The IMF’s $1.4 Billion Shackle
The recent $1.4 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) agreement between the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and El Salvador marks a significant turning point in the nation's economic and monetary policy. The IMF’s $1.4 billion “lifeline” is a sly Trojan horse, gutting El Salvador’s sovereignty and kneecapping its 2021 Bitcoin law— which represented a bold step toward monetary freedom and economic self-determination— all to prop up the same economic mess it pretends to fix. Brilliant, right?
The Fine Line: Bitcoin Companies Navigating Regulation and Freedom
We all know the value proposition of Bitcoin: Bitcoin cannot be controlled by the state. Bitcoin is permissionless, it doesn't need a KYC and we can send money to anyone in the world, without middlemen, without censorship, without limits.
However, when companies use Bitcoin, and more so when they offer Bitcoin services, their activities are indeed controlled by the state. In order to fulfil the regulatory requirements, companies usually have to employ entire compliance teams.
The Rapid Rise of Bitcoin Fiction
When you think of ‘bitcoin books’, you probably imagine titles like The Bitcoin Standard, Mastering Bitcoin, or Broken Money.
These books (and many others) have successfully seeded explanations of the workings, ethos, and economic necessity of the bitcoin network. Yet, they don’t appeal to readers who value more emotive, rather than technical, content.
Written stories have been crucial to spreading ideas for centuries. And with bitcoin now on the radar of traditional finance and legacy media, fiction is helping to build understanding and speed up adoption.
The Flaws of the Lummis Bitcoin Act.
Have you read and carefully analysed the Lummis Bitcoin Act of 2024? I have, and I must explain why this bill is not only philosophically misguided but also practically preposterous. Furthermore, I will shed light on who is funding Senator Cynthia Lummis and the potential conflicts of interest behind this legislation.
Uncensoring Art
Censorship today has evolved into something far more insidious than its traditional form. No longer limited to overt bans or government blacklists, it now thrives in subtler, more pervasive ways—hidden behind corporate policies, social algorithms, and political pressures. This new form of censorship cloaks itself in the language of promoting online safety, stopping misinformation, and defending democracy, but its effect is no less stifling.
100k and Counting: The Revolution Beyond The Price
2024 turned out to be an interesting year for Bitcoin, probably better than what most expected. From the approval of spot Bitcoin ETF’s in January, increased adoption by corporations as well as pension funds following the Microstrategy playbook, to talks of creating Strategic Bitcoin Reserves (SBR) by different countries including the United States of America. Of course the European Central Bank also had to weigh in with their luddite perspective and let us know how early adopters “steal” economic potential from new comers. Then came the big one when the Bitcoin price crossed $100 000 for the very first time on the 5th of December, to much pomp and fanfare.
Why Fix Something That Isn't Broken?
Bitcoin's fixed supply of 21 million is more than a technical feature; it is a cornerstone of its identity, a symbol of scarcity and monetary soundness that has captivated users and investors for over a decade. However, BIP 21Q a recent proposal to redefine Bitcoin's smallest unit-commonly called a "satoshi" or "sat"- as a "bitcoin", threatens to disrupt this balance.
Inspiring Bitcoin Education With AmityAge
The Bitcoin Educators Academy (BEA), by AmityAge, is teaching people how to educate others on Bitcoin. Rather than traditional lessons, BEA refines public speaking, simplifies complex ideas, and tackles common myths. We spoke with Marek, a BEA facilitator, to learn the details of the academy.
Bitcoin and Fixed Income
Fiduciary duty is the obligation to act in the client’s best interests at all times, prioritizing their needs above the advisor’s own, ensuring honesty, transparency, and avoiding conflicts of interest in all recommendations and actions.
Think You Know Bitcoin Security?
As a boy, my grandmother shared stories of her experiences in wartime Germany, each revealing a common theme: the terrifying reality of living without security. I was amazed with the scale of destruction and, at the time, understood security largely as physical protection. Yet the years have deepened my appreciation for security’s nuances. In this article, we’ll explore how studying Bitcoin has helped me now recognise “security” not just as physical safety, but related to personal agency, mental and social well-being, and the ability to control one's destiny.
The "Fools" Golden Generation
Nobody wants to work anymore. Millennials need to grow up and stop spending all their money on avocado toast. We had double-digit inflation in our day, but we still managed to get by just fine. Younger generations are just lazy.
Perhaps you have heard some of these generalizations hurled at you by the aging boomer population. There is a chance that they are right, and maybe we are all lazy deadbeats who don't want to work.
Or, just maybe, something else is going on—something more nefarious that may shine a different light on this prestigious golden cohort that created the greatest wealth generation in history. Maybe they aren't so god-like in their ability to create wealth from nothing more than recycled hemp and good vibes. Let's explore.
The Educational Mind Virus
It’s often said that the mind, once stretched by an idea, never returns to its original dimensions. But what happens to it when it’s imprisoned by an idea? An idea so insidious, yet so subtle, that it reshapes your identity and compels you to act against your own interests. Is redemption even possible for such a mind? Before answering that, we must first ask: how does one’s mind become imprisoned?
What Do People Mean When They Say “Fix the Money Fix the World”
The golden age of any human civilization is predicated on advancements in technology. Ambitious societies build things that are actually valuable to their constituents. These valuable things facilitate advancement in every aspect of the culture and ultimately that civilization is propelled forward. Here’s a brief example to get the point across:
Roman masons created the arch, which enabled the aqueduct, which led to the creation of large cities that facilitated the spread of ideas in which beautiful art was born.
While admittedly a simple example, it succinctly illustrates how technology enables technology and better, more beautiful lives for all participants. This is our uniquely human trait, our gift from God, that sets us apart from every other animal.
Bitcoin Mining Analysis: Brought to you by Pantheon Mining
Pantheon Mining provides Bitcoin mining services for private and institutional investors. With over 25 years of combined team experience, Pantheon offers a comprehensive, hands-off solution for investors seeking rewards from Bitcoin mining.
BTCPay Day 2024: Riga, Latvia
“Welcome to BTCPay Day 2024!” With those words, Uncle r0ckstar kicked off the much-anticipated event, celebrating five years of BTCPay Day. Held in Riga, Latvia - home of the famous bitcoin-only Baltic Honeybadger conference, this year’s BTCPay Day brought together developers, privacy advocates, merchants, and Bitcoiners from across the globe for a hybrid event that showcased the evolution of BTCPay Server and its vibrant community.
River's Report Highlights 30% Growth in Business Bitcoin Adoption in 2023
River, a prominent Bitcoin financial services provider, has released a comprehensive report detailing a significant rise in business Bitcoin adoption, showcasing a 30% growth in the past year. The report, titled Why Business Bitcoin Adoption Grew by 30% in 1 Year, offers a thorough analysis of the factors driving this increase and the current state of corporate Bitcoin holdings.