"Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together." --Marcus Aurelius
Good or bad luck is part of the universe’s rational order, and resisting it is futile.
Gemini-cli: An open-source AI tool integrating Gemini into your terminal.
https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli
Outperforms GPT Pro, yet completely free.
Sign in with your personal Google account when prompted to access up to 60 model requests per minute and 1,000 per day with Gemini.
A federated setup for stablecoins like USDC and Tether could enhance their performance compared to a centralized SQL database by improving trust, resilience, regulatory adaptability, and potentially privacy and scalability, while maintaining their core focus on stability and reliability.
The degree of benefit depends on how well these improvements meet user and regulatory needs.
Each day, global connectivity increases, but this comes with significant societal consequences at all levels.
It's evident that those in power will fiercely resist losing control over the narrative.
The HRF’s Financial Freedom Report #77 examines speech crackdowns from El Salvador to Saudi Arabia, digital oppression in Cuba and Iran, and the critical role of decentralized technologies like Bitcoin, Nostr, Pubky, and the Pear stack in the struggle for freedom.
In a world where posting on platforms like X can lead to execution, the stakes for many go far beyond account suspensions or follower losses.
Here is the original article in HRF’s Weekly Financial Freedom Report #77
Link: https://hrf.org/latest/hrfs-weekly-financial-freedom-report-77/
An article by Brunswick clearly explains why features often criticized as flaws in Bitcoin’s design—such as its "ossification" or limited throughput—are not defects but intentional and vital elements for establishing a robust global monetary foundation.
Can a protocol that values integrity over speed genuinely address the longstanding challenges of global finance that have troubled nations for centuries?
And why do many engineers fail to grasp the critical distinction between developing applications and creating the foundational layer that supports everything else?
Original article: Bitcoin for Engineers: Why Bitcoin’s Design Solves Real Problems, Not Just Theoretical Ones
"Ecash got reintroduced with the two open source projects Fedimint and Cashu. In my opinion, the main reason for this revival is the following fact: Unlike an implementation of ecash in the fiat world, that would rely on the permissioned system to “allow” something like ecash to exist, bitcoin does not come with that limitation. The permissionless nature of bitcoin allows for these protocols to exist and interoperate with the existing bitcoin stack." — Gandlaf21
Can a centralized and custodial system like Ecash, which prioritizes user privacy, peacefully coexist with Bitcoin's decentralized and permissionless architecture?
Or does it undermine the principle of self-custody, potentially luring users away from personally holding their coins?
This examination dives into the advantages and disadvantages of Ecash, considering whether it can offer a more private and accessible experience for users intimidated by the intricacies of managing their own cryptocurrency, and what this might mean for the evolution of financial services.
A more pressing concern is the possibility that Central Bank Digital Coins (CBDCs) or private bank digital coins may adopt the Ecash system, potentially leveraging its privacy features to create a more palatable and user-friendly experience for their customers. This could have far-reaching implications for the future of financial services, as it may enable traditional financial institutions to offer digital currencies that combine the benefits of cryptocurrency with the convenience and familiarity of traditional banking.
The key issue is whether the integration of Ecash with CBDCs or private bank digital coins could coexist as a complementary solution that expands the reach and accessibility of digital currencies. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to examine the potential benefits and drawbacks of Ecash and its potential applications in the context of CBDCs and private bank digital coins.
Link to article: Ecash on Bitcoin
Phishing Scams: A Threat to Your Digital Life. As we rely more on technology, our phones, and email accounts become the main doors to our personal info and money.
To stay safe, it's a good idea to be suspicious of any messages or requests from people you don't know, and assume they might be trying to scam you until you're sure they're legitimate.
How to Lose a Fortune with Just One Bad Click
https://krebsonsecurity.com/2024/12/how-to-lose-a-fortune-with-just-one-bad-click
Digital Gold is reviving the concept of sound money for humanity, offering a store of value that endures over time and can be easily transferred across distances, thereby overcoming the limitations of physical gold in the digital age.
Digital Gold = Bitcoin
Strike, a global bitcoin payments service, has expanded to 65 more countries across six continents, introducing USDT (U.S. dollar equivalent) support and a revamped app. This development has significant implications for global adoption, particularly in countries with weak currencies or high inflation rates.
The expansion brings Strike's effective reach to 3 billion people, with the ultimate goal of serving 7-8 billion worldwide. The service promotes financial inclusion, economic stability, and global connectivity by:
1. Providing access to a stable financial system for underserved communities.
2. Mitigating inflation effects with a U.S. dollar equivalent stablecoin.
3. Facilitating cross-border transactions and international trade.
Overall, Strike's expansion is an important development in the world of finance, with potential to promote economic stability and global connectivity.
Strike Expands Global Reach, Introduces USDT Support And Unveils Enhanced App At Bitcoin 2023 Conference
Discrete Log Contracts have existed for some time, but development can be challenging due to the numerous potential pitfalls. The DLC DevKit aims to simplify this process by providing a streamlined approach to building DLC projects. Leveraging rust-dlc under the hood, it cleverly abstracts the Oracle, Storage, and Transport components through traits, making development more manageable. This tool is definitely worth exploring if you're interested in creating a DLC application.
Introduction to DlcDevKit
Creating DLC applications is hard, but it does not have to be. DlcDevKit allows application developers to focus on the user experience. Not the complexities of Bitcoin and DLCs.
“Ossification is complacency. Yes, we all agree that Bitcoin is great. But _I do not agree_ that Bitcoin has reached its full potential. I think complacency is one of the greatest threats to Bitcoin — we must not rest upon our laurels.” — Lopp
The debate between ossification and continuous development of the Bitcoin protocol is a complex one, with valid arguments on both sides. On one hand, ossification — or making the protocol more stable and unchanging — can provide a sense of security and predictability, which is crucial for a global financial system. It can also prevent unintended consequences or exploits that could arise from frequent changes.
On the other hand, continuous development and planning for future soft forks can ensure the protocol stays relevant, adapts to emerging technologies, and addresses any issues that may arise. This approach can also help to improve the user experience, scalability, and overall performance of the network.
However, whether to change Bitcoin or not might be a false dichotomy. It's possible that the answer lies in a middle ground, where certain aspects of the protocol are allowed to evolve while others remain stable. Perhaps the focus should be on creating a framework that allows for gradual, carefully considered changes, rather than a binary choice between complete ossification and constant development.
Ultimately, the path forward will depend on the priorities and values of the Bitcoin community. Is the goal to create a digital gold standard, prioritizing security and stability above all else, or is it to create a more dynamic, adaptable system that can evolve to meet the needs of its users? By examining these underlying values and priorities, we may be able to find a more nuanced approach that balances the need for stability with the need for innovation and progress.
Article “On Ossification” by Jameson Lopp
Bitcoin and crypto executives speak out on debanking
Having a bitcoin treasury can be beneficial for businesses, particularly in cases of debanking, as it provides a financial safety net and flexibility during times of economic uncertainty or systemic instability. By controlling your own keys, you maintain the ability to conduct transactions on the bitcoin network without interference or restriction from external parties.
Crypto execs open up about debanking experiences following Trump's US election win
Solana Web3.js library backdoored to steal secret, private keys
“Imagine a sports game where different players are motivated by distinct incentives, defenders aiming to pull the ball outside the field, midfielders prioritizing maximum passes, attackers focused on scoring the most goals, goalkeepers rewarded for saving the most shots, and coaches for the most words shouted from the bench. You can imagine that will not be an optimal team performance when they step on the field, the team winning should be prioritized over any individual player's performance.” — Ivan Makedonski
Is it possible for Bitcoin and the Lightning Network to revolutionize industries like construction by aligning incentives and streamlining processes? Ivan Makedonski delves into the potential for instant settlement to upend traditional sectors, paving the way for novel collaborations and innovations.
Link to article at Instant Settlement: The Construction Industry by Ivan Makedonski
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/technical/instant-settlement-the-construction-industry
US Officials Urge Americans to Use Encrypted Apps Amid Unprecedented Cyberattack
FBI and CISA officials said it was impossible to predict when the telecommunications companies would be fully safe from interlopers.
“Amid an unprecedented cyberattack on telecommunications companies such as AT&T and Verizon, U.S. officials have recommended that Americans use encrypted messaging apps to ensure their communications stay hidden from foreign hackers…”
Ecash mints funded with Spillman channels: The ultimate nodeless Lightning wallet
https://gist.github.com/lukechilds/307341239beac72c9d8cfe3198f9bfff
Critics of eCash protocols have long argued that trusting the minter is a significant vulnerability.
This protocol addresses that concern by utilizing a modified Spillman channel, which significantly reduces the custody risk associated with eCash transfers. By providing users with a unilateral exit transaction, they can recover their funds even if the eCash mint becomes insolvent.
Conversely, the eCash mint can also retrieve the funds spent by customers through their own unilateral exit transaction. This payment channel concept bears resemblance to Lightning, but with the eCash mint acting as the counterparty.
Considering its privacy benefits, this solution appears to tick all the boxes for private, self-custodial, scalable, and instantaneous payments on Bitcoin.
Tando: Bitcoin Adoption In Kenya
Discover The latest Bitcoin Platform that allows anyone to easily spend Bitcoin anywhere in Kenya.
https://www.blink.sv/blog/tando-bitcoin-adoption-in-kenya
Tando, a Kenyan lightning app, is uniquely valuable due to its role as a medium of exchange.
By enabling users to connect to the primary payments network in Kenyan Shillings via lightning, it achieves something rare globally - seamless integration of a local currency with the lightning network.
With a Bitcoin conference scheduled for December in Kenya, it will be fascinating to observe user experiences, especially among foreign attendees.
A novel layer 2 solution on the Bitcoin network is utilizing the statechains protocol, boasting an exciting integration with Lightning that enables payment of Lightning invoices through third-party facilitators.
Its primary draw is the exceptionally low fees. Notably, numerous L2 solutions are seamlessly interacting with Lightning, leveraging innovative integrations to significantly amplify scaling capabilities.
Shielded CSV Protocol 🛡️
A revolutionary design for blockchains, compatible with Bitcoin
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/technical/shielded-csv-protocol-
This explanation provides a more approachable take on Blockstream's technical paper. The core concept is to shift validation responsibilities from the entire network to only those with a vested interest. However, as noted in the article, a bridge is necessary to make this work without requiring a fork. One possible method for implementing such a bridge is through the use of BitVM.
The article discusses the importance of security on the dark web, a hidden part of the internet that's not indexed by search engines and requires special software to access. It highlights the risks of using the dark web, including the presence of malicious actors and law enforcement surveillance.
To mitigate these risks, the article recommends using a virtual private network (VPN), Tor browser, and Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) encryption.
Additionally, it advises users to be cautious when accessing dark web marketplaces and to never use their real identity or share personal information.
By taking these precautions, users can minimize their exposure to potential threats and maintain their anonymity on the dark web.
The fascinating security model of dark web marketplaces
“This is also an interesting case study in how Bitcoin resists duplication. You can create something which looks cosmetically similar to Bitcoin, but you cannot replicate the settlement assurances which derive from the costliness of the ledger.” — Nic Carter
A masterpiece that clarifies one of Bitcoin's most misconstrued aspects: the value it offers and why it remains unrivaled. This article, 'It's the Settlement Assurances, Stupid' by Nic Carter, will enlighten you on why there's no viable alternative to Bitcoin.
Article “It’s the settlement assurances, stupid
How to evaluate blockchains” by Nic Carter
https://medium.com/@nic__carter/its-the-settlement-assurances-stupid-5dcd1c3f4e41
“Panic is rising. Bitcoin, the way out of their giant Ponzi scheme, does not want to die, but the survival of the fiat system depends on the lack of an alternative. The entire system is therefore in danger.” — Alexandre Stachtchenko
The European Central Bank (ECB) has released another lengthy “research” paper, this time 20 pages long, warning of the economic dangers of a potential future where Bitcoin continues to exist.
The same authors who have long dismissed Bitcoin as a worthless, doomed bubble are at it again, spewing more nonsense. However, as Bitcoin refuses to burst and continues to thrive, it's the ECB's own credibility that's taking a hit.
Beneath the paper's blatant intellectual dishonesty, is the ECB inadvertently conceding a crucial point?
Are they, despite their best efforts to conceal it, acknowledging that Bitcoin might have some value after all?
Does their writing betray a sense of desperation, a growing unease that their anti-Bitcoin rhetoric is no longer convincing?
Great read:
The Great Capitulation
https://medium.com/@AlexStach/the-great-capitulation-a738a2969116
Have you seen the DCA Dollar Cost Average calculator?
It allows you to input a date and amount, then shows you the potential value of your savings over time.
This tool is useful for illustrating how small, consistent savings can add up significantly. It can also motivate those who haven't started saving yet by demonstrating the potential savings they could have achieved with a regular savings plan, such as $50 per month.
Additionally, it's a great way for savers to indulge in “what if” scenarios, imagining the potential returns they could have earned if they had started saving earlier.
"There is no justice in following unjust laws. It's time to come into the light and in the grand tradition of civil disobedience declare our opposition to this private theft of public culture. We need to take information wherever it is stored make our copies and share them with the world. We need to take stuff that's out of copyright and add it to the archive.
We need to buy secret databases and put them on the web. We need to download scientific journals and upload them to file sharing networks. We need to fight for guerrilla openaccess." — Aaron Swartz
What are the consequences when those in power suppress the pursuit of knowledge and information?
Is unrestricted idea exchange a fundamental moral right, and what happens to those who defy authority by seeking truth and challenging established norms?
The original article "Guerrilla Open Access Manifesto" --Aaron Swartz
https://archive.org/stream/GuerillaOpenAccessManifesto/Goamjuly2008_djvu.txt
Apple Confirms Zero-Day Attacks Hitting macOS Systems
Apple rushes out out major macOS and iOS security updates to cover a pair of vulnerabilities already being exploited in the wild.
https://www.securityweek.com/apple-confirms-zero-day-attacks-hitting-intel-based-macs/