B_for_Bitcoin

alter_native

In our interconnected digital world, the conflict between security and privacy in surveillance systems has become a defining challenge of our time. Let's unpack this dynamic and explore its implications.

Consider a city-wide surveillance network as an example. Cameras record your commute, automated systems log your entries into public spaces, facial recognition algorithms match your identity in crowds, and data analytics construct a comprehensive map of your daily activities. Although this infrastructure can enable officials to react quickly to urgent situations such as a theft or a lost child, it also creates a detailed and lasting archive of every person's activities, actions, and relationships.

The implications of this data collection are far-reaching and fraught with risks. Even when implemented with good intentions, such systems can pave the way for misuse. A detailed understanding of someone's routines can be leveraged for commercial gain through targeted advertising or manipulated for more malicious purposes like stalking or coercion. Additionally, the knowledge of constant observation exerts a "chilling effect," subtly pressuring individuals to self-censor or conform to perceived norms out of fear of judgment or reprisal.

The question of control and accountability in these networks is equally pressing. Who governs the collectors of this data? Often, surveillance systems are managed by a combination of government entities and private corporations, creating a murky power structure with little transparency. This raises critical questions: Who ensures that this information is used responsibly? What mechanisms are in place to prevent abuse? In short, who watches the watchers?

Compounding this complexity is the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Modern surveillance technologies have moved beyond mere observation. They now interpret behaviors, predict actions, and infer emotional states. These capabilities push surveillance into new realms, far beyond the original intent of maintaining public safety, into a domain where the very fabric of privacy is at risk.

Who watch the watchers?

No leaderboard, No daily rewards !

DarthCoin

Fortunately, the owners of SN, @k00b and @ek, do not pay attention to what Darth says; otherwise, this could have led to the downfall of SN. 

Politics_And_Law

His victory in these elections was easy. First, the American left chose the wrong candidates, starting with Joe Biden, the subject of ridiculous memes, not to mention other factors. With the direct intervention of Barack Obama, they quickly removed Biden and appointed Kamala Harris as their candidate, who is in no way fit to face Trump. Thirdly, the world is heading towards World War III under Democratic leadership and only someone like Trump, whom they describe as aggressive and fascist, is capable of stopping the catastrophe. It won't be difficult for him to stop the bloodshed in Ukraine, from which Zelensky and the tycoons of the war industry have profited. Only he can put out the fires in the Middle East and calm China, Russia and North Korea. In my opinion, the world will breathe more freely, at least for the next four years. Even Europe will escape the obligation to pay billions of euros for the war in Ukraine. Only he can remove the "vampire" Soros from the scene. His alliance with Robert Kennedy could save us from the threats of invented viruses and compulsory vaccinations.

I hope that during this presidency President Donald Trump will clean up the State Department and know how to choose the right collaborators. I hope he will be the right president for the US and the world.

It has been said that the election four years ago was rigged in favour of Joe Biden. If they had let Trump win then, he would be at the end of his term now... Well, even the Deep State can make mistakes, right?

That was an easy victory

What is F-Droid?

F-Droid is an installable catalog of FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) applications for the Android platform. The client makes it easy to browse, install, and keep track of updates on your device.

F-Droid is described as 'The F-Droid Repository is an easily installable catalog of free and open source apps for Android. With F-Droid, it's easy to browse and install apps on your device, and keep track of updates. You can also browse the repository with a web browser, and download the app' and is a leading App Store in the online services category. 

https://f-droid.org/en/

F-Droid: a good alternative to google playstore

It spoke to me with more than just its beauty.


![](https://m.stacker.news/61125)

Madame de Sévigné is one of the most renowned figures in French literary history. And when I say “literary,” this should be taken in the literal sense only. She didn’t write any literary work; she is famous solely for the extraordinary letters she wrote to her daughter.

I was very curious to see how a film script could be crafted based on those letters, and what I saw yesterday at the neighborhood cinema (Méliès, an art and experimental theater) left me with an especially good impression.

Madame de Sévigné, a 2024 production with a screenplay by Isabelle Brocard and Yves Thomas and directed by Isabelle Brocard, managed to elevate and truthfully portray the relationship between these two women, mother and daughter, with everything that such a relationship entails: endless love, quarrels, distances, affectionate reunions, swift bursts of anger, anxieties, misunderstandings, a profound spiritual bond, suffering for each other’s troubles, small resentments, differing visions, disagreements over life issues, and soul-deep tremors for each other...

It gave me the sense that nothing changes over time or space in such a deep and unique mother-daughter relationship, to the point where you feel as if they are people from your social circle, if not from your own family.

The lead roles were played by Karine Viard and Ana Girardot.

K. Viard is a well-known actress, but I had the impression she only knew how to play roles with lots of "hahaha and heehee," with her teeth always on display, as the wise Albanian saying goes. But she performed this role with the exact nobility of a true marquise. A. Girardot, meanwhile, was an absolute marvel!


Between two women

![](https://m.stacker.news/61121)
Riding my bike through a forest on the outskirts, I see nothing but the trail I’m following. At most, I glance at my watch to check where I am with my 'goals.'

But today, this little red beauty caught my eye from afar. I had never seen a more beautiful mushroom. I never thought this existed outside the illustrations of Walt Disney’s fairy tales! But here it is.

It spoke to me with more than just its beauty. It told me that the air was clean, that the soil was soft, that the rains that had fallen all night weren’t acidic from industrial pollution... Otherwise, it would have hesitated to emerge from the ground, right in my path!

In the last decade, a series of events and circumstances seem to have affected human psychology, turning people more towards themselves and reducing the emphasis on the collective good and the concept of family. This change is frequently linked to a decrease in confidence in societal institutions, a feeling of disillusionment with authority systems, and swift transformations in daily routines.

The 2008 global financial crisis significantly contributed to a climate characterized by uncertainty and insecurity. Millions of individuals faced unemployment, financial instability, and a widespread lack of faith in banking and political institutions. For many, this crisis was a powerful "blow" to confidence, as promises of stability and prosperity seemed to be crumbling. People felt betrayed by structures they thought were secure, and the focus shifted to their own personal survival and well-being.

Social networks, although they started with the promise of connectivity, eventually provided a platform for excessive ego projection. People now have the ability to create a curated, "perfect" version of themselves, but one that reinforces comparison and a sense of loneliness. Too much emphasis on the individual, how one presents oneself and what one accomplishes alone, fuels introversion and detachment from the social core, while constant connection through digital devices increases loneliness.

The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced isolation in an unprecedented way. Travel restrictions, social distance and the need for individual protection confronted people with loneliness to an unprecedented degree. The social system, health systems, and even the connection to friends and family were challenged. People were forced to adapt to a new reality in which the individual good takes precedence over the collective.

Natural disasters, the ever-worsening climate crisis, and a sense of an uncertain future have created a sense of anxiety and uncertainty. As changes are often large and difficult to control, people often choose to focus on their personal achievements and immediate well-being rather than on collective actions that may challenge their stability.

The social movements and political crises of the last decade, such as rights protests, the rise of "extreme" voices, and a sense of disconnection from the political leadership have reinforced citizens' frustration. As a result, people are withdrawing, becoming more suspicious and pursuing their own personal well-being, reducing participation in collective action.

The shift from the collective to the individual is a product of complex social, economic and psychological factors that have affected the sense of stability and trust in modern man. Individuality, sometimes subconsciously, appears as a defence mechanism in a world of uncertainty and frustration. However, a return to collectivity and a revival of human connection are critical steps in relieving anxiety and restoring trust...in the whole and in the self.

Erosion of Trust

Tiered Sybil Fee Idea

grayruby

Great post and constructive discussion! I think the Sybil fees are good for territory owners and avoiding scam accounts. I personally would prefer 20% fee. I  think @k00b and @ek are taking notes and making their calculations. 

However, I also agree that for big amounts given as a reward for various pools should be fees free because it’s a price. It should be depending on the winner to donate some of these sats or not. Sending them directly to the winner could be a solution. 

Stacker_Sports

Stacker Sports- MLB Playoff Pick 'em Points Challenge- Final Recap

A clever way to avoid fees 😉 Like it! 

Guess BlokchainB’s All time favorite MLB pitcher for 10k sats!

BlokchainB

AskSN

Do you OWN your name ?

Cool idea this bounty thing. But last time you didn’t pay the bounty. 😂
https://stacker.news/items/746465

AskSN: Can there be a realistic synergy between AI and blockchain in the future?

Can Bitcoin help bring economic freedom to people under authoritarian regimes?

The person in the photo is called "Daniel Badislav", a Romanian goalkeeper who weighs 130 kilograms. 

He caused his club, "Ciorogarla FC " to fall from the second division to the fourth division, and the club had no chance to expel him because his mother is one of the owners and financiers of the club. 

Because of Daniel, 4 coaches resigned, another died of a heart attack and one of the players retired from the club forever. Daniel initially played on the forward line as a striker, but decided to switch to goalkeeper due to his inability to run and keep up with players. Due to lack of skill in catching the balls, the coach is forced to play with 7 defenders and 3 midfielders without attacking..!! 

He is considered the highest paid player among his colleagues. 
![](https://m.stacker.news/57150)

Legend 😅

Daniel Badislav, a legend 😂

ideasfromtheedge

She does the washings, the laundry. She cooks, clean. She tries to be beautiful, raises the children, takes out the rubbish, makes the bed, feeds the children, tries to be elegant, discreet, doesn't complain.

She goes home early, thinks of everyone, takes care of herself, is nice to people. She goes to the market, guesses what the family members want to eat, listens to the accusations about how salty the food is. She forgives, gets over it. She clears the table, noticing that a new plate is in the washbasin...

If you have a woman in the house who does half of the above, all you have to do is to be extremely grateful. Give her a flower, get your ass out of the chair when she comes home, hug her, respect her and put her first in this world because every moment of her life is a sacrifice in your honour.

She is called WOMAN, MOTHER, FRIEND!

WOMAN, MOTHER, FRIEND!

I often notice a lot of mistrust from people who prefer paper ballots and are wary of digital technology. They fear potential fraud or worry that their vote might be visible to those in power. That's why I’m opening this topic for discussion.

Is it possible to build a fully anonymous voting system using existing anonymization technologies such as ring signatures, zero-knowledge, or MimbleWimble?

I invite anyone willing and able to contribute here. Please try to explain in simple terms, avoiding complicated mathematical jargon, so that even those unfamiliar with the technology can understand.

To be clear, I’m not talking about a centralized system (like Taxisnet), or something like Messenger/WhatsApp where Meta holds the keys.

I’m envisioning a completely decentralized digital voting system where individuals log in with their personal private key to vote, and yet no one—not even the system—can know who they voted for.

Blockchain-Based Electronic Voting System with Total Anonymity

Stacker Saloon

saloon

bitcoin

I was just reading some old posts on Bitcoin Forum and I found this post from July 06, 2011. It's crazy how people were thinking about Bitcoin back then. This dude could've made a ton of Bitcoins, but he chose to delete the wallets and "destroy" them. This is the dumbest Bitcoin story I've heard. Can't believe that. 

Read this to see how stupid those people were back then. 
___________________
>I am an IT specialist at a medium sized European insurance company. Not in the large datacenters or anything, just a smallish dependance. We're with only two people in my department and we work together so basically we can do with the computers at our disposal what we want.

>Including installing and running bitcoin miners.

>Good for you! You might think. Nice bitcoins for us, ready to spend or trade on an exchange or whatever and it doesn't cost us anything! Other than a few lost hours reading into bitcoin and then registering for a pool and setting up some miners.

>But. We're not in this for the money. The ideal is what matters to us, the idea behind bitcoin, the potential it has and what it could same day become. The problem is, we don't believe in that. We both feel bitcoin is an incredibly silly idea, a waste of resources (spare me the irony, we're aware of it) and a concept that is doomed to fail.

>So, we destroy every coin we mine. It's amazing how much effort it takes PC's to create a bitcoin yet how easily they can be destroyed. It literally takes us no more than a minute every week. Delete the wallet.dat and create a fresh one and another 5 coins or so are gone forever.

>Miner is running on 12 PC's at the moment, total hashing power close to 700 Mhash. Next week it's time roll it out on the other 40 machines.

>Of course you can join our quest and start deleting your wallets from today and help us get rid of bitcoin. Coin by coin by coin by coin! 

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=26539.0
____________________________
But this genius couldn't understand the idea of scarcity: The more coins he destroys, the more valuable the remaining coins become.

Destroying bitcoin, by coin, by coin...

Music

A Musical Experiment

IamSINGLE

https://youtu.be/Y9oZZzLr3BU?si=sjPcxmwSV_nr0n_x

econ

Business education exists since 1819, when the *École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris* established the first *grande école* of business. Since then, business schools have rapidly multiplied. Today, there are around 13,000 business schools worldwide, with around 3,000 being privately owned. In the UK, tuition for a local student ranges from £14,000 to £43,500 per year, excluding living expenses. For international students, the fees are much higher. An MBA from *Wharton* or *Harvard Business School*, even in Sydney, can cost anywhere from £25,000 to £100,000. However, in some cases, particularly in the US, an MBA doesn't guarantee a substantial salary increase. Today, these business schools surpass many large global companies in both revenue and influence.

Consider the large number of employees at these schools, the army of graduates they produce every year, and the significant sums of money that flow through them. It's no surprise that one of the key characteristics of these schools is the considerable amount they spend on marketing. Their *websites* use modern and attractive designs and techniques to promote their services. Ads with attention-grabbing headlines like "***Realize your dream!***", "***Knowledge is success***," and "***Find yourself***" seem more suited to promoting piano lessons, yoga classes, or mobile services rather than degree programs. The buildings are equally impressive—featuring *smartly* dressed receptionists behind glass sensor doors, modern cafés and dining halls, resort-style relaxation areas, and lecture rooms with thick carpets that sparkle with cleanliness.

On the other hand, these schools thrive because the demand for business education continues to grow. According to the *Aspen Institute*, students typically enroll in business schools with the belief that they will one day contribute to companies that create goods and services benefiting society. However, after completing their studies, this ideal often shifts, and students become convinced that their education’s main value lies in maximizing a company’s profits, with societal interests and other ideals taking a back seat. Many still believe that prestigious business schools provide unparalleled career opportunities, where *connections* and *networks* often matter more than the fees paid.

This is a *‘win-win’* situation for both parties: on one side, companies believe that employees educated at these institutions are more talented, creative, and professional, capable of making the right decisions to maximize profits; on the other, prestigious universities capitalize on the high demand for these professionals by increasing tuition fees every year. What business schools have created is a sort of utopia reserved for the wealthy and powerful—a privileged group you are encouraged to join, provided you can afford the hefty fees.

It is undeniable that we are now living in an era where giant multinational corporations often wield more power than governments and are fully capable of controlling the educational system, which in turn serves their interests. This system is designed to allow easy control over knowledge in line with the needs of an economic system that does not focus on the well-being of ordinary people or their harmonious coexistence with the environment, but rather on the needs of a global corporate system, where everything is for sale and has a market-determined price.

As a result, the global education system is heavily focused on business curricula, where young people, by the end of their studies, are imbued with Western culture in thought, vision, and philosophy. They are promised that they are being equipped with highly competitive skills for their careers. However, the true goal of this system is to serve the needs of multinational corporations, which rely on a steady influx of educated individuals to strengthen their position and power. Thus, the mission of universities remains primarily the creation of knowledge for a vast army of students, who will later sell their expertise to a handful of large companies. Those less fortunate may end up working as food delivery drivers, even after graduating from a business school.

In their seminar and lecture halls, business schools continue to adhere to outdated and out-of-touch teachings about business, the environment, and the socio-economic changes they themselves have triggered—what we now recognize as the crisis of globalization. Core subjects in these schools fail to address critical topics, such as identifying the winners and losers in the global economic system. There is little discussion about the rise of multinational corporations or who was responsible for the ecological destruction and social injustices that now define modern civilization and the global economy. Few lectures explore whose interests are served by allowing the mania for ownership to run unchecked—a phenomenon that has led to the consumption of nearly 60% of natural resources in just a few decades, not to mention the resulting climate crisis.

We also cannot overlook the hundreds of scandals involving major companies, such as child slave labor on plantations, environmental degradation, and the endless cycle of forced migration driven by natural resource conflicts. Business school curricula discourage students from confronting issues like overconsumption, where many people feel trapped, ensuring that sustainability, responsibility, and diversity remain little more than superficial topics. Of course, the central theme in these schools continues to be that *capitalism is inevitable* and that the financial and legal techniques supporting it are a pure science—an ideology that turns business schools into dangerous institutions.

What is needed now is action similar to that of the 1960s, when many sociology professors raised concerns about the *hidden curriculum*, which included lessons that were not part of the official university curriculum, such as topics related to women, people of color, the working class, and the local economy. These issues were raised to challenge the privilege and supremacy of *the white man*. Today, business schools have seemingly addressed this by introducing courses on ‘business ethics’ and ‘corporate social responsibility,’ but these topics often serve as little more than ways to ease institutional guilt rather than as genuine lessons on how to enact meaningful change, leaving the entire effort as just words without action.

Business schools have the privilege of shaping future leaders, and they must now reflect on what the world truly needs. There is ample data, statistics, and research from capable and idealistic economists that debunk the theories of Friedman and Hayek, who argued that the sole responsibility of corporations is to maximize profits, with no regard for the negative consequences on others. It is time for business schools to educate tomorrow’s leaders on finding sustainable solutions to the crisis caused by capitalism and globalization—the dead end humanity has been driven into by bad faith, for which business schools bear a significant portion of the blame. 