to close by the end of May, pending standard closing conditions.
Devin Nunes, CEO of Trump Media, said the investment in bitcoin is a big part of the company’s long-term plan.
“We view Bitcoin as an apex instrument of financial freedom,” Nunes said.
“This investment will help defend our Company against harassment and discrimination by financial institutions, which plague many Americans and U.S. firms.”
He added that the bitcoin treasury will be used to create new synergies across the company’s platforms including Truth Social, Truth+, and the upcoming financial tech brand Truth.Fi.
“It’s a big step forward in the company’s plans to evolve into a holding company by acquiring additional profit-generating, crown jewel assets consistent with America First principles,” Nunes said.
The $2.5 billion raise will come from about 50 institutional investors. The $1 billion in convertible notes will have 0% interest and be convertible into shares at a 35% premium.
TMTG’s current liquid assets, including cash and short-term investments, are $759 million as of the end of the first quarter of 2025. With this new funding, the company’s liquid assets will be over $3 billion.
Custody of the bitcoin treasury will be handled by Crypto.com and Anchorage Digital. They will manage and store the digital assets.
Earlier this week The Financial Times reported Trump Media was planning to raise $3 billion for digital assets acquisitions.
The article said the funds would be used to buy bitcoin and other digital assets, and an announcement could come before a major related event in Las Vegas.
Related: Bitcoin 2025 Conference Kicks off in Las Vegas Today
Trump Media denied the FT report. In a statement, the company said, “Apparently the Financial Times has dumb writers listening to even dumber sources.”
There was no further comment. However, the official $2.5 billion figure, which was announced shortly after by Trump Media through a press release, aligns with its actual filing and investor communication.
Trump Media’s official announcement
This comes at a time when the Trump family and political allies are showing renewed interest in Bitcoin.
President Donald Trump who is now back in office since the 2025 election, has said he wants to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the world.”
Trump Media is also working on retail bitcoin investment products including ETFs aligned with America First policies.
These products will make bitcoin more accessible to retail investors and support pro-Trump financial initiatives.
But not everyone is happy.
Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren recently expressed concerns about Trump Media’s Bitcoin plans. She asked U.S. regulators to clarify their oversight of digital-asset ETFs, warning of investor risk.
Industry insiders are comparing Trump Media’s plans to Strategy (MSTR) which has built a multi-billion dollar bitcoin treasury over the last year. They used stock and bond sales to fund their bitcoin purchases.
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@ 9ca447d2:fbf5a36d
2025-06-07 14:01:00
Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), the company behind Truth Social and other Trump-branded digital platforms, is planning to raise $2.5 billion to build one of the largest bitcoin treasuries among public companies.
The deal involves the sale of approximately $1.5 billion in common stock and $1.0 billion in convertible senior secured notes.
According to the company, the offering is expected to close by the end of May, pending standard closing conditions.
Devin Nunes, CEO of Trump Media, said the investment in bitcoin is a big part of the company’s long-term plan.
“We view Bitcoin as an apex instrument of financial freedom,” Nunes said.
“This investment will help defend our Company against harassment and discrimination by financial institutions, which plague many Americans and U.S. firms.”
He added that the bitcoin treasury will be used to create new synergies across the company’s platforms including Truth Social, Truth+, and the upcoming financial tech brand Truth.Fi.
“It’s a big step forward in the company’s plans to evolve into a holding company by acquiring additional profit-generating, crown jewel assets consistent with America First principles,” Nunes said.
The $2.5 billion raise will come from about 50 institutional investors. The $1 billion in convertible notes will have 0% interest and be convertible into shares at a 35% premium.
TMTG’s current liquid assets, including cash and short-term investments, are $759 million as of the end of the first quarter of 2025. With this new funding, the company’s liquid assets will be over $3 billion.
Custody of the bitcoin treasury will be handled by Crypto.com and Anchorage Digital. They will manage and store the digital assets.
Earlier this week The Financial Times reported Trump Media was planning to raise $3 billion for digital assets acquisitions.
The article said the funds would be used to buy bitcoin and other digital assets, and an announcement could come before a major related event in Las Vegas.
Related: Bitcoin 2025 Conference Kicks off in Las Vegas Today
Trump Media denied the FT report. In a statement, the company said, “Apparently the Financial Times has dumb writers listening to even dumber sources.”
There was no further comment. However, the official $2.5 billion figure, which was announced shortly after by Trump Media through a press release, aligns with its actual filing and investor communication.
Trump Media’s official announcement
This comes at a time when the Trump family and political allies are showing renewed interest in Bitcoin.
President Donald Trump who is now back in office since the 2025 election, has said he wants to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the world.”
Trump Media is also working on retail bitcoin investment products including ETFs aligned with America First policies.
These products will make bitcoin more accessible to retail investors and support pro-Trump financial initiatives.
But not everyone is happy.
Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren recently expressed concerns about Trump Media’s Bitcoin plans. She asked U.S. regulators to clarify their oversight of digital-asset ETFs, warning of investor risk.
Industry insiders are comparing Trump Media’s plans to Strategy (MSTR) which has built a multi-billion dollar bitcoin treasury over the last year. They used stock and bond sales to fund their bitcoin purchases.
-
@ b1ddb4d7:471244e7
2025-06-07 14:00:42
When Sergei talks about bitcoin, he doesn’t sound like someone chasing profits or followers. He sounds like someone about to build a monastery in the ruins.
While the mainstream world chases headlines and hype, Sergei shows up in local meetups from Sacramento to Cleveland, mentors curious minds, and shares what he knows is true – hoping that, with the right spark, someone will light their own way forward.
We interviewed Sergei to trace his steps: where he started, what keeps him going, and why teaching bitcoin is far more than explaining how to set up a node – it’s about reaching the right minds before the noise consumes them. So we began where most journeys start: at the beginning.
First Steps
- So, where did it all begin for you and what made you stay curious?
I first heard about bitcoin from a friend’s book recommendation, American Kingpin, the book about Silk Road (online drug marketplace). He is still not a true bitcoiner, although I helped him secure private keys with some bitcoin.
I was really busy at the time – focused on my school curriculum, running a 7-bedroom Airbnb, and working for a standardized test prep company. Bitcoin seemed too technical for me to explore, and the pace of my work left no time for it.
After graduating, while pursuing more training, I started playing around with stocks and maximizing my savings. Passive income seemed like the path to early retirement, as per the promise of the FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early). I mostly followed the mainstream news and my mentor’s advice – he liked preferred stocks at the time.
I had some Coinbase IOUs and remember sending bitcoin within the Coinbase ledger to a couple friends. I also recall the 2018 crash; I actually saw the legendary price spike live but couldn’t benefit because my funds were stuck amidst the frenzy. I withdrew from that investment completely for some time. Thankfully, my mentor advised to keep en eye on bitcoin.
Around late 2019, I started DCA-ing cautiously. Additionally, my friend and I were discussing famous billionaires, and how there was no curriculum for becoming a billionaire. So, I typed “billionaires” into my podcast app, and landed on We Study Billionaires podcast.
That’s where I kept hearing Preston Pysh mention bitcoin, before splitting into his own podcast series, Bitcoin Fundamentals. I didn’t understand most of the terminology of stocks, bonds, etc, yet I kept listening and trying to absorb it thru repetition. Today, I realize all that financial talk was mostly noise.
When people ask me for a technical explanation of fiat, I say: it’s all made up, just like the fiat price of bitcoin! Starting in 2020, during the so-called pandemic, I dove deeper. I religiously read Bitcoin Magazine, scrolled thru Bitcoin Twitter, and joined Simply Bitcoin Telegram group back when DarthCoin was an admin.
DarthCoin was my favorite bitcoiner – experienced, knowledgeable, and unapologetic. Watching him shift from rage to kindness, from passion to despair, gave me a glimpse at what a true educator’s journey would look like.
The struggle isn’t about adoption at scale anymore. It’s about reaching the few who are willing to study, take risks, and stay out of fiat traps. The vast majority won’t follow that example – not yet at least… if I start telling others the requirements for true freedom and prosperity, they would certainly say “Hell no!”
- At what point did you start teaching others, and why?
After college, I helped teach at a standardized test preparation company, and mentored some students one-on-one. I even tried working at a kindergarten briefly, but left quickly; Babysitting is not teaching.
What I discovered is that those who will succeed don’t really need my help – they would succeed with or without me, because they already have the inner drive.
Once you realize your people are perishing for lack of knowledge, the only rational thing to do is help raise their level of knowledge and understanding. That’s the Great Work.
I sometimes imagine myself as a political prisoner. If that were to happen, I’d probably start teaching fellow prisoners, doctors, janitors, even guards. In a way we already live in an open-air prison, So what else is there to do but teach, organize, and conspire to dismantle the Matrix?
Building on Bitcoin
- You hosted some in-person meetups in Sacramento. What did you learn from those?
My first presentation was on MultiSig storage with SeedSigner, and submarine swaps through Boltz.exchange.
I realized quickly that I had overestimated the group’s technical background. Even the meetup organizer, a financial advisor, asked, “How is anyone supposed to follow these steps?” I responded that reading was required… He decided that Unchained is an easier way.
At a crypto meetup, I gave a much simpler talk, outlining how bitcoin will save the world, based on a DarthCoin’s guide. Only one person stuck around to ask questions – a man who seemed a little out there, and did not really seem to get the message beyond the strength of cryptographic security of bitcoin.
Again, I overestimated the audience’s readiness. That forced me to rethink my strategy. People are extremely early and reluctant to study.
- Now in Ohio, you hold sessions via the Orange Pill App. What’s changed?
My new motto is: educate the educators. The corollary is: don’t orange-pill stupid normies (as DarthCoin puts it).
I’ve shifted to small, technical sessions in order to raise a few solid guardians of this esoteric knowledge who really get it and can carry it forward.
The youngest attendee at one of my sessions is a newborn baby – he mostly sleeps, but maybe he still absorbs some of the educational vibes.
- How do local groups like Sactown and Cleveland Bitcoiners influence your work?
Every meetup reflects its local culture. Sacramento and Bay Area Bitcoiners, for example, do camping trips – once we camped through a desert storm, shielding our burgers from sand while others went to shoot guns.
Cleveland Bitcoiners are different. They amass large gatherings. They recently threw a 100k party. They do a bit more community outreach. Some are curious about the esoteric topics such as jurisdiction, spirituality, and healthful living.
I have no permanent allegiance to any state, race, or group. I go where I can teach and learn. I anticipate that in my next phase, I’ll meet Bitcoiners so advanced that I’ll have to give up my fiat job and focus full-time on serious projects where real health and wealth are on the line.
Hopefully, I’ll be ready. I believe the universe always challenges you exactly to your limit – no less, no more.
- What do people struggle with the most when it comes to technical education?
The biggest struggle isn’t technical – it’s a lack of deep curiosity. People ask “how” and “what” – how do I set up a node, what should one do with the lightning channels? But very few ask “why?”
Why does on-chain bitcoin not contribute to the circular economy? Why is it essential to run Lightning? Why did humanity fall into mental enslavement in the first place?
I’d rather teach two-year-olds who constantly ask “why” than adults who ask how to flip a profit. What worries me most is that most two-year-olds will grow up asking state-funded AI bots for answers and live according to its recommendations.
- One Cleveland Bitcoiner shows up at gold bug meetups. How valuable is face-to-face education?
I don’t think the older generation is going to reverse the current human condition. Most of them have been under mind control for too long, and they just don’t have the attention span to study and change their ways.
They’re better off stacking gold and helping fund their grandkids’ education. If I were to focus on a demographic, I’d go for teenagers – high school age – because by college, the indoctrination is usually too strong, and they’re chasing fiat mastery.
As for the gold bug meetup? Perhaps one day I will show up with a ukulele to sing some bitcoin-themed songs. Seniors love such entertainment.
- How do you choose what to focus on in your sessions, especially for different types of learners?
I don’t come in with a rigid agenda. I’ve collected a massive library of resources over the years and never stopped reading. My browser tab and folder count are exploding.
At the meetup, people share questions or topics they’re curious about, then I take that home, do my homework, and bring back a session based on those themes. I give them the key takeaways, plus where to dive deeper.
Most people won’t – or can’t – study the way I do, and I expect attendees to put in the work. I suspect that it’s more important to reach those who want to learn but don’t know how, the so-called nescient (not knowing), rather than the ignorant.
There are way too many ignorant bitcoiners, so my mission is to find those who are curious what’s beyond the facade of fake reality and superficial promises.
That naturally means that fewer people show up, and that’s fine. I’m not here for the crowds; I’m here to educate the educators. One bitcoiner who came decided to branch off into self-custody sessions and that’s awesome. Personally, I’m much more focused on Lightning.
I want to see broader adoption of tools like auth, sign-message, NWC, and LSPs. Next month, I’m going deep into eCash solutions, because let’s face it – most newcomers won’t be able to afford their own UTXO or open a lightning channel; additionally, it has to be fun and easy for them to transact sats, otherwise they won’t do it. Additionally, they’ll need to rely on
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@ b1ddb4d7:471244e7
2025-06-07 14:00:36
“Not your keys, not your coins” isn’t a slogan—it’s a survival mantra in the age of digital sovereignty.
The seismic collapses of Mt. Gox (2014) and FTX (2022) weren’t anomalies; they were wake-up calls. When $8.7 billion in customer funds vanished with FTX, it exposed the fatal flaw of third-party custody: your bitcoin is only as secure as your custodian’s weakest link.
Yet today, As of early 2025, analysts estimate that between 2.3 million and 3.7 million Bitcoins are permanently lost, representing approximately 11–18% of bitcoin’s fixed maximum supply of 21 million coins, with some reports suggesting losses as high as 4 million BTC. This paradox reveals a critical truth: self-custody isn’t just preferable—it’s essential—but it must be done right.
The Custody Spectrum
Custodial Wallets (The Illusion of Control)
- Rehypothecation Risk: Most platforms lend your bitcoin for yield generation. When Celsius collapsed, users discovered their “held” bitcoin was loaned out in risky strategies.
- Account Freezes: Regulatory actions can lock withdrawals overnight. In 2023, Binance suspended dollar withdrawals for U.S. users citing “partner bank issues,” trapping funds for weeks.
- Data Vulnerability: KYC requirements create honeypots for hackers. The 2024 Ledger breach exposed 270,000 users’ personal data despite hardware security.
True Self-Custody
Self-custody means exclusively controlling your private keys—the cryptographic strings that prove bitcoin ownership. Unlike banks or exchanges, self-custody eliminates:- Counterparty risk (no FTX-style implosions)
- Censorship (no blocked transactions)
- Inflationary theft (no fractional reserve lending)
Conquering the Three Great Fears of Self-Custody
Fear 1: “I’ll Lose Everything If I Make a Mistake”
Reality: Human error is manageable with robust systems:
- Test Transactions: Always send a micro-amount (0.00001 BTC) before large transfers. Verify receipt AND ability to send back.
- Multi-Backup Protocol: Store seed phrases on fireproof/waterproof steel plates (not paper!). Distribute copies geographically—one in a home safe, another with trusted family 100+ miles away.
- SLIP39 Sharding: Split your seed into fragments requiring 3-of-5 shards to reconstruct. No single point of failure.
Fear 2: “Hackers Will Steal My Keys”
Reality: Offline storage defeats remote attacks:
- Hardware Wallets: Devices like Bitkey or Ledger keep keys in “cold storage”—isolated from internet-connected devices. Transactions require physical confirmation.
- Multisig Vaults: Bitvault’s multi-sig system requires attackers compromise multiple locations/devices simultaneously. Even losing two keys won’t forfeit funds.
- Air-Gapped Verification: Use dedicated offline devices for wallet setup. Never type seeds on internet-connected machines.
Fear 3: “My Family Can’t Access It If I Die”
Reality: Inheritance is solvable:
- Dead Man Switches: Bitwarden’s emergency access allows trusted contacts to retrieve encrypted keys after a pre-set waiting period (e.g., 30 days).
- Inheritance Protocols: Bitkey’s inheritance solution shares decryption keys via designated beneficiaries’ emails. Requires multiple approvals to prevent abuse.
- Public Key Registries: Share wallet XPUBs (not private keys!) with heirs. They can monitor balances but not spend, ensuring transparency without risk.
The Freedom Dividend
- Censorship Resistance: Send $10M BTC to a Wikileaks wallet without Visa/Mastercard blocking it.
- Privacy Preservation: Avoid KYC surveillance—non-custodial wallets like Flash require zero ID verification.
- Protocol Access: Participate in bitcoin-native innovations (Lightning Network, DLCs) only possible with self-custodied keys.
- Black Swan Immunity: When Cyprus-style bank bailins happen, your bitcoin remains untouched in your vault.
The Sovereign’s Checklist
- Withdraw from Exchanges: Move all BTC > $1,000 to self-custody immediately.
- Buy Hardware Wallet: Purchase DIRECTLY from manufacturer (no Amazon!) to avoid supply-chain tampering.
- Generate Seed OFFLINE: Use air-gapped device, write phrase on steel—never digitally.
- Test Recovery: Delete wallet, restore from seed before funding.
- Implement Multisig: For > $75k, use Bitvault for 2-of-3 multi-sig setup.
- Create Inheritance Plan: Share XPUBs/SLIP39 shards with heirs + legal documents.
“Self-custody isn’t about avoiding risk—it’s about transferring risk from opaque institutions to transparent, controllable systems you design.”
The Inevitable Evolution: Custody Without Compromise
Emerging solutions are erasing old tradeoffs:
- MPC Wallets: Services like Xapo Bank shatter keys into encrypted fragments distributed globally. No single device holds full keys, defeating physical theft.
- Social Recovery: Ethically designed networks (e.g., Bitkey) let trusted contacts restore access without custodial control.
- Biometric Assurance: Fingerprint reset protocols prevent lockouts from physical injuries.
Lost keys = lost bitcoin. But consider the alternative: entrusting your life savings to entities with proven 8% annual failure rates among exchanges. Self-custody shifts responsibility from hoping institutions won’t fail to knowing your system can’t fail without your consent.
Take action today: Move one coin. Test one recovery. Share one xpub. The path to unchained wealth begins with a single satoshi under your control.
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@ b1ddb4d7:471244e7
2025-06-07 05:01:34
“Not your keys, not your coins” isn’t a slogan—it’s a survival mantra in the age of digital sovereignty.
The seismic collapses of Mt. Gox (2014) and FTX (2022) weren’t anomalies; they were wake-up calls. When $8.7 billion in customer funds vanished with FTX, it exposed the fatal flaw of third-party custody: your bitcoin is only as secure as your custodian’s weakest link.
Yet today, As of early 2025, analysts estimate that between 2.3 million and 3.7 million Bitcoins are permanently lost, representing approximately 11–18% of bitcoin’s fixed maximum supply of 21 million coins, with some reports suggesting losses as high as 4 million BTC. This paradox reveals a critical truth: self-custody isn’t just preferable—it’s essential—but it must be done right.
The Custody Spectrum
Custodial Wallets (The Illusion of Control)
- Rehypothecation Risk: Most platforms lend your bitcoin for yield generation. When Celsius collapsed, users discovered their “held” bitcoin was loaned out in risky strategies.
- Account Freezes: Regulatory actions can lock withdrawals overnight. In 2023, Binance suspended dollar withdrawals for U.S. users citing “partner bank issues,” trapping funds for weeks.
- Data Vulnerability: KYC requirements create honeypots for hackers. The 2024 Ledger breach exposed 270,000 users’ personal data despite hardware security.
True Self-Custody
Self-custody means exclusively controlling your private keys—the cryptographic strings that prove bitcoin ownership. Unlike banks or exchanges, self-custody eliminates:- Counterparty risk (no FTX-style implosions)
- Censorship (no blocked transactions)
- Inflationary theft (no fractional reserve lending)
Conquering the Three Great Fears of Self-Custody
Fear 1: “I’ll Lose Everything If I Make a Mistake”
Reality: Human error is manageable with robust systems:
- Test Transactions: Always send a micro-amount (0.00001 BTC) before large transfers. Verify receipt AND ability to send back.
- Multi-Backup Protocol: Store seed phrases on fireproof/waterproof steel plates (not paper!). Distribute copies geographically—one in a home safe, another with trusted family 100+ miles away.
- SLIP39 Sharding: Split your seed into fragments requiring 3-of-5 shards to reconstruct. No single point of failure.
Fear 2: “Hackers Will Steal My Keys”
Reality: Offline storage defeats remote attacks:
- Hardware Wallets: Devices like Bitkey or Ledger keep keys in “cold storage”—isolated from internet-connected devices. Transactions require physical confirmation.
- Multisig Vaults: Bitvault’s multi-sig system requires attackers compromise multiple locations/devices simultaneously. Even losing two keys won’t forfeit funds.
- Air-Gapped Verification: Use dedicated offline devices for wallet setup. Never type seeds on internet-connected machines.
Fear 3: “My Family Can’t Access It If I Die”
Reality: Inheritance is solvable:
- Dead Man Switches: Bitwarden’s emergency access allows trusted contacts to retrieve encrypted keys after a pre-set waiting period (e.g., 30 days).
- Inheritance Protocols: Bitkey’s inheritance solution shares decryption keys via designated beneficiaries’ emails. Requires multiple approvals to prevent abuse.
- Public Key Registries: Share wallet XPUBs (not private keys!) with heirs. They can monitor balances but not spend, ensuring transparency without risk.
The Freedom Dividend
- Censorship Resistance: Send $10M BTC to a Wikileaks wallet without Visa/Mastercard blocking it.
- Privacy Preservation: Avoid KYC surveillance—non-custodial wallets like Flash require zero ID verification.
- Protocol Access: Participate in bitcoin-native innovations (Lightning Network, DLCs) only possible with self-custodied keys.
- Black Swan Immunity: When Cyprus-style bank bailins happen, your bitcoin remains untouched in your vault.
The Sovereign’s Checklist
- Withdraw from Exchanges: Move all BTC > $1,000 to self-custody immediately.
- Buy Hardware Wallet: Purchase DIRECTLY from manufacturer (no Amazon!) to avoid supply-chain tampering.
- Generate Seed OFFLINE: Use air-gapped device, write phrase on steel—never digitally.
- Test Recovery: Delete wallet, restore from seed before funding.
- Implement Multisig: For > $75k, use Bitvault for 2-of-3 multi-sig setup.
- Create Inheritance Plan: Share XPUBs/SLIP39 shards with heirs + legal documents.
“Self-custody isn’t about avoiding risk—it’s about transferring risk from opaque institutions to transparent, controllable systems you design.”
The Inevitable Evolution: Custody Without Compromise
Emerging solutions are erasing old tradeoffs:
- MPC Wallets: Services like Xapo Bank shatter keys into encrypted fragments distributed globally. No single device holds full keys, defeating physical theft.
- Social Recovery: Ethically designed networks (e.g., Bitkey) let trusted contacts restore access without custodial control.
- Biometric Assurance: Fingerprint reset protocols prevent lockouts from physical injuries.
Lost keys = lost bitcoin. But consider the alternative: entrusting your life savings to entities with proven 8% annual failure rates among exchanges. Self-custody shifts responsibility from hoping institutions won’t fail to knowing your system can’t fail without your consent.
Take action today: Move one coin. Test one recovery. Share one xpub. The path to unchained wealth begins with a single satoshi under your control.
-
@ a4043831:3b64ac02
2025-06-10 14:55:39
Retirement planning is like laying down the blueprint for your future, where financial security meets your personal dreams and desires. It's about taking a proactive approach to ensure that your golden years are truly golden, filled with comfort and freedom rather than financial stress. The process of creating a retirement plan includes identifying your income sources, adding up your expenses, putting a savings plan into effect, and managing your assets.
It is essential for several reasons:
- Securing Your Financial Future:
Retirement marks the start of a phase where financial worries should no longer dominate your life. Thoughtful retirement planning ensures a consistent income to support your lifestyle and manage unexpected costs.
- Achieving Your Personal Goals:
Retirement offers the chance to focus on passions, hobbies, and experiences delayed during your career. Early preparation makes aspirations such as travel, making new hobbies and spending time with your loved ones, achievable.
- Managing Health Care Needs:
Healthcare often becomes a major expense with age. Without proper planning, medical costs can strain your finances. A comprehensive retirement plan accounts for healthcare needs, helping you manage these expenses while maintaining your standard of living.
- Leaving a Legacy:
Many people wish to leave something behind for their loved ones or give to charity. This minimizes burdens on your family and maximizes your impact.
Elements of a Retirement Plan
A well-structured retirement plan involves several key elements to ensure a comprehensive approach to financial security:
1. Fact-Finding Conversations:
Critical fact-finding discussions are the foundation of retirement planning. Understanding your retirement goals and desires helps shape the path to achieve them. This involves listening to your stories and defining your minimum and optimal retirement lifestyles, including estimating the associated costs.
2. Retirement Income Sources:
Diversifying your income streams is crucial. This includes pensions, social security benefits, annuities, and passive income sources like rental properties or dividends. Understanding the tax implications of each source is also important.
3. Investment Strategy Determination:
Allocating assets based on your specific retirement goals is essential. This involves aligning your investments with the time frame and nature of your retirement aspirations, whether immediate income or long-term growth. Your investment strategy is customized to support your desired lifestyle and factors in your risk tolerance and the returns needed to fund your retirement adequately.
4. Specific Asset Recommendations:
A mix of equities, bonds, real estate, and other assets is often recommended. Diverse portfolios are crucial for mitigating risk while aiming for growth. The portfolio recommendation will support your retirement objectives and be well-equipped to handle market fluctuations and economic changes. Regular reviews and adjustments to your asset allocation ensure your plan remains aligned with your life circumstances.
Benefits of Retirement Planning
- Retirement planning offers numerous benefits that contribute to a secure and fulfilling retirement:
- Financial Security: Ensures a steady flow of income to maintain your standard of living.
- Peace of Mind: Reduces financial stress and uncertainty, allowing you to enjoy your retirement years.
- Goal Fulfillment: Helps you achieve personal aspirations and pursue activities that you are passionate about.
- Healthcare Preparedness: Provides strategies to manage healthcare expenses without depleting savings.
Conclusion
Retirement planning is an essential process for securing financial independence, pursuing personal aspirations, and preparing for unforeseen circumstances in later years. By focusing on key elements such as income sources, investments, and healthcare, individuals can build a robust roadmap for a fulfilling and worry-free retirement.
If unsure where to begin, Passive Capital Management’s financial planners and advisors can provide valuable guidance. By analyzing your current financial situation and future goals, they can chart a clear trajectory to achieve your aspirations. Their team evaluates whether you are on the right path and recommends adjustments to align with your long-term priorities. Contact Passive Capital Management today to ensure a tailored approach to building a secure and fulfilling retirement.
-
@ b1ddb4d7:471244e7
2025-06-07 13:01:01
“Not your keys, not your coins” isn’t a slogan—it’s a survival mantra in the age of digital sovereignty.
The seismic collapses of Mt. Gox (2014) and FTX (2022) weren’t anomalies; they were wake-up calls. When $8.7 billion in customer funds vanished with FTX, it exposed the fatal flaw of third-party custody: your bitcoin is only as secure as your custodian’s weakest link.
Yet today, As of early 2025, analysts estimate that between 2.3 million and 3.7 million Bitcoins are permanently lost, representing approximately 11–18% of bitcoin’s fixed maximum supply of 21 million coins, with some reports suggesting losses as high as 4 million BTC. This paradox reveals a critical truth: self-custody isn’t just preferable—it’s essential—but it must be done right.
The Custody Spectrum
Custodial Wallets (The Illusion of Control)
- Rehypothecation Risk: Most platforms lend your bitcoin for yield generation. When Celsius collapsed, users discovered their “held” bitcoin was loaned out in risky strategies.
- Account Freezes: Regulatory actions can lock withdrawals overnight. In 2023, Binance suspended dollar withdrawals for U.S. users citing “partner bank issues,” trapping funds for weeks.
- Data Vulnerability: KYC requirements create honeypots for hackers. The 2024 Ledger breach exposed 270,000 users’ personal data despite hardware security.
True Self-Custody
Self-custody means exclusively controlling your private keys—the cryptographic strings that prove bitcoin ownership. Unlike banks or exchanges, self-custody eliminates:- Counterparty risk (no FTX-style implosions)
- Censorship (no blocked transactions)
- Inflationary theft (no fractional reserve lending)
Conquering the Three Great Fears of Self-Custody
Fear 1: “I’ll Lose Everything If I Make a Mistake”
Reality: Human error is manageable with robust systems:
- Test Transactions: Always send a micro-amount (0.00001 BTC) before large transfers. Verify receipt AND ability to send back.
- Multi-Backup Protocol: Store seed phrases on fireproof/waterproof steel plates (not paper!). Distribute copies geographically—one in a home safe, another with trusted family 100+ miles away.
- SLIP39 Sharding: Split your seed into fragments requiring 3-of-5 shards to reconstruct. No single point of failure.
Fear 2: “Hackers Will Steal My Keys”
Reality: Offline storage defeats remote attacks:
- Hardware Wallets: Devices like Bitkey or Ledger keep keys in “cold storage”—isolated from internet-connected devices. Transactions require physical confirmation.
- Multisig Vaults: Bitvault’s multi-sig system requires attackers compromise multiple locations/devices simultaneously. Even losing two keys won’t forfeit funds.
- Air-Gapped Verification: Use dedicated offline devices for wallet setup. Never type seeds on internet-connected machines.
Fear 3: “My Family Can’t Access It If I Die”
Reality: Inheritance is solvable:
- Dead Man Switches: Bitwarden’s emergency access allows trusted contacts to retrieve encrypted keys after a pre-set waiting period (e.g., 30 days).
- Inheritance Protocols: Bitkey’s inheritance solution shares decryption keys via designated beneficiaries’ emails. Requires multiple approvals to prevent abuse.
- Public Key Registries: Share wallet XPUBs (not private keys!) with heirs. They can monitor balances but not spend, ensuring transparency without risk.
The Freedom Dividend
- Censorship Resistance: Send $10M BTC to a Wikileaks wallet without Visa/Mastercard blocking it.
- Privacy Preservation: Avoid KYC surveillance—non-custodial wallets like Flash require zero ID verification.
- Protocol Access: Participate in bitcoin-native innovations (Lightning Network, DLCs) only possible with self-custodied keys.
- Black Swan Immunity: When Cyprus-style bank bailins happen, your bitcoin remains untouched in your vault.
The Sovereign’s Checklist
- Withdraw from Exchanges: Move all BTC > $1,000 to self-custody immediately.
- Buy Hardware Wallet: Purchase DIRECTLY from manufacturer (no Amazon!) to avoid supply-chain tampering.
- Generate Seed OFFLINE: Use air-gapped device, write phrase on steel—never digitally.
- Test Recovery: Delete wallet, restore from seed before funding.
- Implement Multisig: For > $75k, use Bitvault for 2-of-3 multi-sig setup.
- Create Inheritance Plan: Share XPUBs/SLIP39 shards with heirs + legal documents.
“Self-custody isn’t about avoiding risk—it’s about transferring risk from opaque institutions to transparent, controllable systems you design.”
The Inevitable Evolution: Custody Without Compromise
Emerging solutions are erasing old tradeoffs:
- MPC Wallets: Services like Xapo Bank shatter keys into encrypted fragments distributed globally. No single device holds full keys, defeating physical theft.
- Social Recovery: Ethically designed networks (e.g., Bitkey) let trusted contacts restore access without custodial control.
- Biometric Assurance: Fingerprint reset protocols prevent lockouts from physical injuries.
Lost keys = lost bitcoin. But consider the alternative: entrusting your life savings to entities with proven 8% annual failure rates among exchanges. Self-custody shifts responsibility from hoping institutions won’t fail to knowing your system can’t fail without your consent.
Take action today: Move one coin. Test one recovery. Share one xpub. The path to unchained wealth begins with a single satoshi under your control.
-
@ 97c70a44:ad98e322
2025-06-06 20:48:33
Vibe coding is taking the nostr developer community by storm. While it's all very exciting and interesting, I think it's important to pump the brakes a little - not in order to stop the vehicle, but to try to keep us from flying off the road as we approach this curve.
In this note Pablo is subtweeting something I said to him recently (although I'm sure he's heard it from other quarters as well):
nostr:nevent1qvzqqqqqqypzp75cf0tahv5z7plpdeaws7ex52nmnwgtwfr2g3m37r844evqrr6jqy2hwumn8ghj7un9d3shjtnyv9kh2uewd9hj7qghwaehxw309aex2mrp0yh8qunfd4skctnwv46z7qg6waehxw309ac8junpd45kgtnxd9shg6npvchxxmmd9uqzq0z48d4ttzzkupswnkyt5a2xfkhxl3hyavnxjujwn5k2k529aearwtecp4
There is a naive, curmudgeonly case for simply "not doing AI". I think the intuition is a good one, but the subject is obviously more complicated - not doing it, either on an individual or a collective level, is just not an option. I recently read Tools for Conviviality by Ivan Illich, which I think can help us here. For Illich, the best kind of tool is one which serves "politically interrelated individuals rather than managers".
This is obviously a core value for bitcoiners. And I think the talks given at the Oslo Freedom Forum this year present a compelling case for adoption of LLMs for the purposes of 1. using them for good, and 2. developing them further so that they don't get captured by corporations and governments. Illich calls both the telephone and print "almost ideally convivial". I would add the internet, cryptography, and LLMs to this list, because each one allows individuals to work cooperatively within communities to embody their values in their work.
But this is only half the story. Illich also points out how "the manipulative nature of institutions... have put these ideally convivial tools at the service of more [managerial dominance]."
Preventing the subversion and capture of our tools is not just a matter of who uses what, and for which ends. It also requires an awareness of the environment that the use of the tool (whether for virtuous or vicious ends) creates, which in turn forms the abilities, values, and desires of those who inhabit the environment.
The natural tendency of LLMs is to foster ignorance, dependence, and detachment from reality. This is not the fault of the tool itself, but that of humans' tendency to trade liberty for convenience. Nevertheless, the inherent values of a given tool naturally gives rise to an environment through use: the tool changes the world that the tool user lives in. This in turn indoctrinates the user into the internal logic of the tool, shaping their thinking, blinding them to the tool's influence, and neutering their ability to work in ways not endorsed by the structure of the tool-defined environment.
The result of this is that people are formed by their tools, becoming their slaves. We often talk about LLM misalignment, but the same is true of humans. Unreflective use of a tool creates people who are misaligned with their own interests. This is what I mean when I say that AI use is anti-human. I mean it in the same way that all unreflective tool use is anti-human. See Wendell Berry for an evaluation of industrial agriculture along the same lines.
What I'm not claiming is that a minority of high agency individuals can't use the technology for virtuous ends. In fact, I think that is an essential part of the solution. Tool use can be good. But tools that bring their users into dependence on complex industry and catechize their users into a particular system should be approached with extra caution. The plow was a convivial tool, and so were early tractors. Self-driving John Deere monstrosities are a straightforward extension of the earlier form of the technology, but are self-evidently an instrument of debt slavery, chemical dependency, industrial centralization, and degradation of the land. This over-extension of a given tool can occur regardless of the intentions of the user. As Illich says:
There is a form of malfunction in which growth does not yet tend toward the destruction of life, yet renders a tool antagonistic to its specific aims. Tools, in other words, have an optimal, a tolerable, and a negative range.
The initial form of a tool is almost always beneficial, because tools are made by humans for human ends. But as the scale of the tool grows, its logic gets more widely and forcibly applied. The solution to the anti-human tendencies of any technology is an understanding of scale. To prevent the overrun of the internal logic of a given tool and its creation of an environment hostile to human flourishing, we need to impose limits on scale.
Tools that require time periods or spaces or energies much beyond the order of corresponding natural scales are dysfunctional.
My problem with LLMs is:
- Not their imitation of human idioms, but their subversion of them and the resulting adoption of robotic idioms by humans
- Not the access they grant to information, but their ability to obscure accurate or relevant information
- Not their elimination of menial work, but its increase (Bullshit Jobs)
- Not their ability to take away jobs, but their ability to take away the meaning found in good work
- Not their ability to confer power to the user, but their ability to confer power to their owner which can be used to exploit the user
- Not their ability to solve problems mechanistically, but the extension of their mechanistic value system to human life
- Not their explicit promise of productivity, but the environment they implicitly create in which productivity depends on their use
- Not the conversations they are able to participate in, but the relationships they displace
All of these dysfunctions come from the over-application of the technology in evaluating and executing the fundamentally human task of living. AI work is the same kind of thing as an AI girlfriend, because work is not only for the creation of value (although that's an essential part of it), but also for the exercise of human agency in the world. In other words, tools must be tools, not masters. This is a problem of scale - when tool use is extended beyond its appropriate domain, it becomes what Illich calls a "radical monopoly" (the domination of a single paradigm over all of human life).
So the important question when dealing with any emergent technology becomes: how can we set limits such that the use of the technology is naturally confined to its appropriate scale?
Here are some considerations:
- Teach people how to use the technology well (e.g. cite sources when doing research, use context files instead of fighting the prompt, know when to ask questions rather than generate code)
- Create and use open source and self-hosted models and tools (MCP, stacks, tenex). Refuse to pay for closed or third-party hosted models and tools.
- Recognize the dependencies of the tool itself, for example GPU availability, and diversify the industrial sources to reduce fragility and dependence.
- Create models with built-in limits. The big companies have attempted this (resulting in Japanese Vikings), but the best-case effect is a top-down imposition of corporate values onto individuals. But the idea isn't inherently bad - a coding model that refuses to generate code in response to vague prompts, or which asks clarifying questions is an example. Or a home assistant that recognized childrens' voices and refuses to interact.
- Divert the productivity gains to human enrichment. Without mundane work to do, novice lawyers, coders, and accountants don't have an opportunity to hone their skills. But their learning could be subsidized by the bots in order to bring them up to a level that continues to be useful.
- Don't become a slave to the bots. Know when not to use it. Talk to real people. Write real code, poetry, novels, scripts. Do your own research. Learn by experience. Make your own stuff. Take a break from reviewing code to write some. Be independent, impossible to control. Don't underestimate the value to your soul of good work.
- Resist both monopoly and "radical monopoly". Both naturally collapse over time, but by cultivating an appreciation of the goodness of hand-crafted goods, non-synthetic entertainment, embodied relationship, and a balance between mobility and place, we can relegate new, threatening technologies to their correct role in society.
I think in all of this is implicit the idea of technological determinism, that productivity is power, and if you don't adapt you die. I reject this as an artifact of darwinism and materialism. The world is far more complex and full of grace than we think.
The idea that productivity creates wealth is, as we all know, bunk. GDP continues to go up, but ungrounded metrics don't reflect anything about the reality of human flourishing. We have to return to a qualitative understanding of life as whole, and contextualize quantitative tools and metrics within that framework.
Finally, don't believe the hype. Even if AI delivers everything it promises, conservatism in changing our ways of life will decelerate the rate of change society is subjected to and allow time for reflection and proper use of the tool. Curmudgeons are as valuable as technologists. There will be no jobspocalypse if there is sufficient political will to value human good over mere productivity. It's ok to pump the breaks.
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@ 472f440f:5669301e
2024-12-05 08:09:23
The end of the first part of bitcoin's story has come to an end. Most of the story has yet to be written, but I feel confident in saying that reaching the $100,000 per bitcoin milestone is a clear demarcation between two distinct eras of bitcoin. Yes, we have hit the significant milestones of $1, $10, $100, $1,000, and $10,000 over the last fifteen years and they all felt significant. And they certainly were in their own right. However, hitting the "six figure" milestone feels a bit different.
One bitcoin is currently worth a respectable salary for an American citizen. Ten hunnid bands. Something that is impressive to the layman. This may not mean much to many who have been around bitcoin for some time. The idea of bitcoin hitting $100,000 was seen as a foregone conclusion for millions of people out there. Myself included. This price marker is simply an inevitability on the road to global reserve currency to us.
With that being said, it is important to put yourself in the shoes of those who have doubted bitcoin up to this point. For some reason or another, $100,000 bitcoin has been used as a price target that "will never be hit" for many of the naysayers.
"Bitcoin is a Ponzi scheme."
"Tulips."
"Governments will ban it if it hits that point."
"It can't scale."
"It will be 51% attacked."
"No one will trust bitcoin."
"It can't be the world's money."
And yet, despite all of the kvetching from the haters over the years, here we are. Sitting above $100,000. Taking a short rest at the latest checkpoint en route to the peak of the mountain. We hovered right under $100,000 for a couple of weeks. Nominally, where we stand today is much closer to where we were last week compared to where we were six months ago. But for some reason the price tipping over $100,000 has catapulted bitcoin to a new playing field. Where bitcoin stood yesterday and where it found itself six months ago seem miles below where it is today. Crossing over the event horizon of six figures forces people to think of bitcoin in a different light. Almost as if we have entered another dimension.
The last year has been filled with a lead up to this crossing over of the event horizon.
Financial institutions that have derided bitcoin for well over a decade were forced to bend the knee and offer bitcoin exposure to their clients. The mere offering of that exposure has resulted in the most successful ETFs in the history of this particular investment vehicle.
Governments around the world have been forced to reckon with the fact that bitcoin is here to stay and that they need to act accordingly. Thanks to the first mover actions taken by El Salvador and Bhutan, which have nonchalantly decided to go all in on bitcoin, others have taken notice. Will that be publicly acknowledged by the bigger governments? Probably not. But you'd be naive to think that politicians in the US seeing two very small countries making such big bets on bitcoin didn't induce at least a little bit of FOMO. Once the bitcoin FOMO seed is planted it's hard to uproot.
Combine this with the fact that it has become rather cool to be privy to the fact that the world's governments have become egregiously addicted to debt and money printing, that inflation is pervasive and inescapable, and that censorship and Orwellian control tactics are on the rise and it is easy to see why more people are more receptive to the idea of bitcoin.
All that was needed to create an all out frenzy - a slingshot effect up the S Curve of adoption - was a psychological trigger. Bitcoin crossing over six figures.
Well, here we are. The tropes against bitcoin that have been trotted out over the last sixteen years no longer have as much bite as they did in many people's eyes. Sure, there will be some butt hurt nocoiners and totalitarians who continue to trot them out, but crossing the chasm of six figure bitcoin will have an order of magnitude more people thinking, "I hear what you're saying, but reality seems to be saying something completely different. And, if I'm being honest with myself, reality is making much more sense than your screeching."
Unstoppable peer-to-peer digital cash with a hard capped supply has been around since January 3rd, 2009. December 5th, 2024 will be the day that it cemented itself as something that cannot be ignored. Part I of the bitcoin story has been written. The end of the beginning is behind us. On to Part II: the rapid monetization of bitcoin, which will cement it as the reserve currency of the world.
Final thought... I used some 2017-2020 era tactics to get into the writing mood tonight. 90210
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@ 472f440f:5669301e
2024-12-03 05:11:52
Uber seed investor and executive producer of the All In podcast Jason Calacanis has been publicly sounding the alarm bell about Microstrategy's bitcoin treasury strategy and the cheer leading exhibited by the company's CEO, Michael Saylor. Calacanis believes that Microstrategy's bitcoin acquisition techniques are a Ponzi scheme waiting to implode. Going as far as to question whether or not Microstrategy is the next FTX.
Earlier today, Jason spent a section of an episode of This Week in Startups to discuss his worries about MSTR's bitcoin treasury strategy, Saylor's overt pumping of the strategy, and the fact that there are other companies like Marathon Holdings beginning to deploy similar convertible debt strategies. While I can see how this can be unnerving for many, I do think there is a fundamental misunderstanding of what Microstrategy is doing. Last week I explained the strategy in a tweet, which I'll reiterate here:
Whether you like it or not, Saylor and Microstrategy have found a way to give pools of liquidity (particularly pools with mandates to allocate to fixed income) exposure to bitcoin’s volatility via convertible notes. The converts are performing better than any other fixed income product on the market.
Other investors have noticed this and have piled into MSTR as well understanding that demand for the converts will increase and enable Microstrategy to accumulate more bitcoin. Those investors feel comfortable with the premium to mNAV MSTR is trading at because they believe the demand for a high performing fixed income product will remain high and likely increase.
Microstrategy can continue doing this until viable competition comes to market because there is no one else offering this type of bitcoin return exposure to fixed income investors at scale. Another important detail, the convertible notes have a duration of 5 years or more while bitcoin’s lowest 4-year CAGR is 26% and its 50th percentile 4-year CAGR is 91%. If you think this will continue then this is a pretty safe bet for Microstrategy and the convertible note holders.
In a world were central banks and governments have gone mad with currency debasement and debt expansion it is pretty safe to assume that bitcoin adoption will not only continue but accelerate from here. What do I think about Microstrategy accumulating this much bitcoin? It makes me a bit uneasy but there’s nothing I can do to stop it and bitcoin will survive in the long run. Even if Microstrategy blows up somehow (I don’t think this is likely). Bitcoin was designed to be anti-fragile.
This is a classic case of “don’t hate the player, hate the game”. Or better yet, join the game. After all, the only winning move is to play.
Essentially, Michael Saylor is taking a long-term bet on bitcoin's continued adoption/monetization and trying to accumulate as much as possible by issuing convertible notes with a 4+ year duration, which should increase the likelihood that Microstrategy is in the black on their bitcoin buys over time as history has shown that anyone who holds bitcoin for more than four years has performed well. This should, in turn, be reflected in their stock price, which should increase alongside bitcoin and convert the debt they've accrued into newly issued shares of MSTR. Through the process, if the strategy is executed successfully, increasing the amount of bitcoin per share for MSTR shareholders. (This is the only metric shareholders should care about in my opinion.)
Yes, this may seem crazy to many and extremely risky to most, but that is the nature of free markets. Every company takes calculated risks in an attempt to increase shareholder value. Michael Saylor and company are betting on the fact that bitcoin will continue to be adopted and are utilizing pools of capital that don't have the ability to buy bitcoin directly, but want exposure to its volatility to achieve their goals. To me it looks like a perfectly symbiotic relationship. Microstrategy is able to accumulate more bitcoin and increase their bitcoin per share while fixed income investors are able to access a product that performs well above their benchmark due to the embedded volatility of the exposure to bitcoin Microstrategy provides.
This won't be a surprise to any of you freaks, but I think it's a pretty smart bet to make. Bitcoin is almost 16-years old. It has established itself as a reserve asset for individuals, companies and countries. A reserve asset that is completely detached from the whims of central planners, transparent, predictable, scarce, and can be transmitted over the Internet. Bitcoin is an idea whose time has come. And more people are beginning to recognize this.
This is one of the beautiful aspects of the public company convertible-note-to-bitcoin strategy that Microstrategy has deployed over the last few years. They are able to harness the benefits of forces that are external to their core business to provide shareholders with value. Michael Saylor could stop buying bitcoin tomorrow and it wouldn't affect bitcoin's adoption in the medium to long-term. He continues to buy bitcoin, and encourages others to do the same, because he recognizes this.
Bitcoin is the apex predator of treasury assets for every individual, company, non-profit or government. The assets competing to be treasury assets are all centrally controlled, easily manipulable, and quickly losing favor. Earlier today, Federal Reserve Board Governor Christopher Waller came out and admitted that inflation is kicking the Fed's ass. They cannot tame it.
Waller may posture by saying that "submission is inevitable", but that doesn't make it true. There is simply too much debt and not enough dollars. The annual interest expense on the US Federal debt is now larger than our spending on national defense. The Fed, whether it wants to admit it or not, is going to have to monetize that debt via the debasement of the dollar. If you are using dollars as a treasury asset it is very important that you understand this and react accordingly by adopting a bitcoin strategy. This is what Michael Saylor is trying to make his peers in public markets understand.
Sure, his marketing tactics may seem a bit uncouth to many and the way in which he's expressing his belief through Microstrategy's accumulation strategy may seem risky, but it's hard to argue that his core thesis is flawed. Especially when you consider the fact that bitcoin has officially climbed to the strata of being seriously considered as a treasury asset for the most powerful nation state in the world. I listen to the All In podcast quite frequently and genuinely like the show. It is a good way to gain perspective on how Silicon Valley investors view the world. If I were to give Jason any advice it would be to take a step back and to apply one of the most frequently discussed topics of the last on his show, the emergence of AI and the importance of everyone to incorporate AI into their businesses and workflows as quickly as possible before they get left behind. The same mental model applies to the emergence of bitcoin as a dominant reserve asset.
It is imperative that every individual, company and government adopts a bitcoin treasury strategy if they want to be able to succeed moving forward without the inherent resistance that is introduced from storing the fruit of your labor in a money or money-like asset that does not preserve purchasing power over time. Just because Saylor has recognized this, moved aggressively to effectuate his understanding via his company's balance sheet, and vociferously markets the strategy to others doesn't mean he's wrong. As I said in my tweet last week, I personally prefer to hold actual bitcoin. That doesn't mean that Microstrategy and others haven't honed in on something unique and legitimate given their circumstances and access to certain financial tools.
Final thought... I apologize for the extended hiatus. I hit a hard wall of writer's block over the last month. I think the time away from the keyboard has been good for me and the quality of this rag moving forward.
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@ f0fd6902:a2fbaaab
2025-06-10 14:48:13
https://stacker.news/items/1002548
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@ b1ddb4d7:471244e7
2025-06-07 14:00:35
Hosted at the iconic Palace of Culture and Science—a prominent symbol of the communist era—the Bitcoin FilmFest offers a vibrant celebration of film through the lens of bitcoin. The venue itself provides a striking contrast to the festival’s focus, highlighting bitcoin’s core identity as a currency embodying independence from traditional financial and political systems.
𝐅𝐢𝐱𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐯𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐬.
Warsaw, Day Zero at #BFF25 (European Bitcoin Pizza Day) with @roger__9000, MadMunky and the @2140_wtf squad pic.twitter.com/9ogVvWRReA— Bitcoin FilmFest
(@bitcoinfilmfest) May 28, 2025This venue represents an era when the state tightly controlled the economy and financial systems. The juxtaposition of this historical site with an event dedicated to bitcoin is striking and thought-provoking.
The event features a diverse array of activities, including engaging panel discussions, screenings of both feature-length and short films, workshops and lively parties. Each component designed to explore the multifaceted world of bitcoin and its implications for society, offering attendees a blend of entertainment and education.
The films showcase innovative narratives and insights into bitcoin’s landscape, while the panels facilitate thought-provoking discussions among industry experts and filmmakers.
Networking is a significant aspect of the festival, with an exceptionally open and friendly atmosphere that foster connections among participants. Participants from all over Europe gather to engage with like-minded individuals who share a passion for BTC and its implications for the future.
The open exchanges of ideas foster a sense of community, allowing attendees to forge new connections, collaborate on projects, and discuss the potential of blockchain technology implemented in bitcoin.
The organization of the festival is extraordinary, ensuring a smooth flow of information and an expertly structured schedule filled from morning until evening. Attendees appreciate the meticulous planning that allowed them to maximize their experience. Additionally, thoughtful touches such as gifts from sponsors and well-chosen locations for various events contribute to the overall positive atmosphere of the festival.
Overall, the Bitcoin FilmFest not only highlights the artistic expression surrounding bitcoin but also serves as a vital platform for dialogue—about financial freedom, the future of money, and individual sovereignty in a shifting world.
The event successfully bridges the gap between a historical symbol of control and a movement that celebrates freedom, innovation, and collaboration in the digital age, highlighting the importance of independence in financial systems while fostering a collaborative environment for innovation and growth.
Next year’s event is slated for June 5-7 2026. For further updates check: https://bitcoinfilmfest.com/
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@ cae03c48:2a7d6671
2025-06-07 14:00:23
Bitcoin Magazine
Mapping Bitcoin’s Bull Cycle PotentialBitcoin’s Market Value to Realized Value, or MVRV ratio, remains one of the most reliable on-chain indicators for identifying local and macro tops and bottoms across every BTC cycle. By isolating data across different investor cohorts and adapting historical benchmarks to modern market conditions, we can generate more accurate insights into where Bitcoin may be headed next.
The Bitcoin MVRV Ratio
The MVRV Ratio compares Bitcoin’s market price to its realized price, essentially the average cost basis for all coins in the network. As of writing, BTC trades around $105,000 while the realized price floats near $47,000, putting the raw MVRV at 2.26. The Z-Score version of MVRV standardizes this ratio based on historical volatility, enabling clearer comparisons across different market cycles.
Figure 1: Historically, the MVRV Ratio and the MVRV Z-Score have accurately identified cycle peaks and bottoms. View Live Chart
Short-Term Holders
Short-term holders, defined as those holding Bitcoin for 155 days or less, currently have a realized price near $97,000. This metric often acts as dynamic support in bull markets and resistance in bear markets. Notably, when the Short Term Holder MVRV hits 1.33, local tops have historically occurred, as seen several times in both the 2017 and 2021 cycles. So far in the current cycle, this threshold has already been touched four times, each followed by modest retracements.
Figure 2: Short Term Holder MVRV reaching 1.33 in more recent cycles has aligned with local tops. View Live Chart
Long-Term Holders
Long-term holders, who’ve held BTC for more than 155 days, currently have an average cost basis of just $33,500, putting their MVRV at 3.11. Historically, Long Term Holder MVRV values have reached as high as 12 during major peaks. That said, we’re observing a trend of diminishing multiples each cycle.
Figure 3: Achieving a Long Term Holder MVRV value of 8 could extrapolate to a BTC price in excess of $300,000. View Live Chart
A key resistance band now sits between 7.5 and 8.5, a zone that has defined bull tops and pre-bear retracements in every cycle since 2011. If the current growth of the realized price ($40/day) continues for another 140–150 days, matching previous cycle lengths, we could see it reach somewhere in the region of $40,000. A peak MVRV of 8 would imply a price near $320,000.
A Smarter Market Compass
Unlike static all-time metrics, the 2-Year Rolling MVRV Z-Score adapts to evolving market dynamics. By recalculating average extremes over a rolling window, it smooths out Bitcoin’s natural volatility decay as it matures. Historically, this version has signaled overbought conditions when reaching levels above 3, and prime accumulation zones when dipping below -1. Currently sitting under 1, this metric suggests that substantial upside remains.
Figure 4: The current 2-Year Rolling MVRV Z-Score suggests more positive price action ahead. View Live Chart
Timing & Targets
A view of the BTC Growth Since Cycle Lows chart illustrates that BTC is now approximately 925 days removed from its last major cycle low. Historical comparisons to previous bull markets suggest we may be around 140 to 150 days away from a potential top, with both the 2017 and 2021 peaks occurring around 1,060 to 1,070 days after their respective lows. While not deterministic, this alignment reinforces the broader picture of where we are in the cycle. If realized price trends and MVRV thresholds continue on current trajectories, late Q3 to early Q4 2025 may bring final euphoric moves.
Figure 5: Will the current cycle continue to exhibit growth patterns similar to those of the previous two cycles? View Live Chart
Conclusion
The MVRV ratio and its derivatives remain essential tools for analyzing Bitcoin market behavior, providing clear markers for both accumulation and distribution. Whether observing short-term holders hovering near local top thresholds, long-term holders nearing historically significant resistance zones, or adaptive metrics like the 2-Year Rolling MVRV Z-Score signaling plenty of runway left, these data points should be used in confluence.
No single metric should be relied upon to predict tops or bottoms in isolation, but taken together, they offer a powerful lens through which to interpret the macro trend. As the market matures and volatility declines, adaptive metrics will become even more crucial in staying ahead of the curve.
For more deep-dive research, technical indicators, real-time market alerts, and access to a growing community of analysts, visit BitcoinMagazinePro.com.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always do your own research before making any investment decisions.
This post Mapping Bitcoin’s Bull Cycle Potential first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Matt Crosby.
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@ c631e267:c2b78d3e
2025-06-06 18:54:04
Willst du den Charakter eines Menschen kennenlernen, \ so gib ihm Macht. \ Abraham Lincoln
Vermutlich war Friedrich Merz erleichtert nach seinem Besuch beim US-Präsidenten im Oval Office. Dem Bundeskanzler kam zwar neben der Wortgewalt Donald Trumps eher eine Statistenrolle in der Medienrunde zu, aber es hätte natürlich viel schlimmer kommen können. Deswegen hatte er sich wohl vorher Ratschläge geholt, wie man hört unter anderem vom ukrainischen Präsidenten Wolodymyr Selenskyj. Offiziell gab der deutsche Regierungschef sogar an, «außerordentlich zufrieden» mit seinem Antrittsbesuch zu sein.
Dabei gibt es aktuell doch mehr Differenzen als Gemeinsamkeiten. Zu den Themen, mit denen es eine sehr unterschiedliche Umgehensweise hier und dort gibt, gehört die Gesundheit. Trumps Gesundheitsminister, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., kritisiert zum Beispiel, die meisten US-Universitäten würden den Studenten zu wenig über die Bedeutung gesunder Ernährung beibringen. Im Vordergrund der medizinischen Ausbildung stünde zu sehr die Behandlung der Menschen mit Medikamenten. Daher plant er, den Fakultäten die Bundesmittel zu streichen, wenn sie ihren Studenten keine Ernährungskurse anbieten.
Der oft als Verschwörungstheoretiker diffamierte RFK Jr. ist auch Teil des wachsenden Widerstands gegen Geoengineering-Aktivitäten. Die Manipulation von Wetter und Klima beispielsweise durch das Freisetzen von Chemikalien in die Atmosphäre kann kaum gesund sein und soll daher mit Louisiana jetzt in einem weiteren US-Bundesstaat verboten werden. Kennedy hatte derartige Maßnahmen auch schon als ein Verbrechen bezeichnet, das es zu stoppen gelte.
Indes ist der deutsche Beitrag in diesem Kontext, dass Ex-Gesundheitsminister und Covid-Impfpflicht-Befürworter Karl Lauterbach jetzt zum Klimaexperten mutiert. Laut Spiegel soll er Mitglied einer Kommission für Klima und Gesundheit bei der Weltgesundheitsorganisation werden, angeblich unentgeltlich. Vermutlich möchte die WHO im Sinne ihrer One-Health-Initiative mit solcher Lobbyarbeit für «Klimaschutz als Teil des Gesundheitsschutzes» ihren globalen Führungsanspruch untermauern.
Das Thema «Corona» ist im Übrigen noch lange nicht erledigt und das Narrativ bekommt weitere Risse. Nachdem Kennedy in den USA den Covid-«Impfstoff» für gesunde Kinder und schwangere Frauen aus dem empfohlenen Impfplan gestrichen hat, ist eine CDC-Beraterin zurückgetreten, die die Gen-Injektionen für Schwangere gefördert hatte. Auch die australische Regierung hat ihre Impfempfehlungen aktualisiert. Sie räumt jetzt ein, dass der Nutzen des «Impfstoffs» die Schäden für gesunde Jugendliche nicht überwiegt.
Gleichzeitig berichten Medien von einer neuen, anhaltenden «Covid-19-Welle» in China. Es gebe Befürchtungen, dass es zu erneuten Lockdowns und anderen drastischen Maßnahmen kommen könnte, obwohl sich die «Infektionen» laut den Gesundheitsbehörden auf einem Abwärtstrend befinden. In einigen Schulen seien Schüler isoliert und unter Quarantäne gestellt worden.
Isolierung, Überwachung und Kontrolle sind ebenfalls ein höchst ungesundes Erbe der «Coronazeit». Die weltweit vielfach eingeführten digitalen «Impfpässe» wurden als Instrument benutzt, um Kampagnen für digitale Identitäten zu fördern und die entsprechenden Systeme aufzubauen. Gerade hat auch Griechenland mit der Einführung seiner «Personal Citizen Number» den Grundstein für ein einheitliches digitales ID-System gelegt.
Derweil schlagen Datenschützer Alarm wegen des Tracking-Potenzials der sogenannten «Phone Home»-Funktion vieler digitaler Ausweise. Dieses «Feature», bei dem im Hintergrund jedesmal der Aussteller kontaktiert wird, um eine Angabe zu überprüfen, werde ganz leise in der Gesellschaft eingeführt, warnen sie. Das gebe den Regierungen den Vorgeschmack auf eine Macht, die sie kaum jemals wieder loslassen würden. Dagegen hilft nur eins: wachsam sein, hinterfragen und im Zweifel «Nein» sagen, anstatt auf eine vermeintliche Bequemlichkeit hereinzufallen.
[Titelbild: Pixabay]
Dieser Beitrag wurde mit dem Pareto-Client geschrieben und ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.
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@ cae03c48:2a7d6671
2025-06-07 13:00:50
Bitcoin Magazine
Bitcoin Life Insurer, Meanwhile, Becomes First Company to Publish Audited Financials Denominated in BitcoinMeanwhile Insurance Bitcoin (Bermuda) Limited (“Meanwhile”) announced it has become the first company in the world to release externally audited financial statements denominated entirely in Bitcoin. According to the announcement, the company reported 220.4 BTC in assets and 25.29 BTC in net income for 2024, a 300% year over year increase.
Today marks a global first & historic event for us, along with the public release of our 2024 audited financial statements, covering our 1st year of sales.
As the 1st company in the world to have Bitcoin-denominated financial statements externally audited, we are excited to…
— meanwhile | Bitcoin Life Insurance (@meanwhilelife) June 5, 2025
“We’ve just made history as the first company in the world to have Bitcoin-denominated financial statements externally audited,” said Zac Townsend, CEO of Meanwhile. “This is an important, foundational step in reimagining the financial system based on a single, global, decentralized standard outside the control of any one government.”
The financial statements were audited by Harris & Trotter LLP and its digital asset division ht.digital. Meanwhile’s financials also comply with Bermuda’s Insurance Act 1978, noting that their BTC denominated financials were approved and comply with official guidelines. The firm, fully licensed by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA), operates entirely in BTC and is prohibited from liquidating Bitcoin assets except through policyholder claims, positioning it as a long term holder.
“As the first regulated Bitcoin life insurance company, we view the BTC held by Meanwhile as inherently long-term in nature—primarily held to support the Company’s insurance liabilities over decades,” Townsend added. “This makes it significantly ‘stickier’ and resistant to market pressures compared to the BTC held by other companies as part of their treasury management strategies.”
Meanwhile’s 2024 financials also revealed 23.02 BTC in net premiums and 4.35 BTC in investment income, showing that its model not only preserves Bitcoin, but earns it. The company’s reserves (also held in BTC) were reviewed and approved by Willis Towers Watson (WTW).
Meanwhile also offers a Bitcoin Whole Life insurance product that allows policyholders to save, borrow, and build legacy wealth—entirely in BTC, and has plans to expand globally in 2025.
“We are incredibly proud of today’s news as it underscores how Meanwhile is at the forefront of the next phase of the convergence between Bitcoin and institutional financial markets,” said Tia Beckmann, CFO of Meanwhile. “Now having generated net income in BTC, we have demonstrated that we are earning it through a sustainable insurance business model designed for the long term.”
This post Bitcoin Life Insurer, Meanwhile, Becomes First Company to Publish Audited Financials Denominated in Bitcoin first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Jenna Montgomery.
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@ 2cde0e02:180a96b9
2025-06-10 14:06:52
pen & ink
https://stacker.news/items/1002504
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@ cae03c48:2a7d6671
2025-06-06 15:00:57
Bitcoin Magazine
President Trump’s Truth Social Files S-1 Form For Bitcoin ETFToday, Trump Media and Technology Group Corp. (Nasdaq, NYSE Texas: DJT) filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) a Form S-1 for their upcoming Truth Social Bitcoin ETF.
The ETF, which will hold bitcoin directly, is designed to track the bitcoin’s price performance.
“Truth Social Bitcoin ETF, B.T. is a Nevada business trust that issues beneficial interests in its net assets,” stated the Form S-1. “The assets of the Trust consist primarily of bitcoin held by a custodian on behalf of the Trust. The Trust seeks to reflect generally the performance of the price of bitcoin.”
The ETF is sponsored by Yorkville America Digital, LLC and will trade under NYSE Arca. The Trust’s assets primarily consist of bitcoin held by Foris DAX Trust Company, LLC, the designated bitcoin custodian. Crypto.com will act as the ETF’s prime execution agent and liquidity provider.
“Shares will be offered to the public from time to time at varying prices that will reflect the price of bitcoin and the trading price of the Shares on New York Stock Exchange Arca, Inc. at the time of the offer,” mentioned the Form S-1.
While the ETF offers investors a regulated avenue for bitcoin exposure, the Trust warned of several risks related to digital assets:
- Loss, theft, or compromise of private keys could result in permanent loss of bitcoin.
- Bitcoin’s reliance on blockchain and Internet technologies makes it vulnerable to disruptions and cyber threats.
- Environmental and regulatory pressures tied to high electricity use in bitcoin mining could impact market stability.
- Potential forks or protocol failures in the Bitcoin Network may lead to volatility and uncertainty in asset value.
Last week, during an interview at the 2025 Bitcoin Conference, Donald Trump Jr. announced that TMTG and Truth Social were forming a Bitcoin treasury with $2.5 billion. “We’re seriously on crypto—we’re seriously on Bitcoin,” said Trump Jr. “We’re in three major deals. I believe we’re at the beginning of what will be the future of finance. And the opportunity is massive.”
The day after that interview, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., joined by American Bitcoin Executive Chairman and Board Member Mike Ho, CEO Matt Prusak, and Altcoin Daily founder Aaron Arnold, discussed the future of Bitcoin.
“The whole system is broken and now all of the sudden you have crypto which solves all the problems,” commented Eric Trump. “It makes everything cheaper, it makes everything faster, it makes it safer, it makes it more transparent. It makes the whole system more functional.“
“Everybody wants Bitcoin. Everybody is buying Bitcoin,” Eric added.
This post President Trump’s Truth Social Files S-1 Form For Bitcoin ETF first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Oscar Zarraga Perez.
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@ b6dcdddf:dfee5ee7
2025-06-10 14:39:05
Bitcoiners around the world are helping to build a safe, permanent home for 50+ orphans in Bugiri, Uganda 🇺🇬—complete with dorms, classrooms, gardens, and Bitcoin education.
Project by @orphansofuganda
https://geyser.fund/project/buildingabitcoinfundedorphanagehomeinuganda
https://stacker.news/items/1002532
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@ da8b7de1:c0164aee
2025-06-07 04:42:05
Nukleáris technológiai és projektfejlesztési hírek
Több jelentős nemzetközi fejlemény történt a nukleáris energia területén. A Westinghouse Electric Company megkapta az amerikai Energiaügyi Minisztériumtól a kulcsfontosságú biztonsági jóváhagyást az eVinci mikroreaktorához, ami fontos lépés ennek az innovatív nukleáris technológiának a bevezetése felé. A vállalat Idaho államban tervezi egy tesztreaktor létesítését, ami jól mutatja, hogy a mikroreaktorok piaca egyre nagyobb lendületet kap.
Eközben a nukleáris kapacitás gyors bővítéséhez szükséges ellátási lánc felkészültsége volt a fő témája a World Nuclear Association első konferenciájának. Jelentős projektfrissítések között szerepel a kritikus turbinakomponensek beszerelése a kínai Haiyang atomerőműben, az indiai Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomerőmű négy blokkjára vonatkozó szabályozói engedély, valamint egy új olaszországi partnerség, a Nuclitalia, amely fejlett nukleáris technológiákra fókuszál. Belgiumban a Nukleáris Kutatóközpont hivatalos konzultációkat indított egy ólom-hűtésű kis moduláris reaktor (SMR) ügyében, Brazília pedig bejelentette, hogy Oroszországgal közösen fejleszt SMR-projektet.
Szabályozási és biztonsági aktualitások
A Nemzetközi Atomenergia-ügynökség (IAEA) meghosszabbította a tanulmányok benyújtási határidejét a közelgő, nukleáris létesítmények ellenállóképességéről szóló konferenciájára, hangsúlyozva a nukleáris létesítmények alkalmazkodásának fontosságát a klímaváltozás jelentette növekvő kockázatokhoz. A konferenciát 2025 októberében rendezik Bécsben, és fő témája a nukleáris létesítmények biztonságának és ellenállóképességének növelése lesz, különös tekintettel a külső eseményekre, mint az árvizek és földrengések.
Kanadában a Nukleáris Biztonsági Bizottság engedélyezte az Ontario Power Generation számára, hogy megkezdje egy BWRX-300 típusú reaktor építését a Darlington New Nuclear Project helyszínén, ami a nukleáris építkezések folyamatos szabályozói támogatását mutatja. Az Egyesült Államokban a Nukleáris Szabályozási Bizottság további 20 évvel meghosszabbította a Duke Energy Oconee atomerőművi blokkjainak üzemeltetési engedélyét, valamint támogatást nyújtott a michigani Palisades atomerőmű újraindításához.
Iparági és gazdasági trendek
Az iparági vezetők optimistán nyilatkoztak a nukleáris energia jelenlegi helyzetéről, kiemelve az Egyesült Államokban zajló aktív projekteket (például a TerraPower Wyomingban és az X-energy együttműködése a Dow vállalattal), valamint a fejlett nukleáris üzemanyaggyártásba irányuló magánbefektetések növekedését. Felmerült az is, hogy a Világbank nukleáris projekteket is finanszírozhatna, ami tovább ösztönözhetné a globális beruházásokat, és megerősítené a nukleáris energia szerepét az energetikai átmenetben.
Belgiumban a kormány és az Engie közüzemi vállalat végleges megállapodást kötött a Tihange 3 és Doel 4 reaktorok üzemidejének tíz évvel történő meghosszabbításáról, amely az energiabiztonságot és a radioaktív hulladék kezelését is szolgálja. Németországban a nukleáris technológiai szövetség hangsúlyozta, hogy akár hat, nemrégiben leállított reaktor újraindítása technikailag megvalósítható, és a nukleáris energia biztonságos, gazdaságos, valamint klímabarát alternatívát jelent.
Nemzetközi együttműködés és kutatás
Kanadában a Prodigy Clean Energy és a Serco közel jár a szállítható atomerőművek tesztprogramjának befejezéséhez, amelynek középpontjában a biztonság és az extrém helyzetekben való ellenállóképesség áll. Az EnergySolutions és a WEC Energy Group új nukleáris kapacitás létesítését vizsgálja a wisconsini Kewaunee helyszínen, és előzetes engedélyeket kívánnak szerezni a jövőbeni telepítéshez.
Az IAEA ismételten hangsúlyozta, hogy kész támogatni a Zaporizzsjai Atomerőműre vonatkozó megállapodásokat, amely továbbra is orosz katonai ellenőrzés alatt áll, kiemelve a térségben fennálló geopolitikai és biztonsági kihívásokat.
Források:
world-nuclear-news.org
nucnet.org
iaea.org
ans.org -
@ 75869cfa:76819987
2025-06-10 14:31:22
GM, Nostriches!
The Nostr Review is a biweekly newsletter focused on protocol updates, exciting programs, the long-form content ecosystem, and key events happening in the Nostr-verse. If you’re interested, join me in covering updates from the Nostr ecosystem!
Quick review:
In the past two weeks, Nostr activity has grown rapidly. Daily trusted pubkey events reached around 500,000. Pubkey writing events and bios-enabled profiles increased 5x and 9x respectively. Over 11 million events were published, up 123%, while Zap activity rose 58% to 19 million.
Additionally, 12 pull requests were submitted to the Nostr protocol, with 3 merged. A total of 65 Nostr projects were tracked, with 13 releasing product updates, and over 240 long-form articles were published, 38% focusing on Bitcoin and Nostr. During this period, 4 notable events took place, and 2 significant events are upcoming.
Nostr Statistics
Based on user activity, the total daily events from trusted pubkeys reached approximately 494,736 — a significant 93% increase compared to the previous period. Daily activity peaked at 20,850 events.
The number of new users has increased significantly. Pubkey writing events reached 505,587, and profiles with bios totaled 409,922 — 5 times and 9 times higher than the previous period, respectively.
A total of approximately 11 million note events were published, marking a 123% increase. Posts remain the dominant content type, with volume up by 110% from the previous period. Both reposts and reactions also saw significant growth, increasing by 102% and 108% respectively.
For zap activity, the total zap amount is about 19 million, showing an increase of over 58% compared to the previous period.
Data source: https://stats.nostr.band/
NIPs
NIP-101h: Health and Fitness Metrics #1937
nostr:npub1xr8tvnnnr9aqt9vv30vj4vreeq2mk38mlwe7khvhvmzjqlcghh6sr85uum is proposing PR that provides a structured approach for publishing, consuming, and managing health and fitness data on Nostr. It reserves specific event kinds for health metrics and defines common patterns for encryption, tagging, and data export.
nostr:npub1mgvwnpsqgrem7jfcwm7pdvdfz2h95mm04r23t8pau2uzxwsdnpgs0gpdjc is proposing a DVM spec. The major changes are: moving from kinds 5000-7000 to ephemeral kinds 20000-29999;moving from NIP-89 to a new announcement scheme that includes support for providers who run multiple DVMs;the response kind can be set by a DVM to be anything, although we give a strong recommendation that this should be an ephemeral event equal to 1 + request kind (instead of the previous 1000+request kind);we added guidance sections for DVM developers, Client developers, and Relay operators;we added an introduction that compares DVMs to APIs, and providers broader context about DVMs in general;concrete examples of all types of events;added a FAQ.
Add encryption support to NIPs 92 and 94 #1947 staab is proposing to add file encryption support to standard imeta tags and kind-1063 events. Use cases he envisions include: attaching encrypted files to NIP-17 DMs (instead of sending a separate file event), and attaching encrypted files to events sent to access-controlled communities (e.g., closed NIP-29 groups).
Add LLM stuff nip: Define prompt diffs for LLM modifications #1950
nostr:npub1l2vyh47mk2p0qlsku7hg0vn29faehy9hy34ygaclpn66ukqp3afqutajft is proposing a new NIP that defines a schema for prompt diffs, the idea is that people will be able to continuously customize software by applying a set of patches.
Notable Projects
Primal V2.2.57 nostr:npub12vkcxr0luzwp8e673v29eqjhrr7p9vqq8asav85swaepclllj09sylpugg
They released an update to the Primal iOS app. Build 2.2.57 includes the following fixes: * Fix: crash when uploading large files * Fix: article nostr user and note mentions * Fix: zapping from the bottom of the article * Fix: 3rd level embedded notes in the feed * Fix: thread view flicker
0xchat nostr:npub1tm99pgz2lth724jeld6gzz6zv48zy6xp4n9xu5uqrwvx9km54qaqkkxn72
- Support for creating MLS private groups (Beta), including adding/removing members and leaving groups
- Fixed an issue where setting NIP-29 group types to "closed" or "private" failed
- Fixed an issue where ecash could not be signed and claimed when logged in via Amber
- Fixed a bug where relay addresses were not properly filtered, causing duplicates
- Fixed a rare issue where user key packages could not be retrieved
YakiHonne nostr:npub1yzvxlwp7wawed5vgefwfmugvumtp8c8t0etk3g8sky4n0ndvyxesnxrf8q
YakiHonne Major Upgrade Alert! Improve your Nostr experience with our latest update: * Advanced Content Control: Multi-source feeds from Nostr networks, global feeds, DVMs, and custom algorithmic relays with advanced filtering by time, keywords, and favorite users. * Fast Account Switching: Seamlessly switch between connected accounts for posting notes, comments, and articles without ending your session. * Smarter Timeline: Grouped reposts keep your feed focused while smart widget organization makes browsing more intuitive. * Unified Experience: Same features on web & mobile, plus experimental push notifications for mobile users.
Zap.stream v1.1.3 nostr:npub1eaz6dwsnvwkha5sn5puwwyxjgy26uusundrm684lg3vw4ma5c2jsqarcgz
- Portrait video view styles
- Add gradient to background of vertical video chat for better readability
- Fixed going back from "Go Live" page blocks gestures
- Fixed short url handler for deep links
- Fixed zap comments missing in some cases
- Fixed format variant display in stream config
- Fixed stop stream when app closed
Nostur v1.21 nostr:npub1n0stur7q092gyverzc2wfc00e8egkrdnnqq3alhv7p072u89m5es5mk6h0
New in this version: * Live chat: open contact info when tapping name/pfp * Auto minimize or hide live stream / nest when navigating somewhere * Added blocked spam stats * Fixed uploading blossom and nip96 media with remote signer / bunker accounts * Fixed tap to go to detail goes to hashtag search * Removed imgur upload option
Alby nostr:npub1getal6ykt05fsz5nqu4uld09nfj3y3qxmv8crys4aeut53unfvlqr80nfm
The easiest-to-use lightning wallet just got even better. * Smarter payments with information about recipient, payer and zaps * Flexible wallet switching when connecting Alby Hub to other apps * Performance improvements and fixes in Send screen
RUNSTR v0.4.5 nostr:npub1vygzr642y6f8gxcjx6auaf2vd25lyzarpjkwx9kr4y752zy6058s8jvy4e
- Smarter Activity Tracking：Step counting for walking, speed metrics for cycling, and activity-specific data sharing.
- Full NIP101h Support：Now tracks steps, elevation, pace, and split times with full NIP101h integration.
- Flexible Data Sharing：Send data to public or private relays, with enhanced privacy controls.
- Upgraded Rewards System：Earn sats for saving NIP101h/NIP101e events, with extra bonuses for using private relays and anonymous zaps.
- Improved Stability：Bug fixes and more reliable offline performance.
futr nostr nostr:npub18wxf0t5jsmcpy57ylzx595twskx8eyj382lj7wp9rtlhzdg5hnnqvt4xra
- Rich Media Support ：Images and videos now display directly in posts. Full video player with controls and fullscreen mode. Download any image/video with one click. Dedicated image viewer.
- Enhanced Social Features： Nested comment threads with visual hierarchy. Quote reposts with your commentary. Referenced posts show inline. Message anyone without following first.
- Better User Experience： Smooth scrolling everywhere. Collapsible sidebar for more space. Smart auto-scroll to new content. Improved chat interface.
- Profile Integration： npub addresses show as names and pictures. Clickable profile links. User avatars displayed consistently. Smart profile rendering.
- Cross-Platform： Full Windows 10 support with native installer. Better performance and reduced memory usage. Improved connection reliability. Visual network status indicators.
- Under the Hood： Faster loading and optimized performance. Better error handling and recovery. Publish status tracking Smarter relay management.
ZEUS v0.11.0-beta3 nostr:npub1xnf02f60r9v0e5kty33a404dm79zr7z2eepyrk5gsq3m7pwvsz2sazlpr5
ZEUS v0.11.0-alpha4 with Cashu support is now available for testing. * Experimental Cashu ecash wallet * Swaps: LN -> on-chain, and vice versa * ZEUS Pay: Cashu and NWC lightning addresses (for remote nodes) * Import and export wallet configs * UTXO labeling * Activity: filter for keysends * CLN: support for generating Taproot addresses * CLN: view closed channels * fix: issue with setting channel fee rates * fix: edge case for triggering swaps refund when invoice cannot be paid
KYCNOT.me nostr:npub188x98j0r7l2fszeph6j7hj99h8xl07n989pskk5zd69d2fcksetq5mgcqf
- UI/UX - designe a new logo and color palette for kycnot.me.
- Point system - The new point system provides more detailed information about the listings, and can be expanded to cover additional features across all services.
- ToS Scrapper: implement a powerful automated terms-of-service scrapper that collects all the ToS pages from the listings. It saves you from the hassle of reading the ToS by listing the lines that are suspiciously related to KYC/AML practices.
- Search bar - The new search bar allows you to easily filter services. It performs a full-text search on the Title, Description, Category, and Tags of all the services. Looking for VPN services? Just search for "vpn"!
- Transparency - To be more transparent, all discussions about services now take place publicly on GitLab. This ensures that all service-related matters are publicly accessible and recorded. Additionally, there's a real-time audits page that displays database changes.
- Listing Requests - upgrade the request system. The new form allows you to directly request services or points without any extra steps.
- Lightweight and fast - The new site is lighter and faster than its predecessor!
- Tor and I2P - At last! kycnot.me is now officially on Tor and I2P!
Sparrow nostr:npub1hea99yd4xt5tjx8jmjvpfz2g5v7nurdqw7ydwst0ww6vw520prnq6fg9v2
Sparrow v2.2.1 released with: * Updated Tor library to fix missing UUID issue when starting Tor on recent macOS versions. * Repackaged .deb installs to use older gzip instead of zstd compression. * Removed display of median fee rate where fee rates source is set to Server. * Added icons for external sources in Settings and Recent Blocks view * Bug fix: Fixed issue in Recent Blocks view when switching fee rates source * Bug fix: Fixed NPE on null fee returned from server
shosho nostr:npub1sh0spghk4yvy2d2v35kelw45qq4msk6zykaw4ds047e9slzs8r4qr7q2xa
Version 0.2.3 is released to GitHub and Obtainium. * Stay awake on broadcast screen * Privacy Policy in releases repo * Improved broadcast UI, colour scheme and onsistent fonts across devices
zapwall nostr:npub1r0rs5q2gk0e3dk3nlc7gnu378ec6cnlenqp8a3cjhyzu6f8k5sgs4sq9ac
- Added client-side content encryption (download URLs are now harder to decrypt); no server-side encryption as this is a serverless, Nostr-based system
- Custom relay support: publish to specific or all relays
- Added relay subscriptions to fetch events from other relays
- Implemented dark mode
- Added NSFW toggle – content lives at /nsfw, not linked from home
- Each zapwall now has a direct linkable view
- Added kind1 comments to zapwalls
- UI/UX improvements across the board
- Support for multi-image posts
- Added "Open in Wallet" support
- Enabled editing and deletion for zapwalls
- Secured domain: zapwall.store (not active yet)
Long-Form Content Eco
In the past two weeks, more than 242 long-form articles have been published, including over 65 articles on Bitcoin and more than 27 related to Nostr, accounting for 38% of the total content.
These articles about Nostr mainly explore its unique position as a decentralized, censorship-resistant protocol compared to traditional platforms. They highlight key features like zaps, interoperability (e.g., NIP-101h for health data), and the cultural values of neutrality and permission lessness. Several pieces dive into the practical development of Nostr apps, client tools, and emerging standards like NIP-01 and NIP-02. Others reflect on the social, educational, and even unexpected cultural implications of building on Nostr.
The Bitcoin articles discuss a wide range of topics including the fundamentals of Bitcoin as sound money, its role in resisting centralized control, and its evolving place in the global financial system. Many reflect on Bitcoin’s early-stage adoption, security considerations (like quantum threats and custody practices), and cultural developments around major events such as Bitcoin 2025. Others explore its economic impact—from challenging the Cantillon Effect to enabling sovereign individualism—and compare Bitcoin to other digital assets and CBDCs. Technical guides, market trends, and political reflections highlight both the promise and challenges ahead for Bitcoin adoption.
Thank you,
nostr:npub1gwa27rpgum8mr9d30msg8cv7kwj2lhav2nvmdwh3wqnsa5vnudxqlta2sz, nostr:npub1vygzr642y6f8gxcjx6auaf2vd25lyzarpjkwx9kr4y752zy6058s8jvy4e, nostr:npub1m7szwpud3jh2k3cqe73v0fd769uzsj6rzmddh4dw67y92sw22r3sk5m3ys, nostr:npub1k8wmf46sh5dedq4pfk53z4ulnv4x5e77f4t2gmxp4dmg73cjgnnsxhuced, nostr:npub13wke9s6njrmugzpg6mqtvy2d49g4d6t390ng76dhxxgs9jn3f2jsmq82pk, nostr:npub1jlrs53pkdfjnts29kveljul2sm0actt6n8dxrrzqcersttvcuv3qdjynqn, nostr:npub1hz5alqscpp8yjrvgsdp2n4ygkl8slvstrgvmjca7e45w6644ew7sewtysa, nostr:npub1manlnflyzyjhgh970t8mmngrdytcp3jrmaa66u846ggg7t20cgqqvyn9tn, nostr:npub1xtscya34g58tk0z605fvr788k263gsu6cy9x0mhnm87echrgufzsevkk5s, nostr:npub1etsrcjz24fqewg4zmjze7t5q8c6rcwde5zdtdt4v3t3dz2navecscjjz94, nostr:npub1atrrqav7xyur93xszyaeuyyzy70mpmax488grndfaz3kddyc3dyquawyga, nostr:npub10akm29ejpdns52ca082skmc3hr75wmv3ajv4987c9lgyrfynrmdqduqwlx, nostr:npub1syk07kh6tkwrksyzhqk8qdjul5kj08p842gjxyacljlavhzq4m4slmdu3p, nostr:npub1jrr9dlerex7tg8njvc88c60asxnf5dp8hgcerh0q8w3gdyurl48q6s5nwv, nostr:npub1t6jxfqz9hv0lygn9thwndekuahwyxkgvycyscjrtauuw73gd5k7sqvksrw, nostr:npub1qe3e5wrvnsgpggtkytxteaqfprz0rgxr8c3l34kk3a9t7e2l3acslezefe, nostr:npub1guh5grefa7vkay4ps6udxg8lrqxg2kgr3qh9n4gduxut64nfxq0q9y6hjy, and others, for your work. Enriching Nostr’s long-form content ecosystem is crucial.Nostriches Global Meet Ups
Recently, several Nostr events have been hosted in different countries. * Recently, YakiHonne collaborated with the Bitcoin Unical community to successfully host a Nostr Workshop, attracting about 30 enthusiastic participants. The events not only provided a comprehensive introduction to the Nostr ecosystem and Bitcoin payments but also offered hands-on experiences with decentralized technologies through the YakiHonne platform.
YakiHonne Global Pizza Fest – Ho Chi Minh City Edition was held on May 30, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Pizza 4P’s in Thủ Thiêm, Vietnam.Co-hosted by BUIDL Station VN and Dora Factory, the event was part of the global Bitcoin Pizza Day celebration initiated by YakiHonne. Attendees enjoyed pizza, Bitcoin discussions, and community connection, celebrating the decentralized spirit with local builders and enthusiasts. * The Bitcoin 2025 Conference* took place from May 26–29 at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, where the Nostr community hosted a series of vibrant events centered around the Nostr Lounge. Supported by the Human Rights Foundation, the Lounge became a hub for demos, lightning talks, onboarding, and meaningful conversations—away from the main hall’s noise. Nostr also delivered two main stage talks,nostr:npub1s9etjgzjglwlaxdhsveq0qksxyh6xpdpn8ajh69ruetrug957r3qpklxzl, nostr:npub1g53mukxnjkcmr94fhryzkqutdz2ukq4ks0gvy5af25rgmwsl4ngq43drvk, nostr:npub1a2cww4kn9wqte4ry70vyfwqyqvpswksna27rtxd8vty6c74era8sdcw83a, nostr:npub18ams6ewn5aj2n3wt2qawzglx9mr4nzksxhvrdc4gzrecw7n5tvjqctp424, nostr:npub1zga04e73s7ard4kaektaha9vckdwll3y8auztyhl3uj764ua7vrqc7ppvc, nostr:npub1spdnfacgsd7lk0nlqkq443tkq4jx9z6c6ksvaquuewmw7d3qltpslcq6j7, nostr:npub1yaul8k059377u9lsu67de7y637w4jtgeuwcmh5n7788l6xnlnrgs3tvjmf, nostr:npub1a6c3jcdj23ptzcuflek8a04f4hc2cdkat95pd6n3r8jjrwyzrw0q43lfrr, focusing on multisig key management and the future of decentralized social media, showcasing open-source momentum in the heart of fiat land. * Africa Bitcoin Day – Kenya was held on May 31st, 2025 (Saturday), from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Nairobi Street Kitchen.Co-hosted by AfroBitcoinOrg and local communities, the event returned following the great success of last year. It brought together developers, tech entrepreneurs, policymakers, and grassroots organizers to build, connect, and learn around Bitcoin and open technologies.
Here is the upcoming Nostr event that you might want to check out.
- BTC Prague 2025 is the largest and most influential Bitcoin-only conference in Europe. It will take place from June 19 to 21, 2025, at PVA Expo Praha in Prague, Czech Republic. The event is expected to attract over 10,000 attendees from around the world, including entrepreneurs, developers, investors, and educators. The conference will feature more than 200 speakers from various sectors of the global Bitcoin ecosystem,
nostr:npub14gm6rq7rkw56cd08aa4k5tvjnepqnxm4xvc535wj0wyjxlgrfa8sqdgv87 nostr:npub1dg6es53r3hys9tk3n7aldgz4lx4ly8qu4zg468zwyl6smuhjjrvsnhsguz nostr:npub1ymgefd46k55yfwph8tdlxur573puastaqdmxff4vj20xj0uh3p2s06k8d5 nostr:npub1jt97tpsul3fp8hvf7zn0vzzysmu9umcrel4hpgflg4vnsytyxwuqt8la9y nostr:npub1dtgg8yk3h23ldlm6jsy79tz723p4sun9mz62tqwxqe7c363szkzqm8up6m nostr:npub1g53mukxnjkcmr94fhryzkqutdz2ukq4ks0gvy5af25rgmwsl4ngq43drvk nostr:npub16c0nh3dnadzqpm76uctf5hqhe2lny344zsmpm6feee9p5rdxaa9q586nvr and more. In addition to the main program, several side events will be held, such as Developer Hack Days, Cypherpunk gatherings, and Women in Bitcoin initiatives. * BitDevs: Nostr Wallet Connect Presentation will take place on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at the Pittsburgh Technology Council, with an option for online participation. Organized by BitDevs Pittsburgh, the event features nostr:npub1ce7d8cdg8k49dnl3da34mvhah8kevxfsq2vdguq6trngapqfsdzsnv3d7m from Presidio Bitcoin, who will present his latest work on integrating Nostr Wallet Connect.
Thanks for reading! If there’s anything I missed, feel free to reach out and help improve the completeness and accuracy of my coverage.
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@ a849beb6:b327e6d2
2024-11-23 15:03:47
\ \ It was another historic week for both bitcoin and the Ten31 portfolio, as the world’s oldest, largest, most battle-tested cryptocurrency climbed to new all-time highs each day to close out the week just shy of the $100,000 mark. Along the way, bitcoin continued to accumulate institutional and regulatory wins, including the much-anticipated approval and launch of spot bitcoin ETF options and the appointment of several additional pro-bitcoin Presidential cabinet officials. The timing for this momentum was poetic, as this week marked the second anniversary of the pico-bottom of the 2022 bear market, a level that bitcoin has now hurdled to the tune of more than 6x despite the litany of bitcoin obituaries published at the time. The entirety of 2024 and especially the past month have further cemented our view that bitcoin is rapidly gaining a sense of legitimacy among institutions, fiduciaries, and governments, and we remain optimistic that this trend is set to accelerate even more into 2025.
Several Ten31 portfolio companies made exciting announcements this week that should serve to further entrench bitcoin’s institutional adoption. AnchorWatch, a first of its kind bitcoin insurance provider offering 1:1 coverage with its innovative use of bitcoin’s native properties, announced it has been designated a Lloyd’s of London Coverholder, giving the company unique, blue-chip status as it begins to write bitcoin insurance policies of up to $100 million per policy starting next month. Meanwhile, Battery Finance Founder and CEO Andrew Hohns appeared on CNBC to delve into the launch of Battery’s pioneering private credit strategy which fuses bitcoin and conventional tangible assets in a dual-collateralized structure that offers a compelling risk/return profile to both lenders and borrowers. Both companies are clearing a path for substantially greater bitcoin adoption in massive, untapped pools of capital, and Ten31 is proud to have served as lead investor for AnchorWatch’s Seed round and as exclusive capital partner for Battery.
As the world’s largest investor focused entirely on bitcoin, Ten31 has deployed nearly $150 million across two funds into more than 30 of the most promising and innovative companies in the ecosystem like AnchorWatch and Battery, and we expect 2025 to be the best year yet for both bitcoin and our portfolio. Ten31 will hold a first close for its third fund at the end of this year, and investors in that close will benefit from attractive incentives and a strong initial portfolio. Visit ten31.vc/funds to learn more and get in touch to discuss participating.\ \ Portfolio Company Spotlight
Primal is a first of its kind application for the Nostr protocol that combines a client, caching service, analytics tools, and more to address several unmet needs in the nascent Nostr ecosystem. Through the combination of its sleek client application and its caching service (built on a completely open source stack), Primal seeks to offer an end-user experience as smooth and easy as that of legacy social media platforms like Twitter and eventually many other applications, unlocking the vast potential of Nostr for the next billion people. Primal also offers an integrated wallet (powered by Strike BLACK) that substantially reduces onboarding and UX frictions for both Nostr and the lightning network while highlighting bitcoin’s unique power as internet-native, open-source money.
Selected Portfolio News
AnchorWatch announced it has achieved Llody’s Coverholder status, allowing the company to provide unique 1:1 bitcoin insurance offerings starting in December.\ \ Battery Finance Founder and CEO Andrew Hohns appeared on CNBC to delve into the company’s unique bitcoin-backed private credit strategy.
Primal launched version 2.0, a landmark update that adds a feed marketplace, robust advanced search capabilities, premium-tier offerings, and many more new features.
Debifi launched its new iOS app for Apple users seeking non-custodial bitcoin-collateralized loans.
Media
Strike Founder and CEO Jack Mallers joined Bloomberg TV to discuss the strong volumes the company has seen over the past year and the potential for a US bitcoin strategic reserve.
Primal Founder and CEO Miljan Braticevic joined The Bitcoin Podcast to discuss the rollout of Primal 2.0 and the future of Nostr.
Ten31 Managing Partner Marty Bent appeared on BlazeTV to discuss recent changes in the regulatory environment for bitcoin.
Zaprite published a customer testimonial video highlighting the popularity of its offerings across the bitcoin ecosystem.
Market Updates
Continuing its recent momentum, bitcoin reached another new all-time high this week, clocking in just below $100,000 on Friday. Bitcoin has now reached a market cap of nearly $2 trillion, putting it within 3% of the market caps of Amazon and Google.
After receiving SEC and CFTC approval over the past month, long-awaited options on spot bitcoin ETFs were fully approved and launched this week. These options should help further expand bitcoin’s institutional liquidity profile, with potentially significant implications for price action over time.
The new derivatives showed strong performance out of the gate, with volumes on options for BlackRock’s IBIT reaching nearly $2 billion on just the first day of trading despite surprisingly tight position limits for the vehicles.
Meanwhile, the underlying spot bitcoin ETF complex had yet another banner week, pulling in $3.4 billion in net inflows.
New reports suggested President-elect Donald Trump’s social media company is in advanced talks to acquire crypto trading platform Bakkt, potentially the latest indication of the incoming administration’s stance toward the broader “crypto” ecosystem.
On the macro front, US housing starts declined M/M again in October on persistently high mortgage rates and weather impacts. The metric remains well below pre-COVID levels.
Pockets of the US commercial real estate market remain challenged, as the CEO of large Florida developer Related indicated that developers need further rate cuts “badly” to maintain project viability.
US Manufacturing PMI increased slightly M/M, but has now been in contraction territory (<50) for well over two years.
The latest iteration of the University of Michigan’s popular consumer sentiment survey ticked up following this month’s election results, though so did five-year inflation expectations, which now sit comfortably north of 3%.
Regulatory Update
After weeks of speculation, the incoming Trump administration appointed hedge fund manager Scott Bessent to head up the US Treasury. Like many of Trump’s cabinet selections so far, Bessent has been a public advocate for bitcoin.
Trump also appointed Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick – another outspoken bitcoin bull – as Secretary of the Commerce Department.
Meanwhile, the Trump team is reportedly considering creating a new “crypto czar” role to sit within the administration. While it’s unclear at this point what that role would entail, one report indicated that the administration’s broader “crypto council” is expected to move forward with plans for a strategic bitcoin reserve.
Various government lawyers suggested this week that the Trump administration is likely to be less aggressive in seeking adversarial enforcement actions against bitcoin and “crypto” in general, as regulatory bodies appear poised to shift resources and focus elsewhere.
Other updates from the regulatory apparatus were also directionally positive for bitcoin, most notably FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg’s confirmation that he plans to resign from his post at the end of President Biden’s term.
Many critics have alleged Gruenberg was an architect of “Operation Chokepoint 2.0,” which has created banking headwinds for bitcoin companies over the past several years, so a change of leadership at the department is likely yet another positive for the space.
SEC Chairman Gary Gensler also officially announced he plans to resign at the start of the new administration. Gensler has been the target of much ire from the broader “crypto” space, though we expect many projects outside bitcoin may continue to struggle with questions around the Howey Test.
Overseas, a Chinese court ruled that it is not illegal for individuals to hold cryptocurrency, even though the country is still ostensibly enforcing a ban on crypto transactions.
Noteworthy
The incoming CEO of Charles Schwab – which administers over $9 trillion in client assets – suggested the platform is preparing to “get into” spot bitcoin offerings and that he “feels silly” for having waited this long. As this attitude becomes more common among traditional finance players, we continue to believe that the number of acquirers coming to market for bitcoin infrastructure capabilities will far outstrip the number of available high quality assets.
BlackRock’s 2025 Thematic Outlook notes a “renewed sense of optimism” on bitcoin among the asset manager’s client base due to macro tailwinds and the improving regulatory environment. Elsewhere, BlackRock’s head of digital assets indicated the firm does not view bitcoin as a “risk-on” asset.
MicroStrategy, which was a sub-$1 billion market cap company less than five years ago, briefly breached a $100 billion equity value this week as it continues to aggressively acquire bitcoin. The company now holds nearly 350,000 bitcoin on its balance sheet.
Notably, Allianz SE, Germany’s largest insurer, spoke for 25% of MicroStrategy’s latest $3 billion convertible note offering this week, suggesting growing appetite for bitcoin proxy exposure among more restricted pools of capital.
The ongoing meltdown of fintech middleware provider Synapse has left tens of thousands of customers with nearly 100% deposit haircuts as hundreds of millions in funds remain missing, the latest unfortunate case study in the fragility of much of the US’s legacy banking stack.
Travel
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BitcoinMENA, Dec 9-10
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Nashville BitDevs, Dec 10
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Austin BitDevs, Dec 19
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Opportunity CostTFTC