pam

live simply, yet fully . love deeply . laugh often

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Last Notes

2025-06-04 15:47:05

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I'm so sorry 🤍🕊️

2025-05-19 02:22:48

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This is beautiful. In a world where women are constantly judged for everything, it's so refreshing to read that none of it mattered when it came to love. I love that you'll are bringing a little girl into this world and I love how you both love life. Wishing you both all the happiness and joy.

2025-05-02 02:31:51

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incredible. i guess someone had to lead and show the way for others to follow. Nostr devs built. Nostr users zapped. Now Apple follows

2025-05-02 02:23:22

Simply be

2025-05-02 02:21:45

When you look into a mirror, it is a reflection of the past because of the time delay (light reflection from eyes - mirror - eyes). Similarly when you gaze into the sky through a telescope, if you're looking at a star that's 10 light-years away, the light you see left that star 10 years ago. And so I’ve always wondered, if we sent rockets to outer space 10 light-years away looking back at Earth (through a telescope), could we get a visible glance of history and set the records straight ?

2025-04-29 00:56:41

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Interesting too. I took a cursory glance and it seems like both are trying to connect quantum physics to consciousness, but different ways. Faggin proposes what consciousness is (quantum information as a field), whereas Penrose and Hameroff propose where it could operate (within neurons in the brain).
But neurons exist all over your body not just the brain. The brain acts as a command center full of neurons, the heart has about 40,000 neurons, and the gut contains around 500 million neurons, which explains "gut instincts". I am deeply fascinated by this idea of where you feel a sensation on your body if you are attuned to it, and maybe microtubules explains it. You "feel" love, sadness, and intuition as bodily and field-based experiences, not just in the mind.
I also like David Hawkins' Map of Consciousness for linking emotional energy to self-awareness. It works like a manual for tuning your personal field to higher or lower frequencies, and naturally ties to energy field concepts like Faggin's and panpsychism.
I do wonder how these theories explain energy flow across distances, and whether you can release unconditional love and other states through thoughts. If consciousness is truly a field and not just isolated inside brains, then this idea of “invisible energy line” might be real and thoughts, emotions, and intentions could ripple outward, affecting distant people, places, and even physical outcomes.
There are many theories that hint at this. Quantum entanglement connects two souls across any distance. The noosphere describes a collective field of human thought.
It feels similar to how you can "sense" when someone is thinking of you, or how certain places seem to hold "vibes" even after people have left. This might also explain why practices like prayer, meditation, and intention-setting seem to have effects that go beyond psychology.

2025-04-28 16:28:47

What happens when a brilliant physicist experiences enlightenment? He derives every bit of it. Federico Faggin proposes consciousness as quantum information, a field of energy and awareness. A way to merge science and spirituality. His moment of realization came at Lake Tahoe, where he felt an overwhelming outflow of unconditional love. Being a scientist at heart, he got down to the "qubit" level to understand the experience. This is a good interview. He also wrote the book ‘Irreducible’ . Federico Faggin is known to have created the first microprocessor.
https://youtu.be/0FUFewGHLLg
Buckminster Fuller also had a similar epiphany while looking at Lake Michigan. He was on the verge of suicide after loosing his daughter. He had this thought at that point. What could a single ordinary individual achieve on behalf of all humanity if they did not worry about personal gain or conventional success? That got him to pick up on life again and he went on to create geodesic dome, pioneered Design Thinking and devoted himself to "doing more with less",
Ironically Federico Faggin also touches on the concept of doing more with less, and the simplicity within complexity as he develops quantum information. His concept sounds radical but if you are familiar with physics and mathematical derivations, you’d realise everything is based on assumptions. Having a strong sense of self awareness is a powerful tool yet very few look inward. Even fewer have epiphanies while staring at a lake =)

2025-04-28 00:27:13

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Pinning woo-ness and mystical ideas on aliens is a tough sell for me but to each their own, whatever tickles your fancy

2025-04-27 14:01:16

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I have not read it. I did glance through - do you buy it? feels like what happens when Buddha meets Joe Rogan, or when you cross a joint and x files. Always wondered why aliens only visited America =) Then again, ancient India had sky chariots (vimanas), medieval Europe had angels and demons, so why not I guess. The only alien books i have read are romance related and somehow in those books they are not some skinny big headed green fellas, they are all some kinda muscle gods with glowing eyes, sharp jawlines, telepathic powers, and some kind of tragic emotional damage that only the human heroine can heal, and if that’s true, interplanetary may not be so bad.
You do have a nice selection of books, tho : Prelude of terror on CIA, The devil’s chessboard on JFK. Do you have a list?

2025-04-27 11:48:11

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good points. maybe instead of mainstream, need to target niche markets or specific causes.

2025-04-27 09:33:36

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If you are doing a Val Kilmer tribute let me know. I would want to watch The Saint again, so sweet. Him in Tombstone was good too - as Doc Holiday i think ? Tho he would have made an excellent Gambit. Are you streaming it and planning to make it the next Netflix or Apple TV style on Nostr ? Or something different ?

2025-04-27 05:24:23

Just wild. NASA wanted to cover up. The president wanted to cover up. Feynman said no
https://youtu.be/4kpDg7MjHps

2025-04-27 04:40:52

Richard Feynman was quite the rebel of his days. In Jan 1986, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after take-off. All seven crew members on-board died. Feynman was part of the Rogers Commission that investigated the crash.
In a televised hearing, he dipped an O-ring (a rubber seal from the shuttle) into a glass of ice water to demonstrate how cold kills elasticity. The launch day had been extremely cold, and the O-ring lost flexibility and deformed instead of properly sealing. His demo was simple but unforgettable and it went on to became one of the most iconic moments in the Challenger’s legacy.
The sad part was the Morton Thiokol engineers responsible for the booster rocket flagged the problem and recommended against a launch that morning, but NASA bosses overruled it. In his addendum to the final report, Feynman blatantly criticized NASA’s culture for ignoring the risks.
I’ve been reading about many mavericks this week and I gotta say, rebel geniuses are such bad boys. Richard Feynman is a physicist who won the Nobel Prize in 1965. He is known for his work in quantum mechanics, quantum electrodynamics and more. He also picks locks, plays the bongo and apparently likes nude sunbathing.
Some of his memorable quotes :
Don't listen to the person who has the answers. Listen to the person who has the questions.
The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits (this could be einstein but its good)
The exception proves that the rule is wrong (love this)
Physics is like sex: sure, it may give some practical results, but that's not the main reason for doing it.
I have a friend who's an artist and has sometimes made a mistake, but his feeling is that it makes the picture more original.
I think it is much more interesting to live not knowing than to have answers which might be wrong.
We are so used to looking at the world from the point of view of living things that we cannot understand what it means not to be alive.

2025-04-27 01:51:48

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it's beautiful

2025-04-26 16:40:54

I've been reading a lot about Alan Kay. I think he would really like Nostr.

2025-04-26 16:28:11

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Hi uncle Bob, thought of you. Hope you and your family are well.

2025-04-26 14:14:43

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Having kids and raising them well are two very different things. You seem like someone who knows the difference and is passionate about being a good father. Wishing you well. Wouldn't hurt not to pick on dog lovers on a weekend :) If you’re feeling fiery, there are always oppressive governments globally or bad people to take on instead.

2025-04-26 06:33:16

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agreed

2025-04-24 00:29:28

saylor 2.0 is not what we need

2025-04-23 14:36:21

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Some thoughts on the topic of brand influence in open source innovation.
Elon joined Tesla as chairman in 2004, became CEO in 2008, and open-sourced Tesla’s patents in 2014 just after the Model S launched to rave reviews. By then the brand Tesla was catching up globally as a dominant factor.
I vaguely recall (and someone with the book can check) that in The Cathedral and the Bazaar, the Red Hat CEO wrote in the foreword that once you’ve built a trusted brand, it no longer matters whether your product is open-source or not.
So therein lies the power of product when trust and brand leads, the fear of being copied fades.
But I do not know enough about branding power in the open source innovation world to have a definitive take. Maybe something worth looking into.

2025-04-23 10:40:47

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what do you normally use to vibe code ?

2025-04-07 05:12:04

Facts vs. Truth
One is objective. The other is personal.
Nice vs. Kind
One avoids pain. The other risks it to help.
Being Right vs. Being Successful
Being right wins the argument. Being successful wins the outcome.
Encouragement vs. Flattery
Encouragement is rooted in truth. Flattery is rooted in manipulation.
Intelligence vs. Wisdom
Intelligence knows what to say. Wisdom knows when or whether to say it.
Love vs. Attachment
Love gives freedom. Attachment destroys it.
Honesty vs. Transparency
Honesty tells the truth when asked. Transparency tells it without being asked.
Confidence vs. Arrogance
Confidence is based on self-awareness. Arrogance is based on insecurity.
Vision vs. Control
Vision invites people forward. Control pulls them back.
Being Liked vs. Being Respected
Being liked wins moments. Being respected wins missions.
Agreement vs. Alignment
Agreement is consensus. Alignment is commitment.
Roles vs. Value
Roles define responsibility. Value defines impact.
Invention vs. Innovation
Invention creates something new. Innovation makes it useful.
Art vs. Aesthetic
Aesthetic pleases the eye. Art moves the soul.
Inspiration vs. Discipline
Inspiration gets you started. Discipline keeps you going.

2025-04-03 06:17:55

What are your thoughts on the tariff war? China doesn’t care, they doubled down on domestic trade and alt markets like since 2020 (Dual Circulation Strategy). Canada sends retaliation warning to the US.
Southeast Asia has been the quiet facilitator in the US-Russia-China-EU trade tensions for decades and the middleman for global trade for centuries. Hitting them with those hefty tariffs seems short-sighted and might not end well.
What are we looking at ? Spikes in prices for semiconductor and broader supply chain disruptions, as southeast asia remains a critical assembly hub for the US and EU. If these nations pivot toward BRICS alternatives, the US risks losing a key trade and manufacturing partner, and like domino effect, weakening its influence in global supply chains.
Tariffs are political crowd-pleasers. All tariffs globally should be removed.
The US is trying to squeeze everyone all at once while its own industrial base is still not prepared for actual self-sufficiency. You can’t tariff your way into manufacturing dominance. You have to build without the unnecessary drama.
Otherwise you will create black markets and smugglers to overcome the high rise in consumer products. That and the rise of corruption/favouritism in licensing.
If Americans genuinely believe that restricting their own choices is the only way they will be driven to build their country up, then that’s a messed-up mission to roll. The irony is, forced economic self-reliance has been a key theme in many communist experiments. And it’s not like the government fully supports its people in building their country. Only a select few benefit.
This feels like we need to be prepared for 2008 repeat. The U.S. debt-to-GDP ratio is at record highs (~125%). Interest payments alone are massive, and rising rates make it worse. With rising debt, banking fragility, and geopolitical instability, a shock to trade could push things over the edge.
But with problems, come solutions.
Bitcoin is going to start playing an important role in keeping global trade running when sovereign currencies lose momentum. Nostr can play a functional role for countries and companies that lack digital maturity (offline Nostr is an area to tap on). Logistics bottlenecks and entrenched port control remain real barriers. If we can crack those, then maybe, just maybe, we could see a real shift toward a more fluid, borderless economy.
It would also be good to see countries in South America and Africa rising in support of global trade out of this.
But governments thrive on control. They’re not going to let go that easily.
Of late I have been trying to figure out my own standing in the macroeconomic world. I debate against myself in needing a balance. But I find myself increasingly drawn to a no-state position. I just cannot see a strong state’s role as an economic stabilizer.

2025-03-27 07:55:43

Some thoughts in recent weeks:
how we perceive reality is often someone else’s construction of it.
What excites your soul? What makes you feel deeply connected? Who excites your soul?
Do you think society is devolving or have you evolved and everything else remains the same?
The way to let go of ego is radical honesty, from yourself to yourself
The more you seek validation, the more you become prisoner of other people’s opinions
‘Freedom comes when you learn to let go, creation comes when you learn to say no’ - Madonna
Detaching from outcome sets your bar to your higher self, that even winning becomes a lower benchmark
Kintsugi, the art of fixing gold lacquer on cracked bowls, is how relationships should grow together.
Some people will enter your heart and uplift you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Some will drain your energy. Everyone is a lesson
Be benevolent towards yourself
Being intentional is powerful
You are enough

2025-03-26 08:09:10

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Thank you for such a well written and detailed thought of the recent election. I value your input. I have to say, I do not know enough about Germany but I do want to add it to my reading list next. Love the pastries though, next level!
I have a few more questions if you don't mind. Feel free to respond whenever you can.
1. The taxation scenario you described is heavy Keynesian influence paired with elements of socialism. Has it always been this way ? Do you think this is sustainable?
2. I recall reading about how economic instability and dissatisfaction with both socialism and capitalism during the interwar years created fertile ground for Hitler’s rise, with big companies initially supporting him. Do you think these ideological tensions have always existed in Germany, or are they resurfacing in a new form today?
3. How does a centralised monetary system like the Euro benefit /disbenefit Germany ?
4. My current book is on the painful impact of Great Britain from the IMF during mid 70s. From it I got a bigger picture on the strained relationship between Europe and the US. Do you see this translating in the EU ?
5. In light of yesterday’s leaked message regarding the Yemen bombing, where JD Vance criticized Europe, do you see tensions between Europe and the U.S. influencing EU policies or public sentiment?
6. You mentioned societal values. Do you think the memory of WW2 still influences Germany’s political and cultural identity today? How does this impact the younger generations?
7. The geographical split you mentioned is fascinating. Has this always been a defining feature of German politics, or is it more pronounced now due to recent economic and social factors?

2025-03-26 08:03:08

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I used https://habla.news for this. But best person to ask on read for primal would be @nprofile…97yv and team. Hope this helps.

2025-03-26 08:01:08

https://m.primal.net/PtWj.jpg
Bitcoin on macroeconomics mind map. Economics is simply about control. Who controls money? Who controls power? Who is controlled by it? Who benefits from that control?
Where do you stand ?
Are you a hard or soft libertarian, or are you ok being a libertarian as is.
If you backing stablecoins, you're the new backbone of central banks.
(On that note, it took me a while to figure out where Chaumian cash and Fedimint fit in. I've placed them under soft libertarianism. The have centralized elements which contradicts hard libertarian principles, but they still draw from libertarian ideals)

2025-02-26 07:44:37

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i love how he harmonizes his architecture with nature

2025-02-25 04:40:28

🫂
On some days, all you can give is a hug. All you need is a hug.
https://m.primal.net/PKPo.jpg
Art by Checksy

2025-02-25 04:28:57

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Moments of self reflections are precious. The story of your friend in a wheelchair who lives life unbounded, is the kind of freedom we should all embody. Cultural gloom is heavy. What’s your take on the recent election in Germany ?

2025-02-09 23:43:08

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btw thanks for always responding without ego or pride. I see you, and I appreciate it

2025-02-09 22:49:46

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yea, Aristotle is always practical and rational but now I wonder if democracy can exist without autocracy and if Plato was right all along

2025-02-09 22:47:23

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I love Edgar’s ballet renditions and I love how dreamy Monet pieces are. I appreciate Picasso’s multi-dimensional view on a 2D piece - can’t imagine what he must be seeing in his mind before he painted. The Sistine Chapel blew me away, but the Mona Lisa felt overhyped after walking through the Louvre’s maze. But I love Leonardo's sketches, it's always been an inspiration. Over time, I’ve realized art is deeply subjective - sometimes an expression, like Dalí or guerrilla art, other times an emotion, like Monet or Rene Magritte. My thoughts on it evolve, but that’s the beauty of art I reckon

2025-02-09 15:40:10

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Nikola Tesla hands down - open source thinker and can imagine everything in his head. Edison patented everything

2025-02-09 15:37:49

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I think it’s brilliant and sometimes hard to pick one or the other. My perceptions are slightly diff based on what I read, personal interest and bias. For example I’m contemplating if Plato was right abt democracy all along. I like Locke’s 'starting from scratch' but I likely lean heavier towards Descartes level headed attributes. I’ve been reading Hemingway and his prose and simplicity is addictive. I find Freud’s ‘blame everything on childhood’ dramatic at times, but when parents split or abandon their kids for long periods I remember Freud’s perspective. I'm appreciating Jung's theory but I'd pair neurology with it. I like existentialism but essence is real too. Paris likely more romantic and Rome more masculine.

2025-02-09 14:36:21

What’s your pick ?
Plato or. Aristotle?
Picasso or Van Gogh?
Locke or Descartes?
Athens or. Jerusalem?
Existence or. Essence?
Poetry or Prose?
Paris or Rome ?
Freud or Jung?
Darwin or Lamarck?
Beethoven or Mozart?

2025-02-07 15:55:10

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Interesting. I’d think human cognition like senses, emotions, intuition, experiences add depth to thought process but vocabularizing thoughts to words is a diff element. It's like that whorf hypothesis vs mentalist theory I guess.
There are over 170k words in English and we typically speak 1-2% and understand 10-20% of it. AI would have better word selections, humans have better senses. I’ve been experimenting with brain rewiring during deep sleep as neural pruning happens at this time. Toxic day - restless emotion wiring, growth focus day - better cognitive capacity and pairing this with higher lexicons with auditory dictations (w background sound) for better cognitive flexibility, articulation, and deeper reasoning. I don’t know yet if it works.
I think being multilingual can expand your mental toolkit but there will always be certain nuances that are lost in translation. I speak in 4 languages but I can't always translate one idea from a language to another as certain words are unique to that context (also my brain database is rusty)
Btw, on a previous note on AI and internet and memory loss, apparently handwritten notes and writing in journals can counter cognitive loss that happens when your brain outsources problem-solving through AI and tech. And also deep thinking and reasoning strengthen that neural pathway. Something to do with strengthening the hippocampus (temporary memory) that transfers to long term storage
(200w, this would have taken a min)

2025-02-07 13:23:01

Zen harmony -
Attention is not intention
The greatest prison is the prison inside your own mind
Peace isn’t something you chase. It’s something you choose.
If you give people enough space, they will reveal themselves to you
Bonds are not made of conversations or connections, but of understanding
Live like nature. Everything blends with each other. Everything flows naturally
Those who have walked the path of inner stillness often radiate the most profound joy
Don’t be like the storm that crashes onto the mountain. Be the mountain that watches the storm pass

2025-02-07 13:13:36

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someone responded to this beautifully on this chat. the idea of emptying your mind is not to force it to think of nothing, but to accept thoughts and whatever that comes to mind, understand it and let it pass. have a focus point, the easiest is breathing and keep going back there, and after a while you while feel a sense of calmness. Sometimes it takes you 15 mins, sometimes 45 mins, there's no telling unless if you are a pro with inner stillness. i'm a rookie.
But is it thoughts in your mind, anxiousness, or you have a song stuck in your head - cause the latter can be funny, esp if you are singing out loud in a crowded area lol

2025-02-07 12:44:32

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why not turn it off ? i think finding inner stillness is powerful and its not just meditation but awareness, detachment, turning off emotional triggers, understanding what your mind consumes - the whole package. then you don't have to force silence as you are no longer reacting

2025-02-07 02:04:35

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It's risky being ignorant. Trump wants to colonise many countries through M&A, ethnic cleansing, equity investments - and right now he is not the world’s best friend. Half the world is trading among themselves. US’s only friend, the western world, is on high alert too with Tariff impositions and pullback of global domination alliances. If he pisses everyone off, he might position America to be world's enemy #1. Pride always comes before fall.
The only thing we can do is to continually empower the people to be liberated and independent so that they can survive and thrive no matter where they are.

2025-02-07 00:27:37

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Love it. Started this year with a morning routine, 6-7am pilates, 7am - 8am walk in the park for circadian rhythm reset. First month I was cursing myself, but the sleep cycle started improving, the sleep quality got better, the work has higher focus and it feels happier with the morning sun. Keep going!

2025-02-07 00:20:03

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I'm totally going with Pretty Woman =)

2025-02-07 00:18:31

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that's a pretty pic but a lot of steak. American portions are huge.

2025-02-06 00:35:18

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Thank you, that means a lot. I'd love to know, what resonated with you the most? Also, I appreciate you wanting to share it. I wrote it on habla news and its reflected on primal. I think both links would work. If you are on primal you can go to the 3 dotted lines on top right of the note >> drop down list >> copy note link

2025-02-05 15:11:26

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you remind me of my fascination with Moore’s adoption theory a few years ago =) The diffusion curve has been around since the 60s, and its adoption strategies are still very relevant and evolving. I love your idea of micro-incentives for adoption and meeting people where they are. This piece I wrote is a broad conception of international trade possibilities for small businesses exploring everything from policies to economic influences, needs, and how we can realize these possibilities. I’m really glad you resonated with the education section. It's people like you who add significant value to global Bitcoin adoption especially for small businesses on a daily basis.

2025-02-05 04:32:42

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People often don't want wars but politicians do because they are funded by certain individuals with certain interests - democracy is messed up that way.

2025-02-05 01:41:18

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Awww, happy anniversary to you and your wife ❤️

2025-02-04 00:42:54

This was good. The dynamic between Josh and Andrew was like this perfectly balanced pendulum swing that didn’t lose its inertia. Josh spoke from deep experience and philosophical understanding, while Andrew grounded it in science and insights from other powerful thinkers.
There’s so much from his Art of Learning that stands out where instead of mastering all at once, you refine tiny aspects of a skill until they become second nature. Also in understanding that the most heartbreaking, devastating moments often serve as catalysts for the biggest growth.
I love how he focuses on finding harmony in chaos by detaching from those intense emotions, this is rooted in Taoism practices. He also adapted Jiu Jitsu into his understanding. Accordingly, when you let go of ego and not be in a dominant position all the time, you will find other angles to win. My favorite is probably the MIQ (Most important Question) - What’s the one thing that, if I focused on it, would bring the biggest improvement? This is such a chess move.
Josh Waitzkin won national chess championship 8 times, and International Master (just below Grandmaster at the age of 16). He left chess because of politics and went on to become a world champion in Jiu Jitsu. He also coaches companies and individuals on high-leverage focus, adapting under pressure, and turning struggles into strengths.
I love the way he approaches life as he constantly finds ways to grow. He prioritizes depth over surface-level achievements or transactional connections.
And I love his lifestyle. He lives in the jungle with his wife and kids, practices martial arts and water sports, and continues to improve himself.
There is a movie on his early life from a book written by his father called Searching for Bobby Fischer that came out in ‘93. Weekend goals
https://youtu.be/wAnDWfEIwoE

2025-02-01 12:11:55

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*have to bookmark some of your posts

2025-02-01 12:08:53

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oh wow its gorgeous. I'm gonna have bookmark some of of yours, these are great destination spots.

2025-02-01 11:07:37

The more you experience the world, the more you can rewrite your own story

2025-02-01 11:05:47

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Its beautiful. I came across this Finnish word 'sisu' which means perseverance, determination, resilience? It was shared by someone who was digging for natural water in the winter to use in the sauna. It was a nice word to remember.

2025-02-01 02:32:33

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Being poor also is a problem, being a billionaire is also a problem, there is no win is satisfying people =)
But when it comes to protest, the protestors should at least get the manifesto facts right lah. That was so badly written and made no sense.
Jack is like a kid in a candy store when it comes to open source. It's their loss.

2025-01-31 10:39:39

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Without careful planning of intra-trade of supply and demand, it will be a repeat of globalisation and deindustrialization in the 70s and 80s , which led to rust belt cities and growth of west coast and upper east side. It will exacerbate inequality by hurting lower-income groups especially labor-intensive industries, while benefiting capital-intensive sectors like high-tech.
Another scenario is cost-push inflation like Argentina where a sharp spike in the price of goods (due to the rise of intermediary cost) would again disproportionately hurt the low income groups the most. Naturally people would be driven to look for low-cost alternatives, often at the expense of lower quality, which will reduce the overall standard of living in the country. The quality of goods would further derail when the market no longer has competition like during the soviet cold war era.

2025-01-31 06:39:56

Some things I read and heard, and thoughts formed in recent weeks :
The only way out is through.
Fear is the enemy of pleasure.
Let your your higher self be your anchor.
Early failure is the price of long-term success.
Real growth is the kind that quietly rewires the soul.
Breakthrough innovation redefines the rules.
Don’t lose your marbles over other people’s drama.
There is something fascinating about people who observe rather than speak, who process rather than react, and carry pain in a way that doesn’t demand attention.
Be emotionally available to yourself.
Competition and jealousy in business is a booster, but in relationships is a red flag.
“She is fascinating because she is both vulnerable and strong, both lost and on the cusp of finding herself.”
In the crowded space of showing empathy for everyone, don’t forget to show empathy for yourself.

2025-01-31 04:54:22

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Oh nice, are you a professional diver? That's a lot of islands. I have not visited the Philippines and Thailand beaches. I’m thinking more of a chill vibe. Also, where do you surf?
I love Borneo’s mix of islands and jungles. Bali is incredibly romantic. East Coast Malaysia is nice for quick getaways - Perhentian, Redang, and Tioman. Langkawi has an urban vibe and is nice to sail. I also want to visit Komodo Island and Ho Lang Bay at some point. Exploring southeast asia is one for the bucket list this year.

2025-01-31 02:00:16

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this underwater treasure hunting looks fascinating. Also your pics of Boracay is beautiful. what would be your top islands to visit within southeast asia ?

2025-01-31 01:31:10

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that's incredible. I'm looking forward to the window's compatibility version to test on iot hw protos. this is gonna speed up innovation drastically.

2025-01-26 09:04:22

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wow, these underwater pictures are stunning. the only time i swam with a turtle was in perhentian but it was still shallow waters and they are super fast. loving your island shots!

2025-01-24 18:05:37

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You must be doing something right when neither left nor right can influence you to be bias, to take sides nor narrate your principles.
When it comes to open source, results speak for itself for the hundreds of open source devs you have helped empower globally, and the millions of people who are experiencing its innovations day-to-day.
Love the topic you will be sharing on. But stay safe ok ?

2025-01-24 18:02:27

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i'd say Penang Island has some of the best ones (red prawn)

2025-01-21 11:08:04

Surveillance Capitalism: A Conversation with Shoshana Zuboff and Jim Balsillie
https://youtu.be/ZQsfrw8T_Fo

2025-01-21 02:18:42

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Your modern version of the viking saga :) I find it sad as Greenland has one of the oldest recorded histories in the world and culturally so unique yet it remains poor largely due to historical colonization. To see it exchange hands between the powerful without the consideration of real independence is your modern version of colonization. Why go to war when you can just make a country really poor, and trade those countries instead.

2025-01-21 01:58:58

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I’m glad you liked the piece. I agree with ch 11 on specifics like carnal desires as something natural and sexual fulfillment as a therapeutic agency. Intimacy can be powerful when fulfilled both sexually and emotionally.
But the challenge I have with his book (as well as absolute meditation without reality check) is blurring the lines between confidence vs ego, manipulation, obsession etc - which can position one as “I know more”, “I am right”, “I’m telling you what you need (not what I need)” - and all these can make a person overly dominating and encroach on someone else’s space and peace of mind, that hinders their growth. I find the book to be heavy on the “I” instead of “We”
When it comes to strengthening emotional anchoring, I find emotional detachment incredibly powerful especially concepts from stoicism and general attachment theories. If you like to explore this further, there’s a really powerful book by Dr Amir Levine called “Attached” identifying if you an anxious, avoidant or secure partner and how to move towards a secured space emotionally. And if you pair that with metta loving kindness, I think it’s a powerful emotional anchoring trait without the ego.
It’s the ability to love and respect someone else and being love and respected back to the fullest, by first loving and respecting yourself. I think once the base is solid, pair that with an intelligent, independent, resilient trait and it makes a woman, a force to be reckon with ❤️

2025-01-20 00:52:31

There will always be noise, political dramas, empty cans, those who are easily swayed, lalangs, etc., perhaps now more than ever. We can either get distracted by them and lower our standards to theirs, or we can focus on the signal and keep moving forward.

2025-01-19 09:06:03

she thought it was the misfortune of poetry, to be seldom safely enjoyed by those who enjoyed it completely; and that the strong feelings which alone could estimate it truly, were the very feelings which ought to taste it but sparingly.
― Jane Austen, Persuasion

2025-01-19 08:51:05

The roles that women have played throughout history is truly incredible.
The first shift in feminist movement probably happened during Jesus of Nazareth period as he gave as equal power to become his followers. The second trigger might be during the industrial wave 19th century when women started working in factories and contributed to contribute to household finances. The third shift which is a huge contributor to the modern feminist movement would be the knowledge-based movement in the 20th century when power and wealth shifted from muscular-needs to knowledge-based.
Taking a closer look into history...
When we look back way before the old testament circa 3000 BC, physical strength was needed for survival, so men naturally took up the role of lead and provision while women were confined to domestic roles in a patriarchal structure. Evolution has a lot of contribution on the women-men dynamics and it should not be discarded.
As time went on, during Old testament period 400 BC, there were the rise of women like Miriam (Moses’s sister), Ruth (one of my fav chapters - on love, loyalty and redemption), Queen Esther and Deborah, a judge and prophetess who brought peace to Israel through Barak. But there remain social constraints like Hagar who was given to Abraham by Sarah and birth Ismael which led to religious tensions till today and Tamar who was passed on from one son to another until she decided to get knocked up through the father instead.
Between the old and new Testament, the Catholic Bible covers this period well - this is called the second temple era. This is the whole Athenian Greek culture under Alexander the Great and later by the Romans, the Peloponnesian war which marked the starting point of democracy. Spartan women had more freedom culturally compared to Greek women. Judith, from the Catholic bible (book of Judith), fought to protect her people.
The New Testament (1st century AD) perhaps triggered the first revolutionary rise of women’s recognition as equals based on how Jesus would engage with them (Samaritan woman, Mary Magdalene, his mother). Women and men don’t speak to each other in public, let alone treat strangers or diff social status with respect and kindness. For Jesus, all were welcome to be his followers. I think Phoebe was identified as the first nurse and deacon in the bible.
The early christian era (1st - 4th century) saw a rise of faith-based women leadership, there were women martyrs and saints but churches remain a patriarchal structure.
During the medieval period (5th - 15th century) the elites played a crucial role in bringing some form of education to their children and although women were educated at home, there were more opportunities for women to expand their roles as theologians, scientists, and artists. But they remain largely restricted to marriage and motherhood outside religious institutions.
The 15th century to the 18th century was the renaissance and enlightenment era. Thinkers like Mary Wollstonecraft (A Vindication of the Rights of Woman), Christine de Pizan (a medieval court writer) or Artemisia Gentileschi (a Renaissance artist) began advocating for women’s rights.
(I am in my Jane Austen era at this moment - his pride and her prejudice - dang this movie never gets old).
The industrial revolution perhaps triggered the second revolutionary rise of women’s recognition and importance. There were more women who started working in factories despite low wages and poor working conditions, and brought money home - which changed the dynamics of a home welfare that was once absolutely dependent on men (and taxation of course).
The 20th and 21st century transformed the women's roles drastically mainly due to survival during wars and the rise of knowledge based industries. Knowledge does not require physical strength but it can pay the bills. The shift of dynamics in the importance of women’s role vs the patriarchal stubborn need to not be equals has seen the rise of various feminist waves from flapper moment to workplace equality to harassment etc in the last century.
I love how in today’s world, women are empowered to make conscious choices. Modern feminism has made significant stride in offering women more options and challenging outdated societal norms.
But what I find to be damaging is how modern feminism is sometimes boxed in by political moments - and it become too focused on specific political stances or identity categories which sidelines the broader, more inclusive aspects of feminist thought.
To me a highly valued woman is not what the ‘left’ or ‘right’ expects her to be. She is not defined based on what society defines her but the respect she gives herself and the dignity she carries. Her values are intrinsic and not based on anyone’s validation. A highly valued woman does not contribute to dynamics that feel performative, manipulative, attention-seeking or lack genuine connection. She seeks relationships rooted in honesty and growth.
I also deeply believe that the support structure of men is fundamentally important in how women rise and grow. And it works both ways. This could be seen from the times of Marie and Pierre Curie and their shared love for science and reading, to examples set by even our own parents on mutual support. A highly valued woman can be the emotional anchor a man needs to continually grow and pursue his dreams, and vice versa.
As we look back throughout history, the dynamics between men and women have definitely changed but what's beautiful in today’s world is that respect comes from within because you want to, not because you have to.

2025-01-19 08:13:03

I find it fascinating how much of what is considered "modern" Western discovery has actually been a long-standing practice in Southeast Asia.
1. Going barefoot - common when entering a home or sacred place. Leave the dirty shoes outside to maintain cleanliness and respect.
Grounding however is not an explicit term used but it's been a norm without realising it through practises like meditating outdoors and spending time in nature and more.
2. Meditation retreats - has long been a part of Southeast Asian culture.
3. Sunlight - In tropical countries that don't experience four seasons, sunlight is a natural part of life.
4. Seed oil is bad - In SEA, lard, ghee, palm oil, coconut oil have always been commonly used.
5. Raw milk is good - it's commonly available in restaurants and it is even delivered to homes daily.
6. Fermented food - common in many Southeast Asian diets (tempeh, tempoyak, fish sauces etc).
7. Herbal remedies and natural health - for generations, southeast asians have relied on herbal remedies, and alternative medicines (traditional chinese herbal medicine, ayurvedic medicine, malay herbal treatments, and borneo indigenous herbal practices among the Iban, Kadazan, Dayak, and Bidayuh peoples)
8. Spiritual significance - Many aspects of life in Southeast Asia, from daily practices to festivals, carry deep spiritual meaning.
9. Aphrodisiac foods - Ingredients like Tongkat Ali and various herbal drinks are commonly available.
Southeast Asia is culturally integrated due to centuries of colonization by various empires, as well as its strategic position as a global trade hub which brought together different groups of people. The divisions that exist today are mostly artificial social constructs which are deeply embedded in religious practices, politics, and corrupt power plays.

2025-01-18 17:38:09

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There’s a really good book called ‘The Courage to Be Disliked’ by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. It's based on Adler’s concepts of not needing external validation or approval of others as you end up conforming to their expectations and not your dreams. It a realization that you can’t control the feelings and actions of others, you can only control yours. There was also a talk between Andrew Huberman and Jordan Peterson recently on this but they went deeper into the Adler - Carl Jung - Freud dynamics.

2025-01-18 17:19:33

I’ve been exploring different types of meditation. Zen (zazen) was something I started with and do daily. It's the simplest way to let thoughts pass in acceptance and find a point of focus like breathing. Another one I love are daily walks - a diff kind of mental switch off and clarity.
I grew up with spiritual meditation on bible verses, something I did during my teenage years. The one I could not do was object-focused meditation. I attended a retreat in India once, to an ashram in a French colonial place. It was beautiful, in a high spot with a perfect setting of sunlight striking in the middle but I could not find my center.
I am currently appreciating metta (loving - kindness) as it's likely where i am in my journey and current headspace of peace, self growth and love. It sets a foundation of compassion that overcomes inner conflict, which is crucial before extending that warmth and kindness to the world.
The meditation journey it interesting - for me what I love is emptying my brain and finding a deep sense of calmness and clarity, but I am still a beginner in this. I think different people have different ways of benefiting from it. @nprofile…9wcq has shared a complex book on it and always reminds me of different meditation practices at different points of my life this past year which I deeply appreciate although I am not at that level yet :)
#nevent1q…xfg8

2025-01-17 16:11:53

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i'm glad its helpful, and yea, Jocko has been a decent contributor in getting me to tone up =)

2025-01-17 16:05:56

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i like that he loves to figure out how to learn better, including his debates on knowledge based contributions on AI - but is there a metadata tech development portion I am missing out or is this more of a principle oriented approach ?

2025-01-17 07:41:40

Has anyone trained AI-driven feedback systems using metadata through federated learning, homomorphic encryption, or differential privacy (with noise injection)? Would love to hear your thoughts on the development and infra complexities

2025-01-17 07:39:39

I started this year with a footprint on personal empowerment. I couldn't help but notice how different these philosophical ideas are next to each other, but as a whole, it's a nice balance.
Buddhist Teachings (Thích Nhất Hạnh, Dalai Lama) - ego and attachment to desires causes suffering. True happiness comes from selflessness.
My take - I love this, and agree entirely, but love yourself first, so that you can be whole as you love others.
Napoleon Hill (Think and Grow Rich) - tap into your inner ego. Align purpose with actions.
My take - Over the years I’ve realised that good intention is more important than anything else.
Marcus Aurelius (Stoicism) - accept what we cannot control, and strengthen resilience when facing challenges. Virtue and rationality are core Stoic principles.
My take - I’ve grown to appreciate the wisdom of emotional detachment. It’s not about suppressing love or your deepest desires and drive but ensuring you don’t succumb to emotional prison that carries destructive emotions like anxiety, fear, and insecurity - as it can rule you and ruin your relationship with those around you.
The Secret (Law of Attraction) - visualise and live in a positive bubble with gratitude, till it becomes real.
My take - manifestation is great BUT those who manifest without reality check can be imposing, manipulative and egoistic.
Rhonda Byrne, in The Secret - our thoughts shape our reality
My Take - it leans towards the mystical part of manifestation, not my cup of tea.
Prayer (Christianity) - manifestation with a reality check (God’s will is the arch)
Reality transurfing - let the universe decide. Tweak your thoughts and intentions so that you can shift your energy and awareness to align with parallel realities
My take : I love the energy and universe concept, but I also believe you determine your own destiny.
Gabby Bernstein - don’t trust the universe. Trust faith, fate and divine energy
My take : I love the romantic notion of fate, but not one out of despondency. And I also deeply believe that our actions and choices shape our destiny, and this is how your soul’s call to greatness is defined.
Faith-Based Self-Help (e.g., Zig Ziglar, Norman Vincent Peale, The Power of Positive Thinking) - trust in faith and miracles without tangible evidence.
My take : I am my father’s daughter and believe in the strength of faith especially as it provides a sense of purpose and resilience during challenging times. But faith also changes the structure of your brain so I am more realistic than mythical about it.
Tony Robbins - you decide and act on it.
My take : makes me want to run a marathon after listening to it.
David Goggins - you are 100% responsible for your life.
My take : Absolutely. But it comes with the understanding that everyone has different levels of challenges.
Jocko Willink (Discipline Equals Freedom) - rigid discipline for daily structure and self control is non-negotiable.
My take : this is my 6am - 8am motivation for pilates and sunrise walks.
Eckhart Tolle (The power of now) - live in the present, discard ego’s obsession over past or future
My take : agreed, but reflection and striving makes you whole.
Marie Kondo (The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up) - keep what “sparks joy” .
My take : Agreed. We all should definitely declutter life every now and then - remove noise or ambivalence that drains us and focus on the signal
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REMT - Albert Ellis) - logical thinking improves emotional responses.
My take : I love this. It sets the stage for modern concepts of “reframing” and “mindfulness”
Atomic Habits (James Clear) - on small, incremental improvements.
My take : I find this to be most helpful when you go through an extreme period of pain and you find it hard to carry on and so you start with small shifts until you gradually see yourself getting better.
Overall these books have similar goals - empowering yourself, strengthening your mind, resilience, growth. It depends on what you need when, for example :
self awareness & compassion - Buddhist teaching, stoicism
moments of crisis - Atomic habits, stoicism
long-term goals - think and grow rich, Tony Robbins
clarity and balance - Marie Kondo
positive mind - faith based, the secret
discipline - jocko
spirituality - Gabby Bernstein, prayer
relationship & teamwork - REBT
For all other times, a balance of these philosophies can be pretty powerful (but with a reality check)

2025-01-09 06:21:55

Stalemate is an interesting tactic. You avoid it when you're winning, but go for it when you're losing. It reminds me of life, where people sometimes settle for whatever they can get, either out of fear of losing more or a lack of belief in something better.

2025-01-09 06:19:50

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this is beautiful

2025-01-03 13:41:31

When it comes to global finance, countries often suffer when currencies clash with political instability and economic uncertainty. In the traditional economic system that has currency dominance or trade hegemony, when gov’ts struggle to defend currency pegs or manage foreign debts & investments, economies become fragile. A part of my interest is understanding at a deeper level how Bitcoin could play a role in creating a more equitable global financial system.
In 1994, Mexico’s interest rate ballooned to nearly 100%. This was during the Tequila Crisis of 1994-1995, when Mexico's peso was pegged to the USD and was overvalued.
The country’s economy was heavily dependent on foreign capital and was destabilized by the rising political unrest, especially after the assassination of Colosio (who vowed to eliminate corruption from all sectors and was often likened to JFK).
In order to remain pegged, Mexico had to buy pesos on the open market whenever speculative pressures arose - but their foreign currency reserve was depleting.
So they issued short term bonds (Tesobonos) to attract foreign investment, and these values reflected the huge amount of debts Mexico had.
Foreign investors were getting nervous about repayment, so the Mexican government devalued the Peso by 15% from 2.9 pesos to 3.4 Pesos to a dollar.
When it comes to devaluation, for foreign investors it should seem like Mexican assets are cheaper in terms of USD, and would produce higher returns once the economy stabilises so the Mexican govt was banking on a positive boost. But instead the devaluation signaled desperation and uncertainty about the government's ability to manage the crisis, causing a dramatic free fall of selling Peso in the open market. Peso lost 50% of its value within a few weeks.
To attract investors back, the central bank drastically increased interest rates up to 80% - 100% . Borrowers, businesses and consumers, struggled to repay loans (as they had to pay 2x). Thousands of businesses went bankrupt and millions lost their jobs.
Mexico went into severe recession with GDP contracting by 6.2%. Bill Clinton and the IMF sent a ~$40B loan to bailout Mexico. Today the exchange rate is at 20 Pesos to 1 US dollar.
A high exchange rate like this makes it more expensive to buy in USD - hence making import harder, while increasing demand in exports for Mexico. This was something Mexico wasn't ready for and couldn't handle.
But the reverse also holds true. I remember watching a documentary on China that came under scrutiny for "currency manipulation" , devaluing its Renminbi to boost exports to the US and reduce imports (which fosters internal circulation).
While China gained massive trade advantages, many small businesses lost out, especially in SEA and globally. Devaluing currency or artificial currency was part of China’s economic strategy in the 90s and 2000s. It was also once pegged to the US from ‘94 - ‘05 but it has been a floating currency since and its ties with BRICS encourages more trades in RMB.
The Mexican Peso crisis might sound very similar to the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.
I remember George Soros was a key figure in making speculative attacks that SEA’s strong trade will collapse - we never will know if it's due to him that everyone pulled out or he was right, but the Thai baht, pegged to the USD, could not withstand these speculative pressures. The gov’t lacked sufficient foreign reserves and had high foreign debt, which led to the decision to float the baht, resulting in its massive devaluation. And then the collapse spread like dominoes.
I also remember reading about the impact of the rise of interest rates by the US federal reserve which also played a key role in the 1997 Asian Financial crisis.
As U.S. interest rates increased, foreign investors pulled out their capital from emerging markets like Thailand in hopes for returns in the U.S. This capital outflow created a vacuum, fueling speculative attacks on these countries' currencies. Defending currency pegs became increasingly expensive because of the higher interest rates. It was a loss-loss situation. Indonesia and the Philippines were also affected.
Asian tigers - Korea and Malaysia were impacted with the loss of foreign investment, but Malaysia was originally not pegged. Maddy made the call to peg it to prevent further loss, as its reserve currency was in abundance (few things Maddy did right)
When we go through all this global trade chaos and historical economic shocks, can Bitcoin make a difference in the future?
In countries where currencies are manipulated or subject to gov’t instability, Bitcoin could serve as a hedge, independent of local gov’t or central bank policies. Given the growing acceptance and accessibility worldwide, businesses can continually operate within the global trade environment despite currency devaluation or capital controls.
Small businesses globally will not succumb to unfair competitions like China's currency devaluation strategy to boost export resulting in loss of business to trade hegemony, if importers and exporters use Bitcoin for cross-border payments, layer 2 through lightning.
Ultimately, Bitcoin could help provide the economic restart that countries need when they are in a limbo, shifting the power back to the people and away from governments that manipulate currencies for political gain.

2025-01-03 03:08:09

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Well the first time I read it I was against it, angry even. Second time I read it years later I decided to keep an open mind and understand that there are many perspectives, researchers, interpretations of theories, I’d agree with some and not others and that's ok. I think this is a book you have to keep an open mind on while reading it.
Understanding the sexual and carnal instincts doesn’t make us a slave to them, but it is rather empowering. When we recognize that these instincts exists in ourselves and others, it can encourage open communication in relationships.
Some things I have different takes on, like I believe being faithful is a choice and not determined by evolutionary excuses.
But sometimes it's also not always about resisting infidelity, it’s about emotional and mental alignment. Your journey evolves as a person and it makes all the difference whether both the committed parties can grow together or not. At the honeymoon phase we think everyone is flawless and perfect, but only when we start peeling the layers, do we really love the person for everything they are.
On cultural influence, I think it’s a double-edged sword. Cultural norms can have positive influence or act as a bondage - in both shaping expectations and subconscious biases especially on taboo topics like interracial or same-sex relationships or even suits vs overalls etc.
In underserved regions for example people feel repressed because of who they are, where they come from and historical prejudice. But there is also continuous prejudice against them by others be it society, government etc (systemic inequalities). The only way to break free from this type of cultural conditioning is for both parties (the underserved and the prejudiced parties) to acknowledge and make conscious efforts to eliminate bias.
And underserved regions here are not just traditional topics like racism but also others like economically underserved regions from developed countries.
I think the book is great in understanding from an evolutionary perspective but lacks nuances of individual choices and empowerment let alone their innate traits like creativity and critical thinking that influences evolution. We don’t have to accept every argument to find value in engaging with it. But I think choice is what makes us human.
Would love your take on it, especially on the balance between instinct, choice, and cultural influence that shapes our lives

2025-01-03 01:15:41

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its an interesting book, read it twice over the years

2025-01-02 20:06:37

such a beautiful piece, so much of deep emotions channeled through this. Charles Lloyd's tribute to Billie Holiday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DtHDsUxjEE

2025-01-02 18:29:41

I was reading this book (‘The world for sale’ by Javier Blas and Jack Farchy) which started off on how this oil and gas trading company called Vitol provided fuel for the rebels during the Arab Spring with the protection of NATO and funding from Qatar, and it piqued my curiosity on Libya’s rebel support.
Qatar was an intermediary between Western governments and Libyan rebels. It facilitated the provision of arms and fuel through commodity traders. Vitol was a commodity trader.
Some backstory on Libya. Libya was governed by Gaddafi for a very very long time - 42 years. (I’ve written some bits on the political states of North Africa over the last few decades somewhere along these posts).
But Gaddafi’s leadership is often commented from opposite ends - One side calls him a ruthless dictator. The other side calls him the most democratic leader in Africa.
Muhammad Ali stated in his autobiography that the US and Gaddafi did not see eye to eye because of the political influence on religion. But more importantly Gaddafi controlled Libya’s oil by nationalizing it.
Nationalization swept the countries in the middle east and africa in the 70s which loosened the clutches of the global oil dominance by the infamous “Seven Sisters” . In this case, nationalizing it allowed for free trade to happen? (and in the process - petrostate was formed).
Libya is in the top 10 crude oil producers in the world. Many wanted their hands on it but it was hard when Gaddafi was controlling it.
During the Arab Spring which was a wave of uprisings across the Middle East and North Africa, including Libya, rebel factions rose against Gaddafi's regime.
I think when you run for 42 years, even if you were a good person, it prevents strong and decent opponents to rise, and instead creates a vacuum that extremist are quick to fill in. But this period marked a turning point, as both internal dissent and external interventions, including CIA’s and NATO’s involvement, led to Gaddafi's fall and the subsequent struggle for control over Libya’s oil wealth.
Back to Vitol and Qatar and funding the rebels - the only way rebels can win the war in Libya is with more fuel (if you remember the Desert Fox incident during WW2- never run out of fuel in the deserts of Africa). And the only way for global powerhouses to control oil in Libya is to fund the rebels to bring down Gaddafi.
There was a lot of competition among commodity traders to work with rebels as they barter trade fuel for crude oil through the pipelines. But nothing beats Vitol’s founder Ian Taylor who was a leading donor for the Tories party who won the project. Also ironically Washington sanctioned Gaddafi from buying fuel or selling crude oil, but waived sanction for anyone buying from Vitol’s company.
Benghazi, a key city in Libya and a hub for the oil industry, became a battleground during the civil war between rebels and Gaddafi’s government forces. It became a lawless militant state with rising death rates and poorly managed hospitals, food supply etc and people were suffering. Heavily armed youths patrolled the city (a few years down the road, a mob would break into the US consulate and murder the ambassador).
Unfortunately Gaddafi was murdered during the NATO-led intervention during the Arab Spring. I read that he was sodomised brutally by rebels with a bayonet and was beaten to death. His gruesome murder was apparently recorded on phone and broadcasted globally.
Libya grew from the poorest country - to the richest country in the continent under Gaddafi.
And now it’s back to a poor and struggling country controlled by rebels.
Gaddafi also had billions of dollars frozen in Western bank accounts. In September 2011, $300 million in Libyan assets in the West was unfrozen - not to aid Libyan citizens, but to settle payments owed to Vitol for supplying fuel to the rebels.
Many of these large commodity traders apparently have their offices in sleepy towns in Switzerland or New England. And they work for profit hence supporting whichever rebels or gov’ts that benefited them. From the book, it states "Their numbers have remained relatively small: a large share of the world’s traded resources is handled by just a few companies, many of them owned by just a few people."
I am attaching here another piece of article on Libya's governance under Gaddafi. It talks about how Gaddafi promoted direct democracy and was not a dictator because many of his proposals were countered by congress like him wanting home schooling, abolishing capital punishment, to give all oil profits back to the people and even wanting to eliminate the central government. Things he managed to push forth was free schooling, free hospitalisation and free electricity.
The combination of socialism and capitalism in Libya can be expanded to a topic of its own (Someday if i have the time, I will write on the historical bridges of socialism and capitalism around the world).
This article also talks about CIA interventions and how it advocated the rise of extremist militant Muslims around the world from Muslim brotherhood in Egypt to Sarekat Islam in indonesia to Jamar Al islami in Pakistan to al Qaeda and ISIS over the last 4-5 decades.
Will this be the year the CIA is abolished ? Only time would tell.
The story of Libya has always saddened me. Makes me hope more than ever for the liberalizations of people in situations like this
https://www.counterpunch.org/2015/10/20/libya-from-africas-wealthiest-democracy-under-gaddafi-to-terrorist-haven-after-us-intervention/

2025-01-01 15:33:04

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thank you Sophia ❤️

2025-01-01 11:10:49

2024 was a lot to handle but losing my boy was my breaking point. To anyone who have lost any form of love, I wish peace fills your heart and that you find the courage to keep moving forward. Let 2025 be a year of healing and recovery.
Thinking of my boy always makes me smile. Fido was so kind in his own way. I can only hope that in everything we do, we do it with that deep level of kindness and genuine love, and have fun while at it. And I hope that the goodness that we give out to the world finds its way back to us. Happy New Year everyone.

2025-01-01 08:34:20

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Happy new year to you too

2024-12-28 12:41:52

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You got this

2024-12-28 12:38:03

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I'm deeply sorry for your loss

2024-12-28 12:35:44

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what are you making ? I've only used it to make fruitcakes, had 2 bottles of fruits soaked in rum for over 2 years, i thought I'll do right by it this Christmas. Needless to say, it was a very drunk but otherwise delicious fruitcake

2024-12-27 18:34:23

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Some thoughts, or stuff I read or heard in recent weeks :
It’s easier to search for answers than it is to ask the right questions.
Start. You’ll figure it out as it goes
“I’m so sorry.” Such worthless, feeble words. But really, in such a situation, there was nothing helpful to be said (when someone passes away)
Grief is something that breaks you in ways you can’t explain
Celebrate America not out of fear but out of love (by @npub1sg6…f63m)
Grassroots innovators don’t wait for permission.
Don’t let people guilt trip you into becoming a lesser version of yourself
Timing has a lot to do with everything
The key is knowing when to walk away.
It’s one of those things you never thought you’d like but it ended up being your favourite
If you are often surrounded by people who validate your choices, then it gets harder for you to confront your flaws.
If you are in an echo chamber of adulation or excuses, it would be difficult to see the need for change.
If you are restless in relationships, it could reflect a search for something deeper that you haven't found yet.
True connection lies with those who value the entire spectrum of who you are - the success, the struggle, and everything in between
Only help someone who is willing to help themself
Love makes us vulnerable to loss, yet it gives life its greatest meaning.
sometimes love is about recognizing what's best for the other person, even if it's not what we want personally
Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and you grow old wanting to get back to
“It’s a house. Just a pile of stones and mortar, and a crumbling one at that. It’s meaningless without love to fill it. My home is wherever you are.”
Just a girl from the wrong side of the tracks

2024-12-27 14:28:25

a Hemingway kinda wrap to the year

2024-12-27 14:27:24

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happy birthday Sophia, have a great one

2024-12-13 12:51:28

"You make money in free software exactly the same way you do it in proprietary software: by building a great product, marketing it with skill and imagination, looking after your customers, and thereby building a brand that stands for quality and customer service."
"You can’t compete with a monopoly by playing the game by the monopolist’s rules. The monopoly has the resources, the distribution channels, the R&D resources; in short, they just have too many strengths. You compete with a monopoly by changing the rules of the game into a set that favors your strengths."
https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/open-sources/1565925823/ch10.html

2024-12-12 17:09:11

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My current book - 'Imperial Reckoning, the untold story of Britain’s gulag in Kenya', on the atrocities and torture of colonizers on the Kikuyu people. The book is authored by Caroline Elkins, business econs prof from Harvard who specializes in African and African American Studies. It was a nice coincidence to read it this week alongside African Bitcoin Conf. The stories were devastating but the people are truly incredible and resilient, with an indomitable will to keep moving forward.

2024-12-12 17:02:39

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Happy birthday Derek

2024-12-10 11:37:58

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♥️

2024-12-05 04:59:18

Open source devs are like jazz musicians. There’s a shared framework, but they are free to interpret it in their own and create what they want. They thrive on spontaneous creativity with no rigid plans. They take risk with unexpected ‘notes’ and ‘rythms’. They contribute individually but complement each other. Like open source devs, jazz musicians have their own decentralised collaboration where musicians listen to each other and adapt in real-time. By doing this, they both create something greater, a sum of their efforts. And, like a good jazz jam session, anyone with the skills or understanding can join in and contribute.

2024-12-04 05:35:09

Lessons from Fido
1. Love with all your heart and let others love you back.
Fido did everything with love. His big sloppy kisses, his tail wags, that proud look when you called him a good boy. He hated goodbyes but gave the best welcomes. When you have genuine love, it's easy to be loved.
2. The little things bring the most joy.
Morning sunbathing, belly rubs, sharing meals by my side, rolling in the sand, playing with the cats and chasing birds, Fido found happiness in the simplest things. He had a knack for reminding me that happiness didn't have to be fancy or a set goal to be achieved, it’s in the beauty of everyday life.
3. Keep going, even when things are hard.
He loved his walks, and even in his final days, he insisted on one last stroll in the park. We did it slowly and steadily, just watching him sniff every corner and wagging his tail a happy boy. Hold on to what you love, no matter how hard it gets.
4. Don’t let fear run your life.
Thunderstorms and fireworks were his worst enemies. We managed his anxiety together with hugs, music (mostly Jazz), and all the soothing I could give, but it wasn't easy. Fear is hard, but it doesn’t have to win.
5. Every day is a fresh start.
No matter what happened the day before, Fido always woke up ready for a new adventure. That’s an energy my dog and I shared over the last 12 years.
6. Live in the moment
Fido was a master of being present. Whether he was with my twin nephews, playing with his toys, or just lying by my feet, he gave all his attention to whatever made him happy in that moment.
7. Take breaks and ask for what you need.
He had the best way of pulling me out of work - stretching under my desk or nudging my chair until I noticed him. And if that didn’t work, he’d climb onto the little table beside mine and stare at me until I laughed. He always got his belly rubs, and I got my reminder to pause and breathe.
8. Be strong, no matter what.
Even with CKD, liver issues, cancer and more, he found reasons to live fully every single day. On his last morning, he even walked outside to bask in the sun. His strength was subtle but unshakable.
9. Stay close to the ones you love.
Fido was my shadow, always needing to be by my side. In his last moments, he kept reaching out to me, making sure I was there. It broke my heart, but it also fills it, knowing I was with him till the very end.
10. Let go when it’s time, but do it your way.
I didn’t want to make the decision for him. I wanted him to leave when he was ready, and he did. He was surrounded by love and in his safe place. Letting him go was the hardest thing, but it was also the most loving thing I could do.
My dog taught me how to live fully, love unconditionally, and let go with grace. Goodbye my precious boy. You will always be loved 🤍
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2024-12-01 17:21:39

I lost my good boy today. My heart is beyond broken. His spirit was strong and he tried so hard to stay on, but his organs started failing him.
Up until yesterday I refused to let emotions get the better of me and was trying so many different things to bring his toxic level down. But last night as I was taking a shower, Fido had a surge of anxiety and tried to go up the stairs to look for me. He has been so weak that I have been camping in the hall with him and we have not gone up to the room this week. That’s when I knew. They said when it's time, they will look for their person - and he came looking for me. After that he went on rapid decline.
We had his home administration of sub cut infusion, his gastric concoction, various liquid food, even vanilla ice cream to soothe his throat, his vet has been on back to back house calls - but he was no longer responding.
All I could do was to give him his belly rubs and gentle massages but emotions came rolling in. I told him to take his time and I think he didn't want to let me go just as much as I wanted him to stay. Even until his last breath he wanted me to pet him.
He has been my happy moments even when times were hard, and a constant joy. He is my shadow and side kick in everything I do and I cannot imagine a day without him in it.
Last lesson from Fido - when you love, just love.

2024-11-28 09:23:22

Today we did many many advance test to find out why Fido is struggling so much. Unfortunately beyond his chronic kidney disease, he also has rapid liver decompensation combined with underlying cancers. We now go on full palliative care to make sure he has no pain, no nausea, eats well and do everything he loves - the park, sunshine, chase birds, play with the cats and be happy for as long as he can. He has a few days to a few weeks. If I’m lucky, he celebrates my bday with me on 31/12. If I am luckier, I celebrate his with him on 16/2. He has been my little boy and my best friend for 12 years and made my house a home. I can only hope he has had a great time with me as I have with him.
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2024-11-27 20:17:03

This has now become my personal journal of Fido’s survival journey as I stay up at unearthly hours watching my boy sleep. Today was quite the episode. His regular vet was close and he could not recover from his fatigues until evening so I made the call to head to any nearby vet for a dose of IV.
The closest was a 30 mins drive and the journey was stressful for him. We did met a good looking vet who was super gentle and careful with him (I wish I had at least combed my hair but he give a 50% discount nevertheless). My boy was better after we got back but 30 mins in he started vomiting, convulsing and could not control his pee. My mom broke down crying, I really thought I was going to lose him.
The only thing I could do was to keep him warm until he stopped shivering and administered 1.5ml dose of antacid and anti nausea, and 3ml fluid every 30 mins. About 2 hours later he stopped shivering, and 5 hours later he finally stood up and went out to pee. I administered another 1.5ml dose as a precaution to prevent vomiting.
He started getting his thirst back. I mixed half a mug of chamomile tea (caffeine free) with 1 litre of water and gave it to him sparingly. It apparently reduces nausea and anxiety. He is still weak but better than he was the whole day and is finally asleep. Tonight we camp in the hall.
The goal of IV is to mimic dialysis to flush out toxins but he can’t take more than 100ml as it will cause fluid retention in his lungs. Tmr’s goal is to work out a plan with his doctor to reduce his nausea - that seems to be the only thing holding him back from getting his system cleared up. For now, I have to just ensure no more vomiting. He has lost 4 kg over the last 2 weeks 💔
Fido has a very generic dog name - my mom named him after her grandpa’s dog. It was also Abraham Lincoln’s dog name.
My boy’s spirit is strong but his body is weak. For as long as he is going to keep fighting, I am going to fight for him
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